GwinnettForum | Number 21.12 | Feb. 12, 2021
HERE’S ANOTHER FORMER WINNER of the Gwinnett chapter of the Georgia Nature Photographers Association. This was the top prize winner in 2018, taken by Jerry Black, showing Lake Louise in Canada. The Association’s 2021 show will be on exhibit at the Hudgens Center for the Arts beginning February 20 and lasting until April 17.
TODAY’S FOCUS: You wonder if the Republicans are still the Grand Old Party
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Rural Georgia needs speedy expansion of broadband internet
ANOTHER VIEW: GGC program seeks to meet emerging needs through diversity
SPOTLIGHT: Heaven and Alvarez, LLC
FEEDBACK: Repudiate Trump, save the GOP and salvage your reputation
UPCOMING: Transit System plans second “Stuff-a-Bus” food drive
NOTABLE: Hudgens exhibition features artist’s work about birds
RECOMMENDED: The Genealogy of Morality by Friedrich Nietzsche
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Guitarist Chet Atkins from Tennessee, but later lived in Georgia
MYSTERY PHOTO: No scenic place Mystery Photo, but raising a question: what’s this?
CALENDAR: Hazardous waste collection at Fairgrounds on February 20
You wonder if the Republicans are still the Grand Old Party
By Jack Bernard, contributing columnist
PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. | The latest Quinnipiac University Poll finds only 36 percent polled disapprove of President Biden’s performance, while 49 percent approve of the new president.
Only 26 percent approve of the job Republicans in Congress are doing (as opposed to 44 percent for Democrats). Further, only 21 percent approve of Sen. Mike McConnell’s performance and 27 percent for Rep. Kevin McCarthy. But the GOP leadership has only itself to blame for the demise of their popularity.
After the insurrection, every key GOP member of Congress condemned the violent mob that invaded our Capitol. McConnell stated: “They were provoked by the President” and McCarthy said: “The President bears responsibility.” But neither of them came out and said that President Trump should immediately resign (as did a couple of the more honorable GOP Senators). And neither supported impeachment and conviction.
Since the violent January 6 insurrection, both guys have walked back their criticism. McConnell has not said he will vote to convict Trump. McCarthy has been particularly hypocritical; he now says: “Everybody across this country has some responsibility.”
And then there is the strange case of Georgia’s own Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Although McConnell criticized her more outrageous statements (“Loony lies and conspiracy theories are cancer for the Republican Party”), he doesn’t mention her by name for fear of offending ReTrumpicans.
McCarthy in the past has condemned the conspiracy cult QAnon, but now says “I don’t even know what it is.” McCarthy criticized Greene’s comments “…on school shootings, political violence, and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.”
But, amazingly, McCarthy put Greene on the Education and Labor Committees… even though she said the horrible, tragic Parkland and Sandy Hook shootings of innocent school children were fabricated. Then, McCarthy refused to remove her from all House Committees, as was done with racist Iowa GOP Rep. Steve King when he made inane statements last session.
Then the Democratic majority in the House removed Greene from her committees, with few GOP Congressman supporting the motion. But McCarthy’s failure to act “put our members in the absolute worst position possible,” according to one GOP source.
Once upon a time, the Democratic Party had a big tent. Unfortunately, that big tent made it the party of bigots and kooks. Since the Civil Rights Act, that has changed dramatically. In recent decades, Nixon’s Southern Strategy wooed the bigots into the GOP. By converting the South, the GOP won elections… but lost its soul.
Billionaire Trump pretended to be a populist man of the people (white and uneducated, anyway). And McConnell and McCarthy were his enablers for the last four years. They both helped create the new, unimproved GOP. And they still refuse to condemn Trump via impeachment and conviction.
