Readers of your paper were subjected to the kind of political negativity that turns so many people off. Instead of open, honest debate on issues and principles, an organization took out an ad that didn't just distort or misrepresent facts; they instead just flat-out lied to you, the readers.
The ad said that I supported cutting all trees in the right-of-ways in Georgia. It also said I was pushing a bill dealing with billboards. If they had told the truth, the ad would have read much differently.
First truth is there is no such bill before the General Assembly to remove all trees from right-of-ways. I have never said nor even thought such a thing. Such an idea is absolutely absurd and clearly preposterous.
Second truth is I have not pushed the bill they mentioned. I got involved in the negotiations of the bill representing the views of the Garden Club of Georgia, an organization interested in saving trees in our rights-of-way. My involvement has been to minimize the number of trees removed while incorporating many other worthy principles the Garden Club espouses.
The organization sponsoring the ad never called me. They never attended a meeting nor made any effort to get the facts. Only they can explain why they engaged in irresponsible and salacious attacks. Our community should expect a more responsible and professional approach to political dialogue. It is fine to promote a position. It is not fine to lie.
I believe Georgians expect people to be reasonable and work to find solutions in a professional and respectful manner. That is what I have strived to demonstrate while representing you. I will continue working on finding reasonable consensus, in spite of grade school playground antics.
As always, if you have any question, please call and talk with me.
Senator Mitch Seabaugh Georgia State Senate District 28 Senate Majority Whip (404)656-6446 mail@mitchseabaugh.com
Dear Editor,
In the Feb. 20 paper, the Young Democrat President Skyler Akins wrote an extremely profound editorial that myself and many of my friends found very insulting. Since my early childhood I have been a proud compassionate Christian and I feel that Mr. Akins has made an indirect slap on my face and on my faith by making a mockery of the Bible and Jesus Christ.
He opens his editorial, which was supposed to focus on Health Care, with a bible verse that encourages us to help others as we are each children of God. I would like to make one thing clear. I applaud Mr. Akins' use of God but find his later arguments exquisitely true as he labels the Republican Party for having "called itself the "Christian" party, or the party where people of faith are." He is 100 percent correct! The Republican Party is the "Christian" party. But what does that make the Democrat Party?
Perhaps we should take a look at exactly what qualifies the Democrat Party for being the "Christian" party. Perhaps their pro-gay marriage stance? Or maybe their pro-abortion stance? Or maybe when liberals (especially in the judiciary system) try to remove the Ten Commandments from the public square? Or maybe when Democrat groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) try to remove God from the pledge? It's no wonder that Christians have rejected the principles of the Democrat Party, because many of the Democrat positions are contradictory of exactly what God desires.
Therefore, as a friendly suggestion to Mr. Akins, before you begin to quote the bible please remember that we will begin to take you seriously once your political party can walk the talk on religion.
Nor does the Republican Party "allow the death and sickness of thousands of people by placing disproven economic theory over morality," Mr. Akins. That is a blatant lie and a very reckless thing to say.
One of the great things that Compassionate Conservative Christians believe in is this: let us help others personally and privately - not primarily through the government. Just think back to the most recent disasters. When September 11, 2001 occurred did the American people, who may I add are overwhelming believers of the Christian faith, turn to the Government for help? No. They turned to their neighbors and friends and as a result, New York City, Washington, and Pennsylvania saw an outpour of compassion and support from private individuals. When Hurricane Katrina occurred, we once again saw that big-government bureaucracy was unresponsive and that the American people were outpouring in support for those in need of food, shelter, and medical care.
This can be applied to Mr. Akins' outlandish argument about helping those in need. The government should never be the sole provider of services, especially socialized healthcare. Studies and facts have proven that private individuals and Christians in particular do more to assist the sick and needy than any other group, including the government! Therefore, the "Christian" economic theory, which does correspond with morality, involves donating to churches, charities, and beneficial organizations like the American Red Cross.
The fact of the matter is that America is not a nanny state. Our economic system is not set up for big government liberals to take control and handout money in a fashion that would level the household status to a communist-like "everyone is equal" playing field.
But wait just a minute! Even when the government does assist the sick and needy, as yourself which President has provided more assistance to fight AIDS in Africa than any other President in America's history? You've got it! A Christian Conservative named President George W. Bush, who may I add is a Republican.
Finally, I challenge Mr. Akins and any other Democrat who does "not see a political party that continues to allow the death and sickness of thousands of people by placing disproven economic theory over morality" to do just one thing next time you are sick or in need. Try a church before the government.
- Randy Pingree
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