Well, what can I say? It's been real and it's been fun, but it hasn't been real fun, right? LOL! JK! Actually, it has been pretty fun. It's hard to believe that I first started this blog almost eight years ago. And while I had about a three year dormant phase, this blog has been pretty productive in my opinion.
Times change, and things change, and I've just gotten to the point where I don't have the inclination to do this blog anymore, nor the need to in my opinion (more on that later). Anytime you get to the point where you only have two blogposts in a two month period is usually a sign that it's time to hang it up.
The specific reason for shelving the East Metro Blog? Well, that's a good question. Hmmm...let's see, laziness? Yes, that would be one. But the biggest reason would be that...I don't know, I just don't think I need to anymore. For starters, I've come to the opinion that "winning the hearts and minds" rarely happens online. Most people, I think, are going to believe what they believe, and nothing you can say or write is going to change their minds. Either you're going to be preaching to the choir, or you're going to have people reading that will never, ever agree with you. So...what's the point? Well, the point is - you want to have your say. And there's something to be said for that; however, there are other avenues to do that. Also, I am of the opinion that actions speak much louder than words. I'm very much a "political activist" and I think I can do more with that, politically, than I ever could on this blog.
With all of that said, I actually do believe that it is important to fight the battle of ideas in order to win those aforementioned "hearts and minds." If I feel so inclined, and if my copy is good enough, I can always publish something over at United Liberty, a blog I occasionally contribute to. This is one of the premier libertarian-leaning, conservative blogs on the web. Based out of Washington, D.C., it usually get thousands of hits per day. In addition to that, an old college mate of mine, Perrin Lovett, has a very active blog that fights the good fight in its own, albeit weird and sometimes bizarre, way. There are so many other great pages out there that can be easily found if you sniff 'em out (hint: check my blogroll).
But the real reason why I'm shelving the East Metro - I want to recommit myself to the things that are really important to me: my family, my job, my music, and my non-political writing. Those are my true passions, and also where my true talents lie, in my honest opinion.
If you really want to keep up with me politically, click on my twitter feed at the top of this page. I'm not the biggest tweeter, but I'm fairly active with it. And I'll probably end up starting a new blog that may occasionally cover politics without being political. Keep an eye out, and I'm going to get serious about Tumblr, so check my page there when you can.
8 years...what a ride.Until next time...
Peace be with you.
17 April 2013
08 March 2013
Because FB and Twitter isn't enough...
I've decided to really start to get involved with my Tumblr account. Why? I have no good answer for that at time: however; other than just having a desire to do it I'm planning on concentrating more on music, food, art, and esoteric politics with this page. So...we'll see. Here's the link:
The Enduring Chill
And right quick, how about Rand Paul! Yesterday was so invigorating and exhilarating. A great day for Freedom and Liberty.
Yours in Peace and Liberty!
The Enduring Chill
And right quick, how about Rand Paul! Yesterday was so invigorating and exhilarating. A great day for Freedom and Liberty.
Yours in Peace and Liberty!
26 February 2013
Tuesday Morning Bites
- Attended my local GOP meeting tonight in which I got to hear John Padgett speak. And while I'm definitely supporting Jordan "Alex" Johnson for GAGOP Chair, I have to admit, this guy's a lot better than BJ Van Gundy. Plus, Padgett's a Dawg (for the record, BJ Van Gundy is a damned Techie). So there's that. Seriously, he was just a cool guy and had some good things to say. He also said the words "Ron Paul" at least 3 times, and laughingly talked about his Youtube notoriety. Regarding that, he said that mistakes were made, and he realized that now. So, for those of you keeping score at home, that's another one running that seems to want to embrace the Liberty wing. Are these guys seriously trying to out-liberty Alex? No, obviously not. But what they may be doing is this: trying to reach out to TEA party, disaffected regulars, and others who may be of the belief that the grassroots must be injected with this beautiful and organic energy and passion to keep itself energized. Even long-serving establishment types are starting to see the light on this. So I guess that leaves Seth Harp as the "Establishment (read: McCain, Romney, Priebus Republican)" candidate. Good. Luck. With. That!
- There aren't many bloggers out there sharper or more articulated than Jeremy Kolassa. As I once commented on one his posts, "[he] makes me want to be a better writer." He hits another one out of the park with his latest at United Liberty: "How the Sequester Torpedoed Conservatives' Credibility" Some hard truths, but this much is sure: any GOPers wringing their hands over a 3% cut to future growth for anything might as well be on the other side. Come to think of it, I think just about every Republican in DC with the exception of maybe a few dozen in the House and maybe upwards of a dozen in the Senate might as well be Dems. They suck, and I hate them.
