CROSSING THE FINISH LINE: Annandale Villager Alan in the wheelchair with Kessler Catterall (green shirt) celebrate as they cross the finish line of the 2023 10 th Annual Extra Mile 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk. The 2024 event will be August 24, and registration is now open. To read more, and to register, go to Notable below.
TODAY’S FOCUS: Explaining how fascism helps confuse today’s argument
EEB PERSPECTIVE: A fast friend, and national beekeeping leader
SPOTLIGHT: Crowne Plaza Atlanta NE Norcross
ANOTHER VIEW: Looking at the ways Finland fought homelessness
FEEDBACK: Suggests amendment with maximum candidate age
UPCOMING: Innovative giving partnership to benefit Autism
NOTABLE: Time to register for the 11th Annandale Extra Mile 5K
RECOMMENDED: Eugene Onegin By Alexander Pushkin
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Pitts Foundation associated with Methodist causes
MYSTERY PHOTO: Today’s mystery may be a far reach for you
CALENDAR: Mayors on program on July 12 in Peachtree Corners
Explaining how fascism helps confuse today’s argument
By Ashley Herndon
OCEANSIDE, Calif. | Fascism is the precise opposite of democracy. The people run a democracy, but a fascist government runs the people. Remember that in November. The result will be either freedom and democracy…or kowtowing to authoritarians and strong-arm rule of the few with ‘one’ having ultimate overriding authority. My way or the highway, in contemporary American parlance.
Herndon
Fascists in America may differ slightly from fascists in other countries, but there are a number of attitudes and practices that they have in common. Following are three examples.
Every person who has one of these characteristics is not necessarily a fascist. But he/she is in a mental state that lends itself to the acceptance of fascist aims and propaganda. It is taking the form of Christo-fascism as an accompanying theme.
First of all, pitting of religious, racial, and economic groups against one another in order to break down national unity is a device of the ”divide and conquer” technique used by Hitler to gain power in Germany and in other countries, with slight variations, to suit local conditions. Fascists everywhere have used this Hitleresque method.
In many countries, anti-Semitism is a dominant device of fascism. In the United States, native fascists have often been anti-Catholic, anti-Jew, anti-African, anti-Labor, anti foreign-born.
In South America, the native fascists use the same scapegoats except that they substitute anti-Protestantism for anti-Catholicism.
Interwoven with the ”master race” theory of fascism is a well-planned ”hate campaign’‘ against minority races, religions, and other groups. To suit their particular needs and aims, fascists will use any one or a combination of such groups as a convenient scapegoat.
Secondly: Fascism cannot tolerate such religious and ethical concepts as the ”brotherhood of man” or “All people are created equal.” Fascists deny the need for international cooperation. These ideas contradict the fascist theory of the ”master race.” The brotherhood of man implies that all people regardless of color, race, creed, or nationality have rights. International cooperation, as expressed in the Dumbarton Oaks proposals, runs counter to the fascist program of war and world domination.
In place of international cooperation, the fascists seek to substitute a perverted sort of Ultra Secular or Christian Nationalism which tells their people that they are the only people in the world who count.
With this goes hatred, contempt, and suspicion toward the people of all other nations. Now our native fascists are spreading anti-Ukraine, anti-NATO, and anti-United Nations propaganda. They know that allied unity now foretells the certain defeat of fascism abroad. They know that post-World War II allied unity meant world peace and security. They realize that fascism cannot thrive or grow under these conditions.
Thirdly, it is accurate to call a member of a communist party a “Communist.” For short, they were often called ‘Reds.” Today anti-democratic mouthpieces use indiscriminate pinning of the label “Red” on people and proposals to which they are opposed, and use it as a common political device. But now the Neo-Fascists use “Red” as an adjective describing themselves! Can you believe it? Foreign and native Fascists now use “Socialist” as a slur, since they claim the Red moniker as being a good thing.
If we ever needed it, more than ever now, we need God to save the USA.
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A fast friend, and national beekeeping leader
Apiary, Gardi, Ga.
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
JULY 9, 2024 | As you age, you go to more funerals. We’ve been to four in the last month.
