StarNews June 2021

StarNews

CARROLL COUNTY, GEORGIA’s ONLY LOCALLY OWNED / LOCALLY OPERATED NEWSPAPER

“Critical Race Theory”

What it is and how to fight it - see Christopher F. Rufo page 23

“Can the United States sustain the International Order?”

- see Lee Hamilton page 22

JUNE 13, 2021 • VOLUME 27 NUMBER 6

from press release Governor Brian P. Kemp issued an executive order regarding remaining COVID-19 guidelines for long-term care facilities, schools, and local governments.

“As hospitalizations, cases, deaths, and percent positive tests all continue to decline - and with vaccinations on the rise - Georgians deserve to fully return to normal,” said Governor Kemp.

“With safe and effective vaccines See NO MORE MANDATES page 15

Governor issues order prohibiting CoVID-19 “passports” in state government

from press release Governor Brian P. Kemp issued an Executive Order which prohibits state agencies, state service providers, and state properties from requiring COVID-19 vaccine passports.

“Prohibition of COVID-19 Vaccine Passports” Executive Order also outlines that no vaccine passport shall be required See NO PASSPORTS page 15

On the heels of historic pandemic shutdowns, State of Georgia secures highest bond ratings

from press release Governor Brian P. Kemp announced Georgia again secured the highest ratings of AAA with a stable outlook from each of the three main credit rating agencies. Of the states that issue general obligation bonds, only nine currently meet this standard. Georgia’s upcoming general obligation bond sale will fund over $1.1 billion in capital projects. The Peach State’s AAA ratings will enable the state to sell its bonds at the lowest possible interest costs when it takes bids See AAA BOND RATING page 15

Newly formed Liberty Forum piques the interest of area elected officials

Guest speaker for the most recent Liberty Forum event was Cole Muzio, second from left. He is president and executive director of the Family Policy Alliance of Georgia, and gave the presentation “Focus on the Family” at the May 25, 2021 Liberty Forum. Shown second from right is Clint Chance, one of the founders of the newly formed Liberty Forum group. Chance is also the Carroll County Commissioner for District 2, but stressed that Liberty Forum is not affiliated with any political party.

Chance stated that these Forums are open to all interested persons wishing to “make a difference in our nation’s future by engaging through local involvement”. The May 25th presentation, and the open discussion that followed, piqued the interest of a crowd of about forty citizens including, above left, Matthew Momtahan, Villa Rica City Council member for Ward 2, and, right, Jim Watters, City of Carrollton Council member for Ward 3. See story / more photos page 10. Photo by Sue Horn DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! READ DIGITAL MONTHLY PRINT EDITIONS on

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COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND CITY OF CARROLLTON INCREASES IN BUDGETS

CITY OF CARROLLTON’s RECENT ANNUAL BUDGETS 2018-2019 $26,985,425.52 2019-2020 $27,300,001.10 spent in current budget that ends June 30 $30,973,859.39 Proposed 2021-2022 $30,999,595.00 14.87% increase since 2018 CARROLL COUNTY COMMISSION’S RECENT ANNUAL BUDGETS 2018-2019 $50,263,500 2019-2020 $53,333,000 2020-2021 $55,569,500 Proposed 2021-2022 $59,109,566 17.6% increase since 2018

County’s 2020-2021 revenue soars $4.5 million above expected, budgeted amount

Board and Chair of Commissioners hold Special Called Meeting to increase spending in both current and proposed budgets

by Janice Daniel / Sue Horn budget adjustments, there would still The Carroll County Board of be approximately $831,000 remainCommissioners met for a Special ing. She suggested to the board and Called Meeting Thursday, May 19, chair to consider giving employees 2021, where the county’s finance bonuses with that remaining baldirector informed the board and ance. chair that the county’s actual reveFor a finance director to publicly nues for FY2021 was approximately offer to an elected board how to $4.5 million above what had been spend taxpayer monies was, if nothanticipated. The board and chair ing else, unusual. The question then voted on numerous amend- begged as to whether she had been ments to both the current budget and prompted to do so, and by who, to the proposed budget to fill the act outside of the normal job respon$4.5M increase. sibility boundaries.

The finance director then There was a consensus from the informed then that after those See INCREASE SPENDING page 12

But wait, there’s more: county commission discovers it has another $150,000 to spend

by Janice Daniel / Sue Horn The Carroll County Board of Commissioners met for a work session Thursday afternoon, May 27, 2021, where the county finance director informed the board and

chair that projected revenues over projected expenses had yielded another $150,000 extra during April, increasing the FY2021 extra monies from $4.5M to $4.65. The extra See MORE $$$ page 13

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Law enforcement in Georgia may confiscate your money/property without your having been convicted of any crime; you need only be a suspect - see Benita Dodd page 19

StarNews monthly traditional print publication / StarNews Online daily local news

NEWS REPORTING / NEWS RECAP / NEWS ANALYSIS

Governor issues new CoVID executive order: eliminates all restaurant restrictions; face coverings no longer required in public schools

“Highway Robbery and Civil Forfeiture”

Dr. Ralph Templeton, DC

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Sharing hope, spreading kindness: the Chase McDaniel legacy

by Wayne Reynolds

When a recent Friday noon Carrollton Kiwanis Club presentation ended, no one moved. Most were probably planning to go right back to work after this lunchtime meeting, but no one rushed out. This day’s speaker, Kiki McDaniel, delivered a message of hope and kindness that left everyone quietly still in their seats. After a few moments, most members went over to McDaniel and husband, Tracy, to share thoughts and ask questions.

Readers may remember Kiki during the time she owned a dance studio (for over 15 years) in Carrollton, or her ministry at Crossroads Church. But these members of Kiwanis will forever remember her presentation this day as executive director and co-founder, along with Tracy, of “Chase The Victory Foundation”. Their vision is to comfort broken hearts. . . like their own. They are the parents of the late Chase McDaniels.

In 2019 their son, Chase, two weeks shy of his 17th birthday was diagnosed with cancer. He

The late Chase McDaniel

was a typical teenager who not only played football (#42) at Carrollton High School but was also the team captain. As he began his battle with cancer, he went from that fairly typical teenager to an extraordinary teenager.

On the day of his diagnosis at the hospital on a Saturday, the doctor said there would be more extensive testing on Monday to determine the type of cancer and a treatment plan. Chase proclaimed that he needed to leave as the prom was that night. He explained his date had a new dress and had made plans and he wasn’t going to disappoint her. The doctor didn’t think it was a wise idea. He turned to Kiki and Tracy and said, “I will leave it up to you as you will be making many tough decisions coming up.”

Chase went to prom that night. His fierce determination - and kindness to others - would become part of his legacy. During his battle, unbeknown to his parents, Chase went on Snapchat and asked his friends to donate shoes to make a difference in the lives of others. He, had received an autographed pair of sneakers from NBA superstar Dwayne Wade. Chase’s kindness and sneaker donations would become a part of that legacy.

On September 17, 2019, Chase was given the opportunity to speak at Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan’s fundraiser. After his speech, he collapsed in a chair. Realizing he was running a fever, Kiki and Tracy rushed him back to the hospital, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, that he would not leave.

Chase was diagnosed with Diffuse Large BCell Lymphoma. It was initially categorized as Stage 3, but a week after the diagnosis was updated to Stage 4 after a biopsy revealed cancer in his bone marrow. His lymphoma was very aggressive and triggered Hemophagocytic

Carrollton Kiwanis Vice-President Johnny Tanner, left, presents a Kiwanis mug as appreciation for the presentation on “Chase the Victory Foundation” by his parents Kiki and Tracy McDaniel. Photo special by Neil Weathington Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, or DLBCL, is a cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes. It usually grows in lymph nodes - the pea-sized glands in the neck, groin, armpits, and elsewhere that are part of the immune system. It can also show up in other areas of the body.

DLBCL grows fast, but three out of four people are disease-free after treatment, and about half are cured. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe systemic inflammatory syndrome that can be fatal.

This syndrome can sometimes occur in normal people with medical problems that can cause a strong activation of the immune sys-

tem, such as infection or cancer.

Chase fought a battle that he wasn’t destined to win, but God had bigger plans for Chase and his family. Two months later on November 16, 2019, God brought him home.

Kiki said, “We received messages from kids we didn’t even know who told us Chase was their best friend. He had been so encouraging and inspiring to other children at the hospital who had been battling cancer as well. Tracy and I decided to honor Chase and his legacy starting Chase The Victory… a 501 c nonprofit charitable foundation.”

Their mission was to strengthen the support of families grieving the loss of a child, fighting See CHASE McDANIEL page 16

Fourth of July 2021 We all are probably spending our Fourth of July relaxing, vacationing, having a good pig-pickin’ or charring hamburgers, and hotdogs.

Those in our armed forces, however, are spending their Fourth of July standing on the watch walls defending our life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

Please take time to pray for their safety, endurance, and those family members left here in their absence.

I hope you will reflect with me on just what the Fourth of July meant to those Americans who drafted and signed our Declaration of Independence. Those who signed it certainly risked losing their life, their livelihoods, and any material possessions they may have had. Not only did they risk theirs, but they also risked these for their fellow countrymen and women. This certainly was “crossing the Rubicon” and defeat would have meant utter destruction in more ways than fathomable. Worry of defeat can be crippling. Worry of defeat at the same time can also motivate and drive people to great feats. They were human just as we are, and certainly worried what defeat may have resulted in. This worry, however, did not cripple them - it motivated them to stay the course.

We, as those first Americans did 245 years ago, must not allow fear to cripple us. We must be motivated. This motivation, however, must be a strength and endurance we find from our Creator - without God’s will, blessing, and Grace, we will not succeed. I am forever hopeful we can survive anything the world may throw at us. This American Experiment in Liberty is the greatest we have record of in the history of civilization, save Christ’s redemption of our sins on the cross at Calvary. It is imperative to note the reliance on God by our founders. It is true all were sinful, and some were not even believers in Christ. It is evident, however, there were believers who signed the Declaration of Independence.

We must, as those believers who signed the Declaration of Independence, continue to have faith in our Creator first and foremost. Without His blessing, our American Experiment in Liberty will not survive the next century. I believe just as President Georgia Washington did, that there is no higher office in our country than that of a Patriot.

To all patriots, Happy Fourth of July. May God Bless you, and May God continue to Bless the United States of America!

State Representative Tyler Paul Smith

-TPS, HD 18 Very Respectfully, Tyler Paul Smith Georgia State Representative, District 18 18 Capitol Square- Suite 408 CLOB Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Office: 404-657-1803 District Address: 3002 Cashtown Road Bremen, Georgia 30110

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Jimmy Daniel: “When you walk behind a mule all day, working a real job is a piece of cake” With the average number of jobs in the lifetime for a baby boomer at twelve jobs, 79 year old Daniel is still working full time after 58 years on his second job

Bowdon Investment Company’s warehouse. four children, Shana, Alicia, Tanya, and Jon live within five Jimmy began working at Bremen Bowdon, located at 141 miles of him. And he goes to church at Wise Chapel Methodist When you think of a person working for 58 years for the Commerce Street, Bowdon, Georgia, when he was 20 years old. Church in -you guessed it - Trickum Valley. Jimmy lost his same company, you most likely would think of an executive Growing up in Trickum Vally just across the state line in wife Shirley November 11, 2006. He has 10 grandchildren and sitting behind a desk in a fancy office? Well, think again. Meet Alabama. Jimmy’s family farmed. Jimmy explained, “All day five great grand children as well.

Jimmy Daniel—a different kind of guy. And different in a long I walked behind a mule, so working a real job was a piece Jimmy Daniel has seen a lot of changes in these 58 years at positive way. That was 58 years at the same company, correct?! a cake.”

Bremen Bowdon Investment. Until computers were introduced Jimmy doesn’t work in a fancy office; he is the hard working His first “real job” was working for Trent Rubber, also in the late 1970s/early 1980s, Jimmy was paid in cash. and dedicated shipping and receiving supervisor in the Bremen located in Bowdon. After about six months, he Computers changed After about six months, he did a two year did a two year tour of duty in a lot of how the the United States Army. plant operated. tour of duty in the United States Army.

Jimmy then joined Bremen Jimmy further Jimmy then joined Bremen Bowdon Bowdon Investment explained that when Investment Company on Monday, May 6, Company on Monday, May 6, the Clinton 1963.

1963. “Back in those days, you got a Administration “Back in those days, you moved the suit job with a company like Bremen Bowdon got a job with a company like business off shore in only when someone retired or died,” Bremen Bowdon only when 1994 (NAPFA: the Jimmy continues. “Folks simply someone retired or died,” North American Jimmy continues. “Folks Free Trade didn’t quit jobs back then.” simply didn’t quit jobs back Agreement), it then.” killed the suit manufacturing business, with West Georgia He started off inspecting cloth. After about taking hard hits. NAFTA opened the door to outsourcing work 10 years of doing that, he moved to the to lost-cost Asian textile companies. Many plants simply closed. shipping and receiving, where he worked for Within a short time in the mid-90s, Georgia had only 16.5% of the next 23 years. For the past 25 years, he has industrial worked remaining in the testile industry, a 50% drop been the shipping and receiving supervisor from the 1950s. Bremen Bowdon Investment company had “To this day I don’t ask an employee to do been employing over 2,000 people. anything I wouldn’t do myself.” One Jimmy said it took over a year to get their first military employee, Tim Baker, who has one leg, works contract. Bremen Bowdon Investment Company now Jimmy Daniel, left, side by side with 79 year old Jimmy. Baker manufactures contract uniforms for all branches of the United in his office at the doesn’t miss a day of work. “We could use States Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Marines and Bremen Bowdon more people like Tim,” remarked Jimmy. Coast Guard.

Investment Company Obviously in this company, capability, Just before the 2020 CoVID-19 pandemic, Bremen Bowdon and, above, just determination, and a strong work ethic employed over 500. They currently employ about 185 people. prior to being hired overcome any disability or age factor. “[The pandemic] changed everything,” Daniel said. “Like there in 1963 Jimmy lives in Trickum Valley, just two most businesses we can’t find help. Most of the people we have miles from where he was born and raised. His See JIMMY DANIEL page 16

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20 state attorney generals, including Georgia’s, reject federal government’s call for “Critical Race Theory” to be taught in public schools

from press release Attorney General Carr is joining a multi-state coalition of 20 attorneys general in urging the Biden Administration to reconsider educational proposals aimed at imposing the teaching of critical race theory (CRT), the 1619 Project and other similar curriculum into America’s classrooms. Such goals are woven into a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Education establishing priorities for grants in American History and Civics Education programs.

“I believe in history by addition, not history by revision,” said Attorney General Chris Carr.

“This newly proposed rule would impose the flawed, radical teachings of critical race theory in Georgia’s schools. It must be rejected.”

In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, state attorneys general urge the Department to review the directives for teaching “traditional American history” as prescribed in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015. “Congress made clear that the purpose of the (ESSA) programs is to advance a traditional understanding of American history, civics, and government,” the letter states. “The proposed priorities would do little to advance that goal.” The ESSA was described by the Wall Street Journal as the “largest devolution of

federal control to the states in a quarter century.” The legislation gave authority back to parents, teachers, and local communities in deciding education policy. The coalition believes the newly-proposed priorities do the opposite, and they should be rejected. At the very least, the coalition says the Department should make it clear that it will not fund projects that promote CRT or any projects that characterize the United States as irredeemably racist or founded on principles of racism as opposed to principles of equality.

In the conclusion, the letter quotes Ronald Reagan once saying, “Freedom is a fragile thing and it’s never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by way of inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. And those in world history who have known freedom and then lost it have never known it again.”

Attorneys general from the following states also joined in this effort: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.

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UGA entomologists seeking public’s help to document the presence of the Giant Resin Bee

by Ashley N. Biles for UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences News University of Georgia entomologists are seeking citizen help to document the presence of the sculptured resin bee , also known as the Giant Resin Bee, an invasive bee that could threaten the native carpenter bee population.

The sculptured resin bee is native to Japan and China and was first found in the U.S. in North Carolina in 1994.

While they are not aggressive to people, these bees have the potential to create problems for native carpenter bees by taking over their nests, where they then lay their own eggs.

Sculptured resin bees take advantage of the cavities created in wood by carpenter bees because they do not have the mandible strength to bore into the wood on their own.

Dan Suiter, a professor in the Department of Entomology on the UGA Griffin campus, added that although he doesn’t see resin bees frequently, they are known to be a good pollinator of some plant species.

“We don’t see this bee very often,” said Suiter, noting that he is occasionally sent a sample of a resin bee to identify. “But we know that it’s invasive and uses kudzu as a food source.”

Becky Griffin, community and school garden coordinator at UGA’s Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center in Blairsville, is assisting UGA entomology research efforts by recruiting volunteers to determine where sculptured resin bees are showing up throughout the state. Griffin coordinates the Great Georgia Pollinator Census in August each year.