- And in other news considered "suprising (and those quotes would be sarcastic finger quotes)," here's another example from UL of Republicans in D.C. blowing it regarding sequestration. Again, they suck, and why are they there again?
- Musical Interlude:
- Fin: Rand Paul is awesome, and possibly the only man that can save our country. That is all...
22 February 2013
20 February 2013
The East Metro Round-up, 2.21.13
Today's menu: a sampling of National, State, and Local:
Julie Borowski hits it out of the park again. This time taking on the asinine push for a $9 minimum wage. Her videos are always smart, insightful, and funny.
How bad is Dekalb Co. right now? It's pretty bad. Line of the article: "D-e-K-a-l-b, a political subdivision in Georgia, pronounced, 'debacle,' as in 'a sudden and ignominious failure, a fiasco.'"
Perrin Lovett, a gentleman and a scholar, not to mention a superb political and legal mind, has a very, very interesting write-up in re Posse Comitatus. Bordering on book length, but a great read.
And another one from United Liberty - "Why We Need to Audit the Fed!"
And...NEWSFLASH: John Boehner and the GOP D.C.establishment suck! (they're part of the problem)
To turn to college football, the Senator has a killer write-up on the situation at the U (And by the way, the NCAA sucks, too!)
Liberty-themed musical selection: The Animals. "It's my Life!"
Bye!
Julie Borowski hits it out of the park again. This time taking on the asinine push for a $9 minimum wage. Her videos are always smart, insightful, and funny.
How bad is Dekalb Co. right now? It's pretty bad. Line of the article: "D-e-K-a-l-b, a political subdivision in Georgia, pronounced, 'debacle,' as in 'a sudden and ignominious failure, a fiasco.'"
Perrin Lovett, a gentleman and a scholar, not to mention a superb political and legal mind, has a very, very interesting write-up in re Posse Comitatus. Bordering on book length, but a great read.
And another one from United Liberty - "Why We Need to Audit the Fed!"
And...NEWSFLASH: John Boehner and the GOP D.C.establishment suck! (they're part of the problem)
To turn to college football, the Senator has a killer write-up on the situation at the U (And by the way, the NCAA sucks, too!)
Liberty-themed musical selection: The Animals. "It's my Life!"
Bye!
19 February 2013
Shorter Hank Johnson: Newton County does not exist
UPDATE 2.21.13: After hitting Peach Pundit (thanks to Bridget C. for picking it up) this morning, actions were taken pretty quickly it seems. At some point in the afternoon, I got a tweet from a fellow who is apparently Johnson's Congressional Communications Director thanking me for bringing the Newton situation to his attention. And as of at least a few hours ago, Rep. Johnson's page has now included Newton!
The process at work. A beautiful thing...
Original post:
So...for the last few weeks I've called, emailed, and tweeted Hank Johnson's office to tell them they needed to update their district map and information as they were still showing the pre-redistricted 4th.
So naturally I was quite delighted when I saw that the map had finally been updated complete with a new write-up of the 4th. All sorts of historical and interesting info pertaining to Dekalb, Rockdale, and Gwinnett counties and even links to those respective county governments and school systems. Notice anything? If you're not from this area, you might not. Look at the write-up again. Anything missing? Newton County is missing!
At this point, we just don't know if it's incompetence, or maybe Rep. Johnson and his staffers simply don't know that Newton is part of the 4th (which, I suppose, would fall under incompetence). Maybe they're just messing with that white guy that kept sending multiple communications talking about it (if that's the case, I only called, emailed, and tweeted one time each, for a total of 3 times).
Perhaps Rep.Johnson just doesn't like Newton County...maybe he hates Newton County!
Newton Co. would like to have a nice little write-up about its history and local information too, Rep. Johnson. We'd like to be a part of the party. Sure, you'll probably hit your lowest numbers here compared to the rest of the district, but we'd like to be included!
Equality for Newton County!!!
The process at work. A beautiful thing...
Original post:
So...for the last few weeks I've called, emailed, and tweeted Hank Johnson's office to tell them they needed to update their district map and information as they were still showing the pre-redistricted 4th.
So naturally I was quite delighted when I saw that the map had finally been updated complete with a new write-up of the 4th. All sorts of historical and interesting info pertaining to Dekalb, Rockdale, and Gwinnett counties and even links to those respective county governments and school systems. Notice anything? If you're not from this area, you might not. Look at the write-up again. Anything missing? Newton County is missing!
