August 6, 2011
Carlton Fletcher
Stories this photo appears in:
Encounter helps erase years of bigotry
Opinion Column
If we pay close enough attention, life has a way of giving us what we need to overcome some of our inequities.
South Carolina answers cry for a second chance
Opinion Column
The state of South Carolina has a new motto: If you’re governor and you need to take a few days to hike the Appalachian Trail down to Argentina, it’s no big deal.
Deen museum could be home run for Albany
Opinion Column
Even with the emergence of a growing list of sports and entertainment celebrities from this region — baseball’s Buster Posey, country music’s Luke Bryan and Dallas Davidson, TV’s Phillip Phillips — there is arguably no local celebrity more, well, celebrated than Albany girl Paula Deen.
Committee membership needs better vetting
Opinion Column
Periodically, the Dougherty County and Albany City commissions appoint citizens to various advisory boards, committees and commissions whose purpose is to provide direction on issues related to the boards’ special areas of interest.
Campaign primer for early local candidates
Opinion Column
It is, perhaps, a sign of the political times that two Albany City Commission candidates — B.J. Fletcher in Ward III and Bobby Coleman In Ward II — announced a full four months ahead of Aug. 26-30 qualifying for the city's municipal elections their intention to run for office.
Politics of race alive and well in Southwest Georgia
Opinion Column
Like clockwork, the comments started, no more than a few minutes after businesswoman B.J. Fletcher announced plans to run against incumbent Christopher Pike for a seat on the Albany City Commission.
Haynes hands-down MVP of Wanee
Opinion Column
For me, the 2013 Wanee Music Festival will forever be remembered as Wanee II, who cares if it was actually the ninth Wanee. And it will be remembered as the weekend Mother Nature decided to show off all the tools at her disposal.
Flint River under assault of governor
Opinion Column
Gov. Nathan Deal’s campaign promise made to Albany voters — voters whose futures, it must be noted, are directly tied to the Flint and the region’s acquifer system — rings very hollow today in light of his assault on the state’s, and particularly middle and south Georgia’s, river systems.
If nothing else, ‘Racist’ generates dialogue
Opinion column
For country music fans, talk these days is not so much about the latest hits by superstars like Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum and Luke Bryan, or even when everyone’s going to catch on to the fact that Taylor Swift doesn’t really sing country music.
The passage of time is the ultimate neutralizer in life
Opinion column
My blood started boiling as I surveyed the scene, and I found myself amazed anew at the human race’s capacity for cruelty. A pack of young men, four strong, walked away from where an older couple stood looking warily after them. The four were laughing uncontrollably, pointing at the couple and falling all over each other in their mirth. The old couple looked wounded, but not in any physical way. It was more a look of embarrassed resignation, of stunned disbelief. I noticed tears on the woman’s cheeks. Trying to size up the situation, I asked the couple if they were OK. The man waved off my concern.
Here’s how to put those weapons to good use
Opinion Column
I was listening to a few local good old boys solve the world’s problems the other day — I wasn’t eavesdropping, just happened to be standing within earshot and couldn’t help but overhear — and one of the things one of them said got me to thinking.
Looking for a deal on commission seating
Opinion column
Find this story and other news, sports and features items at www.albanyherald.com.
Guitar deity Clapton offers believers a birthday treat
Opinion Column
And so it was, on a cold and blustery night not well-suited for man nor beast, that some 12,000 of the South’s faithful were shown a modern-day musical truth: There are indeed still gods who walk among us.
Let’s raise a glass to the dream chasers
Opinion Column
I’ve been thinking about the words of that rock and roll philosopher John Fogerty lately, who wisely forewarned us, “Someday never comes.”
There’s an inner child in there somewhere
Opinion Column
All this warm-and-fuzzy going on from reformed squawkers in response to The Herald’s new Bright Side column has inspired me to share a few of my own positive observations in this ongoing fight of good vs. evil.
This kind of trash is no man’s treasure
Opinion Column
I don’t know if it was the determined set of his shoulders or the angry look on his face that made me stop to talk with the man picking up trash along the rural Lee County road.
Real men can admit to having a man-crush
Opinion Column
I don’t quite remember how they did it, but somehow in the middle of an intelligent discussion about current entertainers I found myself saying words I’d never intended to say out loud: I have something of a man-crush on Justin Timberlake.
'Darton Krazies' add fun to playoff game
Opinion column
It was tough for someone like me, who was raised on baseball and football, to admit, but I decided quite a few years back that the most exciting sporting event in our sports-mad country is the NCAA basketball tournament.
A little ‘home training’ would go a long way
Opinion Column
Now, given this job, I’m a curious person by nature. The way you find out about potential news stories in this business is to become a good listener and try to pay close attention to the things going on around you. But I can say with all assurances that there was nothing this loud and obnoxious woman had to say during her hour-plus monologue, which was interrupted only sparingly by her cramming food into her constantly running mouth, that would spark even a passing interest on my part. And, judging from the looks of disgust she got — and ignored — from other diners in the restaurant, none of them had any interest in her personal affairs either.
Library Board’s rebid ‘gamble’ pays off in big way
Opinion Column
Albany and Dougherty County citizens got two very different perspectives on the high-dollar government bid process Tuesday with polar opposite results. That it was those citizens’ money being used to cover both bids made the process even more compelling.
Squabbles over library roof funding misplaced anger
Opinion Column
There are some words that are always going to get a reaction. It’s like pushing a magic button: Say the word, get the response.
