Now that we don't really have to think about Georgia politics again until late October when the automated calls start coming to remind us there will be an election soon we don't have to worry about the issues concerning Georgia. It's important to note that the two main candidates running for governor don't seem to be that concerned with the issues either. Roy Barnes has been running a few campaign ads on TV, and why talk about something you would actually like to accomplish in the state if elected when you can just talk how your main opponent has had some corruption issues. I suppose that is important, but a campaign should consist of more than that. I assume that Nathan Deal's main campaign attack will be the fact of how Barnes did a terrible job as governor before so why would you give him another chance. As a matter of fact I heard a radio commercial this morning from some PAC about how Roy has been going around the state on an apology tour just like Obama did earlier on in his presidency. It informs that Roy's tour is about apologizing for his bad job as governor. This commercial was not endorsed by Deal's campaign, but I'm sure he will air similar ads. The commercial ended by saying that "Roy Barnes is worse than Obama." I'm no Obama fan, but I have to say that line was kind of ridiculous because it's not really a fair comparison. I know the demagoguery will be the main talking point, but would it kill them to slide in a sentence or two about something that could possibly one day help Georgians. Of course come November most people will again be entrenched with who they think is the best person for the job that actual issues to most won't be relevant because it's as simple as Republican vs. Democrat. That was quite a primary from the Republicans this year. I especially enjoyed one of the debates on GPB between Deal and Handel. When they would get a question about whatever the typical response was something along the lines of, "I will make better the whatever issue, and I'm better than my opponent and my opponent won't be the best person to deal with this." There was no real solution about helping the education situation that is plaguing the state currently. No mention of getting rid of the state income tax. It's almost like all they care about is getting elected. Johnny Isakson will enjoy what will pretty much be an automatic reelection. This is even though he voted for Bush's bailouts and has been an easy party line vote for Republicans. It seems also like he's just content to be in the Senate without being a true constitutional leader. I'm sick of people saying "I'm voting for the lesser of two evils", or "he/she may not be the ideal candidate, but they're better than the other guy." Remember come November there will be a third option. You can vote Libertarian, and don't give that terrible line, "I don't want to waste my vote," or "I would, but they don't have a chance." Vote for someone who really has principle. Vote for real change; really send a message to politicians. Voting for someone because he's not someone else isn't going to help Georgia or the nation.
Here are a few links to get you thinking:
http://www.votemonds.com/
http://www.donovanforsenate.com/
http://www.lp.org/states/Georgia
From what I understand, Phillip, the ad linking Barnes to Obama was done by the RGA (Republican Governors Association). Which is lead by a fellow Hooting Owl,Matt Aires. You're right about the both of them distracting voters from the issues, and focusing on superficial themes. The truth is, Deal is a crook - a nasty mean old crook - there is no other way to put it. And Barnes promised the world (especially to teachers) and then recanted. Though I am far from a libertarian, you and I do see eye-to-eye (from what I see you post) on many issues. Your call to elect third party candidates seems plausible for the Governors Election here in Georgia.
ReplyDeletePlease continue reporting such good stuff. I enjoy your point of view!
Get out of my head. An election like this one is a real test of citizens' ability to make the best decision when choosing their representative. Hopefully the people do realize that neither candidate has given them insight on how exactly issues are to be handled if they are given a chance to lead the state. However, given Georgia's history of voting, it is unrealistic to say that the majority of people will choose someone out of their partisan preference. The people should, however, press the candidates on the issues that matter. Sadly, the next month is going to consist of a whole lot of distractions from real issues, and I'm positive that we're going to find ourselves settling for less than what we deserve. Good stuff, sir. Good stuff.
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