At this point, we just don't know if it's incompetence, or maybe Rep. Johnson and his staffers simply don't know that Newton is part of the 4th (which, I suppose, would fall under incompetence). Maybe they're just messing with that white guy that kept sending multiple communications talking about it (if that's the case, I only called, emailed, and tweeted one time each, for a total of 3 times).
Perhaps Rep.Johnson just doesn't like Newton County...maybe he hates Newton County!
Newton Co. would like to have a nice little write-up about its history and local information too, Rep. Johnson. We'd like to be a part of the party. Sure, you'll probably hit your lowest numbers here compared to the rest of the district, but we'd like to be included!
Equality for Newton County!!!
22 January 2013
Where do we go from here?
*cross-posted at United Liberty
So today is inauguaration day. For many in this country it is a grand and glorious day, but for many it is a stark reminder of the failures of the GOP establishment and the Romney campaign. If ever there was a presidential election that should have been won by the non-incumbent party, this was it. So what happened?
For starters, a weak candidate who ran a very weak campaign is usually a recipe for disaster. But more than that, I think the biggest failure was the refusal of the GOP establishment to to even tolerate, much less embrace, the liberty wing of the party. You can call this wing the “crazy Ron Paul people” or, as a lady in my county said, “these libertarians trying to take over our party.” This behavior was found at all levels - precinct, county, district, state, and national. A real shame considering that this was the one wing of the party that could have actually GOTV and created some excitement. But the GOP antics in Tampa made sure that wouldn’t happen.
What were they thinking? In such an electric and polarized environment, you’ve got to be inclusive as possible, not completely exclusive. It’s as if many GOPers had a death wish - making all of the wrong decisions at every, single turn. But…that’s all in the past - water under the bridge.
So where do we go from here? That depends on what you believe and what you think is truly helpful to the liberty movement. We all have our opinions on that. A method that I learned from my real estate days is the wall method. Throw it all against the wall and see what sticks, also known as the kitchen sink method.
Here in Georgia, where I reside, a large number of us are continuing the grassroots groups we started last year to try to secure the GOP nomination for Ron Paul. This year, instead of Georgia for Ron Paul, we are Georgia for Liberty - a totally organic, grassroots organization; we are not affiliated with any national group. However, many of us, individually or in groups, are associated either with Campaign for Liberty or the RLC, both of which are great organizations. We continue to try to make inroads in the GOP and help reshape the party in the liberty image. This is occurring all over the country as well.
Also, more and more people are looking at organizations that work to win the battle of ideas to shape policy. Obviously, the Cato Institute is great example of this. Also, advocacy or activism groups are a great outlet for many people. FreedomWorks is prime example of this. And as important as any other group, the Institute for Justice is fighting the good fight of liberty on the judicial front. All of these organizations are doing their part and are all worthy causes.
And even though I am now in the GOP Liberty movement, I also remain a believer in the ability of well-organized state parties of the Libertarian Party to be an effective tool for Liberty. Here in Georgia, there's a really good one . Although I am no longer a member of that organization, I think the world of what they're doing and it is, in my estimation, a good investment if don't want to give to your local or state GOP. I wouldn't, however, give a dime to the RNC.**
So, the broad-spectrum, throw-it-at-the-wall, kitchen sink method - do it all. Why not? Let’s see what sticks…
**special to the East Metro blog, not included in the UL write-up
So today is inauguaration day. For many in this country it is a grand and glorious day, but for many it is a stark reminder of the failures of the GOP establishment and the Romney campaign. If ever there was a presidential election that should have been won by the non-incumbent party, this was it. So what happened?
For starters, a weak candidate who ran a very weak campaign is usually a recipe for disaster. But more than that, I think the biggest failure was the refusal of the GOP establishment to to even tolerate, much less embrace, the liberty wing of the party. You can call this wing the “crazy Ron Paul people” or, as a lady in my county said, “these libertarians trying to take over our party.” This behavior was found at all levels - precinct, county, district, state, and national. A real shame considering that this was the one wing of the party that could have actually GOTV and created some excitement. But the GOP antics in Tampa made sure that wouldn’t happen.
What were they thinking? In such an electric and polarized environment, you’ve got to be inclusive as possible, not completely exclusive. It’s as if many GOPers had a death wish - making all of the wrong decisions at every, single turn. But…that’s all in the past - water under the bridge.
So where do we go from here? That depends on what you believe and what you think is truly helpful to the liberty movement. We all have our opinions on that. A method that I learned from my real estate days is the wall method. Throw it all against the wall and see what sticks, also known as the kitchen sink method.