One who died recently became a close friend and was of immense help to me when first publishing a weekly newspaper in Jesup, Ga. He was Troy Fore Jr., a tall, bald-headed and friendly fellow who joined the newspaper staff, covering news stories and, in particular, board of education meetings, which met at the same time as the county commission meeting, which I covered. But he was more than that: Troy was a photographer, columnist, adviser and counselor.
He returned to his home county after the University of Georgia and started what his father had taught him, beekeeping. His Fore’s Honey farm was just south of Jesup in Gardi on U.S. Highway 341. He specialized in tupelo honey, that high-end nectar that comes from the blossoms of the white Ogeechee tupelo trees along the Altamaha River basin east of Jesup.
Fore
Troy had no journalism experience when he joined our staff about 1965, still keeping his honey business. He was a quick learner. But he was more than a staff member. We became friends discussing local and world affairs.
Years later, when the two Jesup weekly newspapers were combined, Troy was named acting editor, then associate editor, and finally editor of the combined Press-Sentinel.
Troy was no ordinary beekeeper. He found creative ways to innovate, soon putting his bees to work as a migratory beekeeper. Starting in 1970, he would load all his hives of buzzing bees on an International flatbed truck, covering it with a massive net to ensure the bees stayed with him. He would haul those bees that first year with his wife, Mary, and young son, all the way to North Dakota to pollinate crops. He found this rewarding, and did it annually. He also loaded his bees at another time of year, this time turning south, heading to the Florida coast, where he drove his truck onto a boat to land in Abaco in the Bahamas, to pollinate cucumbers.
Beekeepers need special items you don’t find in the hardware store to keep their business going. Well before Internet days, to order supplies and equipment, you advertised in national publications. But it would take three months from the time you placed an order or advertised for something, and the time you actually received what you needed.
Troy, ever the innovator, used his newspapering skills to start his own publication, The Speedy Bee, a monthly trade newspaper, which would turn around advertisements within a month, hence the name. It quickly caught on and was published for years until the Internet took it out. It was a lot of hard work to get the names of beekeepers to mail to, but Troy combed records of the various state Departments of Agriculture to establish his mailing list.
Meanwhile, the publication led to Troy becoming well-known within the national beekeeping community, as he also attended state and national bee conventions. By 1988, after being on its board, the American Beekeeping Federation named him its executive director. For nearly 20 years, Troy was an advocate for the industry, testifying before congressional committees and hearings. He was responsible for organizing the association’s activities and conventions. He particularly worked with individuals on policymaking for the industry when plagues of Africanized bees threatened the American bee industry.
Troy, ever with foresight, was instrumental in establishing the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, a charitable research and educational foundation to support the health and propagation of honey bees.
Troy Fore Jr., 1945-2024, a fast friend. May you rest in peace.
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Crowne Plaza Hotel, Norcross
Today’s sponsor is the Crowne Plaza Atlanta NE Norcross, ranked No. 1 in guest satisfaction amongst all Crowne Plaza hotels in North America! The Norcross hotel provides everything you need for a great stay, including modern guest rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and free parking. Enjoy a delicious meal at Eighteen70 Restaurant and Bar, take a dip in our outdoor pool or relax in the sauna or steam room. There are over 10,000 square feet of conference space available to rent for social or business events. Crowne Plaza Atlanta NE-Norcross is the perfect place to relax after a great day exploring the area or working. No matter what brings you to town, Crowne Plaza Atlanta NE-Norcross welcomes you! Book your reservation at the Crown Plaza online at www.crowneplaza.com/norcrossga .
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.
Looking at the ways Finland fought homelessness
By Jack Bernard, contributing columnist
PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. | Oregon is one of our nation’s most progressive states. But a small, conservative, 90 percent-white city bordering California, Grants Pass, passed a law outlawing sleeping out in open spaces including parks, streets and sidewalks. In June, all six conservative Supreme Court judges found that the Constitution’s clause …“excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted” … was not violated by the city.
Like many Americans, I never thought much about the topic of homelessness. Then I met a kind, altruistic Georgia woman who opened my eyes. Previously, I turned my head when a homeless person came my way. Since meeting this fine lady, I have had an epiphany.
