May 31, 2018 6:00 AM
Morning Reads – Thursday, May 31, 2018
On this date in 1913, the 17th Amendment went into effect. It provided for popular election of US senators.
Peaches
- Childhood is threatened more in Georgia than in 41 other states
- The Hill: Abrams will revolutionize politics
- Optimistic Georgia Democrats expect party resurrection
- Seth Weathers makes headlines after inflammatory tweet
- Positivity for Amazon coming to Georgia lingers
- Eagles on rebound in Georgia
Jimmy Carter
- Fox News on top for ratings in May
- Wash Examiner: Obama, Dems to blame for ‘cruel, inhumane’ immigration policies
- The War on Lemonade continues
- Strong economy isn’t enough for midterm defense
- Piecing together shredded documents
Sweet Tea
About Author
Jessica Szilagyi
57 Comments
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Thanks for this link, Jessica. “Why a strong economy won’t save Republicans in the 2018 midterms.” Don’t be too sure. TGM will be holding twice a week rallies after Labor Day just like the stem winder he did a few days ago in Nashville. And just as 2016 proved, them Deplorables vote!
Did you even read it? Gas prices are going to cost the avg family way more than any tax benefit they would have received. The unemployment #’s also dont measure those “under” employed with part time work. Just saying things are good doesnt make it so.
GOP tax reform has turned out to be, as far as the lower middle class and poor go, the GOP authorizing the printing of money to give to them so they can give it to oil companies. MAGA.
Oh, and those “deplorables” in Nashville? Most every republican I know in TN (including my parents who are hard core republicans) are voting for Bredesen. Marsha Blackburn burned her bridges with the TN republican party long ago. TN doesnt want a flame thrower. They want someone who is interested in working not being a fixture on cable news.
What will be the final result in the Abrams/Cagle race in November? After all of the glowing coverage she’s been getting, is there a realistic shot for her to actually win?
Cagle will win with 57% of the vote. I don’t like Cagle but in a race like this I will vote for him. The Dems are running someone who has admitted she made serious financial mistakes plus is on a payment plan for back taxes to the IRS. Is this someone you want running the executive branch of state government? How many people either resigned or was kicked of the ballot for tax problems? A few names come to mind. Unfortunately, she is blaming her problems on student loans so, according to her, it’s not really her fault. I’m sure “BlackPAC” will not approve of this message.
Oh, so you will vote for the guy who attacks the states largest employer over an NRA discount that 17 people took advantage of. Saying that he would not allow any legislation to pass that would help Delta until they backed down??? Thats what you want to vote for??? Thats not just financial irresponsibility…thats much worse
He is gonna be running against Stacey freaking Abrams. So of course will vote for him. Along with between 56 and 60 % of my fellow Georgians.
The Delta tax deal, while mostly symbolic, makes me and most folks more likely to vote for him. I feel he will not give an inch to you gun grabbers. I have to admit, despite what he is saying, I am not quite as optimistic about him holding firm against the likes of Amazon or some such, and actually signing a real religious liberty bill.
But as I said, he is running against Stacey Abrams.
Where are you getting your information on this? It doesn’t match what I have read.
With all due respect, Governor Deal has done a pretty decent job of running the executive branch of state government…and Lord knows his financial and ethical improprieties both prior to and during his term in office would make Bobby Axelrod blush.
Yes, I will vote for a guy who plays “politics”. What Cagle did was no different than anyone in any other party or are you saying the Dem’s don’t play politics with big business? They are just as guilty. The real question is why government is giving out corporate welfare. I guess the Whig party is still alive and well. Just so you know I have NEVER voted for Cagle but in that contest, I will. Its call voting against rather than for someone.
This has less to do with Student loans and more to do with non-payment of her tax obligation. That has ruined the career of many politicians Repub’s and Dem’s alike. Why does Abrams get a pass on this? I’ll say it, is it because she is a woman and black? Double standard? I think so….This conveniently fits into Bernie’s free education talking point. I’ll say it again if you think higher education is expensive now just wait until its free.
As far as student loans my daughter has a daughter of her own, a mortgage, a full-time career, and getting her degree all at the same time. I don’t know how she does it but she is paying all the bills on her own and has no student loans. She is planning to go on to law school after she finishes her 4 year degree. Of course I’ll help if I can but she wants to do this on her own and so far she has been very successful. Yes, I’m a very proud papa. There are people who get their law degree by paying their own way without going into student loan debt. I’m not saying it’s easy but it can be done.