Here in Georgia, where I reside, a large number of us are continuing the grassroots groups we started last year to try to secure the GOP nomination for Ron Paul. This year, instead of Georgia for Ron Paul, we are Georgia for Liberty - a totally organic, grassroots organization; we are not affiliated with any national group. However, many of us, individually or in groups, are associated either with Campaign for Liberty or the RLC, both of which are great organizations. We continue to try to make inroads in the GOP and help reshape the party in the liberty image. This is occurring all over the country as well.
Also, more and more people are looking at organizations that work to win the battle of ideas to shape policy. Obviously, the Cato Institute is great example of this. Also, advocacy or activism groups are a great outlet for many people. FreedomWorks is prime example of this. And as important as any other group, the Institute for Justice is fighting the good fight of liberty on the judicial front. All of these organizations are doing their part and are all worthy causes.
And even though I am now in the GOP Liberty movement, I also remain a believer in the ability of well-organized state parties of the Libertarian Party to be an effective tool for Liberty. Here in Georgia, there's a really good one . Although I am no longer a member of that organization, I think the world of what they're doing and it is, in my estimation, a good investment if don't want to give to your local or state GOP. I wouldn't, however, give a dime to the RNC.**
So, the broad-spectrum, throw-it-at-the-wall, kitchen sink method - do it all. Why not? Let’s see what sticks…
**special to the East Metro blog, not included in the UL write-up
17 January 2013
The East Metro Epic Rant, 17 January 2013
What an interesting day...
First off, I know that there are people out there who are on the other side of this issue. Probably not that many, but I know there are a good bit. I will always respect your right to believe whatever you want.
Now, let's get into it...
Using the kids as props was nauseating, despicable, and unconscionable. The drone president, the murderer of hundreds of Middle Eastern children, trotting out these kids...it was just awful. Speaking of drones, way more that this current anti-gun agenda, there is not a greater threat to our freedoms right now. Contact your elected representatives about outlawing drones in America!
As several articles have already mentioned, not a single one of these 23 executive "actions" would have prevented the tragedy in Connecticut. Not a single one!
The one common thread of all of the mass shootings of the last few years has been the involvement of psychotropic drugs. Where is the committee on that? Where are the executive "actions" on that, Mr. President? Ah yes...Big Pharma...that's right - can't go there, can we?
Look at the list of executive actions and really look at numbers 4 & 16. That's what this is all about. But, remember, none of this is enforceable; none of it is law. So for those of you are ready to fight the 2nd Revolution, just back the fuck up and get your head straight. Yes, there is cause for concern, but no, this is not an all-out gun grab...yet.
Don't just get upset and raise hell. Write to your Congressman, your Senator. Write to your state legislators and governor. Contact your Sheriff. Plug in! Get involved! Don't just forward emails and post internet memes.
"Be the change you want to see in the world."
First off, I know that there are people out there who are on the other side of this issue. Probably not that many, but I know there are a good bit. I will always respect your right to believe whatever you want.
Now, let's get into it...
Using the kids as props was nauseating, despicable, and unconscionable. The drone president, the murderer of hundreds of Middle Eastern children, trotting out these kids...it was just awful. Speaking of drones, way more that this current anti-gun agenda, there is not a greater threat to our freedoms right now. Contact your elected representatives about outlawing drones in America!
As several articles have already mentioned, not a single one of these 23 executive "actions" would have prevented the tragedy in Connecticut. Not a single one!
The one common thread of all of the mass shootings of the last few years has been the involvement of psychotropic drugs. Where is the committee on that? Where are the executive "actions" on that, Mr. President? Ah yes...Big Pharma...that's right - can't go there, can we?
Look at the list of executive actions and really look at numbers 4 & 16. That's what this is all about. But, remember, none of this is enforceable; none of it is law. So for those of you are ready to fight the 2nd Revolution, just back the fuck up and get your head straight. Yes, there is cause for concern, but no, this is not an all-out gun grab...yet.
Don't just get upset and raise hell. Write to your Congressman, your Senator. Write to your state legislators and governor. Contact your Sheriff. Plug in! Get involved! Don't just forward emails and post internet memes.
"Be the change you want to see in the world."
15 January 2013
My latest post over at United Liberty: "A follow-up on the 22nd Amendment Discussion"
As some of you may know, I also contribute to United Liberty, a libertarian-leaning blog based out of DC that includes a lot of great contributors and the great talents of its Editor-in-Chief and friend of the East Metro, Jason Pye.
My latest write-up follows up on one of Jason's earlier posts about the resolution that was submitted by a New York Democrat to repeal the 22nd amendment (that limits the POTUS to two terms).
As Jason mentioned, as did my article, it's a non-issue. It's not going to happen. So don't bother worrying about it...