I am not religious, but many Americans are. Per the most famous Jewish rabbi (Jesus), born in a stable himself, said “You always have the poor with you.” It is not morally right for me or anyone else to simply ignore homeless people.
And, from Proverbs:
- “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.”
- “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.”
- “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
The United States has been shown to have a much higher rate of homelessness than many other nations, although accurate statistics are hard to come by. In the world’s only superpower, being poor and homeless is a growing problem that’s not going away. In our country, we have seen housing as a reward, essentially a privilege to those who have straightened out their lives.
The question facing us becomes “What is the best way for the USA to deal with homelessness”? One way to proceed is through examining best practices in other countries. determining which country is doing it right.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has zeroed in on Finland, with Europe’s lowest rate of homelessness.
Finland was once like the United States. Residents could be housed if they met certain conditions, like being drug-free or sober. But a few decades ago, Finland discovered that its system was not effective. Therefore, Finland changed. It now views housing as a right, not a privilege.
The nation’s model is “Housing First.” Residents must be housed, period, regardless of factors such as employment history, drug use and mental illness. And Finland has implemented this policy via a mandate that 25 percent of housing will be “affordable” funding. The proportion of Finish homeless has dropped dramatically.
Further, as opposed to big U.S. cities where low-income people are segregated into crime-ridden “projects,” the Finnish government mandated that public housing be spread throughout all neighborhoods and cities, including higher income areas.
True integration of the formerly homeless into the general population pushes previously unhoused people to view the world differently, more positively.
Conservatives constantly say we are a Judeo-Christian nation. Maybe the USA should try this charitable, successful model as well?
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Suggests amendment with maximum candidate age
Editor, the Forum:
The U.S. Constitution has three requirements to be elected as president. The person must be a natural born citizen, be 35 years of age, and have been a resident for 14 years in the United States.
The question which has now arisen is how old is too old to be serving as president?
My suggestion is that such an amendment simply states that a person elected as president may not serve beyond his or her 81st birthday. That would mean that to serve two terms one would have to be elected by age 72, or 76 if serving only one term.
— John Titus, Peachtree Corners
Dear John: The idea may be moot if one of the candidates becomes a dictator. –eeb
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Innovative giving partnership to benefit autism
By Laura Vladick
Development director, Spectrum Autism Support Group
DULUTH, GA. | Our Group is announcing an innovative partnership with dedicated real estate professionals to revolutionize charitable giving. This collaboration aims to transform how donations are made, significantly benefiting both donors and nonprofits within the community.
Vladick
Spectrum Autism Support Group and the real estate professionals are pioneering Charitable Gifts of Real Estate, a method that enables Spectrum Autism Support to benefit from real estate donations without incurring any risk or requiring additional resources. Christina Coleman, a Certified Charitable Real Estate Specialist with eXp Realty, is at the forefront of this initiative.
Claire Dees, executive director of Spectrum Autism Support Group, says: “We are pleased to enter into this partnership, which will open new avenues for charitable giving and provide substantial support to our community. By leveraging real estate donations, we can secure significant funding to further our mission and support individuals and families impacted by autism.”
Some of the anticipated benefits:
- Increased Contributions: Donors can now leverage noncash assets, such as real estate, to significantly enhance their contributions.
- Risk-Free Process: The real estate professionals’ proactive strategy ensures a 100 percent risk-free process for Spectrum while providing significant tax benefits for property donors.
- For more information or to donate property to Spectrum Autism Support Group, please visit this page.
About Spectrum Autism Support Group: It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides support, education, and resources for individuals and families impacted by autism. Since 1998, Spectrum has been a community pillar, serving 2,000 individuals and families in 2023 alone. Located in downtown Duluth, Georgia, the organization offers support groups, respite care, camps, social skills programs, family events, and much more.
About Christina Coleman: She is a charitable giving specialist who has devoted her career to leveraging real estate transactions for philanthropy. With over 15 years of experience in real estate, Christina brings extensive expertise and a passion for supporting charitable causes through innovative giving strategies. For additional information, contact her at 770-239-6630 x101 or via email at RealEstate4Spectrum@gmail.com.