After the GOP loss of the Senate, McConnell now seems to be slowly coming to his senses. But, at least for the near future, he will be stuck with the Frankenstein monster that he helped to create, the ReTrumpican Party. And so will those who once believed in the Grand Old Party.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Rural Georgia needs speedy expansion of broadband internet
EMC linemen at work
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
FEB. 12, 2021 | Rural broadband in Georgia got a boost—a slight one—this week when Gov. Brian Kemp announced that two rural electric co-ops in Middle Georgia will be offering high speed Internet service to their 80,000 customers. With the General Assembly now in session, providing broadband to these areas ought to be the Number One priority for rural legislators, who must convince the rest of the General Assembly that their areas suffer dramatically without this high-speed Internet service.
Beginning as early as this summer, fiber Internet service with speeds up to one gigabit per second will be offered by Central Georgia EMC and Southern Rivers Energy. But note that this doesn’t happen overnight. It will take up to four years to string fiber optics to this entire area. The two EMCs will be working in partnership with a broadband company called Conexon.
The initial construction will be in Monroe County. Other counties served by this new agreement include rural parts of Bibb, Butts, Clayton, Coweta, Crawford, Fayette, Henry, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Newton, Pike, Putnam, Spalding and Upson counties. Note that many of these counties are near more urban areas.
While this recent announcement is a tremendous boost for people in 18 counties around and west of Macon, it is a small beginning, for the bulk of rural areas of Georgia are without broadband. There are 41 electric co-ops in Georgia. It’s estimated that 507,000 rural homes and businesses lack access to sufficient internet speeds.
And the very life of these under-served Georgians is threatened since the people in these areas cannot join the modern world and improve themselves without broadband service.
To fail to bring broadband in a speedy manner to other rural areas is to hold back these areas in so many ways. Without broadband, they cannot:
- Provide connectivity to sufficiently educate the area’s children with this modern tool;
- Permit residents to be able to improve themselves by working from home via the Internet;
- Have these residents get modern health care via the Internet;
- And in general, fail to allow these communities to have an equal standing for economic development, or attract modern new businesses, putting these areas even further behind the eight ball.
One of the problems of providing high speed internet is that it is costly to string fiber optics in rural areas because of the long distances between customers, as compared to tightly-wired urban areas. That is why the communications companies that provide fiber optic in urban areas shy away from rural areas….because of the low rate of profit on this service.
The Legislature in 2019 allowed local electric membership corporations to offer broadband service. Since they already serve the area with electricity, the co-ops are in a good position to offer this add-on service. Yet many EMC boards are reluctant to offer this expanded service. They need encouragement to understand that their expenditures will be sufficiently profitable.
Our nation changed when, led by Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal, electric co-ops brought electricity to rural areas beginning in the late 1930s. These electric co-ops can now get funding from the Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation for providing Internet services.
Governor Kemp’s announcement of this expansion included funding of $30 million. The governor and the legislature need to encourage rural Georgia co-ops to expand such funding so that these areas can enjoy this modern broadband service, not later, but in the immediate future.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
GGC program seeks to meet emerging needs through diversity
By Jackie Todd
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. | After the death of George Floyd rocked the nation last year, Jarmon DeSadier felt he had to do something to support inclusivity on Georgia Gwinnett College’s (GGC) campus in the midst of a divided world. He wanted the campus community to know that “difference” doesn’t equal “division.”
DeSadier
So DeSadier, GGC’s executive director of diversity and equity compliance, worked with his team to create the One-GGC campaign, a series of initiatives designed to bring the campus community together and create an open, inclusive, welcoming environment.
He says: “Everything we do at GGC that relates to diversity, equity and inclusion works toward that common goal of communicating that we’re one GGC in everything we do,” he said.
DeSadier grew up in Stone Mountain, which he describes as a diverse city that has experienced rapid growth. That growth has extended to many neighboring regions, including Gwinnett County, GGC’s home. After graduating from the University of Georgia, DeSadier worked in equal employment opportunity compliance roles in the corporate sector. After he graduated from the Florida Coastal School of Law, he made the move to higher education, working in employee relations and equal opportunity roles. He joined GGC a year ago to lead its diversity and equity compliance efforts.