Here is the text of my write-up:
Last week, United Liberty Editor-in-Chief, Jason Pye, wrote a column discussing why the 22nd Amendment, the one that limits the president to two terms, would never be repealed; despite the fact that there is been a fair amount of press and attention given to the introduction of a resolution by New York Dem, Jose Serrano, that would do precisely that.
Without getting into specifics, Mr. Pye simply said the reasons why this would never happen were “pretty obvious,” and that it was a non-issue. He is correct. And for many of the regular readers of UL, I’m sure it is pretty obvious, but I thought I would take a moment to specifically talk about why it won’t happen for some of the readers who might not fully understand the process.
As many of us know, there are exactly two ways in which the Constitution of the United States can be amended: either by Constitutional Convention, or by a 2/3 vote by Congress with a 3/4 ratification vote by the various state legislatures.
No amendment has ever been passed by a Constitutional Convention, and it seems very unlikely that it would ever happen. In order for it to happen, 2/3 of the state legislatures would have to vote for and call for it. With our polarized electorate, and since many of the states themselves seem so polarized, it just seems like an all-out impossibility.
With the other way, I don’t know if we would ever see both the U.S. House and Senate pass a joint resolution with 2/3 votes for anything that wasn’t supported by over 70% of Americans, and repealing the 22nd Amendment would not enjoy anywhere near that type of support. Furthermore, if it did somehow make it out of Congress, I would bet every dollar I’ve got that 75% of the States in the Union would never pass it. While a New York or a California might go for it, a Wyoming and a Nebraska would not. And naturally, there are many more red states than blue right now.
I remember having discussions with people back in the 90’s when there seemed to be genuine excitement and enthusiasm about doing this to get Clinton more than two terms. I told multiple people back then, as I have been now, “remember - it’s got to go through the states. We’re fine.”
And this is yet another example of how finely constructed our Constitution is. They made sure to make amending the Constitution a process that wouldn’t fall victim to the existing majority or passing whims, but rather only done when it was truly supported by a majority of the electorate. Of course, there have been bad amendments (16,17,18th), but this is one that will never get legs. As Jason said, worrying or fretting or this is a “colossal waste of time.”
My latest write-up follows up on one of Jason's earlier posts about the resolution that was submitted by a New York Democrat to repeal the 22nd amendment (that limits the POTUS to two terms).
As Jason mentioned, as did my article, it's a non-issue. It's not going to happen. So don't bother worrying about it...
Here is the text of my write-up:
Last week, United Liberty Editor-in-Chief, Jason Pye, wrote a column discussing why the 22nd Amendment, the one that limits the president to two terms, would never be repealed; despite the fact that there is been a fair amount of press and attention given to the introduction of a resolution by New York Dem, Jose Serrano, that would do precisely that.
Without getting into specifics, Mr. Pye simply said the reasons why this would never happen were “pretty obvious,” and that it was a non-issue. He is correct. And for many of the regular readers of UL, I’m sure it is pretty obvious, but I thought I would take a moment to specifically talk about why it won’t happen for some of the readers who might not fully understand the process.
As many of us know, there are exactly two ways in which the Constitution of the United States can be amended: either by Constitutional Convention, or by a 2/3 vote by Congress with a 3/4 ratification vote by the various state legislatures.
No amendment has ever been passed by a Constitutional Convention, and it seems very unlikely that it would ever happen. In order for it to happen, 2/3 of the state legislatures would have to vote for and call for it. With our polarized electorate, and since many of the states themselves seem so polarized, it just seems like an all-out impossibility.
With the other way, I don’t know if we would ever see both the U.S. House and Senate pass a joint resolution with 2/3 votes for anything that wasn’t supported by over 70% of Americans, and repealing the 22nd Amendment would not enjoy anywhere near that type of support. Furthermore, if it did somehow make it out of Congress, I would bet every dollar I’ve got that 75% of the States in the Union would never pass it. While a New York or a California might go for it, a Wyoming and a Nebraska would not. And naturally, there are many more red states than blue right now.
I remember having discussions with people back in the 90’s when there seemed to be genuine excitement and enthusiasm about doing this to get Clinton more than two terms. I told multiple people back then, as I have been now, “remember - it’s got to go through the states. We’re fine.”
And this is yet another example of how finely constructed our Constitution is. They made sure to make amending the Constitution a process that wouldn’t fall victim to the existing majority or passing whims, but rather only done when it was truly supported by a majority of the electorate. Of course, there have been bad amendments (16,17,18th), but this is one that will never get legs. As Jason said, worrying or fretting or this is a “colossal waste of time.”
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