“They asked me to gather the troops of bug watchers to help determine where in Georgia the sculptured resin bee is located,” said Griffin. “We just want to document where they are.”

When identifying the sculptured resin bee, it is important to note that it is of similar size to the carpenter bee, with a few distinct differences. The thorax and abdomen of the carpenter bee are connected, and those parts are bald and smooth — or as Griffin puts it when speaking to school-aged children, “Carpenter bees

H a p p y

In the sculptured resin bee, both males and females have a striated abdomen with raised bands. have a shiny hiney.” In the sculptured resin bee, females have a pointed abdomen, while the males have a blunt edge. Both males and females have a striated abdomen with raised bands.

“If you look for the big bees, take note of the abdomen and thorax and that will give you a good, educated guess,” said Griffin. “We are starting to see small sightings all over the state already, and I think the peak time will be in the next couple of weeks as we see more summerlike temperatures.”

If possible, bee spotters should submit photos of suspected sculptured resin bees, as entomologists can examine the photos to determine exactly what species is shown.

“Right now we are on a fact-finding mission.

We are working with local Extension offices as well and will be sending out more information in the next few weeks,” Griffin said.

Anyone observing sculptured resin bees in Georgia is asked to submit their photos through the iNaturalist website under the project Wanted! Sculptured Resin Bees in Georgia. On the project page, observers can view posts from other citizen-scientists and see an interactive map that shows where the bees have already been spotted.

Findings can also be sent directly to Griffin at beckygri@uga.edu. Submitters are asked to include photos as well as the location where the bees were spotted.

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As set forth in its student catalog, West Georgia Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Equity (Title IX) coordinator is Dean of Students, 176 Murphy Campus Blvd, Waco, GA 30182. ADA (Section 504) coordinator is V.P. of Administrative Services, 401 Adamson Square, Carrollton, GA 30117. 678.664.0400

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Carrollton High School Coach Tim Criswell offers thanks to Carroll County community for their support

by Janice Daniel

The legendary Coach Tim Criswell coached boys basketball at Carrollton High School for 32 years with 628 wins, 13 regional championships, five region runner-up awards, six Elite Eight appearances at the state playoffs, and a state runner-up finish in 2014-15. On the way to the state championship game that season, the team set a school record of 29 wins, and Criswell was selected Region 4-A Coach of the Year for the State of Georgia. But, the most important impact Coach Criswell made in those 32 years was his relationship with his players. It was his utmost desire to see them excel not only in basketball, but most importantly, in life. He was mentor, friend, adviser, and one who really cared about the well-being of his players, both on and off the basketball court.

Coach Criswell, who was himself a multitalented athlete, graduated from Carrollton High School in 1981, was the second highest scorer in the school’s history at that time, and was selected as the 1981 State of Georgia class AAA basketball player of the year. When he graduated, he signed a basketball scholarship to Furman University in Greenville, SC, where he first played against Michael Jordan, who was with the North Carolina Tar Heels at that time.

Criswell also played five years of minor league baseball in the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers organizations.

Criswell was inducted into the Trojan Hall of Fame in 1986. His CHS jersey, #23, has been retired, and the basketball court where he played and coached was named Criswell Court in his honor in December of 2011.

In 1987, Tim received his B.S. in

Educational Leadership from West Georgia College, and also holds two Master’s Degrees from the University of West Georgia, and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.

Tim Criswell Criswell was guest speaker at a recent Carrollton Kiwanis Club meeting, where he told a few stories about growing up in Carroll County, and his school days here. In addition to Michael Jordan, he spoke about other players and friends he had met in college and professional sports. Then, he began to speak on the August 5, 2017 biking accident that almost took his life.

It was a Saturday morning, and Tim said that he still does not know exactly what caused the accident. He stated that he had had only about an hour sleep the night before, due to illness in the family - so he doesn’t know if he blacked out, or what. But he ran into the back of his wife’s bike, causing her several injuries as well.

He was life-flighted to Grady Hospital in Atlanta with broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a broken collarbone (which still causes numbness in his right arm), but, most worrisome was severe head trauma. He developed pneumonia and various infections, along with blood oozing and swelling of the brain.

With his wife Dawn beside him every step of the way, Tim was put into a medically induced coma, and when he awoke three weeks later on August 26th, his vision was impaired and he

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didn’t remember the accident, or even much about his life before the accident.

There were long months of recovery at the Shepherd Spine Center, and Tim expressed great thankfulness for the doctors, nurses, and all those who took care of him through those critical injuries.

But rather than focus on that, Criswell wanted to talk about the community that came together for him and his family with such “unbelievable” love and support. He said he was so amazed at how the Carroll County community took care of his home, his yard, and all of the daily responsibilities of life, and especially their love and prayers. He wanted the people to know that words could not thank them enough, and that he would never want to live his life anywhere else. As far as Coach Tim

PROTECT

Criswell is concerned, there is nothing to compare to the Carroll County people, and the wonderful loving support they gave to him and his family after the accident.

To the amazement of the doctors and many others, Tim only missed one year of coaching due to the accident, and returned to CHS in the 2017-2018 season for two more years as the boys Head Basketball Coach, until his retirement in August of 2020.

The impact Coach Criswell made in the lives of the multitude of young men he coached in his almost four-decade career, can never be measured. It can only be said once again, “Anyone can count the number of seeds in an apple, but only God know the number of apples in a seed.” Thanks for everything, Coach.

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Georgia’s longtime Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black launches campaign for Senate seat currently held by Raphael Warnock

States Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency and the Export Import Bank of the United States. Gary and his wife Lydia raise commercial beef cattle at Harmony Grove Farms, and serve together in various ministries at Maysville Baptist Church.

HB 202 gives Secretary of State more authority to address county election Gary Black, GA’s Agriculture Commissioner mismanagement

who received more votes than any candidate for U.S. Senate or Governor in 2018 and 2014, has launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Raphael Warnock.

“Warnock and Biden promised to ‘fundamentally change America,’” Black said.

“They’re five months into it and job growth and opportunity are down, inflation, debt and gas prices are up, the Middle East is back at war.

Satisfied? Or sickened? I fundamentally object.

I’ll stand in the gap and say the wave comes this far, and no further.”

A longtime champion of agribusiness — Georgia’s largest economic driver — Black has made the “Georgia Grown” brand one of the most successful marketing efforts of its kind in the nation.

Black was a founding member of President Trump’s rural and agriculture advisory group started in June of 2016. He also hosted President Trump in a visit with Georgia farmers hit hard

by Hurricane Michael and worked with the administration to utilize China tariff money on expanded marketing efforts in Taiwan. He was a vocal backer of Congressman Doug Collins’ Senate campaign last year.

He received more votes than any candidate for U.S. Senate or Governor of either party in Georgia in 2018 and 2014.

Gary Black is a Leadership Georgia Pattillo Award recipient and the 2017 Georgia Trend Magazine Georgian of the Year. He currently serves on advisory committees for the United

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said that Georgia’s new election law increased opportunities for voters to get assurance that county vote tabulation was done correctly while giving the state more tools to address Fulton County mismanagement. His comments come in response to a judge’s decision Friday to require the Fulton County Superior Court Clerk to unseal absentee ballots.

“From day one I have encouraged Georgians with legitimate concerns about the election in their counties to pursue those claims through legal avenues,” he said. “Fulton County has a longstanding history of election mismanagement that has understandably weakened voters’ faith in its system. Allowing this audit provides another layer of transparency and citizen engagement.”

Counties run elections in Georgia. Most do it well, according to the Raffensperger, who is the state’s chief election officer.

A few have a long history of problems which have undermined the public’s faith in election integrity over time. The new election law gives the state added ability to correct those problems.

Incorporating a proposal Raffensperger made after Fulton County’s mismanagement resulted in long lines during last year’s June primary, the new law gives the State Election Board the ability to temporarily replace chronically dysfunctional local election officials after sufficient due process.

The new law also makes public images of

ballot produced when they are scanned and tallied. They are now available to anyone through a simple Open Records Act request to the county. At Raffensperger’s order, Georgia counties, including Fulton, have already hand audited every ballot cast last November, the largest hand audit in U.S. history. Counties also re-scanned every ballot after the Trump campaign requested a recount. Both supported the original election result.

Carrollton attorney Jason Swindle re-elected to Board of Governors of State Bar of Georgia

Jason W. Swindle Sr. of the Swindle Law Group P.C. in Carrollton has been re-elected to serve on the Board of Governors of the 52,000member State Bar of Georgia.

Swindle will continue to serve the Coweta Judicial Circuit, Post 2 seat on the board, representing Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Meriwether and Troup counties. He earned his law degree from the Walter F. George Law School at Mercer University and was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in 2003. He practices criminal defense/DUI law in west Georgia.

The Board of Governors is the 160-member policymaking authority of the State Bar, with representation from each of Georgia’s judicial circuits. The board holds regular meetings at least four times per year.

UWG nursing program recognized by Princeton Review as one of nation’s best

The Tanner Health System School of Nursing (THSSON) at the University of West Georgia offers one of the five best online nursing school master’s programs in Georgia – as well as one of the best in the nation – according to The Princeton Review.

The college admission services company recently published its list of top online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs, with judging based on criteria such as flexibility,

Jones-Wynn

StarNews

June 13, 2021 Page 9

affordability and access to innovative technologies. An MSN opens so many doors for any nurse seeking to expand their career options.

Master’s-prepared nurses elevate patient care and nursing practice regardless of the setting.

Carrollton earns recertification as bicycle friendly community

The League of American Bicyclists has once again recognized Carrollton as a Bicycle Friendly Community. The city is one of nearly 500 U.S. communities, including 12 in Georgia, recognized for their efforts to create a better and safer atmosphere for bicycling for their residents and visitors. “The 2017 Bicycle Friendly Community award followed the completion of the GreenBelt construction and recognized the work of so many public and private partners working together towards this amazing multiuse facility,” said Martyna Griffin, vice president of the Friends of Carrollton GreenBelt. “In 2021, we are celebrating new trail spurs ,with the GreenBelt-to-Downtown connector opened earlier this year.”

A Bicycle Friendly Community works to build better biking facilities and programs and evaluate those efforts as part of a national movement. The award’s five levels – diamond, platinum, gold, silver and bronze, plus an honorable mention category – provide a clear path for ongoing improvement.

Carrollton’s renewed Bronze-level certification comes as the city is experiencing an increase in residents getting out and getting active. The trail inspired people to go enjoy the outdoors and that encouraged the city to move forward with additional bike amenities like GreenBelt spurs, on-street bike lane additions and the construction of new mountain bike trails around Castle Playground. Carrollton also attracted several bike-oriented events, including BRAG, the Georgia Bike Summit and the Georgia Tandem Rally.

Page 10 June 13, 2021

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Newly formed Liberty Forum takes off - and takes on today’s controversial issues

Public is invited to attend and participate in this open forum of discussion on family values, faith in God, freedom, elected officials and more

by Sue Horn

A newly formed West Georgia group is growing in numbers, strength of participation, and diversity as it develops its direction in the wake of woke, post-Trump, and overall health/status of personal and family values today. Liberty Forum has now held three public meetings, all at Uncorked on Main, downtown Villa Rica, attracting a diverse audience, this after several informal small meetings by a group of citizens who shared the belief that their vote / their opinion was not being heard.

Two of the founding members are elected officials, Leslie McPherson, Villa Rica City Council member, and Clint Chance, Carroll County Board of Commissioners, but they each stated emphatically that Liberty Forum has no particular political affliation, and that it’s purpose it to foster growth in knowledge and education about government and how it works, with a strong focus on local level governing first. Chance likened this learning process to first learning to ride a bicycle, and then moving on to a motorcycle, and then to an automobile, and so on; that participants need to understand what can and cannot be done at a local level.

Chance said, “People need to be aware of the issues around the country, and know how government operates. We have got to be educated, as that is the power.”

The three Forums held so far follow a simple guideline: a selected speaker presents on his/her topic of interest taking comments or questions during the presentation, with a more in-depth comments and questions period following the presentation. So far, audience participation has been strong, opinionated, and civil.

Cole Muzio, president and executive director, the Family Policy Alliance of Georgia (see front page photo) was speaker at the May 25th Liberty Forum. Muzio said, “We need to take a stand here in Georgia on values, human life. . . plant your flag locally.” His organization has taken a stand supporting the “Heartbeat Bill”.

He spoke on faith based organizations versus state based ideas. He also opined that “[Georgia Congressman] Raphael Warnock is not right with the Lord”. He said that although Georgia

Michael DeLance Thomas is shown above speaking at the April Liberty Forum held at Uncorked on Main, downtown Villa Rica.

His presentation was titled “The Principles of Liberty”. Thomas the author of the book “Why Christians Can’t Be Democrats” (available on Amazon) spoke directly and frankly on liberty versus security; the role of government in the United States, specifically what defines a functional and a dysfunctional society; personal property rights; and on “how to get more black people in the Conservative Movement”. At conclusion, his presentation received rousing applause. Photo by Sue Horn became identified a ‘Purple State’ after the results of the 2020 November election, he believed that “can change”.

Muzio said he “wants Georgia to be a state that glorifies God.” He cited three obstacles standing in the way to achieve this: chambers of commerce, “big” education, and “big” medicine.

The next scheduled Liberty Forum: Tuesday, 7:00 p.m., June 29th, Uncorked on Main, downtown Villa Rica. The public is invited.

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Shown above at the April 20, 2021, Liberty Forum are two of the founders, Leslie McPherson, left, and Clint Chance, right. Guest speaker was Michael DeLance Thomas, center, an “Empowerment Consultant” for the Universal Empowerment Group. Universal focuses on empowering individuals, businesses, and communities by utilizing the “Responsibility Methodology”, a “mathematical algorithm that demonstrates how authority is transferred throughout society”. Photo by Sue Horn

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June 13, 2021 Page 11

Edward Jones WGTC President Dr. Julie Post, left, and Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier, right, congratulate West Georgia Technical College graduate Elizabeth Rodriguez after naming her the state’s top technical education student.

WGTC graduate is the State of Georgia’s top technical school student: awarded new automobile from press release Elizabeth Rodriguez, a May 2021 Registered Nursing graduate of West Georgia Technical College, has been named the state’s top technical education student. Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier presented the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership to Rodriguez, a Newnan resident, May 26th on the West Georgia Tech’s Coweta Campus.

As the grand prize winner, Rodriguez received a brand new, made-in-Georgia, 2021 KIA K5, courtesy of KIA Georgia and delivered by Ed Voyles KIA of Chamblee.

Rodriguez is the first West Georgia Technical College student to win the statewide GOAL award. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be titled as this year’s State GOAL winner! This win comes as a collaborative effort and is dedicated to my community,” Rodriguez said. “I aim to fulfill my purpose of serving others and sharing everything I have learned and will continue to learn as I pass along these cherished moments of success.”

“Through her hard work, leadership and passion for helping others, Elizabeth has rightfully earned this tremendous honor as TCSG’s student of the year,” Dozier said. “She has the admiration of her peers, her college and the entire Technical College System of Georgia. I know that the West Georgia Technical College community is extremely proud of her as she

becomes this year’s student ambassador for technical education across our state.”

“We are incredibly proud of Elizabeth and honored that she chose West Georgia Tech for her educational journey,” West Georgia Tech President Dr. Julie Post said. “She is the best representative of why we do what we do in technical education every day.”

The GOAL program, now in its 49th year, recognizes the most outstanding technical education students at the 22 TCSG colleges. As the award winner, Rodriguez will make public appearances as a representative for technical education during the next year, including meeting with Governor Brian Kemp and addressing the Georgia General Assembly.

Rodriguez has already accepted a nursing position in the Post Op unit at Tanner Health System and will begin in July.

Each year, selection for the GOAL program begins with the naming of the top technical education student at each college. Regional competitions follow and narrow the field to nine finalists for the award. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a panel of judges interviewed this year’s nine finalists virtually.

WGTC offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, WGTC is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges.

For more information: www.westgatech.edu

from press release Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative received national recognition as a 2021 Spotlight on Excellence award recipient sponsored by the Council of Rural Electric Communicators (CREC) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

The cooperative received a Gold Award for a holiday themed graphic design used for internal and external communication.

The annual Spotlight on Excellence Awards program recognizes the best communication and marketing efforts by electric cooperatives and related organizations. Entrants competed with electric cooperatives of similar size in 16 categories. Electric cooperative communicators and marketing professionals submitted more than 720 entries in the Spotlight on Excellence program.

Faculty members from the University of Missouri - Columbia and University of South Carolina, as well as noted professionals in the

fields of marketing, web design and digital communications, and newspapers judged the event, which uses a finite scoring system to determine the winners.

