Category Archives: Policy

Will the Big Cities Decide for You?

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Will the big cities decide on your power bill? They will if the folks in the unincorporated areas of Georgia don’t go vote.

The Public Service Commission regulates your power bills. Georgia has some of the lowest rates in the nation because we have conservatives on the Public Service Commission.

For the most part the odd year elections are for city governments and people living in unincorporated areas do not think about voting. This year if you live in the unincorporated area, you need to think about it.

Due to a lawsuit, the Public Service Commission races got thrown into an odd year. They are normally in the same year as Governor and other Constitutional offices.

This is an important election for everyone, not just the city governments. You may think that since it is not for Governor or President it is not worth your time to go vote. Think differently about this.

You need to do more than think about it. You need to go vote for Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson. They have done a great job on the Commission and we need to keep them there.

Don’t let the big cities decide on your power bill. Go vote.

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Schedule a Meeting and Open the Government

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Chuck Schumer said, “We’ll set up an appointment with him, anytime, anyplace.” Take him up on that offer today and the issue will be settled.

Mr. President, schedule a meeting for 5:00 pm today, October 23, 2025. Include in that meeting Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Include one simple provision in the scheduled meeting. The government must be open for business.

At 3:00 pm today, Senate Majority Leader John Thune schedule a vote on the no-strings attached continuing resolution. A YES vote sends the bill for the President to sign and keeps the meeting on schedule. A NO vote cancels the meeting.

Schumer gets his meeting, and the American people get their government back. It is a win-win for everyone.

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Democrats Reject Shut-Down Compromises

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Yesterday, Chuck Schumer and the Democrats rejected two compromise proposals from Republicans to open the government.

One was to guarantee a vote by a set date on an extension of Obamacare credits. This is what Democrats have been railing for.

Here was a deal offered up on a silver platter. Republicans would debate it and bring it up for a vote. There is no guarantee that what the Democrats want will pass, but there was a guarantee that they would get a vote.

Some Republicans, including the Georgia firebrand, Marjorie Taylor Greene, have expressed concerns about the anticipated rate increases in Obamacare when the credits expire at the end of the year. They may have her on their side. By the way, the expiration date for the credits was set by the Democrats when they adopted the credits during the Covid crisis.

The point here is that Democrats might get something out of the deal. There is no way to know until they open it up and debate it. But Schumer rejected the proposal.

Majority leader, John Thune, had a pointed response published by MSNBC. He reportedly said, “At some point, Democrats have to take ‘yes’ for an answer.”

A second compromise was to peel off appropriations for the War Department and pass that spending bill. This would assure that military and War Department personnel would get paid. Schumer rejected that offer as well.

There are no strings attached to the Republican bill. It simply authorizes the continued operation of the government at the current level through November 21. During this time, the House and the Senate would act on appropriation bills to fully fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2026.

Even though Republicans hold a slim majority in the Senate, they need 60 votes to end debate and vote on the simple, no-strings, continuing resolution that the House has already passed. They only have 55 votes right now with three of those votes being Democrats. They need five more Democrats to side with them but that is not happening.

Democrats say that Republicans are unwilling to discuss the many issues involved with the budget. Republicans are more than happy to debate and do what the Democrats say they do not want to do.

What they will not do is to hold up government operations and services to Americans while they debate. Republicans have a simple clean, continuing resolution on the table.

Republicans have compromised with two offers. Republicans want to open the government, keep providing the services to Americans and debate the points of contention with the Democrats.

Democrats reject both compromise offers. As Majority Leader Thune says, “At some point, Democrats have to take ‘yes’ for an answer.”

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Racist Republicans Ruin Reputations

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I cannot express enough how angry I am at this moment. I have just read multiple articles about several leaders in the Young Republican organizations who used vile, vulgar, racist language over the past several months in chat rooms.

The Board of Directors of the National Young Republicans has condemned the language and demanded the resignation of each one who used the language. I’ll take it a step further. If any of these happen to be holding or running for an elected position of any kind, they need to resign immediately and get out of the race.

I do not even want to repeat the language used but I need to in order to shine the light. Politico released 2900 pages of these references! Making reference to blacks people some referred to them as “monkeys,” “watermelon people,” and used the “n” word. Rape was referred to as “epic.” There were antisemitic and pro-hitler comments. I don’t need to go anymore and it only gets worse.

