VALDOSTA —
“I care more about this country than I do about a 20-year-old pledge. If we do it his way then we’ll continue in debt, and I just have a disagreement with him about that. Grover Norquist has no plan to pay this debt down. His plan says you continue to add to the debt. I just have a fundamental disagreement with him about that.”
With these televised words, Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss spoke what has been heresy for the past couple of decades amidst Republican elected officials and candidates. Chambliss, a Republican, didn’t say he would raise taxes, but he did stand up to Grover Norquist and his anti-tax lobbying group, Americans for Tax Reform.
Chambliss effectively made a Declaration of Independence from his pledge to Norquist and the ATR. A handful of powerful congressional Republicans have followed Chambliss’ lead in the past week.
Essentially, Norquist and the ATR have required Republicans in office and seeking office to promise not to raise taxes or create new taxes unless matched dollar for dollar with tax rate cuts.
Norquist’s successful tactics of intimidation and Republicans’ loyalty to the Americans for Tax Reform pledge have led some pundits to call Grover Norquist the most powerful man in Washington.
We elect our leaders to lead. There was a time we elected leaders with the hope they would do the courageous thing, even if it meant going against the grain. Especially if it meant endangering their political careers.
Georgians should remember, the senator has not raised taxes. He has said he would not be shackled by the pledge — he would no longer give allegiance to Norquist — if the time comes when raising some taxes is best for the country.
We need leaders who will put what they believe is best for the country before their political parties and their careers. Our leaders’ pledges should be to doing what they truly believe is best for the country and not what is best for one lobbyist or one group.
We believe Saxby Chambliss deserves credit for being what he was elected to be — a leader. If people disagree with Chambliss’ actions in the coming months then it should be the people of Georgia who decide his political fate — not Grover Norquist.
What We Think
Chambliss dares to lead
- What We Think
-
-
New era at the Boys and Girls Club
Next week on June 1, it will be the official end of an era at the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta when Robert Soper hands over responsibility for the organization to the new Chief Professional Officer Jim Wink.
-
Thank you, EMS
We always pull over for them, but we rarely seem to thank them.
-
Tornado: An aftermath of help
Seeing the massive path of destruction left in the wake of tornadoes in Oklahoma Monday was a sobering reminder of the power of spring storms.
-
Thoughts on graduation
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
-
Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
-
On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
-
Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
-
Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
-
Visit musical roots this weekend
Beginning Saturday, May 18, Nashville, Ga., will be hosting a special Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The exhibit will continue through the end of June and Nashville has done a tremendous job in promoting and planning for the exhibit.
-
Happy Mother’s Day!
A few years ago, a television commercial asked, Who first believed in you? Many folks may have instinctively answered by simply saying, Mom.
- More What We Think Headlines
-
New era at the Boys and Girls Club