It’s a long journey up from rock bottom
Opinion Column
I listened, transfixed, as the young man told his story. It was one of those train-wreck narratives, one where you want to turn away — to get as far out of earshot as possible — but you can’t.
Interim chief Mosely thriving in hired gunslinger role
Opinion Column
It doesn’t take a particularly vivid imagination to conjure up an image of Butch Mosely, 10-gallon cowboy hat pulled low over his eyes, riding into town on his trusty steed, his steely-eyed gaze set, unwavering, as he prepares to clean up whatever mess has sprung up with the local school system.
Can we put down our cell phones just for a minute?
Opinion Column
Yes, there are more amazing creations than the modern cell phone — penicillin, airplanes and rock and roll come to mind — but there really aren’t that many.
Like Irwin Academy, Randolph memories will live on
Opinion Column
As I read Herald Sportswriter Mike Phillips’ moving and excellent piece on the planned closure of Shellman’s Randolph Southern School in Wednesday’s Herald, I couldn’t help but think back to the early 1980s and the Irwin Academy girls softball team that I had the honor of coaching.
‘Content of character’ reaches beyond a person’s race
Opinion Column
I had a conversation last week with someone who took it upon himself to point out some of my many flaws.
So you think you want to be a politician?
Opinion column
I’ll reserve passing judgment on the elected officials who serve this city and county, leave that to the paying customers who seem to have a firmer grasp of the supposed ineptitude.
Parents can’t make their kid become ‘next Buster Posey’
I happened upon Kevin Costner’s underappreciated “For Love of the Game” over the weekend, and while it was never in contention to win any Academy Awards, there was one scene in particular that grabbed my attention.
Some goodbyes are a little harder to say
Opinion Column
The first time I visited the woman who would become my wife, she proudly introduced me to her two cats. I quickly told her I wasn’t a cat person. “You’ll adjust,” she said. I should have known right then this woman saw things most normal folks didn’t.
Trio brings new life and energy to downtown’s State
Opinion column
The more they talked, the more enthusiastic the three young men became. It was an enthusiasm that was contagious.
No free passes; tough decisions part of job
Opinion column
The time has come for some local politicians to stop perpetually running for office and do the job they were elected to do.
At what point did redneck become chic?
Dear Hollywood (and points north): A few facts about the people of the rural South that you obviously are not aware of:
'One no, one abstention' may catch up with city
Opinion column
Find this story and other news, sports and features items at www.albanyherald.com.
Soak up some baby wisdom in that good ol’ Doctor GOP style
Opinion Column
Overheard by a fly on the wall in Phil Gingrey’s Marietta office: “Nurse, call Dr. JuJu’s office and have them deliver a fresh batch of leeches, stat. I have a patient here that’s going to need a good blood-letting.” Just shows that when you get around crazy, you should expect crazy.
On the prowl for a handout at Chez BK
Opinion Column
I was waiting recently for a couple of the rogues who are among the few who don’t mind being seen with me in public at one of our favorite fine dining establishments — we refer to it alternately as Chez BK (imagine that being written in large, swirly letters) and the BK Lounge, although there are some of the less cultured who call it Burger King — when a lady walked up and asked if I had “something to give her.”
Dollar bills fuel criminal justice system
Opinion column
One of my favorite lines by late comedian Richard Pryor: "I go down to the courthouse looking for justice, and that's what I see: Just us."
Calculated votes kick off 2016 campaign
Opinion Column
For people who think the United States’ flawed two-party system of electing its president will remain intact through the 2016 election — and for those who thought the 2012 campaign was wa-a-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y too long — a sobering note....
Drive back from fiscal cliff will be costly
Opinion column
A few leftover thoughts from 2012 as we dive headlong into 2013....
Soldiering on for weapons of mass destruction
Opinion column
As I slowly recovered from the shock of the tragic events that unfolded in Newtown, Conn., on Dec. 14, I watched/read/listened with growing disbelief to the reaction of many Americans to the shooting of 20 children and six school officials at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
This 'Good Life City' awash with contradictions
Opinion column
I don't mean this as an insult, but there's almost always been something slightly off about Albany.
Resolve to be a better Squawker in 2013
Opinion column
Since we made it through doomsday — stupid Mayans! — it’s now officially time to start looking ahead to a new year.
Closet-cleaning for the end of the world
To all you skeptics out there who are poo-pooing the ancient Mayans and their calendar, which seems to indicate Friday will be the last day of our existence: Won’t you have egg on your face — along with bits of other matter that may have been blown to bits by some cataclysmic happening — if the wise tribe was right all along?
Time to take a first look back at the best of 2012
Opinion Column
As the end of another year approaches — and, yes, it does seem that we were just “auld lang syning” 2012 in — it’s almost time for all the “best-of” lists commemorating the past 365 days.
Sitting alone with the wisdom of the ages
Opinion Column
As I sat in my car at a red city traffic signal in the gray light of approaching dawn, my mind on nothing in particular, my wandering eye focused on a figure sitting alone at an outdoor table.
Fletcher's feasible five-step financial fix
Opinion column
Correspondence: "You think you know so much, but you're always talking about something that you think is wrong. I never see you offer any solutions." Response: "I don't think anyone would listen too closely to my ideas, but since you asked ..."
Reconciling power and responsibility
There are some stories that, with their telling, elicit within us a desire to share similar stories of our own.