Winners are recognized during the CONNECT conference, a national conference for communications and marketing professionals, to be held virtually in June, due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

The CREC was organized in 1982, and seeks to advance the recognition, education and professionalism of electric cooperative communicators and their affiliated organizations. This volunteer association works on behalf of more than 4,000 electric cooperative communicators across the United States.

Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 50,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Floyd and Troup counties. For more information: carrollemc.com

Fred O’Neal, AAMS® Financial Advisor 410 College Street Carrollton, GA. 770-832-2141

Derick T. Newton, AAMS® Financial Advisor 937B Maple Street Carrollton, GA. 770-832-9515

Joey L. Key, CHFC®, CLU® Financial Advisor 105 Somerset Pl,Suite A Carrollton, GA. 678-890-1067

Carroll EMC communications receives national award

Charles Shiver Financial Advisor 102 Trojan Dr Suite B Carrollton, GA. 770-834-4311

Chantrice Swint Financial Advisor 801 Old Newnan Rd. Ste. C Carrollton, GA. 30116 770-834-0570

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Page 12 June 13, 2021

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

INCREASE SPENDING from front page board and chair to execute these changes to the budgets.

As usual, this meeting was held at the Historic Courthouse, 323 Newnan Street, 3rd Floor, Commission Chambers, Supreme Court Room, Carrollton. District 6 Commissioner George Chambers was absent. Chair and all other district commissioners were present.

Commissioner Lee offered the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chairman Michelle Morgan made a special mention of the passing last week of Rulon Johnson, District 5 Commissioner from 19932000, and father of Daryl Johnson, Park Manager at McIntosh Reserve.

A special presentation was made by officers of Marsh & McLennan Agency, LLC (formerly J. Smith Lanier) regarding the county’s Property and Liability Insurance renewal effective July 1, 2021. Newton Jennings, Executive Vice President, presented the top three proposals, one of which will be voted on in the June 1, 2021 regular monthly Board of Commissioners meeting. The commissioners will have an opportunity to study the differences in the coverage between the two main contenders in the meanwhile. Jennings said that the county’s property loss ratio is 61%, while the ideal is 40% or less. The greatest majority of the property losses is in autos, and very little of it is in buildings. He stated that the county needs to put serious emphasis on creating a safety culture that is followed on a regular basis. He also mentioned that the upcoming Kane wall jail renovation made a positive impression on the proposed insurance companies.

Risk Management Engineer, Michael Govar, presented an overview of the services available for safety and risk management. Marsh & McLennan offer 350 free on-line training platforms and business-lead resources from a best practice standpoint. Their client portal is able to track and give a quarterly report on employees using their training courses. Chairman Morgan suggested the Board incorporate Mr. Govar into their quarterly safety meetings.

Jennings gave additional information that auto accidents are up nationwide. He said that insurance companies look more at frequency

than severity of claims, and that they also use a five-year weighted balance for rating their clients’ history. So as older, higher claims fall off, if the newer claims are fewer and less severe, that’s what causes the loss ratio to move closer to the 40% goal.

Board adjourned and went in to an executive (secret) session. The only two topics allowed for discussion in executive session are real estate and personnel matters. Board returned and resumed the special called meeting.

In the proposed budget review, Commissioner Chance discussed his conversation with the District Attorney’s office (Herb.

Cranford) as well as the Head of the Public Defender’s Office (Mary Anne Simmons). An agreement was reached to reduce the Public Defender’s Office FY2022 budget by $20,000, and increase the District Attorney’s Office budget by $20,000 for a net total budget change of zero dollars.

Finance Director, Alecia Searcy, informed the Board that, based on the proposal presented

by Marsh & McLennan, they could reduce the insurance expense line of the budget by $100,000 and move that amount to the contingency line.

There was a consensus from the Board to execute both of these changes to the budget.

Searcy went on to inform the Board that the county’s actual revenue for FY2021 was going to be approximately $4.5 million above the budgeted revenue received, and that was due to the “very conservative” FY2021 budget. The Finance Committee had expected motor vehicle and sales tax to be greatly reduced due to Covid. However vehicle purchases did not fall, so the anticipated drop in revenue did not happen. Searcy stated that none of this extra revenue was attributed to property taxes.

Commissioner Lee requested $75,000 to implement a roundabout on Bar J Road.

Commissioner Chance suggested funding riflerepellant vests for the Sheriff’s Office (maybe one for each patrol car) since regular bulletproof vests are not effective against high-powered rifles.

Searcy stated that after a couple of budget adjustments throughout FY2021 and the above mentioned projects, there would still be

approximately $831,000 remaining. She asked if the Board might want to consider giving employees bonuses with the remaining balance. There was a consensus from the Board for Finance Director Alecia Searcy to move forward with a proposed bonus structure for all County employees with the remaining balance,

using the same formula used in FY2021, to be presented at the June 1, 2021 Board of Commissioners meeting. Commissioner Ernest Reynolds expressed that he would like to see employee high quality work performance implemented into the bonus.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.

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www.starnewsgaonline.com MORE $$$ from front page extra revenue sources were: • Motor Vehicle Title Ad Valorem Tax Fee: $1,750,000 • 1% Sales Tax: $2,600,000 • Insurance Premium Tax: $283,000 • Other Revenue: $17,000 For a total of : $4,650,000 As usual, the board met in the Carroll County Historic Courthouse, 323 Newnan Street, Carrollton, Georgia, District 6 Commissioner George Chambers was absent for this work session. Present: Michelle Morgan, Chairman; Montrelle McClendon, District 1 Commissioner; Clint Chance, District 2 Commissioner; Tommy Lee, Vice Chairman and District 3 Commissioner; Steve

Fuller, District 4 Commissioner; and Ernest Reynolds, District 5 Commissioner.

This work session was especially important, as the commission worked through changes and other details for the advertising and the anticipated adoption of the 2021-2022 FY Budget. (See story Page 13.)

Finance Director Alecia Searcy reported that the month of April, 2021, was another good month for the county, with revenue at 102% of the budget, expenses at 83% of the budget. She said department heads were calling her to see how much is left in their budget, so she expects to see more expenses in May and June as they spend that money. She also stated that the Bonds closed for the SPLOST on May 18th, so that money is in the bank as of the end of May.

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners had their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at the historic Carroll County Courthouse, 323 Newnan Street, Carrollton.

The chair and all six board members were present. The main action of this regular meeting was the unanimous vote for approval of the 2021-2022 FY Budget of $59,109,066.

Chairman Morgan introduced the new Executive Director of the county, Donna Armstrong Lackey. Invocation was offered by Commissioner Clint Chance, with Lackey leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Consent Agenda from the May 27, 2021 work session was approved by a vote of 7 - 0.

(See related story front page.)

Finance Director Alecia Searcy said that the Carroll County FY2021 Budget Amendment will be advertised, with no action needed from the board.

The Board considered a Resolution providing for The Appropriations and Expenditures of Funds for the government of Carroll County for the County Fiscal Year of 2022, beginning July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022. Budget was approved by a vote of 7 - 0.

Appointments were then made for the Development Authority of Carroll County as follows: • by Chairman Morgan for Member-AtLarge: Jay Gill • by Commissioner Montrelle McClendon for District 1: Chris Davis • by Commissioner Tommy Lee for District 3 Reappointment: John Baxter • by Commissioner Ernest Reynolds for District 5: Tori Yearta Approved by a vote of 7 - 0.

There being no further business to attend, the meeting was adjourned.

Commission formally adopts new budget; approves appointments to Development Authority

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Searcy said a big portion of the extra revenue was due to consumer spending.

Commissioner Reynolds stated that he was hopeful the economy does not take a downturn once all the government economic stimulus money runs out, that the Board should keep a frugal attitude in mind.

Commissioner Clint pointed out that, due to covid, many people shopped on-line, and with the current state sales tax laws, the sales tax for purchases still comes to Georgia, no matter which state the items shipped from.

Chairman Morgan reported that the Proposed Budget for FY2021 would not be voted on [it is illegal to conduct votes in a work session], but that the budget will be advertised in the Times-Georgian [the county’s legal organ] for the required amount of time. (The board voted to approve the budget at the following Tuesday regular meeting. See story page 13,) Commissioner Reynolds questioned the Solid Waste number and the Airport. Searcy stated solid waste is additional fees for more trash, about $180,000 of the $205,000, plus State Court new judge, coroner health insurance, then Three Rivers is based upon population, and the county had to pay $2,000 over budgeted amount.

Regarding the proposed airport expenditure, this is for hangars that had been planned several years ago. Commissioner Lee mentioned the income the airport brings into the county.

Searcy said that the county is obligated to support the airport since it is an Authority of Carroll County.

The proposed budget includes recommendations for changes in positions as follows: - One additional full-time position for the Tax Commissioner - One additional full-time IT Specialist for

StarNews

June 13, 2021 Page 13

the Sheriff’s Office - One additional Maintenance Position for the Fire Department The following items were put on a consent agenda for a single vote at the June 1, 2021 regular Board of Commissioners meeting: • approval of Liberty Mutual quote of $847,468 for Liability and Risk Management insurance for FY2022. This proposal was given at the 5/19 work session by Marsh and McLennan.

• approval of intergovernmental agreements with the cities of Carroll County for Ad Valorem Tax Collection Services, with the addition of a $1.00 fee per each lot, parcel, and tract of land, each mobile home, and each personal property billed for ad valorem taxes, that will be paid to the Carroll County Department of Tax Collection.

• approval of Priority Dispatch’s quote of $95,832 and $9,600 annual fee in years 2 and 3, to provide Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Protocol Software for the county’s 911 program. Clay Patterson, the Carroll County 911 Director, joined the meeting via Zoom to discuss the decision to choose Priority Dispatch.

Clay was one of 14 Georgia 911 Directors to be chosen to attend the State of Georgia’s first Directors of 911 Academy. He said the present Carroll County 911 protocols have worked in the past, but it is now outdated and no longer meeting the standard of care. He said that, although Priority is a little more expensive, the most important advantage was that Priority was set up to interface with the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system which the county already has approved. Patterson stated that provision was made for the purchase of this software in the 2021 budget.

See COMMISSION SPENDING page 14

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Alexander, age 71, Tiffanee Dawne “Tiff” Cook, Master Danny Joe Jones, Jr., born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October 12, 1973, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 died Tuesday, May 25, 2021 age 2 months, born May 16, 2019, died Monday, July 8, 2019 born Monday, June 25, 1935, died 1, 2021 died July 8, Saturday, 2019 June 2021 age 2 months, born May 16, born November 27, 1947, died age 45, born October May 12, 4, 1973, 2019, Sunday, JulyJuly 14,14, 2019 died Friday, 12, 2019 Sunday, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 Sunday, JulyJuly 14, 2019 died Friday,July July 2019 died Thursday, 4, 12, 2019 died Thursday, July 4, 2019 died Thursday, Julyage 4,age 2019 David Ronald Simpson, David Ronald Simpson, Rulon B. Johnson, Ph.D, died Wednesday, May David Ronald Simpson, age Sunday, July 14, 2019 died Friday, July 12, 2019 Jennifer “Jeni” Lila Barronton Burns, age 57, Florence Gloria Stone, age 88, born December 28, died Thursday, July 4, 2019 Dwight Bishop, Jr., Jr., ageage 62,62, Dwight James B. Dean, Dwight Bishop, Bishop, Jr.,age age James Dean, age92,62, 92, “Marjorie” James B. Dean, age 92, Nell Lovvorn, age “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age 70, born July 21,21, 1948, died July 70, born July 1948, died July 12,B. 2021 70, born July 1948, died July Dwight Bishop, Jr., age 62, James B. Dean, 1932, age died 92, “Marjorie” Nell Lovvorn, age Saturday, May 29,August 2021 born January 18,21, 1964, died Thursday, June 3,September born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died born 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died born September 28, 1956, died born September 02, 1926, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died 86, born 3, 1932, died 86, born August 3, 1932, died 09, 2019 09, 2019 James age 79,September born February 02, 1926, 09, 2019 born September 28,Freeman 1956, Mooney, died born died Akers 86, born August 3, August 1932,30,died Thomas, ageJuly 88, born 2021Tuesday, Tuesday, JulyJuly 9,July 2019 JulyJuly 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3,2019 2019Ezma Lee Wednesday, 3, 2019 Tuesday, 9, 2019 Wednesday, 3, 2019 Wednesday, 10, Wednesday, JulyJuly 10,10, 2019 Wednesday, Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94,2019 Zellie Fred Sprewell, age 94, Zellie Fred Sprewell, age Tuesday, 94, 28, 1942, died Friday, May 21, 2021 July 9, 2019 Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 1932, died Tuesday, May 28, 4, 2021 Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, age Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, ageage Andra Donald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry Bushon Dickerson, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, Dixon McGill, age 76, Andra Dixon McGill, age 76, born February 1925, died born February 28, 1925, died Pamela “Pam” Bruce, age 66, born June 6, born February 28, 1925, diedDonald Brasseal “Don” Bonner, Barry age Bob “Michael” Munro, age68, 73, born Bushon March 26, Dickerson, Andra Dixon McGill, age died 76, age 76, born June 05, 1943, died born September 7, 1950, died age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died Charles R. Todd, age 84, born November 23, born October 18, 1941, born October 18, 1941, died born October 18, 1941, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 Saturday, July 27, 2019 1954, died Monday, May2019 31, 2021 Saturday, July 27, age 76, born June 05, 1943, died 68, born September 7, 1950, died born October 18, 1941, died 1948, died Friday, May 21, 2021 Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Friday, July 19, Wednesday, JulyJuly 10,10, 2019 Friday, JulyJuly 19, 2019 Wednesday, 2019 Friday, 19, 2019 Wednesday, July Wednesday, JulyJuly 17,2019 2019 Wednesday, 17, 20191936, diedDaniel Thursday, MayWalker, 13,Walker, 2021 Lance age17, 40,2019 Daniel Lance age 40, Daniel Walker, age 40, Alton Carr,Lance Jr., age 73, born June 23,Wednesday, 1947, died D. July 10, “Papa” 2019 Friday, July 19, 2019 Wednesday, July 17, 2019 Jr., age Jimmy Pearson, 74, born December Brown, Jr., age age Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, John D. D. Brown, Jr., Jr., ageage 53,53, John Bobbie Jean Dodderer, 84,53, John Brown, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, age Eugene Parker Mullis, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age born September 18, 1978, died born September 18, 1978, died Carolyn “Jane” York, age 86, born December 29, born September 18, 1978, diedJohn D. Brown, Jr., age 53, Bobbie Jean Dodderer, age 84, Eugene Parker Mullis, Jr., age Monday, May 3, 2021 died May 26, 2021 born August 18, 1965, died July born July 9, 1935, died Monday, born August 18,18, 1965, died JulyJuly born JulyJuly 9,19, 1935, died Monday, born August 1965, died born 9, 1946, 1935, died Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died 70, born December 31, 1948, died 70, born December 31, 1948, died Sunday, July 21, 2019 Sunday, July 21, 2019 1934, died Saturday, May 22, 2021 Sunday, July 21, 2019 born August 18, 1965, died July born July2019 9, 1935, died Monday, 70, born December 31, 1948, died Edna Michelle February 22, 2019 July 22, 22,22, 2019 July 22,22, 2019 2019 Cleveland, age 50, born July 2019 Mary Minor Pritchard, age 76, born July 2, Monday, July 8, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, Dorothy Clarice Ray Whitworth, age 88, born Deborah “Debbie” Ann West, 22, 2019 Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, JulyAnna 22, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Marsella Fazio, age Marie Elizabeth Phillips Anna Fazio, Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Marie AnnaMarsella Marsella Fazio,age age18, Randy Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, 6,age 1971, died Wednesday, May 19,Bryce, 2021 LeeLee Nichols, age 66,66, Randy Nichols, age age 58,died died JulyJuly 22, 2019 1944, died Tuesday, May 2021 age 58, died 22, 2019 58, died July 22, 2019 April 4, 1933, Friday, May 21, 2021 Marie Elizabeth Phillips Bryce, Anna Marsella Fazio, age Randy Lee Nichols, age 66, age 89, born 14, 1929, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, ageage 89,89, born September 14,born 1929, 85, born onSeptember Jan 1, 1, 1934, died born September 14, 1929, 85, born on 1934, diedborn born June 24, 1953, died Friday, June 24, 1953, died Friday, born June 24, 1953, died Friday,died Wallace Allen Worthan, ageage Wallace Allen Worthan, Dr.Jan Soloman Y. 1929, Savdie, age 88, born January 15, Jane Dawson Collins, age 96, May 5,89, 1925, Wallace Allen Worthan, age age born September 14, 85, born on Jan 1, 1934, died Beverly J. Wiggins, age 69, born October 30, born June 24, 1953, died Friday, Saturday, 20, 2019 May 11, Monday, July 8, 2019 died Saturday, 20,20, 2019 Monday, July 8,July 2019 died Saturday, July 2019 died Monday, July 8,died 2019 July 26, July 2019 July 26,26, 2019 July 2019 56,56, died Monday, 15,15, 2019 died Monday, July 2019 1933, 2021 died 2021 JulyJuly 56,May died29, Monday, 15, 2019died Saturday, July 20,Tuesday, 2019 July 8, 2019 JulyAra 26, 2019 1951, died Wednesday, May 19,D. 2021 Wayne Carden, age 80, Monday, Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, EarlEarl Wayne Carden, ageage 80,80, Earl Harris NellNell Griffin Jennings, Wayne Carden, Harris Griffin Jennings, Bell Sanders, Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Carol Judith Chapman, age 55,55, age 79, Carol Judith Chapman, age Louise Shackleford, age 95, born November 23, Carol Judith Denney, Chapman, ageApril 55,Earl Wayne Carden, age died 80, age Harris Nell Griffin Jennings, Randy “Darrell” age, born 29, Ara Bell D. Sanders, age 79, Rhonda Musick Wright, age 55, born January 3, July born October 29, 1938, 83, 06, died Tuesday, July 2, born October 29,29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, JulyJuly 2, 2,born born October 1938, died born August 06, 1939, died age 83, died Tuesday, August 1939, died July born August 06, 1939, died July born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, born June 24, 1964, died Sunday, 1925, died Saturday, May 8, 2021 born October 29, 1938, died age 83, died Tuesday, July 2, born August 06, 1939, died July 1956, died Wednesday, May 12, 2021 Friday, June 28, 2019 1966, died Saturday, May 1, 2021 Friday, June 28,28, 2019 2019 24, 2019 Friday, June 2019 2019 24,2019 2019 24, 2019 JulyJuly 7, 2019 7, 2019 July 7, 2019 Friday, June 28, 2019 2019 J ohn Walter Smith, Jr., age 91, born December 24, 2019 Vaughn Edgar Gaddis, Jr., age 95, born Jack F. Youngblood, age 83, born June 21, 1937, 23, 1929, died Friday, May 7, 2021 died Tuesday, May 18, 2021 September 24, 1925, died Monday, May 17, 2021 COMMISSION SPENDING from page 13 10% of the replacement amount.