This scandal by some in leadership positions in several states cannot be tolerated. Thankfully, the Board of Directors released an immediate statement and called for the resignations of all involved.

“We are appalled by the vile and inexcusable language revealed in the Politico article published today. Such behavior is disgraceful, unbecoming of any Republican, and stands in direct opposition to the values our movement represents. Those involved must immediately resign from all positions within their state and local Young Republican organizations. We must hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity, respect, and professionalism. Board of Directors”

    This should be a call to clean up language – not just politically incorrect language. It seems that over the past few years, the use of profanity has grown from taboo to tolerated to typical.

    From President on down profane language in public has become common place. This Young Republican scandal reveals that the language in what is thought to be private is even worse.

    We should not be surprised to hear of such stench coming out of the mouths and from the keyboards of some today. The intolerable language displayed by these Young Republicans started with the foul language that is more and more tolerated.

    It is hypocrisy to say family values and in the same breath drop an f-bomb. Stop it! Right now.

    The simple old-fashioned answer comes not with “regretting,” but with repentance. Mr. President, let it start with you. Make a commitment to clean up your language today.

    You sports coaches (yes, in case there is any question, this includes Kirby Smart) who are charged with building character. Build some character by letting your players see the immediate change in the words you speak and the words you no longer utter.

    Blasting this group of Young Republicans for their corrupt communications does not get to the root of the problem. Look deeper into the mindset and attitude that pollutes language with unwholesome words.

    That’s all I have to say for right now. Let me just ask you, my friend, if you need to check the words you use. It does not begin with someone else, it begins with the first person singular. Thanks for reading.

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    Yes, There is a Georgia Election Needing Your Vote

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    Read this carefully because it is very important. Go Vote – Yes you can vote even if you do not live in a city. Keep reading, I promise you it is short and important.

    If you let this slide by, then you will have two key positions decided by city voters, mostly Democrat.

    Odd year elections are generally limited to municipal and special elections. This year, the Public Service Commission is a statewide election and it will be on every ballot.

    If you do not live within the city limits, you cannot vote in a municipal election. Because of this, you probably do not think about the need to vote in the odd numbered years.

    As a result we will have the city voters showing up to elect Mayors and City Council members. County voters can easily (and tragically) ignore this election, thinking that they cannot vote.

    Yes, there is an election that needs your vote. Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson are two Republicans on the ballot. Go Vote for Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson.

    Early voting starts on Tuesday, October 14. Don’t let this election slip by. Yes, there is a Georgia election and we need your vote.

    Please forward this to your Georgia friends and ask them to vote for Public Service Commission.

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    Freed Hostages Today – Free Enterprise Tomorrow

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    Thank you to President Trump on a Tel Aviv Beach
    Image from Air Force One

    One week ago I shared my thoughts on a deal to release the hostages and end the war in Gaza. One of the main actors in the deal was Hamas.

    The reputation of Hamas is not one of reliability. President Trump, however, insisted that the deal was promising.

    This morning, with respect to the remaining living hostages, the agreement came to fruition. President Trump flew to the region to put his signature on the agreement.

    The last of the hostages were transferred from captivity to freedom at about the same time as Air Force One was touching down. It was almost as if Trump choreographed the scene.

    Today is a day of rejoicing and thanking God for answered prayers. It is only the first step of a long journey in rebuilding, not only a war-torn region, but war-torn hearts.

    I believe that President Trump has put the players on the right path. President Trump is looking at this next challenge through the eyes of a developer, not a diplomat.

    He sees how Gaza and the entire region could be prosperous and peaceful and not just on paper. Peace and prosperity comes when the economic engine of freedom is cranked up and running full speed ahead.

    Today is one of those days that you will remember. The hostages were freed today as a first step of peace. Hopefully we will see free enterprise at work to guide the journey tomorrow.

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    Fish or Cut Bait

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    We are now in day 3 of the Schumer Shutdown. The explanation is pretty simple.

    The House passed a 24 page continuing resolution to keep things as they are and continue funding the government through November 21. The Senate received the resolution and put it on the floor for a vote.

    Because of the filibuster rule in the Senate, there must be 60 votes to end debate. Democrat minority leader Schumer refused to call on Democrats to vote to keep the government open until November 21.