GGC for the past seven years in a row has been cited by U.S. News and World Report as the most diverse Southern regional college. Those visiting GGC’s campus can expect to interact with a rich kaleidoscope of races, ethnicities and backgrounds.
However, DeSadier points out that diversity extends beyond what one can see. “It goes well beyond race. We want to promote understanding and acceptance,” he said. “We want our campus community to know they belong—that they’re accepted. We want people outside of campus to know that GGC will embrace them for who they are.”
Other One-GGC activities include the creation of a Diversity Advisory Council comprised of 30 employees from all over the college who serve two-year terms. The Council seeks to centralize GGC’s approach to diversity, equity and compliance.
DeSadier adds: “This cross representation of faculty and staff who demonstrate a commitment that will allow us to speak with one voice and plan campus initiatives in a coordinated manner. A number of DAC members work directly with students, so there’s opportunity to gather student input.” He’s also planning a campus climate survey on the topic.
Other GGC activities in the works include continued community partnerships, the expansion of campus training and courses and enhanced communication with all stakeholders, both internal and external.
Even with these efforts in place, DeSadier recognizes that his program is an ongoing process. “We have to constantly work at it and be open to alter – and even reinvent – our efforts to meet the changing needs of our campus,” he said. “In fact, that’s what we ultimately do as a college. We meet changing needs.”
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Repudiate Trump, save the GOP and salvage your reputation
Editor, the Forum:
Republican senators, it’s not too late to begin saving the Republican Party and salvaging your own reputations. In the impeachment trial, on the record, you should vote 100 percent to convict Donald Trump of inciting an insurrection against the United States of American. Abandon him as the party leader and prevent him from ever again serving in an elected position of the federal government, especially as president.
— Michael L. Wood, Peachtree Corners
Cannot understand thinking of new school board members
Editor, the Forum:
Apparently, Gwinnett County residents were OK with the unrest and problems the Board of Education would face since they elected the “dream team” to cause the unrest. Dr. Alvin Wilbanks has been a great asset to our school system. Trying to have him removed is one of their top goals. I cannot understand their thinking.
— Darlene Meyer, Suwanee
Send us your thoughts: We encourage you to send us your letters and thoughts on issues raised in GwinnettForum. Please limit comments to 300 words, and include your hometown. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Send feedback and letters to: elliott@brack.net
Transit system plans second “Stuff-a-Bus” food drive
Gwinnett County Transit and Gwinnett Community Outreach are asking transit users to bring non-perishable goods to the Park-and-Ride lots as part of the second annual ”Stuff-A-Bus” donation drive to help people who are struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In the inaugural Stuff-a-Bus drive last year, patrons nearly filled a 40-foot-long commuter bus with food and other necessities that were distributed among local cooperative ministries.
Shaunieka Taylor, director of Community Outreach, says: “This is the time when food pantries struggle. After the holidays, donations tend to slow down even though the need is still high. The Stuff-A-Bus program last year was extremely helpful, and we hope that people will step up again.”
People can bring their donations to the following Park & Ride lots:
- Feb. 15 and 16 from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Sugarloaf Mills Park & Ride, 1905 North Brown Road, Lawrenceville;
- Feb. 17 from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Buford Park & Ride, I-985 at SR 20, Buford; and
- Feb. 18 and 19 from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at Indian Trail Park & Ride, 1560 Indian Trail Lilburn Road, Norcross.
The GCT Customer Service Office at 3525 Mall Boulevard, Suite 5C in Duluth also will be accepting donations from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 15 through 19.