Commissioner Chance noted that medical Approval of the following Appointments: protocols at the national level do change from - Jennifer Schelp Ruiz and Catherine time to time, and that Priority Dispatch does Huckeba to the Carroll County Board of keep up with all these changes and make sure Elections and Registration. they are implemented, and that employee train- Reappointment of Latasha Vaughn to the ing is provided. Patterson stated that Priority Carroll County Board of Family and Children will back their software and medical protocol Services. alongside the county in the event of any liabil- Reappointments of Dr. Phyllis Snipes and ity incurred by the 911 emergency system. Mike McPherson to the Carroll County summer Disney cruisers will enjoy not one, This summer Disney cruisers will enjoy not one, Priority Dispatch will accept one-half of the This Library Board. two at Castaway WhatWhat makes but stops two stops atofCastaway Cay! makes total payment upon signing of the contract, and but - Reappointment TimCay! Warren to the Joint the other half upon complete successful instal- Development Castaway Cay so special?

There are uniquely Castaway Cay so special? are uniquely Authority ofThere Carroll County, Vacation Planner isCounty, a professional ***Magical Vacation Planner is a professional Vacation Planner is a professional***Magical lation of***Magical the software. designed areas for Douglas kids, adults, and families! designed areas for kids, adults, and families!

Coweta County, Haralson ***Magical Vacation Planner is a professional concierge service that provides the ultimate • approval of Trail-Eze, quote concierge service that provides the ultimate concierge service thatInc’s provides the$83,612 ultimate Explore County, Heard County, Paulding County, Polk the island by bike, choose a new water Explore the island by bike, choose a new service thatCounty. provides the ultimatewater for newcustomer 55-ton Traveling (Sliding Trailer concierge customer service experience for guests County, and Troup service experience forAxel) guests customer service experience for guests adventure, soak up the sun on a white sandy adventure, soak up the sun on a white sandy for Public Works Department. Superintendent customer service forEverything guests to the - Reappointment of Major Jordan traveling to various Disney destinations, island beach, and and soexperience much more! island beach, so much more!

Everything to various Disney destinations, traveling tothis various Disney destinations, Charlestraveling Pope said is the last item from a Pathways Center Community Service Board. traveling to various Disney destinations, cruise vacations, and all-inclusive resorts. you need for a perfect day at the beach is to isthe you need for a perfect day at the beach cruisecruise vacations, and all-inclusive resorts. vacations, and all-inclusive resorts. five-year plan for equipment replacement.

- Reappointment of Jodie Goodman cruise vacations, and all-inclusive resorts. included, even an all you can eat buffet lunch! included, even an all you can eat buffet Current sliding axel trailer is 34 years old.

Region Six Behavioral Health lunch! and • approval of Carroll Connection Public Development Contact me for FREE,FREE, Planning Contact meyour for(DBHDD) your Disabilities Transportation Service Agreement Renewal Board. It was nonoted obligation quotequote Morgan that no obligation

by Chairman for operation was presented by County a second vacancy in this department will be Attorney, Stacy Blackmon. The agreement is discussed in the August meeting. These two with Three Rivers Regional Transit System for positions do involve some travel (every other Agent Travel July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, at a fee of month) to UnionTravel County, soAgent it is a little more $35,000, which reflects no price increase from difficult to find someone who is able to do that. last year. Blackmon stated some of the contract - Appointments by Tim Padgett of Lt. Nic changes are as follows: now the third-party Turner and Gary Thomas to the West Georgia operator will cover the auto insurance, they are Emergency Medical Services Council. complying with the Department of Human - Appointment by Chairman Morgan of Services regulations in addition to Georgia Danielle Tackett as member at-large to the D.O.T., they made the county aware that the Planning and Zoning Commission. vehicles will need to be replaced, usually All approvals, appointments and reappointaround five years or 150,000 miles, and the ments were approved to go on the consent county will be responsible for approximately agreement 7-0.

A double dosedose of fun?…..YES! A double of fun?…..YES!

Becky BeckyGentry Gentry

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APRIL 11, 2021 • VOLUME 27 NUMBER 4

Carroll County Mental Health Advocates ask the public to help be their “missing link”

WGTC announces Subscribing Means new president

LOFCR: Local Option Face Covering Requirement Governor removes mask mandate, eliminates ban on large gatherings, reduces social distancing to 42 inches in some cases, moves mask wearing decision to the local levels

MORE! A double dose of fun?…..YES! A double dose of fun?…..YES! This summer Disney cruisers will enjoy not one, Your subscription

by Janice Daniel The Carroll County Mental Health Advocates will be hosting their 2nd annual community event “Miles for Mental Health - Running Over the Hurdles Together” 5K and 1-mile Fun Run on Saturday, May 15th, 2021, at the Greenbelt at Hobbs Farm, 1147 Rome Street, Carrollton, Georgia.

Registration begins at 2:00 pm, Fun Run begins at 3:00 pm, and 5K Run begins at 4:00 pm. Proceeds will benefit the Carroll County Mental Health Advocate programs. Additional information can be obtained at the Carroll County Mental Health Advocates office at 306A Bradley Street, Carrollton, Georgia 30117, phone 770830-2048.

The story of the CCMHA is one of true commitment to their mission. In 2008, then Carroll County Probate Court Judge, Betty Cason (now Mayor of Carrollton) brought together a group of concerned citizens for a con-

Dr. Julie Post will begin job April 16th from press release Dr. Julie Post, Vice President of Student Affairs at Gwinnett Technical College, has been selected at the next president of West Georgia Technical College (WGTC), as announced by Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier. She will begin her duties at West Georgia Tech April 16, 2021. Pat Hannon has been interim president of West Georgia Tech since Dr. Scott Rule retired as President December 31, 2020.

See WGTC NEW PRESIDENT page 8

Get “In” on Everything LOCAL!

Effective for time frame of April 1st through April 30th

eliminated (but “strongly encouraged” by the

by Sue Horn On Thursday, April 1, 2021, Governor Brian governor) and replaced with a Local Option Face Kemp signed three executive orders, of which Covering Requirement (LOFCR) giving a city, one (temporarily) eliminates the year long CoVid county, or other government entity the authority large gatherings ban and any remaining to continue to impose the requirement of wearing sheltering-in-place for the time period April 8th a mask “when not able to maintain Social though April 30th. And although the mask wear- Distancing from non-cohabitating persons”.

Social distancing has been reduced from 6 feet ing requirement has been (temporarily) eliminated at the state level, it was moved to a local to 3.5 feet (42 inches) of separation between level decision. Specifically, for the time period seating/parties at restaurants, bars, and movie April 1-30, 2021, the mask mandate has been See LOCAL OPTION FACE COVERING page 5

Thisbutsummer Disney cruisers will one, two stops at Castaway Cay!enjoy Whatnot makes but two stops at Castaway Cay! What makes Castaway Cay soyou special?

There news are uniquely brings MORE Castaway so for special?

There are designedCay areas kids, adults, anduniquely families!

A scant 0.039% of Carroll County voters designedtheareas for anda new families! participated in SPLOST Referendum and information!

Explore island bykids, bike,adults, choose water 85,888 Explore the island by bike, choose a new water adventure, soak up the sun on a white sandy 3,368 adventure, soakand up so themuch sun on a white sandy island beach, more!

Everything island beach,forand so much you need a perfect daymore! at theEverything beach is County commission approves you needeven for aanperfect thebuffet beachlunch! is included, allwww.starnewsgaonline.com youday canateat amendment increasing spending by included, even an all buffet lunch! $191,433 to match extra revenue Contact meyou for can youreat FREE, Georgia Labor Department to subscribe to StarNews, send $20 for issued more in no obligation Contact me for your FREE, quote unemployment payments www.starnewsgaonline.com nothanobligation quoteONE YEAR subscription! in last 12 months FULL prior 82 years to SEND Afor GIFT ($10 seniorSUBSCRIPTION citizens) to: 1911-2019: $20.024 Billion paid

by Sue Horn The March 16, 2021 Carroll County SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) passed by an 81% margin with only 3,368 citizens participating. Of those, See 0.039% VOTED page 19

Number of Carroll County citizens voted in the Nov. 2020 Election Number of Carroll County citizens who voted in the March 2021 SPLOST Referendum

See FUNDRAISER page 7

by Sue Horn At the 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 2021 Special Called Meeting of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners, an amendment was passed 6-0 (one commissioner was

Becky Gentry Gentry send to: Becky Travel Agent STARNEWS

2020 alone: $20.218 Billion paid

As pandemic restrictions have eased (3.5 feet now for some social distancing/mask use encouraged but not mandated), civic clubs are returning to more normal functioning, including the Carrollton Kiwanis Club who recently hosted Carroll County’s fire chief Tim Padgett. See story page 6. Photo by Sue Horn

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GEORGIA

As of APRIL 5, 2021: 856,340 total confirmed cases 16,749 total deaths Estimated state population: 10.6M

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CARROLL COUNTY

As of APRIL 5, 2021: 7,271 total confirmed cases 129 total deaths Estimated county population: 122,000

Death total represents Death total represents 0.00158% of population 0.001% of population Source: Georgia Department of Public Health dph.georgia.gov/covid-19

See $20.218 BILLION page 27 DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! READ DIGITAL MONTHLY

absent) to increase the budget by $191,433 to match increased revenues. Three categories received the bulk of the cash: $53,000 has been assigned to increased “salaries”; See $191,433 page 11

CoVID-19 statistics for Georgia and Carroll County one year: March 23, 2020- April 5, 2021

Life going forward, and out of the pandemic Travel AgentSTARNEWS P.O. BOX Ga 30112 30112 P.O. BOX680 680Carrollton, Carrollton, Ga

from press release The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) recently surpassed a major milestone in the organization paying claimants more in the past 12 months than in all of the combined years that GDOL has been in existence.

Georgians have received $20.218 billion in unemployment insurance (UI)

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www.starnewsgaonline.com AAA BOND RATING from front page for those bonds in early June. The credit rating agencies’ individual ratings are AAA, Aaa, and AAA, respectively, the highest ratings possible, and indicative of sound fiscal management.

“Securing the highest state bond rating for yet another year is a testament to decades of

New law: Driver training mandatory for 17-year-olds effective July 1, 2021 from press release Beginning July 1, 2021, 17-year-olds will be required to successfully complete the Joshua’s Law component of Georgia’s driver training program. Currently those teens waiting until age 17 to test for their first license, are exempt from the 30 hours of classroom/online instruction and 6 hours of on-the-road training that comprise Joshua’s Law. House Bill 466, passed during the most recent legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly, makes Joshua’s Law driver training mandatory for 17-yearolds. Anyone under the age of 18 will not be issued their initial Class D license without completing the required training.

There is a range of approved options and costs that parents and teens can use to fulfill the requirements. The most economical will be choosing an Online Class paired with the Parent Taught Road Training. All options can be found at https://dds.georgia.gov/joshuaslaw-requirements. For complete teen driver training information including a practice knowledge test, please visit the DDS website at www.dds.georgia.gov

NO VAX PASSPORTS from front page for entry into the State of Georgia. State employers shall not have different rules for employees based on vaccination status, unless such rules are implemented using an honorcode system and no proof of vaccination is required.

The order states that Georgia Registry of Immunization Transactions and Services (GRITS) data held by the State shall not be used for the purposes of a vaccine passport program, and GRITS data shall not be shared with any public or private entity for the purposes of a vaccine passport program.

“Today’s executive order makes clear that vaccine passports will not be utilized in state government,” said Governor Kemp. “While I continue to urge all Georgians to get vaccinated so we continue our momentum in putting the COVID-19 pandemic in the rearview, vaccination is a personal decision between each citizen and a medical professional - not state government. This order also clearly states that data held by the Georgia Department of Public Health and their immunization system will not be used by any public or private entity for a vaccine passport program.”

NO MORE MANDATES from front page widely available and the public well-aware of all COVID-19 mitigation measures, mandates from state and local governments are no longer needed.”

Effective May 31, 2021, through June 15, 2021, this order eliminates rules for restaurants, bars, conventions, childcare facilities, live performance venues, and other organizations.

Previous executive orders eliminated regulations for camps and sporting events.

Limited guidelines remain for long-term care facilities, schools, and school districts. Under the new executive order, schools and school districts cannot utilize renewed public health state of emergency authority to require workers or students to wear a face covering while on school campuses.

conservative leadership at the state level and our balanced approach in protecting both lives and livelihoods throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Kemp. “In a year of unprecedented challenges - working with the General Assembly - we cut taxes, balanced the state’s budget, invested in essential services, and avoided draconian budget cuts. These decisions resulted in an unemployment rate below the national average and the lowest of the ten most populated states, record job and investment growth, and being named the top state for business for the eighth year in a row..”

Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P cited the strength of Georgia’s economy with a positive employment trend, growth of the state’s rainy day fund, a balanced approach to primary revenue sources, and consistent funding of obligations as factors contributing to AAA ratings. The credit rating agencies’ individual ratings are AAA, Aaa, and AAA, respectively.

StarNews

June 13, 2021 Page 15

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StarNews

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CHASE McDANIEL from page 3 childhood cancer, and inspire hope and kindness as Chase did.

In the short 18 months since Chase McDaniel left us, the Foundation has made tremendous accomplishments. They offer family retreats for families all over the country, providing - completely free of any cost - weeklong retreats away at the beach for families who have experienced the loss of a child where they can connect with families on their path to healing. Their third retreat is coming up this month.

One of the recipients of this retreat experience was Alicia Ojeda, She shared her thoughts through an email to StarNews: “This week my daughters and I spent a week at a bereaved family retreat in Destin. Chase the Victory: a retreat where bereaved families can get together and talk about their loved ones. I met some incredible families that will forever be stuck with the Ojeda family. We met incredible volunteers who served my girls and me. For one week we escaped reality, and we were able

to just ‘be’. We all were missing a piece of our hearts and I know our kids were all together watching over us.

“Every mom, dad, and sibling understood me without me having to ask or say anything.

They felt my soul. I was given hugs without asking for one. I was showered with love but ,most importantly, I was able to talk about Jayden without making anyone feel uncomfortable. We laughed, we cried, and we made lasting bonds. As much as I hate the way we met, I’m blessed with new friendships. Thank you Chase the Victory. I know Chase is looking down and he’s so proud of his momma and his entire family for being present even though they too are suffering heartbreak. I love you guys so much!” Ojeda said.

Chase’s personal mission inspired them to offer the Foundation’s Kickback program, where they give away sneakers to children fighting cancer, siblings whose brother or sister passed away from cancer, and those the Foundation finds who need hope. The sneakers are delivered in a custom box with a letter of

JIMMY DANIEL from page 5 are good hard working people. We need more.

Yes, we are hiring.”