A little deception goes a long way
It was in Jasper, Ala., during the post-Thanksgiving/pre-Christmas semi-holiday period that I was given an eye-opening dose of reality, courtesy of 3-year-old Sam Fletcher.
Sun's not so bright deep in the heart of 'New Texas'
Opinion column
SCENE: A gathering of self-appointed delegates for the government of the New By-God Republic of Texas. The delegation — made up entirely of 55-and-over white men and Herman Cain — has been arguing for hours, trying to out-shout each other when a distinguished-looking 70-something gentleman with an impressive head of white hair and a long handlebar mustache takes off his black 10-gallon hat, pulls a Colt .45 from his holster and fires three shots in the air.
Elected officials: Tough choices come with job
Opinion column
If you're interested in seeing the not-so-fine art of "not in my backyard" on display, by all means attend an Albany City Commission meeting some Tuesday morning.
‘Wind’ blows away guilt from death
I hadn’t been able to do it for so long, listen to Warren Zevon’s 2003 album he made with friends like Bruce Springsteen, Dwight Yoakam, Don Henley, Jackson Brown and Tom Petty while he was dying.
Restaurants beware: Loyalty’s a two-way street
Opinion Column
Most of us who dine out on a regular basis develop a list of favorite eating establishments, whether for the quality of the food we’re served, the service we’re provided or other intangibles such at atmosphere, convenience, price or popularity.
Election aftermath: Paltry return on investment
Opinion Column
Here’s what’s perhaps the saddest thing about the results of the Nov. 6 presidential election: The primary response of President Obama’s local supporters has been the unbelievably childish equivalent of “na-na na-na boo-boo,” while the response of local Mitt Romney supporters has been one of bitterness and random conspiracy theories that would make Oliver Stone blush.
Who fans reconnect with 'Quadrophenia'
For many music fans who call themselves "purists" -- I call them posers and snobs, but it's semantics -- The Who did not perform the entirety of their 1973 masterpiece "Quadrophenia" at Duluth's Gwinnett Center Arena Monday night.
Dougherty voters send message to elected officials
Dougherty County voters, many of whom are licking their wounds today over the defeat of political candidates they supported, should take consolation in the fact that they at least helped bring about historic change during this election cycle.
Coping with Albany area's legion of doom and gloom
Opinion Column
Some see the glass as half empty. Some see it as half full.
Candidates’ plans are ‘Revolution’-ary
Opinion column
As regular readers of this publication know, The Herald’s Editorial Board has chosen to endorse Mitt Romney in his quest to unseat Barack Obama as President of the United States.
Trying to avoid usage of the dreaded t-word
Opinion column
We're taught in these enlightened times that we must not, at any cost, ever utter such objectionable terms as the f-word, the s-word and the n-word.
Lighten up, America, we will survive Obama-Romney
Opinion Column
Politics in America is a funny thing. Giving in to the demand for hyperbole, we for some reason try to make a popularity contest — one that in recent years has devolved into a who can make the most money competition — a matter of life and death.
Forget the greater good; consider my needs
Opinion column
Back in the 1980s, when he was singing about doing unprintable things to the police rather than playing one on television, rapper Ice-T said something that stuck with me.
Score a (partial) victory for the world’s grandmoms
Opinion column
It would have been easy enough for the Dougherty County Commission to ignore Shirley and Eddie Nelson.
Believers' convictions trump politics
Opinion Column
Here's what happens when you align yourself in lock-step with one ideological/political set of beliefs: You open the door to very real charges of hypocrisy.
UBL, Permenter area's next big stars
Opinion column
Herald photographer Joe Bellacomo and I got into a spirited debate this weekend. Joe knows his music, and he took exception to my proclamation that -- based solely on vocal talent (and, of course, my own personal opinion) -- singer/songwriter Abi Permenter has a better voice even than Leesburg "American Idol" winner Phillip Phillips.
Pressmen's requiem a product of time
Those Albany Herald employees like me who have no use, time or understanding of the business world settled into shock Tuesday as our boss, John Hetzler, explained the reality of our situation.
Chipper, Braves rekindle dreams of childhood
Every sports fan has something of a love-hate relationship with his favorite team.
A shakeup would settle America’s numbers game
With all these numbers being tossed around — the super wealthy 1 percent, the inconsequential 47 percent, the unemployed 8.2 percent, the rest of us 99 percent — you have to be some kind of math wiz to figure out what’s going on in today’s political arena.
Officials' actions are reported, warts and all
For some of us who do this for a living, it was somewhat ironic that the city of Albany held a well-attended session Wednesday to inform employees, elected officials and appointed committee members their requirements under newer and more stringent state Open Meetings and Open Records laws.
Albany events curfew demands parental involvement
Albany City Manager James Taylor is in the middle of one of those damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't scenarios that tend to break lesser men.
No, Virginia, Obama cannot take your guns
A few random thoughts while waiting for the next Honey Boo Boo installment....
Nation’s veterans embody America’s true greatness
I knew I was in for a treat Labor Day morning when my meeting with a group of six octogenarians featured this great line from ringleader Silas Barnes....
Statistics unintentionally dehumanize victims
When law enforcement officials talk about crime prevention now, they do so in the vernacular of crime statistics. Thus, they can readily tell you the percentages of increase or decrease in various categories of criminal activities in their jurisdictions.