Preferred food and toiletry items include: dry beans (navy/black), soups (vegetable/broth/cream), spaghetti sauce, canned tomato products, peanut butter/jelly, canned fruit, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, yams, pasta, pancake mix, taco kits, gravy mix or jars/cans, cake mix, canned meat (chicken/beef), rice, applesauce, fruit cups, instant potatoes, tuna or chicken pouches, oatmeal, grits, canned vegetables (corn/peas/carrots), toilet paper, bath soap, toothpaste, shampoo, laundry detergent, baby and adult diapers, garbage bags and facial tissue.
Hudgens exhibition features artists’ work about birds
The Hudgens Center for Art and Learning currently is presenting THREE BILLION, an exhibition curated by Laura Adams, through April 24, in conjunction with the Georgia Audubon Society.
Red birdhouse
North America has lost almost one third of its native bird population – some three billion birds. These birds aren’t just the birds that we have known to be in distress. These are birds much more familiar to us, our “backyard birds”, the ones who come to visit us in our yards and parks.
There are several causes for this decline. The primary cause is habitat loss. Then there are the other human-caused problems such as window collisions, vehicles, power lines, communication towers, and domestic cats. Pesticides cause losses from poisoning and from loss of insects for food.
The artists included in the THREE BILLION exhibit are helping to raise awareness of what is happening to the avifauna around us, and how we can help. The exhibition features work in a variety of mediums: mixed media, sculpture, textiles, photography, and collage, from artists Laura Adams; Kate Breakey; Chris Condon, Eileen Doughty; Mary Engel; Patricia Griffin; 2013 Hudgens Prize winner, Pam Longobardi; Brittany Wilund; and Chris Wilson.
Peachtree Corners Vets Assn. gets new executive director
The Peachtree Corners Veterans Association (PCVMA) is getting a new executive director and president. She is Tiffany Grave de Peraltam, a retired Navy Commander, who has been on the committee since 2015. She replaces the founding leader, Bob Ballagh, who will remain on the board through his term, which ends in 2021.
New vice president is Ray Crum, Colonel U.S. Army (Retired), who has served on the board since 2019. He replaces Doug Heckman, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired). Heckman had served as the organization’s vice president since the formation of the non-profit.
Jennifer Bonacci, a Peachtree Corners resident and Controller for IPInvestments Group, replaces Frank Drewry as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Drewry has served in the capacity since 2015.
Additionally, Jay Bergstresser, a former U.S. Navy Chaplain, and pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church, has joined the board. Other PCVMA board members include Brian Johnson, Sharon Knox, Charlie Roberts and Judy Putnam.
Finding a way to honor the city’s veterans began in 2014. Mayor Mike Mason and Councilmember Alex Wright first proposed the idea of a veterans’ monument. Both served in the U.S. Navy and have been on the PCVMA board since its formation.
The Genealogy of Morality by Friedrich Nietzsche
From Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill: I did not like this book at first because Nietzsche’s writing style is not for the faint hearted. I was confused more than once. However, I ended up being intrigued by his thought-provoking ideas. Nietzsche suggests we re-examine our cultural values and ethics and analyze how they came about. He says morality is not a fixed thing and that the values we think of as “bad” today would have been thought of as “good” many years ago and vice versa. He thinks asceticism and “priestly values” such as meekness and selflessness repress us, cause the stifling of our natural inclinations and make us feel guilty. He talks about the herd mentality, about embracing whatever comes in life, and about how we shouldn’t feel guilty for desiring vengeance because the desire for justice is a normal human instinct. Again, it’s a bit hard to read but quite interesting.
An invitation: what books, restaurants, movies or web sites have you enjoyed recently? Send us your recent selection, along with a short paragraph (150 words) as to why you liked this, plus what you plan to visit or read next. Send to: elliott@brack.net
Guitarist Atkins from Tennessee, but later lived in Georgia
One of the finest guitar players of his generation, Chet Atkins helped to originate the “Nashville Sound” and played a vital role in turning Nashville, Tenn., into the home of country music. In addition to his own performing, Atkins discovered and produced some of country music’s greatest artists.