The median number of years that wage and salary workers have worked for their current employer is 4.6 years, according to an Economic News Release from the Bureau of Labor. Also, the average number of jobs in a lifetime is twelve, according to a 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) survey of baby boomers.

Not counting when he was “behind the mule” or his two year tour of duty with the U.S. Army, Jimmy has worked two jobs. In this conversation with StarNews, never once did he mention that he had even thought about looking for another job. Those Department of Labor

statistics would be foreign to Jimmy.

“I have had a very good relationship with the owners and plant managers over the years.

Never had any real problems. They have been good to me. It’a a great company. People raise their families here and send their kids to college,” he remarked.

When asked about retiring, Jimmy asked, “What would I do? Particularly during this pandemic?”

As you might have guessed, he has not missed a day during the pandemic. Of course not! Jimmy Daniel, 58 years on the job at 79 years old.

You probably won’t find him sitting on the front porch today…and probably not tomorrow either.

hope and inspiration.

They also offer a monthly parent bereavement support group for those who have suffered the loss a child. They share stories, are free to laugh or cry, mourn, or simply be there.

It is a way to let these parents know they are not alone and they are here together.

In this amazingly short span of time, Kiki, Tracy, their daughters Karstyn (20) and Sophie (11) and the Chase the Victory Foundation have impacted many, many lives. Coming up in August will be the “Chase the Victory Sneaker Ball Gala” complete with a threecourse meal, auction, and live music. It will be a formal attire affair and - you guessed it sneakers are required. It serves as their key annual fundraiser to serve the community year around.

Chase the Victory Foundation was recently honored by the longtime department store chain, Belk, as the winner of this year’s nationwide “Do Good, Look Good, Feel Good”

contest.

Kiki and Tracy suffered what we all consider unimaginable, unbearable: the loss of a child.

But these two strong and determined individuals have turned sorrow and heartbreak in a lasting legacy, The Chase the Victory Foundation.

Kiki shared with the Kiwanis audience something that Chase used to say: “The most important day is today! Don’t spend your time worrying about the future or circumstances you can’t control, but everyday focus on what you can do today.”

If you would like more information or simply make a donation, please visit www.chasethevictory.com or text the word chasethevictory to 44321 or mail to Chase The Victory, 341 Mallard Drive, Carrollton, Ga 30116 For more information on the Carrollton Kiwanis Club and their mission of serving children of the world, visit www.carrolltonkiwanisclub.org

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June 13, 2021 Page 17

Carroll County’s Extension Agent Paula Burke elected as Southern Region Vice Director to the NACAA board from press release and staff reports UGA Extension Carroll County Agricultural Agent Paula Burke was recently elected by the membership of the Georgia Association of County Agricultural Agents to represent Georgia to the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) as the next Southern Region Vice Director.

The Southern Region Vice Director represents 13 southern states to the NACAA board. Other responsibilities include communicating with the states of activities and concerns of NACAA, encouraging membership to participate in professional improvement activities and recognition and award programs, and attending State and National association meetings.

Burke was also the recipient the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents in 2020. She was one of several honorees who represent the top two percent of the membership selected by their peers and the Director of Extension. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to County Agents across the country with over 10 years of service and recognizing the good work they are doing in their agricultural community.

Burke is known for her knowledge and experience in assisting local farmers by hosting educational programs that focus on profitability and sustainability of agriculture in Carroll County.

By serving as Southern Region Vice Director, Burke says “I will have the opportunity to provide new and younger agents a chance, like I had to gain professional development and to be recognized for their achievements. Serving as vice director, I can continue to build on my leadership skills. By becoming a better leader and mentor, I can have a positive impact on future generations of leaders in Extension.”

Burke, who is originally from Upstate New York, has been an Extension agent for 27 years with eight of those years in Carroll County, Georgia. The NACAA has been committed to providing professional improvement, recognizing achievements, and developing leaders for 105 years.

Burke has also received the Cattlemen’s Association County Agent of the Year award for 2018 and the Ag Center’s Farm Guide publication, a joint publication with Tanner Health System, was recognized as a national finalist for the Communication Award for 2019. Burke will start the national position in July 2021 and will serve for a four-year term.

In an earlier published StarNews story, Burke spoke specifically on Carroll County’s agricultural stamp on the state: Burke shared that Carroll County is “in the top five in cattle and poultry for the state of Georgia”. Such status depends on the commodity that is either lost or gained with farm closures.

The 2018 Farm Gate Value for Carroll County poultry was approximately $84.5 million with livestock and aquaculture being roughly $21.1 million.

Burke credits the agricultural business support infrastructure in Carroll County for farming success, stating, “Look how many tractor dealerships as well as farm and garden supply stores we have here. A lot of other county’s agriculture doesn’t have that. . .We have at least two poultry integrators here, Cooks and Pilgrims, and as long as they’re here, we’re going to have a strong poultry economy,” said Burke. She posited, “We still have the most farms in the state

Carroll County’s longtime Extension Agent Paul Burke of Georgia”.

The reason is that “we have a strong agricultural economy here, we’re still fairly rural on the western part of the county, and we’ve had good commissioners that have been planning for agriculture and continue to do so” said Burke.

Carroll County’s average farm size is smaller than perhaps a South Georgia farm that might have thousands of acres, where Carroll County’s farms are on average, perhaps a couple hundred acres. Therefore, she said, “We have a lot of farms, but they may be on smaller acreage than other counties”.

Included in the number of farms are grape vineyards, with thirteen in the Carroll, Haralson and the Paulding County area, which combined, is “approximately 45 acres of grapes” said Burke. “I foresee the wine industry still growing,” she said.

One reason for the national downward trend of farms is that as current farmers get older and pass away, “the farm isn’t getting transferred to the next generation because they’re doing something else” explained Burke.

Yet, despite the decreasing number of farms in Carroll County, “Farm Gate Value fluctuates” Burke said. Farm Gate Value is the net value of the product when it leaves the farm, after marketing costs have been subtracted, often understood as the price of the product at which it is sold by the farm (the farm gate price). Carroll County’s value fluctuated from roughly $159.4 million in 2009 up to $270.8 million in 2014 and back to $125.4 million in 2018.

Burke stated she believed that Carroll County could benefit greatly from “smaller scale meat processors”, such as chicken and red meat operations. Specifically, “a kill plant” she said, not a company that would ship the meat rom elsewhere and cut it up here.

Burke said, “this would help our area farmers process meat for direct market purposes”.

“If we can keep a strong agricultural economy; that keeps people wanting to farm and having the opportunity to pass it on to the next generation” Burke said. But she also described how, often for the farmer who has worked all their life, “selling the farm is sometimes their retirement plan”, going on to say that new generations are often financially unable to buy the farms, which are then often sold to developers, who in turn build “hundreds of houses” on the land.

“Whatever Carroll County can do to stay agricultural as policy making, I think is important and that really puts us a step ahead,” she concluded.

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Page 18 June 13, 2021

StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

Are You at Risk for Heart Disease?

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Call 678-990-2686 and schedule your screening today!

Mention Code: HEART RISK

You should consider a coronary CT for calcium scoring if two or more of the following apply and you haven’t already been diagnosed with coronary artery disease or had this screening: Men older than 45 and women older than 55 (or post-menopausal) A family history of early heart attacks (male relative younger than 55, female relative younger than 60) High blood cholesterol (especially low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol) High blood pressure Diabetes A history of tobacco use An unhealthy weight A sedentary lifestyle

COMMENTARY

Page 19 June 13, 2021

StarNews / StarNews Online www.starnewsgaonline.com

“Not just what happened, but what matters”

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This was the year for the county government to reduce the millage rate, while steering clear of a county manager form of government

Recently, I was asked my opinion on the direction of the Carroll County government, where was it headed? In another conversation, I was asked had I ever considered running for county commission chair? Well, if you ask any newspaper editor/publisher anywhere those two loaded questions, you will EDITOR/ PUBLISHER certainly get an earful. We are an opinionated bunch - a dwindling in numbers bunch, for sure.

As editors/reporters, we are also quite privileged - benefiting entirely from the First Amendment - to be alert and present as our community grows around us. Growing sometimes in a good direction, sometimes not. Through our natural nosiness/curiosity, we push the questions the public deserves direct responses to, such as, just exactly how are you spending our money?

And it’s all about the money. Always. Governments are not to take one more dollar than for which there is an accounted need. Not. One. Dollar. Too. Many. Sometimes, they, the elected persons who spend our money, forget about this. Or, more likely, they hope that WE have forgotten.

This past spring, a Democrat coronavirus relief package (passed) contained a stipulation that those receiving assistance through the plan cannot use that money to offset (reduce) taxes. It was observed that there were many states whose tax revenues were coming back very well from pandemic lows, and there was a “fear” that some states might want to cut taxes. Now, why would anyone be “afraid” a reduction in taxes would occur?

Well, in an effort to solve such a curious conundrum, let’s look at it not as a taxpayer, but as an elected official whose paycheck increases as budgets increase. . . . well, that was just too easy of a problem to solve.

Some elected officials enter office with the purpose to grow their empire: tax more, spend more, hire more, build more, upgrade more, raise salaries more. Some of these elected people have their aspirations - and vehicle’s GPS - pointed to some higher office located east of West Georgia. Other elected officials enter office with the purpose to guide government growth as dictated by population growth within the boundary restrictions of whatever the economy is at that time. These elected officials keep the taxpayer’s best interests in mind. Now, which one of these type elected officials do you think are in charge of our money in our county government? Heck, ask this same question of our two public boards of education and six city councils/mayors (Roopville isn’t a city; its formal designation is “town”.)

Now, in the glorious relief of unexpected windfalls totaling in the millions (see story front page) was the opportunity for our county board chairman and district commissioners to reduce the county millage rate. But, no, they came up with a dozen and more ways to spend it. And, this, with an historic amount of Cash Reserve at $30+ million sitting in the bank. Like drunken monkeys on a banana boat, they and some department heads practically fell over each other in a race to the finance office claim their share.

Where is our county government headed? Well, with the recent hiring of a new executive director, we at StarNews will be watching to see if this hired county employee takes on any authority or exercises any powers that are granted exclusively to the elected commission chairman. An elected chairman is accountable to the voting public. An executive director/county manager is not. We do not want an executive director directing the county’s business. We want the elected chair to carry out the responsibilities of this daily, full time job.

Have I considered running for county commission chair? Yes. I know what kind of elected official I would be. I know which way the county should go for a healthy, prosperous future for its taxpayers and citizens. But, no, I am not currently interested in pursuing that future. Anyway, I have heard there is someone on the horizon pondering jumping in next election. This someone is someone who I would vote for as county chairman.

SUE

HORN

Highway robbery and civil forfeiture “Highway robbery” brings to mind the romantic legend of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, a righteous group that “stole from the rich to give to the poor.” It’s also what happens when law enforcement agencies embrace civil asset forfeiture, the confiscation of money and property from people they suspect of criminal activity. In both instances, someone can be left on the side of the highway without their property – and with little likelihood of getting it back.

Few worry about the people whose property is taken; they’re seen as having it coming: “The money was probably ill-gotten gains anyway; nobody honest carries that much cash.” Plus, it’s out of criminal hands and will be put to good use by law enforcement.

There’s just one problem: In most states, the person who loses property to a law enforcement agency does not have to be convicted of a crime first.

BENITA

DODD

GEORGIA PUBLIC POLICY FOUNDATION Vice President

benitadodd@georgiapolicy.org 404-697-4419

Just 16 states require a criminal conviction. Georgia is not one. It was only in 2015 that Georgia began to require a “preponderance of evidence;” efforts to require a criminal conviction have been thwarted by law enforcement agencies. Legislation introduced in 2021 seeking due process went nowhere.

In fiscal year 2020 the U.S. Department of Justice distributed nearly $6.9 million in “equitable sharing payments of cash and sale pro-

Supporting E-911 improvements The Carroll County Board of Commissioners remains steadfast in supporting first responder operations, including E-911 where most all emergency calls for help begin. At the June meeting of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners (BOC), the board was presented with an agenda item for consideration to implement new software with a company called Priority Dispatch System (PDS).

PDS is a nationally recognized firm that specializes in comprehensive medical protocol software that aid dispatchers with medical advice to help those callers who are in need in between the time trained, emergency personnel can arrive on the scene.

The need for E-911 center software updates that incorporate nationally recognized medical protocols remains a priority in the field as research and practical changes to certain areas of recommended assistance are vitally important. For instance, several years ago, the standard CPR training would advise that multiple chest compressions be given followed by mouth to

Letter to the Editor

CLINT

CHANCE District 3 Carroll County Commissioner

P.O. Box 323, Villa RIca, GA 30180 404-313-4990 cchance@carrollcountyga.com

mouth for direct rescue breaths into the lungs. Today, that medical protocol has been altered to hands-only CPR among many professional training organizations. With 70% of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happening at home, if you’re called on to perform Hands Only CPR, you’ll likely be trying to save the life of someone you know and love. HandsOnly CPR carried out by a bystander has been shown to be as effective as CPR with breaths in the first few minutes during an out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest for an adult victim. This

Monday, May 31, 2021 To the Editor: The 2020 Census is almost completed, and the critical redistricting season that occurs every ten years has begun.

State Sen. Mike Dugan, who represents the Carrollton area, is on the Reapportionment Committee, which is charged with drawing new state House, state Senate, and Congressional district lines.

The upcoming redistricting will dramatically affect our state for the next decade and voters should have a say in developing these districts.

In recent previous re-districtings, map line-drawers interested in partisan gain or pleasing powerful interests have diluted the influence of communities and undermined their ability to choose representation that reflects their interests.

Typically, this work has been done in secret as sanctioned by the law. In the absence of an open, fair, and public process, both majority parties have used this opportunity to protect their party’s power. This year, more than ever, you, the citizens, need to make your voice heard.

At a minimum, you should insist that the House and Senate Reapportionment Committees:

ceeds” to Georgia law enforcement agencies. More than $5.5 million was cash. The total distribution for all states in FY 2020 alone was about $244 million. In FY 2019, Georgia’s share was $11,703,818, about $9.5 million in cash.

“This system – where police can seize property with limited judicial oversight and retain it for their own use – has led to egregious and wellchronicled abuses,” wrote U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in a 2017 case.

“These forfeiture operations frequently target the poor and other groups least able to defend their interests in forfeiture proceedings.

Perversely, these same groups are often the most burdened by forfeiture.

They are more likely to use cash than alternative forms of payment, like credit cards, which may be less susceptible to forfeiture. And they are See BENITA DODD page 22 simplified version of rendering aid to an unknown in need makes the likelihood of a bystander to jump in to assist more practical as well.

In previous months, the BOC approved a new CAD System (Computer Aided Dispatch) that will hopefully be implemented at 911 after its final software build-out is completed in the coming weeks.

One of the new CAD system features, among many, is the ability to utilize real time GPS to assist E-911 personnel in locating and dispatching appropriate emergency response vehicles that are closest to those who are in need. For instance, if a citizen calls 911 after a crash and the physical location is approximately halfway in between two fire stations, the dispatcher has the ability to look on screen with the updated system to see where emergency equipment is located. For example, if a fire truck was fueling up at a station near the wreck, the dispatcher could in real time locate the truck closest to the See COMMISSIONER CHANCE page 23

• Do all its work in public, share all data used, and release proposed maps well in advance of their adoption for public comment.

• Draw maps based on community input as provided at open public hearings across the state.

• Commit to evaluation using independent, non-partisan benchmarks to prevent partisan bias.

It is important that you contact Senator Dugan. https://www.legis.ga.gov/find-my-legislator and ask him to guarantee a transparent, fair, and open process as they participate in the redrawing of Georgia’s maps.

Your effort can make a big difference.

The non-partisan Fair Districts GA has resources on its website, www.fairdistrictsga.org, to educate citizens about redistricting and opportunities to get involved to ensure that the process is fair and transparent.

FDGA is providing independent map evaluation on behalf of the public, through its partnership with the Princeton Gerrymandering Project.

Sincerely, Lynn Ganim A concerned Georgia citizen Decatur, GA 30033 lganim10@gmail.com

Page 20 June 13, 2021

StarNews

COMMENTARY

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Tao Te Ching: musing after the Sunset

DAN

PAK

vunc61@gmail.com

The sunset was glorious. The golden ray of the setting sun had lengthened the shadow of the purplish low-lying hills. A pair of squawking crows skipped over the surface of the darkening lake. The breeze rustled the slender branches of the shrubs around the lake.

A squirrel scampered up the tree as the crows flew by.

As I was absorbed in the peaceful scene and sound, I remembered “The Evening of a Hermit,” the immortal work by Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746-1827), a Swiss pedagogue and educational reformer. In it, he said, “God’s feeling for human beings, human beings’ feeling for God . . . these are the source

Blackberry Winter

SYBIL

ROSEN THOMAS

River Rambles syllabil@aol.com The nature of this kind of nature writing where a piece must be finished by a certain date so that it can be published at a later certain date - means that the writer is always writing into the future, musing on events that frankly may or may not happen. Life is unpredictible and never more so than now it seems.

