Go Dawgs! Another victory over the techies makes the current series 7-0 for the Georgia Bulldogs. Unfortunately, UK was unable to pull it out over Tennessee, which would have allowed UGA to advance to the SEC Championship game. However, the Dawgs are still guaranteed a decent BCS Bowl. Go Dawgs!

So Jim Whitehead lost. I’m still picking my teeth, trying to remove all the crow I’ve digested.

Summer has moved quickly. It’s over; for all intents and purposes. School begins on August 16th, I believe -and thus ends it.

That’s all.

With the special election for Congress past and a subsequent run-off impending, I guess I will begin posting about politics again. At the least, any of you who might be away for the summer can see what’s occuring in Athens and the 10th Congressional Disctrict. If you care. I know you don’t. For what it’s worth:

Jim Whithead and Paul Broun will square off, and I use that term usely, a rectangle is more likely to be the scenario in this run-off. A rectangle with Broun covering ever shorter width and Whithead sailing along with the expansive length. (Excuse the pitiful geometric analogy)

The point is that I think Jim will win this seat handily.

I’ve been up to a lot of volunteering with his campaign and I think they’ve got the stuff to shut their opponent down in this race. Broun just has no money. I don’t think he’ll be able to afford much with an already staggering $90,000 of campaign debt.

And this next election will be about voter turnout more than anything else. The people in the tenth are aware of the candidates. It’s gonna come down to who can get their base out to vote. And whose base is bigger. And it looks like Jim’s got that wrapped up.

My inconsistency here is astonishing, actually. At least to me. I always have a lot to say and it seems if I have an outlet such as this, I’d use it more often.

Guess not. I’ll try to be better about getting things up more often than every 6 months or something. If anyone else is still even here. Doubtful.

Simple message:

Keep Blacksburg, Virgnia Tech and its families in your thoughts and prayers.

Charles Whitlow Norwood, Jr.
July 27, 1941 – February 13, 2007

The parking lot was nearly full and only a few spots remained on the right-side driveway. It was just before 2 PM and the day was as warm as it was going to get. We walked up to the grandeur that was the First Baptist Church of Augusta. The perimeter was peppered with police and strategically stationed was the secret service.

We climbed the steps, where we were greeted with a somber “hello.” The massive doors open. The color guard in full regalia, is ceremonially stationed to welcome mourners. Over to the right, greeters meet you with a 6 page booklet outlining the memorial service. As you progress, you’re met by the “guest book” and encouraged to record your attendance. You do.

You slowly move into a vast sanctuary, resplendent with stained glass, corinthian columns, and silver and gold pipes, undoubtedly fixed to an organ. The paneled walls are white along with their accompanying pews, which are upholstered in a rich, regal red.

Long chandeliers hang at least 20 feet from the impossibly high ceiling. The lower level of the sanctuary begins to fill. The United States Army Band is positioned in front of the choir loft, which is on the same level, resembling an elegant stadium. They’re playing.

The service begins as the attending members of Congress proceed into the expansive chamber; all rise. They fill 15 pews. A drum roll; the color guard begins its approach to the alter. The colors move down the aisle, and as grass does in the wind, hands follow, finding their way to their owner’s heart. “Present Colors.” The colors are in place and the color guard promptly exists to a second drum roll, in decrescendo.

The family begins their processional. They sit. We sit.

The memorial begins. After words from Charlie’s reverend, all rise. The Army Band begins and we join, “God of Our Fathers.” The hymn ends and then there is a prayer.

We listen to a lesson from the Old Testament. Then Psalm 121 is read by Governor Perdue, who delivers the scripture with clarity and direction, as if they were his last words. The old favorite, “Amazing Grace” is beautifully offered, as a solo, by a member of the choir.

More scripture: 2 Timothy 4, followed by John 14. The texts are read and expounded upon.

The Honorable Nathan Deal assumes the golden-clad, four-rod podium. He offers memories and insight into his professional and personal with Charlie. It’s now Dr. Jerry Murray’s turn. As a fellow army dentist and Vietnam veteran, Dr. Murray dives into “the good ole times” with Charlie. He talks about their time together in the service and frequently refers to Charlie’s personality as “that magic that Charlie had” or “then Charlie would work his magic.” And finally, Mr. Duncan Johnson is given the honor. A personal friend of Charlie’s, he peels back the curtain, availing the congregation to meaningful conversations they had, hunting and fishing trips, and his close relationship with a dear friend.

Rising again, the band starts another hymn: “It Is Well With My Soul.” After, we receive more words from the reverend and then begin “The Apostles’ Creed.” A pastoral prayer is offered, followed by our recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. “How Great Thou Art” begins to ring in the room and we sing.

Still standing, your eyes peer to your booklet. “RIFLE SALUTE” Everyone’s head turns towards to arches that led you into the sanctuary. From what seems to be the vestibule, one shot rings out. Then sobering silence. Another shot. Silence again. Then the final shot. The faces redirect to the choir loft.

Poised back behind the choir, not visible to the congregation, is a member of the Army Band.

“Taps”

The slow, rich timbre of the horn draws tears.

The reverend issues a charge and then the benediction. The recessional commences. We’re still standing. The family exists. Members of congress and other officials follow. Then you.