It's the investigators who owe DCSS an explanation
It was rock and roll poet Paul Simon who noted, “A man hears what he wants to hear, and he disregards the rest.”
Heard wrongly vilified in School Board flap
Sometimes it's not really what we say, it's the way we say it.
Akin's martyrdom as sickening as his words
So, this is what we've come to in America. We've got people who would be our leaders, people asking for our money and our votes, who don't have a clue about the basic principles of human anatomy.
Criminals know: Don’t mess with CSI Herald
Just call us CSI: Albany Herald ... where we don’t just write about crooks, we catch ’em.
Course will be greener for Albany Tech’s Parker
There’s a calm surrounding Anthony Parker as we talk. Always an eloquent interview, he seems even more congenial than I remember on this dazzling summer day.
Lee County board will leave a legacy
To paraphrase the great writer Stephen King, life is a wheel that is constantly turning. It's that perpetual motion that brings about change.
Clarkson, Fray a surprisingly strong mix
I don’t believe I was the only one who thought this, but I went to Alpharetta’s Verizon Park Amphitheatre at Encore Park Wednesday to see The Fray, the Denver-based band who’d hit big with their soulful singles “You Found Me” and “How to Save a Life.”
Nothing’s simple with Dougherty School Board
No one likes to have his or her hypocrisy pointed out — we tend to want to revel in it — but given the current — make that latest — mess surrounding the Dougherty County School Board, I thought it worth mentioning the ironic reasoning of a vocal few in this community.
For Williams, politics doesn’t make the man
Driving west on Philema Road Friday, the 15 — yes, I counted — stark blue signs with white letters demand my attention.
Forget the politics; we’re all ready to rock
The primaries are over. Now it’s time to get down to the really important issue that has Southwest Georgians buzzing.
Political mud leaves permanent stains
With rare exceptions, I don’t really think people who run for political office start out with a strategy of “say anything or do anything to get elected.”
LOST funds may further divide Lee communities
In the overall scheme of things, the local-option sales tax money being argued over by Lee County, Leesburg and Smithville officials seems such a small thing.
Make everyone's life better: Pick a side
While talking with local political candidates during this campaign season, one thing in particular has hit me: Why in the hell would anyone want to put themselves through this process?
T-SPLOST or not, Georgians will pay
None of us among this country's unwashed truly understands the complexities of government, its layered structure and intentionally confusing language cleverly designed to keep "outsiders" like us in the dark.
Luke: No anthem apology needed
When I first heard that Leesburg native son and country music star Luke Bryan felt the need to apologize for writing some of the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner" on his hand and for looking at his watch while singing the national anthem at Major League Baseball's All-Star Game Tuesday night, I really thought it was a joke.
Take me BACK to the ball game
It was about the time I made the loop off Interstate 85 onto 75 North just outside Atlanta’s downtown — when you round the big bend in the interstate and come face-on with the capital city’s skyline — that I was overwhelmed with a sense of nostalgia that almost took my breath away.
‘Wilding’ teens lack parental discipline
Let’s go ahead and get this out of the way early: The young people who will be referred to in this column are not black children, white children, Hispanic children, poor children, children from the west side of town, children of single parents ...
Dummy's guide for those LOST in SPLOST
One of the things I've noticed in responses to certain articles I've written lately about local taxes -- especially ones concerning the divvying up of local-option sales tax (LOST, an ominous acronym if ever there was one) collections in Lee County -- is a general misunderstanding of the various tax collections.
Putting a positive spin on ‘Highway KKK’
The beginning of an intriguing battle is brewing in Georgia as the International Keystone Knights of the Ku Klux Klan’s (the IKKKKK?) application to take part in the Adopt-A-Highway program in north Georgia’s Union County is being challenged by the state.
Area's complainers could use a facelift
On a fairly regular basis, I hear people from this area bemoan their contention that Albany, and indeed, all of Southwest Georgia, needs "fixing." (Fixin' in the local vernacular.) Usually the complainers have all the answers needed to accommodate such a fix.
Dear officer: Thanks for the ticket ... really
I got a traffic ticket this week, the first in a long time and the first ever from an Albany Police Department officer. Yeah, bummer.
Local politics, politicians get closer look
In case there are others in the area who, like me, try to squeeze in a few more winks of sleep while driving to work and thus are not exactly the most attentive folks in the world, all those new signs that are taking up space on lawns throughout the region are not an indication that local housing is in its own about-to-bust bubble.
War is more than a numbers game
For the nation's military leaders, its politicians looking to get their sound bites to the media, and the spin doctors who are paid to make chicken salad from that proverbial ... well, you know the product ... war is a numbers game.
Ode to the departed: Etta, Levon, Adam ...
Death, the philosophers tell us, is a part of life, the end of a journey spent preparing for what comes next.
Is city trying to re-invent transit wheel?
Orlando Rambo and his fellow principles in Destiny Transportation Group have been accused of “looking out for their own best interest” in their attempts to halt the city of Albany’s plans to build a $10 million multimodal transportation facility.
Veterans due more than appreciation
Sam Spivey's 87 now and he's slowed down a step or two. But his mind remains as sharp as ever as he recalls the events that led to his enlistment in the U.S. Army at age 15.
Memo for those who would cast stones ...
When I was in high school, I remember one night a group of four or five guys on the football team bragging about water-balloon-bombing the car of this kid they indelicately called “the fag.”