As my grandmothers said “Can’t, never did anything.” I’ll put my money on my daughter succeeding because of her drive and track record so far. I would say sorry that being a lawyer is so tough. But no I’m not sorry for you. I’m sure you could sign on with a college and teach but that too will “Suck” as any job eventually does when you have to produce something for someone else.
I’ve helped pay to put two kids through under and over grad schools. The days of working your way through undergrad school in conjunction with the Hope or the like are still somewhat feasible but fading fast. Grad schools are a whole different can of worms though I have no experience with law schools. I cannot conceive of working your way through grad schools without substantial help or student loans. My own estimates 35 years ago in establishing “college funds” for my kids were woefully inadequate even with a 3rd one who chose a different path. When my cash reserves were drained I arranged to cosign signature loans to keep them out of the student loan traps and their government enforcers. I could have cashed in retirement money but would have paid penalties and the low interest loans were cheaper. It is my own theory that somehow the bursars get a piece of the action on the student loans, but conspiracy theories aside it is most definitely a racket. With the feds involved they don’t need leg breakers.
I attended GT and UGA (yeah, one of those) at a time when tuition averaged $180 per quarter and yes I worked my own way through. Matriculation fees might have been around $20 and athletic fees were purely optional. While working full time I also took night school grad school classes at GSU for roughly $300 per class. This was also before dorms and cafeterias were outsourced with year-round requirements, astronomically higher rents, etc. It is an apples to oranges comparison to today’s environment on many levels. Good luck and best wishes to your daughter.
I’m usually having to tell Noway this but Jessica already linked this one above under “Seth Weathers makes headlines after inflammatory tweet”.
I ackowledged her post…
House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones and State Senator Renee Unterman urged Dem nominee for Gov Stacey Abrams to release 10 years of tax returns in the name of transparency. I think Abrams should release at least a few years of tax returns.
Jones and Unterman would better spend their time in the service of the state by doing the jobs they were elected to do, like exercising legislative oversight. For example, investigating how nobody knew a thing about Deal’s appointment of Dale Mayfield, Chief Dental Officer of Kool Smiles, to the state Board or Dentistry. Aren’t such boards within the purview of the Secretary of State Office of GOP candidate for Gov Kemp?
Kool Smiles was under investigation for performing painful unnecessary dental work on children while defrauding Medicaid of $24 million when the Mayfield appointment was made in early 2016. Deal urged Mayfield to quit after the AJC began to inquire about it. No need to seek to remove the unfit until somebody on the outside points out the unfitness. If that MO is good enough for Trump, it’s good enough for the GaGOP.
Who nominated or suggested Mayfield? Did anyone vet a background that included settled lawsuits, media reports in Atlanta, Indiana and Virginia critical of company practices, and the Georgia Dept of Community Affairs ordering the return of $190,000 in connection with unnecessary dental work? Is there even a vetting process for Deal’s 300 appointees? Nobody knows, and the House Speaker Pro Tem and the Chairman of the Senate’s Health and Human Service Committee didn’t have time to get involved.
https://www.myajc.com/news/state–regional/governor-forces-dentist-off-state-regulatory-board/1zoc9hM2fmSQ66H0MGMMGL/
But hey, it was only some kids on Medicaid and $24 million in public money. Besides, Mayfield passed GBI’s check of his criminal history, driver’s license, credit history and tax liabilities. So if you’re current on taxes on fraudulently obtained money, you’re good to go. And the appointment process was totally transparent since Deal did keep a copy of Mayfield’s application and the documentation of the appointment.
Back to the subject of this comment, tax returns. Where were the calls by Jones and Unterman for Deal to release his tax returns when running for Governor in 2010 or 2014? They would seem especially relevant in that Deal entered office a bankrupt or nearly so, and I’d wager he’s leaving office a multi-millionaire.
“This is Georgia. This is how we do here.” —- Georgia GOP Chairman John Watson commenting on Jones and Unterman’s seeking release of Abrams tax returns.
Hypocrisy exists across the gamut from left to right, but no, Mr. Watson, it’s pervasive in the GOP not just here but everywhere.
https://politics.myajc.com/news/state–regional-govt–politics/georgia-gop-seek-abrams-tax-returns-dems-hit-cagle-kemp-delta/pcWDoBvfnTU7aTJSep8iKP/
I understand Abrams has committed to releasing some sometime after the runoff.
