- — The proposed spending cuts that have been forecast by Gov. Sonny Perdue have been drastically increased by the Appropriations Committees of both the House and Senate this week.
What has caught the attention across the state, aside from Atlanta, are the drastic additional cuts proposed for higher education and cuts seemingly aimed directly at the “other” Georgia, which include chopping the 4-H program.
Apparently someone at the top has forgotten that the 4-H program and the long list of ag-related jobs on the new hit list are all directly related to the state’s largest economic engine — agriculture. But since when did Atlanta remember that their food and their furniture don’t just originate at Kroger and Ikea?
But enough picking on Atlanta, otherwise known as that giant sinkhole sucking the resources out of the rest of the state.
No, let’s focus on the real issues. Our state legislators for years have been passing laws that our state can’t pay for. The public defender’s office for one, which is in dire straits without the funding to do what the state has mandated that they must. The zero tolerance laws are filling our prisons full of criminals that many would not classify as such. And thankfully, considering the havoc that the zero tolerance laws aimed at schools has wreaked, Sen. Tim Golden is initiating legislation to put common sense back into the equation.
So if the Appropriations Committees really want to “cut the excess” as they say, then why not cut the programs that benefit the fewest, not the most? And why not reduce some of the mandates which may have been put in place during fat economic times that are now nothing more than a huge burden on the state?
Education should be protected from those who see it as the easiest route to take. Agriculture should be largely exempt, and services that protect the public should be off limits. But aren’t there many other programs that could be looked at first?
How about cutting the state’s travel budgets? Selling state planes, cars, and helicopters? Reduce the governor and legislator’s salaries. Until the ones at the top demonstrate that they are affected and sacrificing as much as the average Georgian, support for the latest round of cuts will be hard to justify.
What We Think
What We Think: Cuts too deep
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Books: A part of summer adventures
Summer should be a time for swimming, playing, camping, trips, pursuing interests and fun for youngsters taking a break from the school year. It should be a time to recharge their batteries.
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Memorial Day: A solemn occasion
Memorial Day has taken on many meanings through the years. The unofficial start of summer, a day off from work, a day to honor family and friends who have passed away.
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
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Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
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Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Books: A part of summer adventures
