So, I got the email today from Allen Peake stating he is running to reelection.
If anyone were to run against him, I frankly don't think they would stand a chance. From what I have read, Peake has gained a reputation for being easy to work with in the legislature. He has also gotten the "no texting while driving" passed as well as making headway on Macon/Bibb consolidation.
The consolidation progress alone is enough reason to reelect him, but he even lead the way on getting the Halls of Fame saved.
Read the below article from the Macon Telegraph for some more insight:
http://www.macon.com/2010/04/19/1098804/how-it-happened-budget-deal-tax.html
Kudos to Allen Peake, he has my whole hearted support!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
City Council Meeting
So, I haven't had the chance to update lately. But I went to the city council meeting last week. It was interesting. I really wanted, I'll be honest, get in a fist fight with some of the girls who were speaking against the massage parlors.
1st- their points against the parlors were totally invalid. One girl's argument was that her friend was killed and so she thinks because it hasn't been solved that the police should not be focused on the parlors but on other crimes. Oh excuse me- as she and other girls put it "real crimes"
As my friend Jen Whattley would say "shut up! she didn't!" Or as I would say- " you dumb *****". (Sorry.) Seriously? Where do I even start?!
How about the fact that prostitution is a crime? Or even more important, the fact that this ordiance is supposed to regulate these parlors. Thus allowing the police to focus on other crimes.
Here's an idea- before you stand up in public and protest an issue, research it first. This girl made herself look like one of the crackheads that roam the streets.
Then there's David Corr. I like him. His family used to come into a restaurant where I worked without fail every First Friday. But I do not agree with him. I asked him if I could get his talking points so I may post them.
Here's the thing. You like prostituion? Think these places add value to our city? Get the state legislature to make prostitution legal. Until then, it's illegal and thus deserves the attention of the police force. Hopefully, this measure will pass city council and then there will not be any more parlors to police.
And then maybe this girl Brittany's friend's murder will be solved, along with so many others.
1st- their points against the parlors were totally invalid. One girl's argument was that her friend was killed and so she thinks because it hasn't been solved that the police should not be focused on the parlors but on other crimes. Oh excuse me- as she and other girls put it "real crimes"
As my friend Jen Whattley would say "shut up! she didn't!" Or as I would say- " you dumb *****". (Sorry.) Seriously? Where do I even start?!
How about the fact that prostitution is a crime? Or even more important, the fact that this ordiance is supposed to regulate these parlors. Thus allowing the police to focus on other crimes.
Here's an idea- before you stand up in public and protest an issue, research it first. This girl made herself look like one of the crackheads that roam the streets.
Then there's David Corr. I like him. His family used to come into a restaurant where I worked without fail every First Friday. But I do not agree with him. I asked him if I could get his talking points so I may post them.
Here's the thing. You like prostituion? Think these places add value to our city? Get the state legislature to make prostitution legal. Until then, it's illegal and thus deserves the attention of the police force. Hopefully, this measure will pass city council and then there will not be any more parlors to police.
And then maybe this girl Brittany's friend's murder will be solved, along with so many others.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wow! I've been gone a while! So sorry guys... what with going on vacation then going back to work, it's been crazy lately.
I just sent in this letter to the editor of the Telegraph, not sure if it'll get published but here you go just in case it does not:
August 11th, 2008 I wrote a letter to the editor that stated that going after these massage parlors was the right thing the do. I still feel this way. If you agree with me then it is urgent that you be at the City Council meeting this Monday for the public hearing. Plenty of people have argued that this is a waste of time and that prostitution does not hurt anyone, so who cares? But the fact of the matter is that a 17 year old girl was found in one of these spas, and prostituting anyone under the age of 18 is considered to be the trafficking of a minor . Minor’s cannot make decisions for themselves, and therefore it is considered automatically to be sex trafficking. 17 years old is a senior in high school. A 17 year old is your daughter, your friends daughter, is the daughter of someone you know. As for the argument that these women may or may not be trafficked from other countries, even if we cannot prove that these women are here illegally, that they are here of free will, prostitution is illegal. If you do not agree with that, then have your state legislators pass laws legalizing it in the state of Georgia and tax it. I’m sure we could take care of our budget problems that way.