Dinesh yo be pardoned! Excellent news! Political prosecution at its worst! MDineshWholeAgain!
Since Sniv is already riled up: Read this. Ann is right as rain!
http://www.anncoulter.com/columns/2018-05-30.html
Pssssst! Hey, SnowBiscuit, you forgot your obligatory reference to my somehow being anti-black!
I’m sure the next opportunity won’t be too far away.
He is also talking about a Pardon for Martha Stewart, Commuting Rod Blagojevich’s Sentence. So there the earths axis is tilting back to neutral status.
How is commuting a corrupt governor’s sentence, and pardoning an overrated cult of good taste and another with no personality – returning anything to a neutral status? Unless each pardon is crafted of woven weeping willow branches with silver leaf lettered Germen calligraphy, followed by your own senate seat and a under-researched & poorly written piece of self indulgent mediocre attempt at cinematography, what’s the point?
The justice guy who went after Martha was…. Drumroll… James Comey.
Ouch! Lol!
Did Martha even ask for a pardon? Why would she care? She’s already served her sentence and paid the fine. Does she really care if it’s on her record?
“somehow” ?
You wear it like a badge of honor in virtually every post.
We have now ticked off Canada.
https://www.axios.com/canada-retaliatory-tariffs-united-states-trudeau-trump-trade-war-ae37a1a1-146b-4060-8d4e-365ddc0d7ea9.html
There are quite a few lawyers in my family. None of then would choose that career again if they got a do-over.
That field is saturated.
Ok. What is your dream job? Something that could still let you pay off your loans but make you happy going to work?
There are very few “dream jobs”, hence the term. Being a professional athlete would have been nice because I’m smart enough to bank money and invest in low risk assets. For instance, I would never buy something as grotesque as a Bentley, I would buy property or look at investments in apartment complexes.
I’m in my late 30’s and I’m looking to get out of medicine before I am 45. I’ve paid back my loans but I’m tired of a lot of things: The politics, the reimbursements, the toll on my conscience on who I can see and how much, patients losing their insurance but who I still treat on the side, the “cover your ass” practice, dirt-bag radiologists, this list could go on.
I am learning to code and looking to study AI and grab this automation trend head on. I kid you not.
If that fails, I will open some wing joints on the West Coast. There are very few good chicken joints out there.
Given Andrew’s honest assessment of his profession, the question was for him. Trust me Sigmoid, nobody on this site gives a Rat’s about you. I’m sure the answer has some class warfare aspect but what’s your beef with radiologists? They make too much money?
Don’t feel too bad, I’ve heard around 50% of physicians wouldn’t do it again, either.
I think it is worse with lawyers though. You should see how many I’ve come across with drinking problems.
I thought the tariffs were for increasing national security…
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/31/trumps-tariffs-a-blow-to-key-us-allies-and-us-national-security.html
At least you Libs are consistent in your messaging!
https://news.vice.com/en_us/article/vbq38d/google-is-listing-nazism-as-the-first-ideology-of-the-california-republican-party
Well, with y’alls loss of the mythical “generic ballot ” recently, there appear to be even less that are gonna vote Dimocrat! Lol!
You were an idiot in 2016 and you are an idiot now.
Wilbur Ross. Where did they find this tongue sucking fossil?
That natural history museum?
Wow! Lowest rate ever! Thank The Great Man!
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/black-unemployment-rate-hits-new-record-low-in-may
Unreal! There is nothing our country can’t do under Trump’s leadership! MAGA!
https://www.oilandgasinvestor.com/report-us-oil-output-jumps-record-high-march-1704031
A natural accompaniment to oil prices increasing 50%. Shall we discuss his leadership in that? Or perhaps the inflation that will naturally occur with the tariffs? Syria? Gaza? Unilaterally withdrawing from the Iran deal, well, just because. Or perhaps the campaign promises regarding Iraq and Afghanistan? Shortening China’s long game by decades? To hell with waiting on Mueller, the Republican Party should grow a set or we will be a one party state equivalent to the USSR for decades to come.
Is “Mediocre”Marc still a CNN contributor?