    Instead, he introduced a bill that demanded:

    • Free health care for illegal aliens
    • $500 million in taxpayer funding to prop up liberal news outlets
    • A $50 billion cut in investments for improving rural health care
    • Billions in funding for DEI and climate projects in foreign countries

    What a contrast between a simple 24-page resolution that kept the government open and the Democrat monstrosity. For years Democrats passed, with Republican support, continuing resolutions to give time to work out issues.

    This time; however, Democrats demand that everyone rush to make radical changes. Republicans will not consider these changes.

    For example, I looked at the Democrat bill. Page 57, Section 2141 is crystal clear – “Repeal of Health Subtitle Changes.” These were changes made in the Working Families Health Care Bill which, among others eliminated the Biden administration give-away of free health care for illegal aliens.

    Democrats also wanted to do away with $50 billion investments made for rural health care. They wanted to add billions for DEI and projects related to climate.

    Simply put, Republicans cut budget items that gave your tax dollars to illegal aliens and worthless projects in foreign countries. Democrats want to put those back.

    So where does that leave us? Are we at an impasse where Republicans will have to fold in order to reopen the government?

    It seems that was the way at always worked in the past. This time it is different.

    Because there are no appropriations and the government is not funded, the President now has flexibility to make even more cuts without a congressional fight. I am amazed that Democrats are not willing to extend with a continuing resolution but are willing to hand the power to President Trump to cut programs.

    President Trump has shown great patience as we enter into day three. He is meeting with Russ Vought of the Office of Management and Budget to look at programs that could be cut permanently or temporarily. Be assured. Cuts are coming.

    In this case, Democrats think that they can win. They should realize that President Trump is not interested in cutting bait. He came to fish.

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    Sanford Bishop Votes Nay to Condemn Political Violence

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    At one time many, many moons ago, 2nd District Congressman Sanford Bishop was considered a moderate Democrat. He has long since lost that label.

    In the latest of his votes, in a resolution that passed on a bi-partisan basis by 310 Yeas to only 58 Nays, Sanford Bishop voted Nay. What was he against?

    He voted Nay to condemn political violence.

    He voted Nay to commend the law enforcement and emergency personnel who responded to the shooting of Charlie Kirk.

    He voted Nay to extend his deepest condolences to Charlie Kirk’s young widow and two young children.

    He voted Nay to call upon all Americans regardless of race, party, or creed to reject political violence.

    He voted Nay to recommit to respectful debate and to respect one another as fellow Americans.

    He voted Nay to honor the life, leadership and legacy of Charlie Kirk.

    A young political leader was assassinated, cut down in the prime of his life, while peacefully engaging in open discourse. He did not just proclaim his position, he invited and listened to anyone, especially those who held diametrically opposing views. Charlie Kirk died doing what every politician says we ought to do – listen and peacefully debate.

    Sanford Bishop, who at one time considered becoming a minister, could not find it within himself to express his sincere condolences to a grieving widow and two young children. He could not bring himself to condemn all forms of political violence.

    Sanford Bishop, who says that there is too much partisan politics, could not bring himself to recommit to respectful debate and respect one another as fellow Americans.

    Sanford Bishop does not represent the values of the vast majority of Southwest Georgians. It appears that he was more concerned about the opinions of the woke crowd in Washington than he was the people he supposedly represents.

    Below is the exact text of what the House resolved in a resolution that passed in an overwhelming bi-partisan vote of 310 Yeas and only 58 Nays. Sanford Bishop should be ashamed to admit that he was one of the Nays.

    Resolved that the House of Representatives –

    (1) condemns in the strongest possible terms the assassination of Charles “Charlie” James Kirk, and all forms of political violence;

    (2) commends and honors the dedicated law enforcement and emergency personnel for their tireless efforts in finding the suspect responsible for the assassination of Charlie Kirk and urges the administration of swift justice to the suspect;

    (3) extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to Charlie Kirk’s family, including his wife, Erika, and their two young children, and prays for comfort, peace, and healing in this time of unspeakable loss;

    (4) honors the life, leadership, and legacy of Charlie Kirk, whose steadfast dedication to the Constitution, civil discourse, and Biblical truth inspired a generation to cherish and defend the blessings of liberty; and

    (5) calls upon all Americans—regardless of race, party affiliation, or creed—to reject political violence, recommit to respectful debate, uphold American values, and respect one another as fellow Americans.