I’ll probably get lambasted for this one:

Within the Blogosphere, I think it should be mandated by law that each post, comment, blog, and so forth not only include the author’s screename, but should include the author’s full name. I think its reprehensible that individuals may hide behind a screename and slander to their heart’s content without owning up to their words. Individuals have a right to privacy, no questions there. But an individual is just that; someone, not something (a screename). When you choose not to reveal your identity,  in a sense, you lose it.

I’m probably way out in left-field on this one, but I still think it’d be a great idea.

 Do you?

After a brief hiatus, mainly consisting of student government travail and schoolwork preying on me as a hawk at dawn, I am making an attempt to resume regular posting and update here at the Statement.

Nothing heavy on this comeback post:

1) Happy late Thanksgiving to everyone!
2) GO DAWGS! Great win over Tech! 6 years and counting!

3) Mayor Heidi Davison and Candidate Charlie Maddox will square off in a run-off here in old Athens town.
4) I recently got to experience Kinchafoonee Cowboys at the State Theater in Albany; Great show and good music!

That probably covers it for now. Check back soon!

Used to be, labor unions, public figures, national associations and organizations, newspapers, and a host of others would issue their endorsements for candidates seeking public office. And they still do. But there’s a new element these days.

Politicians endorsing other politicians; this, solely, again, not very new. The path and result, however, a bit different. Lets look at the word itself: Endorsement. Dictionary.com defines it as: 1.approval or sanction: The program for supporting the arts won the government’s endorsement. Ideally, an endorsement, shows that a candidate has recieved a vote of confidence or is in step, politically, with the entity doling out the endorsement.

That is not the focus, however, these days of endorsements. As its not so much about the issues as it is the fundraising. This is especially the case when big names endorse candidates. People aren’t looking to see who so and so supports these days, as much as so and so knows Mr. Big Name politician can host an event and raise mega-money for so and so’s campaign.

When the NRA endorses a candidate, their members usually vote for that individual because of their support of the right to bear arms. When Bill Clinton endorses a candidate, its so that candidate can fly him down for the night, charge $1000 at the door and another $500 for a photo-op.

And why is this? People aren’t overly concerned about what an endorsement should signify, instead, they have allowed themselves to fall subject to a brilliant fundrasing strategy. One I readily admit my party uses and uses well.

However, I also long for the time when an edorsement from someone meant more than 5 more ads on TV or a new push-card. And the great thing is, that’s not all that far away.

We have to challenge our leaders to qualify their endorsements; tell us why you so fervently support this individual. What part of their platform excites you so that you will put your political reputation on the line, so to speak. What is the meat of your endorsement?

With that said, I support fundraising events and utilizing the support of others to bolster a campaign. It’s just good strategy and common sense. However, I’d also like endorsements to carry a heavier load; mean a little more. When the voter sees that endorsement, to really evaluate it and not see it as just a way to meet the President.

In a long discussion with some close friends of mine earlier Wednesday evening, we covered it all. Pubic vs. Private education, racial tension, income inequality, the welfare state and many other topics. Too numerous to list.

In leaving, one topic however, remained ever so pungent it rendered me incapable of escaping its odor; and so exists this little commentary.

History teaches that the great human civilizations, who rose to titanic realms of power and influence, fell not at the hands of their enemies directly, but more-so, at chaos and decay within. Rome; the excellent example. I’m not directly comparing America and Rome, however, in many aspects there are striking similarities. And allow to restate that I am aware this is not a groundbreaking, fresh idea; however, as I dive deeper, we should get further into something a little more original and less cliche.

If you will draw your attention to overly polished marble columns and balustrades encamped by excessively golden-leafed monuments and structures of the Ancient world, you’ll get an idea of where we’re going; excessiveness and materialism.

I would argue that more citizens of this nation can recite the top 5 name brand clothiers or “fashion accessory” companies easily before the could name the first 5 presidents, the last five, or maybe even a total of five. Gucci, Prada, Dolce, Coach and Louie Vitton have replaced, in our daily lives, Washington, Lincoln, Jackson, Eisenhower and Reagan. Obviously this is an arbitrary list; however, it serves the purpose in that I think it illustrates the notion that more people can tell you about Prada than they may be able to about Lincoln. Or ask the general public about the Interstate System. Do you think the name Eisenhower will appear? Maybe.

Then ask them to whom is Katie Holmes currently married. Tom Cruise would be your overwhelming response. And the examples could go on forever…

We as a nation have lost the vigor for success and achievement as it relates to a sense of pride and duty and have replaced it with the notion of success as it relates to material gain and status.

It no longer matters how you came about your new vehicle, but that you have it. Material gain and status SHOULD be by-products of a successful life; however, not the goal of such. I completely agree that having a luxurious lifestyle is a great way to live, but that ought not be the goal.

Everyday you hear stories of so and so who spends so much time at the office, works his fingers to bone, hates his job, and its all okay because he makes “the big bucks.” We all know the story. Money can’t buy happiness. And I promise to steer clear of any more cliches, however, there is a point of gigantic importance in that certain pearl of wisdom; one I won’t need to belabor. So I’m not going to.

We have got to recalibrate our society. We must refocus on the pursuit of happiness, the satisfaction of accomplishment (and yes the trappings that follow), but also, we must not forget that the reason we exist as we do is because our forefathers had the respect for future generations to invest in the cultivation of the greatest society on Earth by working toward common goals, not working to buy a new estate or afford a spiffy suit.