But I ask you this: tell me why, if these women are here legally and not committing illegal acts, would these massage parlors have bunk beds in the back of their office spaces? Why do you not see these women coming and going from the massage parlors? Why would one have to be buzzed in? Why would men be afraid to be seen walking in? Why would some men be parking in the back of the building to be let in? I think we all know what is going on in these places of business. And we all know prostitution is illegal, regardless of whether these women are here illegally. And if there is the slightest chance these women are here illegally, then the chance is also there are they are sex slaves- bottom line. I don’t really think the issue is that people want to keep these parlors open, I think they don’t care enough to act. Why are we so apathetic? I know yall don’t like the idea of these places. So get down to City Hall. Support this ordinance, even just with your appearance. If we had this same attitude during Jim Crow, then we would not have made the little progress we have made. If we had this same attitude in the early 1800’s, women would not have the right to vote. Please, make your voice be heard for those who cannot speak. Just like I said before- our elected officials would be doing for these women as the abolitionists did for the African slaves.
I just sent in this letter to the editor of the Telegraph, not sure if it'll get published but here you go just in case it does not:
August 11th, 2008 I wrote a letter to the editor that stated that going after these massage parlors was the right thing the do. I still feel this way. If you agree with me then it is urgent that you be at the City Council meeting this Monday for the public hearing. Plenty of people have argued that this is a waste of time and that prostitution does not hurt anyone, so who cares? But the fact of the matter is that a 17 year old girl was found in one of these spas, and prostituting anyone under the age of 18 is considered to be the trafficking of a minor . Minor’s cannot make decisions for themselves, and therefore it is considered automatically to be sex trafficking. 17 years old is a senior in high school. A 17 year old is your daughter, your friends daughter, is the daughter of someone you know. As for the argument that these women may or may not be trafficked from other countries, even if we cannot prove that these women are here illegally, that they are here of free will, prostitution is illegal. If you do not agree with that, then have your state legislators pass laws legalizing it in the state of Georgia and tax it. I’m sure we could take care of our budget problems that way.
But I ask you this: tell me why, if these women are here legally and not committing illegal acts, would these massage parlors have bunk beds in the back of their office spaces? Why do you not see these women coming and going from the massage parlors? Why would one have to be buzzed in? Why would men be afraid to be seen walking in? Why would some men be parking in the back of the building to be let in? I think we all know what is going on in these places of business. And we all know prostitution is illegal, regardless of whether these women are here illegally. And if there is the slightest chance these women are here illegally, then the chance is also there are they are sex slaves- bottom line. I don’t really think the issue is that people want to keep these parlors open, I think they don’t care enough to act. Why are we so apathetic? I know yall don’t like the idea of these places. So get down to City Hall. Support this ordinance, even just with your appearance. If we had this same attitude during Jim Crow, then we would not have made the little progress we have made. If we had this same attitude in the early 1800’s, women would not have the right to vote. Please, make your voice be heard for those who cannot speak. Just like I said before- our elected officials would be doing for these women as the abolitionists did for the African slaves.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Chris Horne's note on facebook/consolidation
So, anyone who is on Facebook should really check out Chris Horne's breakdown of city/county relations. It pretty well breaks down what all is going into the consolidation debate, and why it may or may not happen.
Noone really answered my question on my FB status, which was why are some Republicans against consolidation when "Republicans" are supposed to be for less government? I'd really like a real answer to this. For instance, Maurice Atkinson- I like you and we agree on a lot of things but I don't understand why you are not in favor of this. Allen Peake has been good about making his stance known, and at least asking his constituents how they feel.
And for those who aren't Republicans even, why are you against this? I'd like to know how, for instance, Elaine Lucas feels. And I'd like to hear it directly from her.
The funny thing is, Ms. Lucas came to speak to one of my poli sci classes at Mercer once. I really liked her,actually. Even though I disagree with her a lot politically, as a person she seemed really nice.
Anyways... could some local politicians please answer this for me? Thanks.
Noone really answered my question on my FB status, which was why are some Republicans against consolidation when "Republicans" are supposed to be for less government? I'd really like a real answer to this. For instance, Maurice Atkinson- I like you and we agree on a lot of things but I don't understand why you are not in favor of this. Allen Peake has been good about making his stance known, and at least asking his constituents how they feel.
And for those who aren't Republicans even, why are you against this? I'd like to know how, for instance, Elaine Lucas feels. And I'd like to hear it directly from her.
The funny thing is, Ms. Lucas came to speak to one of my poli sci classes at Mercer once. I really liked her,actually. Even though I disagree with her a lot politically, as a person she seemed really nice.
Anyways... could some local politicians please answer this for me? Thanks.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Lunch in Macon
So.... went to lunch yesterday. It was not good. The food itself was OK, but the desserts were generic. Like they came off of the Sysco truck. I was pretty irritated. Not only that but the server seemed like she just was not on top of her game. I had to tell her things more than once, and when I was ready to go she took her damn time bringing the check.