Nonetheless, here it is the middle of May and I’m at my desk where I should be thinking about the joys of June. Instead, I’m stuck in Blackberry Winter.

My late husband Glyn introduced me to the expression, gleaned from his Grandmother Mandy in Cadiz, Kentucky. Blackberry Winter is the inverse of Indian Summer, which is a

My world needs you...

TRACEY E.

PITTS

Millennials Christian Ministry (MCM) My World Needs You...

On March 12, 2020, my whole world changed.

The closing of churches, schools, eateries, and places of businesses were all maimed.

Hand sanitizers, Lysol wipes, and toilet tissue became essential.

Newly selected ball players won’t be able to show their full potential.

No need for new makeup, lip gloss, lipstick or even new clothes.

Being quarantined for months and not able to really enjoy the outdoors.

We’ve been asked to wear a mask when we interact with others, standing six feet and being

of all happiness.” He further explored the blessing of life: “And a son who eats bread given by his father and who keeps warm at the fireside together with the father finds the blessing of his life in his childlike duty in this Way of Nature.”

The Way of Nature! It is the essence of Taoism (Daoism), the philosophy based on the writing of Lao-tzu (604 BC–531 BC), the wise man of China of long ago. The Tao Te Ching (Classic of the Way of Power) is the Chinese philosophical literature traditionally credited to Lao-tzu. The Way of Nature of Pestalozzi is not far from Lao-tzu’s observation in Tao Te Ching: “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” The Chinese sage further postulated: “Since human life is really only a small part of a larger process of Nature, the only human actions which ultimately make sense are those which are in accord with the flow of Nature.”

Lost in the contemplation, I didn’t realize the sunset enveloped the lake with darkness. The crickets, taking a cue from an invisible conductor, started to chirp around the lake as

the gentle breeze began to caress the shrubbery. powerful government officials, and others were Each group of the crickets at the opposite side wealthy businessmen. One day, they privately of the lake seemed to have started a chirping confided in me how they often felt depressed contest against one another.

“A leader is best when or anxious, despite the Momentarily, the crescendo appearance of “the successful people barely know he life.” I wish I could have reached the loudest pitch.

Before long, the bright exists. Of a good leader, advised them of what I have full moon broke through who talks little, when his learned from Tao Te Ching in the passing cloud, and the my later years: “If you are work is done, his aim depressed, you are living in the moonlight started to dance over the waves. The sound fulfilled, they will say, past. If you are anxious, you are and the scene were ‘We did this ourselves.’ living in the future. If you are at captivating! At the moment, peace, you are living in the I felt like I was blended with Nature. I was a present.” The passing clouds covered the moon part of Nature itself! from time to time, but the full moon continued Then, another voice of wisdom from the old appearing as the crickets’ loud orchestra kept crept into my consciousness: “Because one playing. There was no trace of intrusion by believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince humans on the stage of God’s creation. others. Because one is content with oneself, At that moment, a thought floated up in my one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one mind: Who is the people’s true leader? Lao-tzu accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him declared: “A leader is best when people barely or her. Care about what other people think of know he exists. Of a good leader, who talks you, and you will always be their prisoner.” little, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, I thought about my friends I knew as I was they will say, ‘We did this ourselves.’” It is an growing up in Korea. Some turned out to be ideal image of a great leader.

warm spell after the first frost. Blackberry Winter then is a cold spell after the last frost.

It’s said the cold snap “sets” the ripening berries. This morning I am reveling in Blackberry Winter, grateful to anything that slows down the Spring, whose careening unfolding never fails to stun me with its insistent swiftness. By the time you read this, we may well be sweltering in June heat and May’s Blackberry Winter will seem a welcome dream, not quite remembered.

Better perhaps for the nature writer to stick to subjects not so distinctly anchored in time.

Floods, for instance, are timeless, seasonless, part of our human story since myth arose.

Being in the company of floods year after year unavoidably brings up the question of the weight of water. Turns out a gallon of water at room temperature weighs 8.34 pounds. Funny how a fact about something so wet can feel so dry.

I don’t know how many gallons it takes to fill up the floodplain below the cabin, but I’ve seen its effect in the flattened, sometimes ruined vegetation and the mashed forest floor

receding water leaves behind. After a flood my feet can almost sense the rebounding of the earth, freed from the temporary burden of water weight. I marvel at the lowlands’ resilience, especially when the river’s retreat coats every last leaf and branch with a thick layer of silt so smooth, flat, and pale as to earn the adjective colorless. I worry the heavy residue will suffocate the plants but soon enough dew, fog and rain restore the dry land to its usual seasonal luster.

There is another element of flooding that fascinates: the ability to cause the inlet stream to flow both ways at once. This creek that carves through the floodplain is fed at its mouth by the river, and at its back by runoff from the Chattahoochee foothills. In unflooded times, the inlet always flows towards the river, compelled by gravity and the irresistible pull of the water to the sea.

But when it floods, the stream’s narrow channel is overwhelmed by water pushing from both ends - at one the immovable force of an engorged river, at the other the imperative of lowering elevations cascading water

distant from our family and friends.

Scientists and doctors are working feverishly desiring for this dreaded disease to quickly come to an end.

wars and rumors of wars all over this land.

I can turn to any platform of social media to see man fighting against man.

So much violence and death everywhere that I turn.

So much hatred and wickedness and buildings as they burn.

There are so many things that I took for granted--going to my church, hugging my mom, eating at various eateries, going to the movies whenever I wanted to do so.

Now, I have to wash my hands a thousand times a day, not touch my face, and use plastic gloves to open any door as I go.

It took this pandemic to help me to get my focus back on Jesus, the One who died for me.

Jesus, precious Jesus, the One who set me free.

I have so much to be grateful for although my world has been turned upside down.

I have life, health, family and having a brilliant, sharp mind... one that is sound.

I have used this time wisely to get my life in order as Jesus’ coming is drawing nigh.

He’s coming back like a thief in the night; as quickly as the twinkling of an eye.

In the Word of God it states that there would be

I scratch my head in dismay for all that my hazel brown eyes see.

I now quickly look to heaven and scream, “Lord, I need Thee!”

I am quick to repent now for my frequent lackluster attitude.

I can no longer make an excuse, but I am now seeking God asking, “How can I be used?”

Used by Him to tell others of His unfailing love, mercy, and grace.

I am no longer allowing daily distractions to keep me from seeking His beautiful, yet timeless face.

For the time has come where two will be working... one will be taken and the other left(rapture).

It’s time for me to truly love God and not be overcome with myself.

downhill - until the two flows collide and spill out over the land to make a swamp, albeit an ephemeral one.

Later, as the creek water is pulled back into its natural channel, the stream can remain high for several days. Then the current in the inlet will flow in both directions, sometimes at the same time. The place where the two opposing currents meet appears to be an energetic conjunction similar to what happens when you put two positive (or negative) ends of magnets together; there is attraction and repulsion. At that joining place, which often looks strangely stagnant, I’ve watched a leaf flow east for several feet and then back itself up flowing west for the same few feet, as if it can’t quite make up its mind.

And that is as good a description as any of my own state of mind this morning. As I write these words, the rain is washing off the dusty floodplain left by last week’s flood, and I am attempting to cast my mind forward toward a timeless future, while all the while the presentday cooling delights of Blackberry Winter keep calling me back.

For I now realize that things may never go back to being normal in this land.

Jesus, we need You--every boy, girl, woman, and man.

So, I’ve decided to fall deeper in love with you, my Savior, my Lord, and my King.

You are my OXYGEN, my protector, my everything.

So, please forgive me for taking You and all that You’ve blessed me with for granted.

Praying, studying, and living a life upright and not slanted.

Learning to love others, speak truth to power, and lift up Your name.

After this pandemic has passed, because I want to always please You, and glorify Your Holy Name, I’ve vowed not to be the same.

So, I lean on Your magnanimous shoulders when I need to shed a tear.

I must rely on You and not walk in any fear.

My world needs You, for You are the only foundation that is sure.

You are the Righteous One, and the only One that is pure.

COMMENTARY

www.starnewsgaonline.com

Honeyland: a documentary and the Wonder-Ponder

BILL

BOURIS digi@mindspring.com Documentaries are defined as “a movie or a television or radio program that provides a factual record or report”. That’s the definition you get when you google “define documentary”.

What follows is my attempt at handling the sense of wonder that I experienced while watching the documentary “Honeyland”. This is not so simple, because I went from “Wonder” into “Ponder”. And, there you have it: The one is more emotional, while the other is more mental. It’s that Wonder-Ponder place in each of us that I hope I can interest you to try to visit. My ponder was a surprise, for it brought up some personal background. Here’s my try.

We still use Netflix DVDs. We are “primitive” in that way because the more recent methods of ordering and watching movies are not convenient or economical. WiFi, and even Cable, do not exist where we live. Years ago, when I was computer-consulting, my homebased business was in need of that “new technology”, DSL. But when I called AT&T to have it installed they said that my next door neighbor had just gotten “the last available socket”! “Where is this socket?”, I asked.

The socket was part of a large “board” that stood in the woods, somewhere in our neighborhood at Black Dirt Road, and AT&T had no

Father knew best

STUART

YAHM

I had flown across the country from Los Angeles to New York in a mad dash to be with him when he breathed his last.

For weeks, I told myself he heard all the words my heart wanted him to hear. I felt his big warm hand, the size of (it seemed to me) a catcher’s mitt engulfing mine. Somewhere in the dark back pathways of my mind, I knew I was too late, but I couldn’t admit it; not for

Letter to the Editor

StarNews

June 13, 2021 Page 21

plans to increase the number of sockets. There were eight such sockets that lived on that board in the woods, and that’s all there would be for the foreseeable future. Why? Well, it seems that the site of this electronic board got flooded when it rained, which interfered with service.

There were no plans to improve the situation.

So, I and my business adjusted. So did the rest of the family.

We, like our neighbors and nearby friends were OK with this kind of “primitive”.

Actually, it was not primitive, so much as it was our partial adjustment to the changing times. I believe that back then, the younger generation was filling the gap between Rural and Suburban. To many people, the idea of “Suburban” (like “bedroom community”) as the gold-standard for living in the 20th century was feeling a bit worn .

Time has moved on, and as I have pointed out, starting with my first article for the StarNews, things have changed in this neighborhood. New homes have been built, homes have been remodeled, and life has improved to the point where we are now saying that this is not the time or place to allow a rock quarry operation on our Chattahoochee. But that’s for another day.

I’m making these comments in order to give the reader a sense of the kinds of feelings and personal history that were in me and dormant when we put a Netflix disk into our DVD player a few nights ago, and began to watch the documentary “Honeyland”.

The movie was a total surprise, at times bordering on shocking. My reaction to what I watched was something like this: Think of all the times you’ve had to suddenly jam on your

brakes while driving. Sometimes, you might be hacked off at the other driver. Other times, you’re feeling very thankful and very lucky.

Such opposite reactions are probably connected to where your mind was at, at that particular moment on the road. So, getting back to “Honeyland”.

The DVD goes in, the movie starts, and immediately we’re in the Balkans. The Republic of North Macedonia is a new nation that got formed in 1991, but named, finally, in 2019. It is mountainous. It is less than half the size of our state of Georgia, with a small fraction of our population density. Some 50 miles out from the capital city, down a “road” that is nothing but a wide bumpy foot-path, lives a woman, a beekeeper. She cares for her mother who is old, blind, and whose death actually happens during the course of this documentary film.

They are the only inhabitants of a deserted medieval village. They live in a shambles of a cottage. There’s just a square hole for the window, no glass, no curtain or even a cover. A heap of slats on a hinge serves as a door. The winter in those mountains will be the death of the mother. Yet, there are scenes, at night, lit by a lone oil-lamp, that match any interior scene

by Rembrandt. Some of the still shots that can be found on internet are worthy of being framed and hung in any living room.

We quickly realize that the daughter, the beekeeper, is an unusual person. She may be in her forties, and she and her bees are a marvelous sight. The hives and nests are located in ancient thick walls throughout the neighborhood and up into the steep and scary hills. She has a profound relationship with her bees,

months, in spite of my emotions breaking through, the tears running down my face.

The memory of holding my father’s ice-cold hand as I stood at his bedside as he lay dying, even past dying, and saying to him out loud that I will tell your stories, Pop. All my life I will tell your stories.

I want to tell everyone, every one, even now as I am approaching the end of my own life, what a great father, great man you still are still are, not were, since I am unwilling yet to refer to you in the past tense.

The wisdoms you passed on to me, many in the form of personal anecdotes from your long life have remained the guiding lights of my own life - all having the same underlying theme of righteousness, fairness, patience, and logic. Each one a teaching moment to be studied from my teenage years in the Bronx to

this very day.

“Put down the cue stick, Stuart, we’re late.”

From that long ago Sunday morning when Mine said, “Right.” I put it down, and we my best friend, Hal, who descended the long later became my brothernarrow flight of stairs to I want to tell everyone, every in-law, and I were the street and left. one, even now as I am shooting pool in Sal’s He was like that. Just Billiard Emporium and approaching the end of my own like that. No shouting, Pool Room. I was lining no anger - just a silent life, what a great father, great up a shot when I peered understanding of each man you still are - still are, not over the chalked tip of other, especially my my cue stick and saw to were, since I am unwilling yet to wrongful testing of his refer to you in the past tense. my chagrin, standing patience and his own quietly watching, was remembered teenage my father. He was dressed to go somewhere in years in New Brittain, Connecticutt. No particular. The “Somewhere in particular” was “Father knows best” cliches and no fake smiles to my grandparents’ home for a Sunday visit, now even on Father’s Day. and the time we were to leave was now. Maybe Thanks for all you have inspired me. A 20a little past now! year master class in how to live in this world.

We exchanged knowing looks. His look said, Lessons learned. Happy Father’s Day, Pop!

Letter to the Editor: Planned Parenthood and The Mexico Policy: The funding of abortions with taxpayers money while millions are struggling financially. Despite the financial struggles of millions of American’s due to Covid-19, government spending of OUR TAX dollars for abortions in the U.S. and around the world will hit all-time highs in 2021: Financial reporting for Planned Parenthood: - $617,000,000 in financial aid received from US government - Breast exams and pap smear screenings: 9.6% performed vs. previous reporting period - Cancer screenings: 8.5% performed vs. previous reporting period - Informational handouts for clients:4% performed vs. previous reporting period - 345,772 abortions performed vs. previous reporting period: A RECORD YEAR for abortions Margaret Sanger, the founder of PPH, had this to say in her 1921 magazine “Birth Control Review”: “The most urgent

problem today, is how to limit and discourage the over-fertility of the mentally and physical defective of our society. The undeniably feeble-minded should indeed; not only be discouraged, but prevented from propagating their kind” Other comments used by Sanger in her commentaries and speeches refer to immigrants, African-Americans, and the poor as “human weeds”, reckless breeders, spawning human beings who never should have been born” Let me ask you….Why is it that 80% of all PPH facilities are located in inner city depressed areas, with high concentrations of minority populations residing? 30% of the population of Georgia are African-American, yet 60% of the abortions are performed in the African-American population? There are more “abortions vs live births” in the African-American population in New York City!

The Mexico Policy - Written in 1984 by President Ronald Regan, the Mexico Policy would not allow US taxpayer funding to countries overseas that would promote abortions as a means of population control.

based on the ancient rule, that for her singing and care she goes halves on the honey. The harvest of honeycombs, along with jars of honey, are taken by her to an ancient marketplace in the slums of the capital city, Skopje. The merchants there love her product and pay well for it.

The sampling of the product, which happens several times in the movie, is a voluptuous delight. To some, it might seem too sensual.

(Personally, having done bees in the past, I confess to a bit of salivation when witnessing the scenes where the tasting takes place.)

It is obvious the merchants love the honey that her bees produce, and the ancient basis for trade and business at the marketplace unfolds before our eyes. By this time, the documentary is operating on a deep level, and I can’t tell you how that is so.

She returns from the capital, with bags of goodies for her mother and henna-dye for her own hair. Also, there are some very well-mannered household pets who understand that they are loved and seem to be fluent in their comprehension of the language spoken in the hovel, which happens to be a dialect known as Balkan-Turkish.

This is a deserted town, whose buildings are the centuries-old stone-remains of some kind of palace and courtyard. In history, this entire region has been at the crossroads of several empires, starting with Alexander the Great (himself a Macedonian, who had Aristotle for a teacher), into the Roman, followed by the Byzantine, the Ottoman, and then in the 20th century, the Austro-Hungarian.