With the Speech Police in overdrive this week, should this be revisited?
https://www.google.com/amp/thehill.com/homenews/media/314532-cnns-marc-lamont-hill-blacks-meeting-with-trump-a-bunch-of-mediocre-negroes%3famp
Yet another list of the best beers in America.
I am no longer all that interested in “craft” beers. I am getting into N.A. beer. Theoretically, I could drink an N.A. beer while driving, right?
Anyway, only one beer from Georgia made this list:
Creature Comforts Brewing Co. Tropicália
https://www.thedailymeal.com/drink/101-best-beers-america-gallery/slide-26
I doubt if I would like it. I’m not a big fan of IPA’s or “fruit forward”. Actually, IPA and fruit forward seem to be contradictory to me, but what do I know.
They have New Glarus Spotted Cow listed so all is right in the world.
I hoe Ginny is Okay…
Say what?
I HOPE Ginny is okay since she didn’t post Reads on Friday… (my phone typing sucks).
The poor Ninnies! Lmao!
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2018/06/01/trump-breaks-protocol-sends-markets-clear-signal-jobs-report-before-numbers-are-released/VjQo2Qc1p0JLKUj4au5YhK/amp.html
How many would y’all demand they take down?
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2018/06/01/chelmsford-flag-display-town-violation/
GGWG or GetOffMyLawn² ?
https://nypost.com/2018/05/31/hawaii-man-pulls-gun-on-neighbor-checking-on-lava-threatened-home/
I’m leaning more each day to the conclusion that former Justice John Paul Stevens is correct in wanting the 2nd Amendment repealed. It is too vague and the wording too archaic for modern times. Before you NRA zealots get worked up let me add that a 28th Amendment would be necessary to clarify gun ownership as a privilege rather than a right much like driving. By no means am I suggesting a “gun grab” or any of the other straw men. We do have to stop the arms race insanity, both civilian and police. I know there are more guns out there than people but grandfather the existing with some caveats on magazine capacities. A line has to be drawn at some point.
Yeah, but does it matter as it appears we are leading up to: “When the president does it, that means that it is not illegal.” — Richard M. Nixon
In a brash assertion of presidential power, the 20-page letter — sent to the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, and obtained by The New York Times — contends that the president cannot illegally obstruct any aspect of the investigation into Russia’s election meddling because the Constitution empowers him to, “if he wished, terminate the inquiry, or even exercise his power to pardon.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/02/us/politics/trump-lawyers-memo-mueller-subpoena.html
So now in addition to impugning the integrity of those investigating his campaign, his lawyers are now asserting that none of it matters anyway as he is above the law.
Saginaw on its way to being a Maggot Free Zone!
https://www.google.com/amp/s/articles.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2018/05/2_men_shot_in_would-be_burglar.amp
Comey wanna-be shoots bar patron! This agency is as incompetent as its’ leadership is corrupt !
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.tmz.com/2018/06/03/off-duty-fbi-agent-accidentally-shoots-someone-gun-fires-while-dancing-night-club-denver
Trump, having discredited the FBI and intelligence agencies with the GOP base, is moving on to discrediting pardons with the added benefit of concurrently telegraphing to criminals that he’ll take care of them when necessary. Most of the individual actions to date by themselves haven’t been much, but collectively, and accompanied by Trump’s comments, for instance noting Stewart was “one of my biggest fans” undermines government. There’s a reason I call Trump a traitor if not in the legal sense. MAGA establishment GOP, MAGA.
What Do Russian Nationalists, Alex Jones and Roseanne Have in Common? [also Dinesh D’Souza]
https://www.polygraph.info/a/russia-soros-disinfo-us-fact-check-false/29261867.html
Hint: They all believe it as long as it is on the internet and checking sources is purely optional.
Oh, and Polygraph? Voice of America/Radio Free Europe.
It’s not here, but “clear and present danger” is on the horizon.
Yeah, now I’ve went from the thoroughly researched though unofficial Roger Ailes bio and his pièce de résistance of propaganda, Fox News, to James Clapper’s semi-auto-bio and his revelations on Putin’s interference with our democratic process. When does free speech transition to become sedition anyway
Also this tidbit from the Ailes’ book that is an indictment of all of our television/internet news sources, not just his own enfant terrible:
Orchestra Pit Theory of Debate – If you have two guys on a stage and one guy says, “I have a solution to the Middle East problem,” and the other guy falls in the orchestra pit, who do you think is going to be on the evening news?