Now once the check came I was caught off guard: it was presented in a paperback book. Frankly, I thought she was just an airhead and ran out of check presenters. Only later did I find out it was done on purpose, apparently there are places in NYC doing that. I think maybe I would have gotten it but the whole atmosphere was just confusing to me. Like there wasn't a clear message.
The quiche was pretty damn good though- except the crust was burned AND falling off. And I like the crust! Oh well.
Things went better today. Went to Briandi's finally, as I keep hearing good stuff about them. Not only was MY sandwich good, and the service top notch, but even Bishop's child's grilled cheese was good. :) Probably the best grilled cheese I had! and they didn't try to use fancy cheese, it was American cheese, but somehow they managed to keep the consistency of the cheese perfectly creamy. I will be going back.
Meanwhile, it's Cherry Blossom time. I don't really have a problem with Cherry Blossom but I must say I got to see the founder of Cherry Blossom really show her you know what one time and it really put a bad taste in my mouth for anything she was associated with.
Now once the check came I was caught off guard: it was presented in a paperback book. Frankly, I thought she was just an airhead and ran out of check presenters. Only later did I find out it was done on purpose, apparently there are places in NYC doing that. I think maybe I would have gotten it but the whole atmosphere was just confusing to me. Like there wasn't a clear message.
The quiche was pretty damn good though- except the crust was burned AND falling off. And I like the crust! Oh well.
Things went better today. Went to Briandi's finally, as I keep hearing good stuff about them. Not only was MY sandwich good, and the service top notch, but even Bishop's child's grilled cheese was good. :) Probably the best grilled cheese I had! and they didn't try to use fancy cheese, it was American cheese, but somehow they managed to keep the consistency of the cheese perfectly creamy. I will be going back.
Meanwhile, it's Cherry Blossom time. I don't really have a problem with Cherry Blossom but I must say I got to see the founder of Cherry Blossom really show her you know what one time and it really put a bad taste in my mouth for anything she was associated with.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Welcome!
I think too many people state their opinions without this preface: this is simply my opinion, I reserve the right to change that opinion should my education on said subject change or other relevant information come to light. I will try my best to be as educated on said subject as possible before stating my opinion. I will respect the opinion of others to the fullest extent possible without thinking they are morons, unless of course they are morons.
I hope to encourage frank and honest, but open dialogue with this blog.
My own opinions on our city are as follows:
Our biggest problem is education. Education affects everything. If you have good schools, then people want to live here. If you have good schools, people want to bring business here. If you have good schools then the population is educated enough to properly contribute to their surroundings, rather than being a drain on it.
From there- the biggest problem that contributes to education is poverty. I’m not sure what the current poverty count is but I remember reading somewhere that a third of our population in the city lives below the poverty line. When people are more concerned about putting food on the table and simply surviving, they don’t always know that education is what will bring themselves and their children up out of that hole. There are execeptions to this theory, of course.
I don’t know the solution, but I would suspect it will take a combination of people CARING and coming together. People from all socio-economic backgrounds. People from north as well as south Macon, etc. I do NOT think this requires the help of government, but rather our government allowing private groups and churches and other civic organizations to come in and work with educating the parents and children of poverty. To help them put food on the table so long as they work to educate and better themselves, and perhaps a guarantee that once they become educated that they will then give back to the community that helped them.
Just some ideas… feel free to contribute yours!
I hope to encourage frank and honest, but open dialogue with this blog.
My own opinions on our city are as follows:
Our biggest problem is education. Education affects everything. If you have good schools, then people want to live here. If you have good schools, people want to bring business here. If you have good schools then the population is educated enough to properly contribute to their surroundings, rather than being a drain on it.
From there- the biggest problem that contributes to education is poverty. I’m not sure what the current poverty count is but I remember reading somewhere that a third of our population in the city lives below the poverty line. When people are more concerned about putting food on the table and simply surviving, they don’t always know that education is what will bring themselves and their children up out of that hole. There are execeptions to this theory, of course.
I don’t know the solution, but I would suspect it will take a combination of people CARING and coming together. People from all socio-economic backgrounds. People from north as well as south Macon, etc. I do NOT think this requires the help of government, but rather our government allowing private groups and churches and other civic organizations to come in and work with educating the parents and children of poverty. To help them put food on the table so long as they work to educate and better themselves, and perhaps a guarantee that once they become educated that they will then give back to the community that helped them.
Just some ideas… feel free to contribute yours!
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