Into this shambles of a deserted ancient town See BILL BOURIS page 23

- President Biden rescinded the Mexico policy with an Executive Order on January 28th 2021, allowing over $600,000,000 in government tax payer funding to be sent abroad to foreign countries for abortions as a means of population control So here we are, with millions of Americans struggling to put food on their tables, pay their rent and electricity, yet $1.2 billion of our tax dollars will be used in 2021 to promote the killing of an innocent human being in the womb.

As I’ve mentioned during our Life presentations throughout West Georgia: “The most dangerous place in America, is now found in the womb of the mother.”

May God please have mercy on our country for the reckless killing of over 60M innocent human beings through the act of abortion since 1973!

Duane Hack Chapter President-West Georgia Right to Life 224 Lakeview Way Carrollton, GA 30117 470-370-2452

Page 22 June 13, 2021

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Can the U.S. sustain the International Order?

COMMENTARY

nations and their citizens, and protect human rights. It’s based on mutually negotiated rules and initiatives that, in a well-functioning world, are promoted by institutions such as the United Nations, International Monetary Fund and World Bank, World Trade Organization, World Health Organization, and others.

These days, though, it’s fair to say that there’s no aspect of the order we once took for granted that isn’t at least facing questions. This is in part because, at the moment, both China and Russia are asserting their interests and, often, working actively to undermine ours.

At the same time, the U.S. role is less prominent than it once was. Our allies, especially after the four years of the Trump administration, are uncertain of our commitment to global leadership given that we questioned longtime alliances, withdrew from institutions, pulled out of international accords, and in general pulled back from the web of alliances and agreements that we had helped shape in earlier years. Understandably, our friends and allies wonder how much they can count on us and our adversaries are eager to test us.

At the same time, forces beyond the control of any government are reshaping the global picture. Nationalism is stronger, conflicts between countries seem to be ratcheting up, and many societies are struggling with growing diversity, declining tolerance, and a turn toward

authoritarianism. On the whole, international wisely and only when necessary. power is less concentrated and more widely Finally, as I suggested at the beginning, our distributed, which presents challenges to global strength on all these fronts will come from institutions and makes it more difficult to pur- making sure that we are strong at home: that sue much-needed our economy is robust, What is the international order? our finances and debt reforms within them.

In this situation, it’s It’s essentially the set of structures are manageable, our crucial that democracies elections are fair and and values that evolved during such as the U.S., well run, our infrastructhe 20th century to resolve Europe, Japan, and ture is revitalized, we Canada recognize the disputes, promote commerce and invest in the future of free trade, undergird economic importance of the role our businesses through they play in sustaining research and developdevelopment and investment, and revitalizing the further contacts and exchanges ment, and we invest in international order. It’s between nations and their citizens, the future of the by no means a given that American people by and protect human rights. it can endure, but the focusing attention on democracies have an education and skills advantage: for many people around the world, development. If we can do all that, then we the more authoritarian alternatives are not espe- will have earned the right to lead the world in cially appealing. navigating the challenges facing the internaEven so, the work of strengthening the world tional order. order will require a concerted effort that blends Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the both cooperation and firmness. We have to Indiana University Center on Representative strengthen our alliances of course, as well as Government; a Distinguished Scholar at the shore up and broaden arms control efforts. IU Hamilton Lugar School of Global and Countering authoritarianism in all its facets will International Studies; and a Professor of be an ongoing challenge. And we need con- Practice at the IU O’Neill School of Public stantly to gauge how best to be a benign world and Environmental Affairs. He was a member power, helping to resolve conflicts and slow to of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 use force = not ruling it out, but relying on it years. https://corg.indiana.edu

SWINDLE LAW GROUP, P.C. Ten years ago, I wrote a column on the aspect of fear and hope in our lives. I also mentioned that a minister delivered a message that got my attention. The minister said that Satan has a shed where he keeps his tools of evil.

Addiction, depression, hate, disloyalty, resentment, and anger are just a few of Satan’s precious items. Although he has many, Satan’s favorite tool is fear.

Fear combines some of the most powerful negative forces on Earth and in the spiritual realm. Fear is the basis of anger, hatred, and

suffering. However, God gives us a more powerful tool than fear; Him. Since I wrote my column about hope back in 2012, The United States has become even more politically and socially fractured. I invite you to watch a few minutes of any political talk show in the evening. You will see nothing but hate, finger pointing, and a total lack of civility.

Rarely, will you see any plausible suggestions for solutions. Many of our people suffer from economic insecurity, problems at home, poor health, and general unhappiness just to name a few. There is also widespread fear about COVID, our national security, our changing culture, and violent domestic unrest.

Enemies across the globe pay close attention to the United States. Today, many of them perceive us as weak, entitled, and crumbling. They also know that we are becoming a more secularized society every day; turning our back on God. Fear lies underneath these and other struggles. The most difficult challenge is facing

fear face to face. Fortunately, we are not alone.

God is with us. If we trust Him to lead us, we cannot go wrong.

At work and home, when a situation begins to turn in the wrong direction, I immediately stop and step back for a few minutes or even hours. I seek God’s will for me and the power to carry that out. Oftentimes, just “getting out of the way” will solve the problem. Yes, this is much easier to write about than to carry out on a daily basis. But, God did not make His children perfect. He wants for us to rely on Him. This is easier to do on some days.

Our country can do the same. We can seek God’s guidance and look back to those divinely inspired Framers of the Constitution for solutions. But, it will take extraordinarily strong leadership from brave men and women to get our country back on the path of honor, goodness and prosperity. I have not seen those leaders yet. But, they exist.

I have a close friend whose wife has suffered

from a traumatic brain injury for years. Another friend is hospitalized again because he cannot confront the demons in the bottle. In both scenarios the so called “odds” do not appear good from a human power standpoint. But, there is hope. Doctors are wonderful people who have been given the power to heal through training, medicine, and intelligence. But, God has the most powerful role in the process of healing.

Hope does not come from the reliance on human power alone. Hope, like faith, is believing that God has a plan and is in control of that plan. Just for today, I pray that I will believe that hope will overcome my own fears. While I have turned my back on God many times in my life, the single piece of evidence that clearly makes the case for the power of hope is that He has never turned his back on me.

Tomorrow is a new hope in the ongoing battle of good versus evil in our country and within our own lives. Join me in choosing hope.

BENITA DODD from page 19 more likely to suffer in their daily lives while they litigate for the return of a critical item of property, such as a car or a home.”

In 2021, the Georgia Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is holding a series of hearings on civil asset forfeiture and its impact on communities of color.

Speakers include the Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO), Institute for Justice (IJ) and American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Once the hearings are complete, the committee will issue findings and recommendations to the Commission.

In 2015, Georgia’s Legislature beefed up reporting requirements: “Any law enforcement agency, multijurisdictional task force, district attorney, or state agency receiving property and proceeds forfeited … and any income resulting from the sale of forfeited property, including property distributed in kind,” must submit a detailed annual report by January 31 to the state auditor and copy the Carl Vinson Institute at the University of Georgia.

A GCO speaker told the committee his

organization discovered many reports were Slowly but surely, “policing for profit” is missing, illegible or complete. Agencies eroding. In 2021 Arizona became the 16th state appeared confused about who must report. to require a criminal conviction. Georgia, a GCO proposed a web-based platform for leader in criminal justice reforms, needs to be reports. IJ, which anaNo. 17: Ensure first that lyzes forfeiture laws in Slowly but surely, “policing for someone losing personal its “Policing for Profit” profit” is eroding. In 2021 Arizona property is, in fact, a publication, gives the became the 16th state to require criminal. state an F for its reports.

Benita Dodd is vice There are consequences a criminal conviction. Georgia, a president of the Georgia for fraudulent reports, not leader in criminal justice reforms, P u b l i c Policy for incomplete reports or needs to be No. 17: Ensure first Foundation and a memnot reporting. that someone losing personal ber of the Georgia The state also gets a Advisory Committee to property is, in fact, a criminal.

D- for its “standard of the U.S. Commission on proof, burden to innocent Civil Rights. Established owners, and incentive for law enforcement to in 1991, the Foundation is a trusted, independabuse forfeiture.” And, IJ adds, with the ent resource for voters and elected officials. median cash seizure in Georgia at $540, “83% The Foundation provides actionable solutions of forfeitures aren’t worth the cost of hiring an to real-life problems by bringing people attorney.” All that cash adds up, however: An IJ together. Nothing written here is to be conspeaker told the committee $108 million in strued as necessarily reflecting the views of the cash was seized at Atlanta’s airport alone Georgia Public Policy Foundation or as an between 2000 and 2016, mainly for violations attempt to aid or hinder the passage of any bill of federal reporting requirements. before the U.S. Congress or the Georgia

Legislature.

Dodd is a journalism graduate of Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa, who immigrated to the United States in 1986; Cobb County resident, was an editorial writer and columnist for The Atlanta Journal Editorial Board and an editorial writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Editorial Board before joining the Georgia Public Policy Foundation as vice president in March 2003. A member of the 2007 class of Leadership Georgia; faculty member of the Leadership Institute of Virginia; she leads the Foundation’s Environmental Initiative; serves on Political Science Advisory Board at Kennesaw State University; Board of Advisors for America’s Future Foundation Georgia; was a board member of Common Cause Georgia. She addresses civic and leadership groups across Georgia on current issues and free-market solutions; is a frequent contributor to newspapers and radio programs around the state; spent seven years providing free-market perspectives as commentator on a weekly Atlanta Radio Korea program; and policy advisor for The Heartland Institute.

LEE

HAMILTON PROFESSOR Indiana University Center on Representative Government We don’t often think that how the United States conducts itself at home has much impact on how we face the world, but it does. You’d be amazed at how closely people in countries all over the globe follow events here and count on the United States to lead the way. When it’s messy at home, it’s hard to sustain the strength and readiness to turn our attention outward.

Doing so is especially important right now because what we’ve come to term “the international order” is under stress. It’s not collapsing by any means, but U.S. leadership faces challenges, and if we’re divided and unsettled at home, it will be much more difficult to respond appropriately.

What is the international order? It’s essentially the set of structures and values that evolved during the 20th century to resolve disputes, promote commerce and free trade, undergird economic development and investment, further contacts and exchanges between

Enemies across the globe pay close attention to the United States

JASON

SWINDLE

COMMENTARY

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June 13, 2021 Page 23

Critical Race Theory (CRT): What it is and how to fight it

CHRISTOPHER

to that imbalance, according to Marx, was revolution: the workers would eventually gain consciousness of their plight, seize the means of production, overthrow the capitalist class, and usher in a new socialist society.

During the 20th century, a number of regimes underwent Marxist-style revolutions, and each ended in disaster. Socialist governments in the Soviet Union, China, Cambodia, Cuba, and elsewhere racked up a body count of nearly 100 million of their own people. They are remembered for their gulags, show trials, executions, and mass starvations. In practice, Marx’s ideas unleashed man’s darkest brutalities.

By the mid-1960s, Marxist intellectuals in the West had begun to acknowledge these failures. They recoiled at revelations of Soviet atrocities and came to realize that workers’ revolutions would never occur in Western Europe or the United States, where there were large middle classes and rapidly improving standards of living. Americans in particular had never developed a sense of class consciousness or class division. Most Americans believed in

the American dream—the idea that they could transcend their origins through education, hard work, and good citizenship. But rather than abandon their Leftist political project, Marxist scholars in the West simply adapted their revolutionary theory to the social and racial unrest of the 1960s. Abandoning Marx’s economic dialectic of capitalists and workers, they substituted race for class and sought to create a revolutionary coalition of the dispossessed based on racial and ethnic categories.

Fortunately, the early proponents of this revolutionary coalition in the U.S. lost out in the 1960s to the civil rights movement, which sought instead the fulfillment of the American promise of freedom and equality under the law.

Americans preferred the idea of improving their country to that of overthrowing it. The vision of Martin Luther King, Jr., President Johnson’s pursuit of the Great Society, and the restoration of law and order promised by President Nixon in his 1968 campaign defined the post-1960s American political consensus.

But the radical Left has proved resilient and enduring—which is where critical race theory

As a nation, we live in the most critical moment in our history. America is at a great crossroads.

For example, just this year we have experienced severe evilness, hatred, disrespect for property and life, and great anger. We live in a time when many in our nation are trying to cancel out God. Can I ask you a question?

Have you ever heard a dog make the sound of a pig? Have you ever heard a cat make the sound of a cow? Have you ever heard a bird make the sound of a horse? The answer is no because animals do exactly what God created them to do. Why is it that God’s greatest creation, mankind, does not do what God has created us to do?

We have men who do not want to be men.

We have women who do not want to be women.We have hatred toward one another because of the color of our skin. We disregard life by the murder of babies, teens, and adults.

This is evidence of a nation in great crisis.

America’s future looks bleak.

The words of President Abraham Lincoln are even truer today than they were on April 30, 1863 when he proclaimed a National Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer. President Lincoln said, “We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown.

But we have forgotten God. “We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own.

Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behooves

us, then, to humble ourselves before the Him burn out grudges, lack of faith, negative offended Power, to confess our national sins, attitudes, pessimistic thinking, and gossip from our lives. and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.”

He will put a fire back in our We are a nation in crisis. Is I believe the only hope bones that will drive us to there any hope?

I believe the only hope for for America is for the fulfill the Great Commission to America is for the born again born again believers go to a nation in crisis and tell everyone about the saving believers that live in this nation to call out to God for a revival that live in this nation grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. to call out to God. .. Jesus died for our sins, was of humility, fervent prayer, seeking God with all our heart, We need a sin erasing, buried, and rose again on the third day. and true repentance of our sin. restoration, soulHe is alive and He offers Revival begins with God’s people. We need a sin erasing, saving, devil chasing, eternally life to anyone who will repent of their sins and restoration, soul-saving, devil Holy Ghost revival. place their trust in Him alone. chasing, Holy Ghost revival.

Yes, there is hope for the United States of When revival begins in our house, it will spread to the church house, to the school America.

The song, “On Christ the Solid Rock I house, and to the White House. When revival begins there will be a fresh awareness of the Stand”, has a wonderful verse that reminds us awesomeness of God, a restoration of true of our hope. It goes: My hope is built on nothing less worship, a hunger for the Word of God, and a Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness new zeal to help fulfill the Great Commission.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame The Bible says in Psalm 33:12 “Blessed is But wholly lean on Jesus’ name the nation whose God is the Lord…” Let’s turn This is what a nation is crisis needs to do. back to Holy God in repentance and watch

BILL BOURIS from page 21 comes a rambling and slow-bouncing four mph motor home, with a mom and pop and maybe six or seven children, plus about 100 head of cattle. The cattle just follow their owners and the motor home. The family settles in and never stops yelling at itself. The cattle never stop bellowing. I couldn’t help feeling that a loud stink had invaded the town. Now, the drama begins.

The protagonist, our beekeeper, out of the goodness of her heart and her innocence, accepts the stinking invaders by showing them how they, too, can work the bees. She shares her survival skills with that family and they grab what she offers without a “thank you”.

The antagonists, the cattle-folk...well, as the chief movie reviewer of the New York Times put it, they greedily set out to create their own land of milk and honey. (Their outrageous inconsiderate behavior takes me to an uncomfortable place.) True to form, by their filthy and incompetent rudeness, they manage to start the destruction of our lady’s lifetime labor of love... and survival!

It started with their agreeing to sell their

entire honey production. You see, if you take all the honey from your bees, then your bees will, of necessity, come to your neighbor’s bees and rob that honey. Suddenly, one colony is invading and destroying another colony.

She warns them about this, but that family cannot listen to her.

Without the violence, there is something in Honeyland that is Old Testament. I’m sure that if you watched it (and managed the sub-titles), you will have rewarded yourself profoundly and simply. A.O. Scott of the N.Y. Times starts his review with a comment that goes like: For all his experience with seeing movies, he has never seen a film like this.

Earlier, I referred to the feeling of suddenly having to hit the brakes. I feel very lucky for running into this documentary. And then there’s the wonder-ponder thing! I believe that the reader will have a similar encounter, resulting with a wonder-ponder.

Here is a link to another article about the film, if you can keyboard all these characters: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/29/world/ europe/honeyland-north-macedonia-bees.html

F. RUFO

FOUNDER / DIRECTOR

BATTLEFRONT A Public Policy Research Center

imprimis.hillsdale.edu The following is adapted from a lecture delivered at Hillsdale College on March 30, 2021 and published in IMPRIMIS: Critical race theory is fast becoming America’s new institutional orthodoxy. Yet most Americans have never heard of it - and of those who have, many don’t understand it. It’s time for this to change. We need to know what it is so we can know how to fight it.

In explaining critical race theory, it helps to begin with a brief history of Marxism.