Time to register for the 11th Annandale Extra Mile 5K
On your marks get set, go…and register for Annandale Village’s 11th Annual Extra Mile 5K Run/Walk!
Set for August 24, this family-friendly community event raises funds to support the lives of adults with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries. All proceeds go directly to support Annandale Village, which serves these extraordinary individuals so that they can live their most independent lives possible.
The race (on a USATF certified course) begins at 8 a.m. at Suwanee Town Center, 330 Town Center Ave., Suwanee.
Annandale Village CEO Adam Pomeranz says: “This is one of our largest events of the year. We encourage all community members to come out and support Annandale, whether you’re running or walking as an individual or as a part of a team, supporting the race financially, volunteering or cheering on other participants. We already have a team of Villagers practicing for the 5K,” he adds. “They’re ready to put up some competition!”
This year’s Extra Mile 5K is part of the 2024 Suwanee Running Series. Those interested must-run FIVE races listed as a part of the Suwanee Running Series in order to earn a limited-edition Suwanee Running Series finisher T-shirt. All 5K finishers will also be entered for a chance to win a pair of On Cloud shoes, courtesy of Big Peach Running Co.
Early bird registration is now open for $25 through July 31 ($15 for the 1 mile), with the price going to $30 on August 1 ($20 for the 1 mile). Virtual and day-of registration is $35. Registration is now open online at annandale.org/event/extramile5k.
All Extra Mile participants receive a commemorative T-shirt and a finisher’s medal! A live DJ will complete the fun vibe, and there will be plenty of things to see and do following the event, including indulging in a well-earned refreshing treat and mingling with the many race sponsors and vendor tables. Strollers and well-behaved dogs are welcome.
“This is really a lot of fun for the entire community,” Pomeranz says. “You can get a little exercise in and enjoy some fun after, all while supporting the extraordinary people we serve at Annandale Village.”
Located in Suwanee, Ga., Annandale Village is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing progressive life assistance for adults living with developmental and intellectual disabilities and acquired brain injuries so that they can maximize their abilities and maintain their independence in the least restrictive environment. For more information, visit annandalevillage.org.
Eugene Onegin By Alexander Pushkin
(Translation by Walter Arndt)
From: Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill: Young, arrogant Eugene Onegin is bored — completely and utterly fed up with his empty, pampered life as a wealthy Russian socialite. His existence in the early 1800s has become an irritating routine of attending parties, opera and the theatre and flirting with refined young ladies. He lives a dandified life among both city sophisticates and gentile country folk. But, eventually, Onegin’s cold-hearted and disinterested outlook on life pushes him toward a tragedy that causes devastation to himself and those he knows best. So why recommend this book? Because it is a beautifully written rhyming novel by Russia’s most eminent poet, Alexander Pushkin, and there are humor and light moments sprinkled throughout. Imagine translating a rhyming novel into another language and still getting it to rhyme! This is exactly what Walter Arndt has done with his English translation of Eugene Onegin. That’s amazing! I recommend it.
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Pitts Foundation associated with Methodist causes
The William I. H. and Lula E. Pitts Foundation is an independent private foundation that underwrites educational and social service activities through institutions that are affiliated with the United Methodist Church in Georgia. In 2003 its assets totaled approximately $77 million, and it awarded nearly $4 million in grants.
The foundation was established in 1941 by William Irby Hudson Pitts, who resided in Waverly Hall, Ga. His wife, Lula Cook Ellison, was from nearby Ellerslie. The couple had accumulated wealth through working in Pitts’ father’s mercantile business, which they built into a community general store. Pitts also invested early in Cola-Cola stock and carried out other business activities.
By the time Pitts died in 1964, at the age of 102, he had already given away more than $1 million. His daughter, Margaret Adger Pitts, who had become a lifetime trustee at the initiation of the foundation, continued her father’s work and supported such institutions and organizations as Andrew College, Candler School of Theology, Epworth by the Sea, LaGrange College, Magnolia Manor (a retirement home in Americus) and Young Harris College.