Music as it should be ... at 33 1/3 RPMs
Video didn’t, as the Buggles claimed in the first clip that appeared on MTV, kill the radio star. But the Internet has all but succeeded where video came up short.
Picking up knowledge, old-dog style
While it’s pretty much true what they say about old dogs and new tricks, that doesn’t stop people from trying to pass along knowledge.
Militant activist 101: Stir up the people
For those of you who’ve jumped on the “shocked and offended” bandwagon after reading William Wright’s comments during a MADCAP (Wow ... some things are just too easy) public gathering, a parable
‘Idol’ makes money, not careers
Real-life rumors (Oh, glorious Facebook!) I heard last week as Phillip Phillips hysteria swept Southwest Georgia: n Dave Matthews had contacted Phillips and told him he’d bring the budding singer on his current tour if Phillips would leave “American Idol.”
Giving’s sweeter that comes from the heart
There’s an old Mad magazine parody that always comes to mind when I read press releases from individuals or groups looking for publicity to mark their “charitable donations”
Not every Mothers Day is a celebration
Mary Wheeler will get no flowers today for Mothers Day. It’s unlikely she’ll get a phone call.
These are the ‘good ole days’ ... mostly
If you’ve got grandparents or are friends with anyone past the age of 50, you’ve no doubt heard statements that begin with the phrase, “I remember back in the day ...”
Finding some faith at the Little League park
Forget urban renewal; sometimes we just need a little faith renewal.
Lee County ‘secret’ catches up with writer
Oh, my, the cat’s out of the bag. I’ve been outed, and I don’t quite know yet what I will do about it. Just when you think you’ve got people hoodwinked ...
No entitlements? Careful what you wish for
While the term “entitlement culture” has become for many in places like Albany — sadly — a euphemism for the poor in the mostly African-American community
Wanee: Hoola hoops, weed, magic music
That old corollary about how different people see and remember the same thing differently came into play over the weekend as I was discussing the incredible Wanee Festival with one of the other 40,000 or so attendees.
‘Summit’ produces ‘We Are the ’Bany’
Dear Mr. Fantasy, play us a tune, Something to make us all happy. Do anything, take us out of this gloom. Sing a song, play guitar, make it snappy. — Traffic
We can never forget horrors of Holocaust
He who forgets will be destined to remember. — Pearl Jam This evening marks the beginning of the one-day observance of Yom HaShoah, the Hebrew term for Holocaust Remembrance Day.
In Trayvon Martin case, justice takes a hit
There’s three sides to every story, baby: There’s yours and there’s mine and the cold, hard truth. — Don Henley
Myrtle’s Good Life fine dining guide
Seeing as Albany diners-outers are currently (a) standing in long lines waiting to get into the new Buffalo Wild Wings or (b) starving themselves in anticipation of Olive Garden opening near the mall, I went to one of the Good Life City’s most
'Class' offers lesson on area's beauty
I spent a few hours Wednesday morning being schooled on "old Dougherty County," a land of plantations and historic families who've passed on their way of life over several generations.
There's no 'paying it forward'
There’s a TV commercial I see every now and then, and it always surpsises me and pleases me when it comes on. I don’t remember who sponsored the ad, but I do know it has Ben Harper’s “Amen Omen” playing in the background (one of my Top 20 songs ever).
Maschke’s decision par for Albany course
You built a house of cards, And got shocked when you saw them fall. — The White Stripes Albany, once the proud crown jewel of Georgia’s southern region, has an identity crisis.
'Chief' rekindles long-dormant country spark
My earliest musical memory is seeing country stars Loretta Lynn and Sonny James perform at the old Annie Bell Clark Elementary School auditorium in Tifton. I was 4 at the time.
If this is winter, God help us this summer
As I took in the view around me just before noon last Sunday -- the clear air, blooming pear trees, green grass sprouting up to overtake its gray-brown predecessors -- I was momentarily overwhelmed by the absolute splendor of nature.
It's time for Hillard to say what's in his heart
I like Claire Fox Hillard. I really do. I've had opportunities to interview the man who'd served as conductor of the Albany Symphony Orchestra for 24 years before being unceremoniously fired in December, only to be reinstated last week, and I've had several casual chats with him. There's no more affable guy around.
Gieryic overwhelmed by support
Tom Gieryic hasn't gotten a lot of work done at his automotive repair shop lately.
Musical confession: I love Skrillex, Kanye
I'd like to start by clearing up a misconception. I am not being insulting or ironic when I say I enjoy the zany tidbits and comments of the many squawkers and regular online responders to articles in this newspaper.
Lone biker leaves unique mark on race
Fourteen-year-old Jesse Romero was clearing limbs that had blown down during the previous day's storm off his family's land in rural eastern Lee County Sunday when the lone bicyclist came riding up.
Jones’ death evokes a sweet memory
I’ll always remember Davy Jones fondly. I have his music to remind me of the impact he had on me during my formative years, and I easily recall flying high on the swingset with the rest of the Irwin County Monkees. Yep, we were just kids being kids. But we created a sweet memory that will live on in my heart for as long as it continues to beat.
Decision looms on Lee garbage ordinance
The time of reckoning is almost at hand on the Lee County garbage fee issue, and many are wondering if Lee County commissioners have not inadvertantly painted themselves into a corner from which there is no easy escape, at least none that won't mess up the paint job.
Lack of game regulation borders on neglect
The words of Lewis Lamb, the chief assistant district attorney from the Southwest Judicial Circuit, were ominous.