Atkins
Chester Burton Atkins was born on June 20, 1924, near Luttrell, Tenn. Many members of his family played musical instruments, and his father made a living by teaching piano and singing with touring evangelists. Atkins’s parents separated when he was six; they later divorced, and his father moved to Georgia.
For the next several years Atkins’s older brother, James, a working jazz guitarist who at one time played with guitar pioneer Les Paul, served as his younger brother’s musical inspiration. The young Atkins quickly became a proficient guitarist and fiddler, and often played at local square dances. In 1936 he went to live with his father in Harris County, Georgia, in the hopes that the drier climate would ease his asthma. As he continued to improve his guitar and fiddle playing, Atkins learned to read music from his father.
Determined to become a famous musician, Atkins began his career at age 18, when he landed a job with the Knoxville, Tenn., radio station WNOX as a staff musician. Over the next several years he worked with the country music acts Homer and Jethro and the Carter Family. A few of his instrumental tunes received some airplay during this time, namely “Galloping on the Guitar,” and “Main Street Breakdown,” both from 1949, but they did not become popular enough to allow Atkins to embark on a solo career, which was his real ambition.
During the late 1940s Atkins balanced the demands of an itinerant musical career with a family. He married singer Leona Johnson in 1946, and the couple had a daughter, Merle, in 1947. In 1950 the Grand Ole Opry offered the Carter Family a spot on its roster of musical acts, and Atkins settled down, making Nashville his permanent home.
(To be continued)
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to http://georgiaencyclopedia.org
No scenic place Mystery Photo, but a question: what’s this?
Instead of a place, this week the Mystery Photo seeks to answer the question: what are these? These pieces (eight in a set) are made of steel, measure in inches 9 1/8 long, 1 ¼ wide and on the side it’s ¾ wide at the very top, then notches to 1 ½, while at the bottom it’s a half inch wide. They once were used for a specific function,and you’ll have to figure out what that was. Try to figure out what these are, then send your answer to elliott@brack.net, and include your hometown.
The Dhobi Ghat, in Mumbai, India (once known as Bombay) was the Mystery Photo of last week, spotted first by George Graf of Palmyra, Va. The photograph came from Miriam Machida of Watkinsville. Also recognizing the photo were Lou Camerio, Lilburn, Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill, and Allan Peel of San Antonio, Tex.
Graf wrote: “Mumbai’s unique outdoor laundry system is where chaos, color, activity and sounds mix together in a freakish blend. It’s a fascinating place where Mumbai’s laundry gets done. Clothes are hand washed by hundreds of Dhobis (laundry men and women) on concrete sinks and hung on clotheslines. For 18 to 20 hours each day, over 7,000 people flog, scrub, dye and bleach clothes dry them on ropes, neatly press them and transport the garments to different parts of the city. The dhobis collect clothes from all corners of the city, with their biggest clients being neighborhood laundries, garment dealers, wedding decorators and caterers, and mid-sized hotels and clubs.”
Peel added: “Mumbai is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra, and with over 12.5 million residents in the Greater Mumbai area, it is the most populous city in India. The Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat is a 140-year-old, open-air laundromat with an estimated 500,000 pieces of clothing being sent there from area hotels, hospitals, and homes to be hand-washed. What certainly seems to be a chaotic situation, the operations at these facilities are really quite efficient. This is a labor-intensive process, and the washermen, also called dhobis, have a system in place that takes care of washing, sorting, and ironing. A code is written on the back of each garment that allows the correct piece of laundry to get back to its owner.”
Hazardous waste collection at Fairgrounds on Feb. 20
Fifth Annual Hazardous Waste collection will be Saturday, February 20 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. Residents can drop off up to five containers of household hazardous waste, such as paint, aerosols and batteries for proper disposal or recycling. Covid guides will be in place, which may result in longer waiting times. The event is sponsored by Gwinnett Water Resources and Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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