The Pitts Foundation endowed the building of the Pitts Memorial Library at Andrew College in 1948, and donated funds for the construction of a new library in 1967. The original Pitts Library was designed to serve both the college and the larger Randolph County community, and its archives became a repository for local history.
In 1973 and 1974, the Pitts Foundation made significant gifts to the Candler School of Theology to endow its library, which was named the Pitts Theology Library. The foundation also underwrote Candler’s purchase of the 220,000-volume Hartford Seminary Foundation library, which made the Candler Library the second-largest theology library in the United States.
Margaret Pitts, who never married, died at the age of 104 in 1998. Her estate, which totaled $192 million, included the bequests of trusts for the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, South Georgia Methodist Home for Children, and Young Harris College as well as a fund for retired pastors in the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Though the death of Margaret Pitts meant the end of direct family involvement with the foundation, its trustees continue to follow the original foundation establishment guidelines, as well as what is known about the Pitts family’s philosophy, as they make granting decisions.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Today’s mystery may be a far reach for you
Today ‘s mystery can be a far reach of a photo, since there are few clues to guide you. Certainly the topography looks similar to most places, so this could be a difficult test. If you land on an idea, send it to ebrack2@gmail.com, and include where you get your mail.
We were surprised that no locals identified the recent mystery, as only out-of-towners sent in correct answers. That included Jay Altman, Columbia, S. C.; George Graf, Palmyra, Va.; and Allan Peel, San Antonio, Tex., who wrote: “Today’s mystery photo is the former home of Dr. Oliver Oglethorpe Simpson (1859 – 1943) at 273 N. Peachtree St. in historic downtown Norcross. Simpson built the house with his third wife, Martha Ida “Mattie” Rakestraw (1870 – 1955), around 1910 after their family outgrew the much smaller 1895 home that they had built next door (at 297 N. Peachtree St).
“Dr. Simpson was a prominent citizen of Norcross during the early years of the 20th century. In addition to his medical practice, Simpson was active as a cotton broker and politician who served two terms as Norcross mayor and spent time on the county commission and in the state legislature. He was one of the first owners of an automobile in the area, but said to be a notoriously bad driver!”
- SHARE A MYSTERY PHOTO: If you have a photo that you believe will stump readers, send it along (but make sure to tell us what it is because it may stump us too!) Send to: ebrack2@gmail.com and mark it as a photo submission. Thanks.
Mayors on program on July 12 in Peachtree Corners
Three area mayors will be on the annual panel of the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce on Friday, July 12, at 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast. The event will feature Mayors Lois Salter of Berkeley Lake; Craig Newton of Norcross; and Mike Mason of Peachtree Corners, discussing municipal policies, and the future for the area. A breakfast will also be provided. To reserve your seat, register prior to noon on Wednesday, July 10. The event costs $28 for members and $35 for non-members.
Author Talk with Elle Cosimano, New York Times and USA Today best- selling author. This will be Saturday, July 13, at 7 p.m. at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. She will discuss her newest witty mystery, Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice. Registration is required.
College Fair will take place on Monday, July 16 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Five Forks Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Local college and university admissions counselors will answer your questions and provide information about their specific schools.
Helping Kids Manage Big Emotions will be a program at the Centerville Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on July 17 at 5:30 p.m. Gain a greater understanding of the challenges facing your child and practical steps you can take to ensure your child’s needs are met.
McCracken Posten Jr., an author and attorney, will discuss his true crime story of Zenith Man on Thursday, July 18 at 7 p.m. at the Dacula Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Books will be available for sale and signing.
Writers Workshop is coming to the Lilburn Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. The workshop will be July 20 at 1 p.m. Learn more about writing, network with other writers, and listen to accomplished authors offer tips to improve your writing. In partnership with the Atlanta Writers Club. Registration is recommended.
Braselton 5-K run benefiting the Braselton Police Foundation will be Saturday, July 27, starting at 6:30 a.m. This is a certified run and the time can be used as a qualifier for next year’s AJC Peachtree Road Race. To register, go to this site.
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