Rich males shouldn't decide abortion
This is not -- repeat, not -- an attempt to convince anyone that abortion is right or wrong.
Empowerment through wrong is still wrong
Some seem to have trouble realizing that wrongs utilized to empower certain individuals or groups are still wrong, no matter how much we might personally enjoy their ill-gotten fruits. Twenty-first-century Americans, for the most part, seem to have forgotten the ideals that made their country great. That sacrifice for the greater good thing? Pshaw, not for them. And until we come to the realization that freedom does not give us the right to infringe upon someone else’s freedom, we’ll continue to flounder as a nation.
'Drill, baby, drill' will not meet U.S. oil needs
I have the day marked in my memory: It was Dec. 17, 2011. That was the day I stopped at a gas-'n-sip in east Alabama and paid $1.99 a gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. I don't expect to pay less than $2 again in my lifetime, so I've mentally preserved the moment.
Things may not be as bad as they seem
How many communities Albany’s size can make this claim? We have a MillerCoors brewery, a Procter & Gamble plant, M&M Mars and Coats & Clark manufacturing facilities, one of the nation’s premiere logistics defense bases, a nationally recognized hospital system, Equinox, one of the most lauded small businesses in the nation, and Thrush, an airplane maker that is one of two of its kind in the world.
Gas guzzlers have special place in car pickup
As each of us goes about our daily business, we tend to see things along the way that strike us as somehow unusual or out of the ordinary. These can be good things or bad, but they kind of stick in a place that puts them on memory rewind and keeps them coming back to us, often at inopportune times.
Obama’s pipeline decision politics as usual
President Obama was hailed by environmentalists last month when he rejected Canadian company TransCanada’s plan to build a 1,700-mile pipeline that would carry oil extracted from tar sands in Canada to the Texas Gulf Coast to be refined. And while the move may indeed have helped head off a potential environmental disaster that some experts say could have left parts of the nation’s breadbasket without drinking water, Obama doesn’t deserve the accolades. Essentially, the president was forced into taking one tough election-year choice over the other, and he took the path of least resistance.
Mitt's millions skew candidate's perspective
A door opens to the Oval Office at the White House in early February of 2013. President Romney is talking with members of his inner circle.
Ex-ACRI Director Formwalt ‘comes out’
Lee Formwalt is a man of varied and large talents. He gained renown as a college professor, an activist, an author and as director of the local Albany Civil Rights Institute. Under his guidance, the museum’s attendance and relevance soared.
School employees tarred with same brush
I ran into Brent Fowler, the excellent young assistant principal at Albany's Lincoln Magnet School, this weekend. After we exchanged greetings, he looked at me expectantly, and I did the same. He was waiting for the inevitable question, and I guess I was expecting a response. Finally I settled the issue: "I'm proud of you," I said.
A mother's love and grief are never-ending
She hates that she cries, calls herself a "sissy" as she brushes away the tears, but the anguish that has taken up permanent residence in Dolores Presley's soul surfaces anew as she shares the last note her son wrote to her.
‘Justice’ going for cheap in Lee County
Justice has a price in Lee County. And the going rate right now is $181.
Procedure results worth discomfort
Mention that you’re scheduled for a colonoscopy, and you get one of two reactions: An involuntary wince accompanied by that “fwooo” sound that comes with a sudden intake of breath, or a look of sheer horror at the thought of the procedure.
Dueling for the souls of the ‘true believers’
In an old Mad magazine parody, two neighbors are standing at a fence between their properties talking about the beauty of their shared religious beliefs.
If not illegal, intrusion denigrates right
It would be a shame to see Turner Job Corps’ good works sullied by those who would use the sacred voting rights of individuals as a means of furthering their own selfish personal agendas.
Ideological differences skew perspective
Further proof that our take on things is all about perspective, skewed though it sometimes may be: I was talking with a guy I know over the holidays about the end of 2011 and the challenges we face as a community, as a state, as a nation, even as a race of people, in 2012.
Chains lack a ‘human touch’
If we still had town criers, or better yet, if Paul Revere — the colonial American patriot, not the organ player for Paul Revere and the Raiders — were still doing his thing, I can just imagine him spreading the glorious news in Albany: “The Olive Garden’s coming! The Olive Garden’s coming!”
Weighing in from the edge of irrelevance
It’s time to talk about what was really important in 2011: the pop culture moments that made the year unique.
Mother, son provide face of scandal
The CRCT scandal has a face for me now. When I listen to some bureaucrat use mumbo-jumbo to try and explain away the action of people who should have known better, I’ll think of this mother and her son, innocents who are left to pay a steep price for others’ betrayal. And I’ll also think, sadly, about the words of a friend who teaches in the school system: They’re only beginning to scratch the surface.
Let's force candidates to stick to issues
Georgia lawmaker -- state Rep. Allen Peake, a Macon Republican -- plans to push legislation during the 2012 General Assembly that would allow counties to hold nonpartisan elections. No more "R," "D," "I" or any other such designation required.
A musical 500 for the .1 percent who care
Carlton Fletcher writes about some of his all-time favorite songs.
Tebow’s ‘ugly’ wins irk NFL ‘experts’
There’s been more eating among NFL executives and media “experts” — you know, those people who shout at you on ESPN — lately than you’d see at a Thanksgiving dinner for the cast of “Mike and Molly.”