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    I Support Blake Tillery for Lt. Governor

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    On Monday, August 11, State Senator Blake Tillery from Vidalia, GA will announce his candidacy for Lt. Governor. He has asked me to serve as his Crisp County Chairman and it is my honor to serve him.

    I first heard Blake when he was on the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee looking into the many questions and allegations of fraud in the 2020 election. He showed that he had an open mind and listening ear as well as a piercing investigative inquiry. He treated all witnesses with great respect.

    Later I heard him in an address where he spoke about a bill he had introduced. He referred to a term I had never heard before – “debanking.” It refers to banks refusing to do business with someone because of non-financial reasons such as political or religious views.

    That term should be familiar to you from the last few days where President Trump issued an executive order to outlaw debanking. It struck me that Blake used the same terms and reasonings that President Trump’s Executive Order used.

    Blake introduced a bill in the last session of the legislature to allow individuals to sue banks for wrongful discrimination. The big banking lobby got Blake’s bill killed in the last session of the legislature.

    Only Lt. Governor Burt Jones and 12 Senators supported his bill. I have a feeling that the bill, although killed, will be resurrected in the next session of the legislature.

    Lt. Governor Jones appointed Blake to chair the Senate Committee on Eliminating Georgia’s Income Tax. Blake is a steadfast advocate of eliminating, not just trimming back, but eliminating Georgia’s income tax. His ambitious goal is to eliminate the income tax in five years.

    The more I looked at Blake, the more I liked him. He stands strong and does not hold his finger in the air to see which way the political winds are blowing.

    Most politicians are like a weed in the wind. Blake Tillery is like a strong, solid, oak. He is the kind of elected official that I want to have. I am proud to recommend him for Lt. Governor and to be asked to serve as his county chairman for Crisp County.

    On Monday, August 11, 2025, Blake will be flying around the state with six stops. If you are near enough to get to any of these stops, come in and meet him. I am convinced that you will come away with the same positive support for Blake Tillery as our next Lt. Governor.

    August 11, 2025 Savannah
    8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
    Sheltair Aviation, 100 Eddie Jungemann Dr., Savannah, GA 31408

    August 11, 2025 Augusta
    9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
    Daniel Field, 1775 Highland Ave, Augusta, GA 30904

    August 11, 2025 Perry
    10:55 AM – 11:40 AM
    Perry–Houston County Airport, 375 Myrtle Field, Perry, GA 31069

    August 11, 2025 Albany
    12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
    Albany Jet Center, 3905 Newton Rd, Albany, GA 31701

    August 11, 2025 Columbus
    1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
    Flightways, 3250 West Britt David Rd, Columbus, GA 31909

    August 11, 2025 Atlanta
    3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
    Georgia State Capitol, South Steps (Interior), 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334

    August 11, 2025 Vidalia
    Time: 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM
    Vidalia Airport, 2921 Airport Rd, Vidalia, GA 30474

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    I Endorse Josh McKoon for GA GOP Chairman

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    I want to talk with you today about the Georgia Republican Party Chairman election coming up in June. 

    I am voting for and supporting Josh McKoon to serve as our state party chair. 

    I have known Josh since he was first running for  State Senate. He has proven himself to be a solid, honest, conservative leader who stands firm in his convictions. 

    As a State Senator he stood up against corruption in his successful push for strong ethics legislation. In the face of a liberal tidal wave, He boldly stoop up for religious freedom legislation. 

    As State Party Chairman, he displayed proven leadership to lead Georgia to resounding victories for Republicans across the board. 

    I dialed in to a recent zoom call where Josh addressed questions and issues that we face as a Republican party in Georgia. He was clear, concise, honest, and straight forward with his answers.  

    In this upcoming election cycle we will be electing a governor, constitutional officers, and a United States Senator. We need Josh’s leadership in this critical election cycle. 

    If you are a delegate to the state convention in Dalton, then I ask you to vote for Josh McKoon as our state party chair. 

    Thank you for your positive consideration. I’m Don Cole with Common Sense from DC, not Washington.  God bless you and have a great day!  

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