McKoon is not the real problem

I read with interest the recent Chuck Williams article about state Senator Josh McKoon’s Facebook exchanges regarding his endorsement of Senator Mike Crane to replace retiring U.S. Representative Lynn Westmoreland.

The gist of the piece, as encapsulated by former Westmoreland Chief of Staff Chip Lake, is that McKoon has “positioned” himself to “not be in a position to influence public policy,” implying that McKoon is a demagogue with little interest in forming the relationships required to move legislation forward. (I resist the temptation to opine on Westmoreland’s effectiveness at influencing policy).

But a review of the facts — and the article cites some of them — leads to a different conclusion, namely that McKoon has had significant impact despite, and perhaps because of, the attempts of others, including the good ‘ole boy network spearheaded by House Speaker David Ralston, to minimize his influence.

Anyone who has followed his senatorial career knows that McKoon’s strong public advocacy of ethics reform and First Amendment rights placed him at odds with Speaker Ralston early on. And Ralston has demonstrated that he is not above dirty pool, using, in concert with the Governor, mafia-type intimidation tactics to sink McKoon, even to the point of vengeful budgetary manipulation.

The real problem here is not with folks like McKoon, or Mike Crane, who have tried to keep promises and heroically defend the Constitution. The problem is with unprincipled, power-drunk, establishment politicians and their spineless sycophants, who manipulate the system to benefit themselves, intimidate their opponents and broaden their own power base.

Lord Acton said that “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” It’s time for a new Speaker in the Georgia House, a new occupant in the Governor’s Mansion and a fearless defender of the Constitution like Mike Crane in Congress.

Selective law

I would report the firecrackers going off, but since they would be on private property I guess nothing would be done although those making a bang sound are not legal. Maybe if a bottle rocket hit someone on the street.

We consumers seem left to handle this and situations like dogs barking, with no attempt to quite the dog. Do not ask Animal Control to help. They would say, "Private property you handle," even if law exists.

Houses and yards also seem off limits. Then again, if the city cuts your lawn after providing two notices, are they then not going on private property? How come on one issue, but not the other, something is done?

Since there is a line in this issue, how about discharging a firearm in city limits? As long as it is on private property, I guess that would be alright. Then there is the fact that laws exist that are not enforced even though they are on public property, such as parking on the sidewalk. What about volume too loud from a vehicle, with a cruiser within sight and sound?

An easy choice

Hillary Clinton is qualified and well prepared to be the 45th U.S. President. She has experience as a former secretary of state, U.S. Senator, and First Lady. It’s time for America to elect a woman President.

Hillary Clinton acknowledges the economy is messed up, but she knows how to fix it. She advocates that democracy should be for everyone – not just the wealthy and well-connected. She also supports comprehensive background checks on gun purchases and comprehensive immigration reform. She defends Planned Parenthood and women’s health care from Republican attacks. She protects and expands LGBT rights and declared that “Gay rights are human rights.”

Hillary Clinton recognizes that the U.S. government is run by a few wealthy individuals looking out for themselves. Confidence in politics has plummeted, and money is the major culprit.

In the 1970s, only 3% of retiring members of Congress went on to become lobbyists. In recent years, 50% of retiring senators and 42% of retiring representatives have done so. The financial rewards of lobbying are huge.

A new era of U.S. leadership will dawn if Hillary Clinton is elected. She will implement new regulations on Wall Street, advocate debt-free college, and stop companies moving their headquarters overseas to avoid taxes.

Her rival, Donald Trump, is so misguided that he threatens America’s well-being. He is dishonest, arrogant and closed-minded, and has an authoritarian appeal. Another good reason to vote for Hillary Clinton is to avoid having Donald Trump in the White House. Stopping Donald Trump from becoming president must be an overarching goal.

This story was originally published July 4, 2016 at 12:36 PM with the headline "McKoon is not the real problem."