Transportation future in voters’ hands
Dougherty County Commission Chairman Jeff Sinyard was addressing area leaders during a recent Dougherty Area Regional Transportation Study Policy Committee meeting in Leesburg, and he encouraged them to point to the future — much as those past leaders had — in pushing a referendum that would allocate a 1 percent transportation tax in the region.
Board’s actions threaten Albany symphony
Sylvia Berry and Jane Willson, two of the most passionate supporters of the arts in Albany, used the same word as they discussed the surprise firing of Albany Symphony Orchestra conductor Claire Fox Hillard Monday.
Life’s clock continues eternally ticking
Remember how when we were 16, 17, 18 we thought 30 was old, how we bought into that bromidic “Never trust anyone over 30” slogan hook, line and sinker?
For GOP, it’s all about the Benjamins
“I’m always amazed when liberal Democrats like yourself attempt to take potshots at the Republican party when you are intellectually incapable of doing so. What makes you think anyone cares what you think? And how can you attack the one group in this country that’s trying to turn around the mess created by Democrats like yourself?” A couple of things first: 1) I am neither a card-carrying liberal nor a Democrat. I find nothing in any current political party that would make me want my name attached to it. 2) I honestly don’t think a whole lot of people care what I think about any issue, political or otherwise. I’m a guy doing a job. And 3), since you asked ...
Black Friday destroys AC/DC classic
My malaise leans more toward “Back in Black” fever, as I try to figure out just when it was this country did away with Thanksgiving and instead ushered in Black Friday as its newest — and most celebrated — holiday. It may have been the result of my “Black-out,” but I’m pretty sure I heard someone say New York officials had ushered in the new holiday by renaming one of its oldest traditions the Macy’s Black Friday Parade.
Albany officials play the name game
Not knowing enough of Johnnie Johnson’s history beyond his worker/civil rights efforts to weigh in on the merits of such an honor, I would caution Albany leaders to do their homework before sticking anyone’s name on some local edifice or landmark.
ICHS: All hail the name of Richard Quinney
There are those who will tell you one average person acting alone cannot have much of an impact on the world outside his or her direct sphere of influence. I’m here to tell those people they’re wrong.
Script flipped: Children often are teachers
I was having a conversation recently with my 9-year-old, and while I’d call her a little more worldly wise than most 9-year-olds — or maybe just compared to my own lack of wisdom when I was that age — I was struck by some of her comments and questions.
Candidates deserve points for trying
The results are in now — using the appropriate political cliche, “the people have spoken” — and the winners/losers of Tuesday’s elections are alternately celebrating/preparing to take office or licking their wounds/wondering what they might have done differently.
Johnson’s latest LP his strongest
SYLVESTER — Anthony Johnson calls his music “Christian, Americana, inspirational-type stuff.” An apt enough description.
Extra beef on chalupa ... ‘cause I’m black ops
Here are a few quick thoughts as we jump headlong into the holiday season....
City candidate deserves refund and more
By all means, the city/county should return Cheryl Calhoun’s qualifying fees. And they should include with the refund as big an apology as is humanly possible. But returning that $450 is not going to make up for the time and money Calhoun spent on the campaign trail. She deserves compensation in that respect, as well.
Movie leaves fans in delightful ‘Daze’
Before DirectTV changed its lineup recently for about the 74th time in the three years I’ve been getting the satellite TV service — which is code for they’re about to charge you more for the premium channels you’re watching — the 1993 semi-cult classic “Dazed and Confused” came on late one night. I had to watch.
Merger of state colleges not the answer
So, Mr. Ralston, by all means discuss the possible consolidation of some of Georgia’s colleges. But consider in your discussions the impact such action would have. Then you can move on to finding more viable and realistic cost-cutting measures.
‘Material world’ did not claim Harrison
“George Harrison,” he said, simply. “When you play that well with the best, you’re one of the best.”
Spare me the spin for the ‘poor rich’
So, please, let’s agree to stop with the sob stories for the rich and the super rich. The anger over such ludicrous spin is what has people protesting wealth distribution on Wall Street and other parts of the country right now. And if you’re not one of the rich or super rich but you buy into the spin, well, please, by all means, work hard to get someone elected who will take more of your money and give it to his rich friends.
Group says guns, God a good mix
The state of Georgia is currently one of four states in the union that prohibits or restricts firearms in churches, synagogues and mosques. If the by-God, right-thinking folks in GeorgiaCarry.org have their way, though, gun-owners in the state won’t have to suffer the embarrassment of being bunched in with those wimps from Mississippi, Arkansas and North Dakota much longer.
Senseless crime should be wake-up call
Sadly, the people of this community have become desensitized to the rampant crime that, despite trumpeted statistics that suggest otherwise, is not declining.
U.S. voters need Presidential Top 20
The first unofficial SCNI U.S. Presidential Top 20 might look something like this (numbers indicate chances of winning party nomination and general election.)
‘Campbell Goodbye Tour’ bittersweet
The forever-in-my-mind boyish Glen Campbell, creator of such hits as “Wichita Lineman,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” — both great, great songs that get better with age — and “Galveston,” is 75 now. And he’s been diagnosed with early-stages Alzheimer’s.
Official advocates step in wrong direction
Certainly economics and race will remain major factors with any issue that impacts this region, and Lee and Dougherty counties’ shared history will also be a part of the equation. But to try and turn the clock back to a period of racial animosity because of a failure — or refusal — to consider broader implications is a step back that will benefit no one.
Questions arise in wake of Davis execution
I am, as I’ve always been without reservation, in favor of capital punishment. I suppose being raised on that biblical “eye-for-an-eye” admonition stuck with me, but I have no sympathy for “reformed” murderers who ask for mercy after all their legal challenges have run out and their date with the executioner nears.
‘World’s Coolest Grandpa’ not enough
There’s this gnawing feeling that it’s just not going to be enough to traverse the 350 or so miles up to north Alabama to see the grandkids every month or so. And it’s not going to be enough to check out the latest photos online ... when he can figure out how to access them. No, Poppy’s going to have to ramp up his game as he prepares to meet the newest member of his son’s family and renew acquaintances with grandkid No. 1. The standard’s been set; it was set by Bobby quite a few years ago.
Problems we know ... where’s the solution?
Complaining about the status quo, especially about those in charge of the status quo, is as old as time itself.
Wingfield, inner-city kids perfect fit
The man who once amazed scores of adoring fans with his athletic abilities hasn’t had time to feel sorry for himself as he’s adjusted to life without his left foot.
Peppers keep rock’s faint pulse beating
There are music lovers — like my buddy Levine — who think musicians ceased to exist at the end of a particular era, that no more music, at least any worth hearing, was made after their favorites called it a career.
A civil servant hasn’t forgotten service
Here’s why I’ll take Baconton’s Annette Morman over your mayor and just about anyone else’s: When she says she’s going to do something, you can pretty much take it to the bank.
Government reliance can be demeaning
The individuals who have come to rely on others for their needs start to lose their self-worth and, indeed, their very humanity. Once that happens, they buy into the concept that there is no reason for them to earn their own way, that they don't have to go out and make a living by the sweat of their brow.
Coping with the 'white man's burden'
I heard from an old acquaintance the other day, a guy who likes to call me up every now and then to give me grief about something I've written or to complain about some bee that's flying around in his not-insignificant bonnet.
The cost of education getting pricey
I hate to go all “those were the good old days” on you, but I remember when shopping for school supplies was a relatively simple task. I didn’t have enough space to list all the materials kids need nowadays.
Detractors overreact to Postell remark
I listened as my wife played back the message, and afterward I could only shake my head and laugh.
At last: Local activists who are active
The word "activist," by definition, implies that a person so labeled is actually doing something.- Carlton Fletcher, metro editor
The sex/racism/murder/scandal column
Anyone who's ever worked at a newspaper before has heard this tired refrain: "Y'all never print anything but bad news in your paper. We'd like to read a little good news every now and then." Really?
Parents honor memory of remarkable son
As they talked to members of the Lee County CERT dive team, thanking them for their help earlier this year in the search for their son James in the icy waters of a Valdosta lake, John and Tammy Eunice were the picture of composure.- Carlton Fletcher, metro editor
Garbage fee deadbeats should pay up
While I certainly have my own take on the Lee County garbage brouhaha, since I cover the county's government it would not be appropriate for me to suggest that either the county is right to create an ordinance that puts garbage fees on citizens' tax bills or that Tax Commissioner Susan Smith is right to refuse to comply with the ordinance.
These are the days of mustn't-see TV
Back when NBC was still considered a viable television network, it called its "Seinfeld"-led Thursday-night primetime lineup "Must-See TV."
Do big fences make better neighbors?
Well, here's how you can solve the "immigration issue" in America and show your significant other how much you really care.You can help build a fence along the U.S.-Mexican border.
Life's hard out there for an icon
The elderly gentleman in the unusual red, white and blue outfit and neatly trimmed white beard looked out of place walking down the aisles at Kmart. He had a couple of items in his shopping cart, but I noticed him checking out price stickers on every shelf he came to, often shaking his head sadly before moving on.
For kids today, guns are the new fists
There's a scene in the classic Ice Cube/Chris Tucker -- and, yes, my standards for "classic" are probably a little less stringent than some -- movie "Friday" in which John Witherspoon, who plays the patriarch of the Jones family, tells his son Craig, "There was a time when we didn't need guns to settle our differences; we used these (indicating his fists)."
Reapportionment may hit close to home
Now that the Aug. 15 date set by state officials for a special called reapportionment session at the Capitol is less than a month away, the idea of redrawing Georgia's House and Senate districts is becoming -- even for casual political observers -- more than just something politicians talk about in an effort to either (a) scare or (b) impress their constituents.
American Dream gives way to reality
The "American Dream," that pie-in-the-sky concept of fame and fortune waiting around the corner for those willing to work for it, has been co-opted. Somehow whole generations of Americans are now being taught the American Dream is owed them ... the American Pipe-Dream.- Carlton Fletcher, metro editor
It really is ok to agree to disagree
I won't try to speak for Dennis Roland, Betty Johnson, Bill Williams, Rick Muggridge or Ed Duffy -- current members of the Lee County Commission -- but I'd be willing to bet they -- and members of most other elected governmental bodies in the region -- wouldn't mind an opportunity to react in kind to some of their critics.- Carlton Fletcher, metro editor
Wingfield enduring another trial of life
I have this memory of Dontonio Wingfield that comes to mind every time his name is mentioned. It was the finals of the AAA state basketball playoffs during Don's junior year, and this gifted athlete had done so many amazing things on the hardwood for Westover High School people around here had come to take for granted the things he did that no one else could do.- Carlton Fletcher, metro editor
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