Originally, the Marxist Left built its political program on the theory of class conflict. Marx believed that the primary characteristic of industrial societies was the imbalance of power between capitalists and workers. The solution

A Nation in crisis

JOHN

LEMMINGS

PASTOR Journey Fellowship Baptist Church www.journeyfbc.com johnlemmings316@gmail.com

COMMISSIONER CHANCE from page 19 scene and in addition send GPS directions onboard hopefully helping the department arrive faster to the scene which could ultimately save a life.

The fore-mentioned CAD system already has an interface built in for the PDS (medical protocol) software so the integration will be faster, more efficient and less costly. In the event of a medical emergency call to E-911, operators will have the ability to pull up the latest medical protocols on screen depending on the type of emergency, through the new CAD system to help those in need while emergency personnel are on the way.

The implementation of these two new software systems are sure to help assist our E-911 emergency dispatch and operators with the latest tools needed to assist callers and all first responder agencies operating within Carroll County.

The new PDS Software System was supported by recommendation from the EMS Board and oversight Medical Doctor, EMA Director, E-911 Director and ultimately the BOC. The system has an initial software cost of $95,832 with an annual maintenance and

comes in.

WHAT IT IS: Critical race theory is an academic discipline, formulated in the 1990s, built on the intellectual framework of identity-based Marxism. Relegated for many years to universities and obscure academic journals, over the past decade it has increasingly become the default ideology in our public institutions. It has been injected into government agencies, public school systems, teacher training programs, and corporate human resources departments in the form of diversity training programs, human resources modules, public policy frameworks, and school curricula.

There are a series of euphemisms deployed by its supporters to describe critical race theory, including “equity,” “social justice,” “diversity and inclusion,” and “culturally responsive teaching.” Critical race theorists, masters of language construction, realize that “neoMarxism” would be a hard sell. Equity, on the other hand, sounds non-threatening and is easily confused with the American principle of equality. But the distinction is vast and imporSee CRITICAL RACE THEORY page 24

support fee of $9,600. In the current FY21 E911 budget, there has been several adjustments and savings realized in various line items throughout the fiscal year, ultimately allowing for the initial software investment to be paid for out of the existing budget without the need for any additional monies. Since the software will require a contract, the BOC was needed to formally approve the acceptance of the ongoing services with final verbiage pending the approval of the board chairman and county attorney’s office before the execution.

Carroll County is very fortunate to have such committed men and women who serve as First Responders in our community. Those who selflessly serve our community in all areas of public safety continue to do so because they have a passion to protect life. I am very proud to have supported this software enhancement to ensure our E-911 personnel can assist both citizens and our First Responder Professionals with the tools they need to complete a job that’s well done.

May God Bless our medical and safety personnel and May God Bless the community of Carroll County where we all live, work, worship and play!

Page 24 June 13, 2021

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Admissions in the Independent School - Welcome, Summer!

COMMENTARY

tion could not be more accurate than it has been this year at Oak Mountain Academy. The year of the pandemic. The 2020-21 academic year.

Celebrating “common attitudes, interests, and goals” became more central and even more paramount in order that our community focus would eventually bring us to this point – Summer! Not just to say that we arrived at Summer – but, to be able to look back at the year and celebrate student accomplishments: from big wins on the field, consistent academic excellence in test scores, student’s personally achieving lifetime goals, faculty reaching new pillars in their careers, and especially considering the determination and grit that was required – So, yes, “Welcome Summer!”

With Summer break there comes lots of exciting things: vacations, new adventures, sleeping in, staying up late, working a new job (teenagers), parents juggling and reorganizing their families, and much more. Well, in the Independent School, Summer “break” doesn’t exactly equal a “break.” Yes, we do have a

littler, less strict schedule that offers flexibility, especially for working parents. However, our Summer team (our Administrative Team) is working diligently to plan, prepare, predict, and pray...yes, we pray for the coming school year.

We are planning based on the “what-if” questions that our parents may ask, especially as we settle into another year that is somewhat unknown.

We are preparing our hallways with a fresh coat of paint, waxing and refinishing the gym floor, and making many other maintenance updates. We are predicting how many students in particular grades, how many students will play a certain sport, and the many other variables that come with an Independent School. And, most importantly, we are praying for all of the pieces to come together in a fashion that continues to make our community proud to call themselves Oak Mountain Academy.

One of the largest variables within the Independent School Life, is always enrollment.

Summer enrollment involves many variables

within itself, requiring attention from most of our Administrative Team members.

Enrolling students (and families) who are mission-minded and community-driven are key factors to the successfulness in growing an Independent School. “What does the admissions process involve?” you might ask. It is not as simple as filling out a registration form or signing a piece of paper.

Most Independent Schools have a designated Director of Admissions who oversees the whole process of connecting a new family with the school and putting the Admissions puzzle together – a logistics coordinator, of sorts. At Oak Mountain Academy, our Director of Admission is Katie Kilgore. Mrs. Kilgore strives to serve each family with open arms and a welcome spirit as she offers details about our school and learns information from the family to see if it is a “good fit” for everyone.

Mrs. Kilgore states, “OMA is an amazing place offering a school community that can provide so much from such a small system – I See PATRICK YURAN page 25

ereynolds@carrollcountyga.com As your District 5 Carroll County Commissioner, I am always glad to nominate great people from our district to become members of local boards and authorities. Having great people in my district of Carroll County makes it easy for me to select nominees and ensure great appointments to such local boards and authorities.

Recently, many opportunities have emerged for me to nominate residents of my district to such boards. I am very pleased to have such capable and dedicated individuals in District 5 for me to nominate. Many thanks to these District 5 residents for their willingness to serve, as serving on such boards and authorities takes time and effort. There is no paycheck involved for this service. So, their remuneration for serving is not monetary. Below is a list of

the District 5 residents I have nominated and the boards and authorities on which they now serve, after being appointed by the full Carroll County Board of Commissioners.

- Paul DeMent, of Whitesburg, was appointed to the Carroll County Planning & Zoning Commission. Paul and his family live in the middle of over 700 acres of rural property in the Whitesburg area and he has placed his property into a perpetual conservation easement, as he is committed to preserving the land and the rural lifestyle of the area.

Given this commitment and focus, as well as his professional degree and background as an Expert Witness in Construction Litigation, I feel fortunate to have Paul as my District 5 representative on the Planning & Zoning Commission. With outside developers and industry watching this area for potential investments, we need a resident of the area with such rural commitments and professional expertise to ensure proper preservation of our rural lifestyle.

Paul shares my perspectives and will be a great partner with me on Planning & Zoning matters impacting our District 5.

- Tori Yearta, of Whitesburg, was appointed to the Carroll County Development Authority.

Tori knows first-hand about business and econ-

omy in Carroll County, as she is a long-time owner/operator of one of the most thriving businesses in Whitesburg - the convenience store on Highway 16. Tori is well-known throughout the community and also directly related to a former governor of Georgia.

She shares my interest in bringing proper and well-managed improvement to the economy of that area. The Development Authority is composed of seven members, one member represents the county at-large and the others members each represent their respective district. I feel fortunate to have Tori as my District 5 nominee and representative on the County Development Authority.

• Catherine Huckeba, of Roopville, was appointed to the Carroll County Board of Elections & Registration. The County Board of Elections & Registration was recently increased from three members to five members, pursuant to House Bill 456, which was passed by the Georgia Legislature during its most recent session. Catherine was appointed to fill one of the two expanded member positions.

Catherine is a life-long resident of Roopville and is known for her organizational and scheduling/processing skills, holding many such responsibilities in county government, including that of Deputy Clerk and Jury Liaison

Officer with the Court System. She holds degrees in Business Administration, Education, and Music and I am very pleased to have Catherine’s professional expertise and capabilities on our County Board of Elections.

• Dwayne Hicks, of Roopville, was ppointed to the Joint Development Authority of Carroll County, Coweta County, Douglas County, Haralson County, Heard County, Paulding County, Polk County, and Troup County. The Joint Development Authority is composed of 17 members. Two members are residents of Carroll County and appointed by the Carroll County Board of Commissioners, 14 members are appointed from the other seven counties, while the 17th member is rotated among the entire eight counties. Dwayne is a long-time resident of the Roopville area and the Broker of Metro West Realty.

With Dwayne’s connections throughout the West Georgia area, he is an obvious asset to Carroll County as a representative on this regional Development Authority. I feel fortunate that Dwayne made the commitment to serve on this Authority, representing not only District 5, but our entire county.

- Barry Huff, of Roopville, was appointed to the Carroll County Water Authority. Barry and See COMMISSIONER REYNOLDS page 27

CRITICAL RACE THEORY from page 23 There are a series of euphemisms deployed by its supporters to describe critical race theory, including “equity,” “social justice,” “diversity and inclusion,” and “culturally responsive teaching.” Critical race theorists, masters of language construction, realize that “neoMarxism” would be a hard sell. Equity, on the other hand, sounds non-threatening and is easily confused with the American principle of equality. But the distinction is vast and important. Indeed, equality—the principle proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence, defended in the Civil War, and codified into law with the 14th and 15th Amendments, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965—is explicitly rejected by critical race theorists. To them, equality represents “mere nondiscrimination” and provides “camouflage” for white supremacy, patriarchy, and oppression.

In contrast to equality, equity as defined and promoted by critical race theorists is little more than reformulated Marxism. In the name of equity, UCLA Law Professor and critical race theorist Cheryl Harris has proposed suspending

private property rights, seizing land and wealth and redistributing them along racial lines.

Critical race guru Ibram X. Kendi, who directs the Center for Antiracist Research at Boston University, has proposed the creation of a federal Department of Antiracism. This department would be independent of (i.e., unaccountable to) the elected branches of government, and would have the power to nullify, veto, or abolish any law at any level of government and curtail the speech of political leaders and others who are deemed insufficiently “antiracist.”

One practical result of the creation of such a department would be the overthrow of capitalism, since according to Kendi, “In order to truly be antiracist, you also have to truly be anti-capitalist.” In other words, identity is the means and Marxism is the end.

An equity-based form of government would mean the end not only of private property, but also of individual rights, equality under the law, federalism, and freedom of speech. These would be replaced by race-based redistribution of wealth, group-based rights, active discrimination, and omnipotent bureaucratic authority.

Historically, the accusation of “anti-American-

ism” has been overused. But in this case, it’s not a matter of interpretation—critical race theory prescribes a revolutionary program that would overturn the principles of the Declaration and destroy the remaining structure of the Constitution.

HOW IT WORKS: What does critical race theory look like in practice? Last year, I authored a series of reports focused on critical race theory in the federal government. The FBI was holding workshops on intersectionality theory. The Department of Homeland Security was telling white employees they were committing “microinequities” and had been “socialized into oppressor roles.” The Treasury Department held a training session telling staff members that “virtually all white people contribute to racism” and that they must convert “everyone in the federal government” to the ideology of “antiracism.” And the Sandia National Laboratories, which designs America’s nuclear arsenal, sent white male executives to a three-day reeducation camp, where they were told that “white male culture” was analogous to the “KKK,” “white supremacists,” and “mass killings.” The executives

were then forced to renounce their “white male privilege” and write letters of apology to fictitious women and people of color.

This year, I produced another series of reports focused on critical race theory in education. In Cupertino, California, an elementary school forced first-graders to deconstruct their racial and sexual identities, and rank themselves according to their “power and privilege.” In Springfield, Missouri, a middle school forced teachers to locate themselves on an “oppression matrix,” based on the idea that straight, white, English-speaking, Christian males are members of the oppressor class and must atone for their privilege and “covert white supremacy.”

In Philadelphia, an elementary school forced fifth-graders to celebrate “Black communism” and simulate a Black Power rally to free 1960s radical Angela Davis from prison, where she had once been held on charges of murder. And in Seattle, the school district told white teachers that they are guilty of “spirit murder” against black children and must “bankrupt [their] privilege in acknowledgement of [their] thieved See CRT page 27

PATRICK

YURAN

Headmaster OAK MOUNTAIN ACADEMY

“Welcome, Summer!” – probably a most welcome phrase for a lot of educators, parents, and students at this time of the year. Probably, more welcome than most years! This academic year has definitely been “one for the record books.” We are grateful and continuously humbled by the staff, students, families, and all stakeholders who worked tirelessly to make this year happen – IN PERSON – for our school community!

When you search the word “community” on google, you will find “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.” Well, that defini-

Commission District 5’s recent appointments to local boards

ERNIE

REYNOLDS District 5 Carroll County COMMISSIONER

StarNews June 13, 2021 Page 25 Carroll County Department of Public Health www.starnewsgaonline.com

Cremation: creating a meaningful funeral

The value of a meaningful funeral cannot be underestimated. Funerals give families and friends an opportunity to come together to celebrate a life, to mourn together, but also to reflect together as they share memories of a loved one and look back on times spent together.

As funeral service offerings become more diverse, sometimes the choices available become overwhelming, or come with questions of their own. One of the rising trends within funeral service is cremation, a practice that is by no means new, but increasingly popular.

People who are making end of life arrangements have a lot of questions, and surveys show that consumers have a lack of information regarding funeral options and planning.

There are still a lot of myths surrounding cremation, chief among them that it is an alternative to a funeral service. Cremation is, in and of itself, a means of preparing human remains for final disposition. Choosing cremation in no way suggests that a memorial service, or even a traditional funeral service, can’t or shouldn’t take place.

Cremation actually provides you with increased flexibility when you make your funeral and ceremony arrangements. You might, for example, choose to have a traditional funeral service before the cremation – in the funeral home, with the body present.

This is not an unusual occurrence, and in

situations where families are split on the issue, is often a good compromise. There can also be a memorial service at the time of cremation or after the cremation with the urn present; or a committal service at the final disposition of cremated remains. Funeral or memorial services can be held in a place of worship, a funeral home, or a crematory chapel.

What is important to remember is that funerals and memorial services fill an important role for those mourning the death of a loved one. They are often the first step in the healing process, and the rituals involved provide a number of comforts to those who are grieving. Cremation is not an alternative to such a service, but merely a step in the process.

There are a wide variety of options available to you and your loved ones as you think about your own needs, and your local funeral home is ready to walk you through every step of the way. Whether it’s a small memorial service or a large funeral, the key is to develop a meaningful celebration of life.

Some questions to ask your funeral home: Does your funeral home offer cremations?

Does your funeral home have a crematory? If not, who do they use for cremation? Are there special cremation caskets? Can a casket be rented instead of purchased when choosing cremation?

Next month we will be talking more about the many different cremation options. As always, we remain “A Family Serving Families®....Since 1950”.

Scott & Ellen Wynn McBrayer Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory Meadowbrook Memory Gardens 770-459-3694 - 770-942-2311 www.jones-wynn.com Meadowbrook Memory Gardens https://www.facebook.com/MeadowbrookMem oryGardens http://www.facebook.com/WynnMcBrayer caringbridge.org/visit/mcbrayer

PATRICK YURAN from page 24 encourage people to come and visit with us to see if it might be a good fit for their family and for our OMA family.”

Yes, the admissions process for an Independent School does require a few more steps: beginning with a campus visit, then academic testing, collecting teacher referrals and school records, and finally, an admissions decision from the school. However, the process is vital to maintaining the integrity of the value system of the school, a value system that was put into place by the founding fathers of Oak Mountain Academy. A value system that requires community, as previously defined – “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of

sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.” So, yes, we do say “Welcome Summer,” but that statement holds so much more than vacations and extra sleep, especially when you say it to a School Administrator. That statement for us, means “Welcome to the planning and preparation of a new school year – to include returning students and new student.” It does bring an excitement like a vacation or new adventure, just in a little different manner. We want to welcome you to Summer, but also to our School Community – come out and visit, you won’t be disappointed!

If you are interested in having a tour, please contact Katie Kilgore at katiekilgore@oakmountain.us

ELLEN & SCOTT

McBRAYER JONES-WYNN FUNERAL HOME

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tourist accomodation inspections scores 05/25/2021: Courtyard by Marriott 180 Barnes Ave Carrollton 94 previous 97 05/03/2021: Best Western Plus 104 S Cottage Hill Rd Carrollton 83 previous 86 Violations: Could not produce gas inspection letter. Permit nor inspection report were visible. 2nd floor ice machine had grime build up on it. Mildew growing on shower stall ceiling in Room 210.

80 previous 85 05/12/2021: Crown Inn 102 Crown Ct Carrollton Violations: Could not produce gas inspection letter. Unlabeled chemicals in laundry room. Debris and food in stairwells and hallways.

restaurant health inspections scores

05/25/2021: Dairy Queen 300 S Park St Carrollton 99 previous 98 05/25/2021: Waffle House #1750 543 N 113 Hwy Temple 99 previous 95 05/26/2021: Starbucks 804 S Park St Carrollton 97 previous 98 97 previous 97 05/03/2021: WNB Factory 1745 US 27 Ste 100 Carrollton 96 previous 96 05/20/2021: Express Mexican Grill 916 Maple St Carrollton 05/27/2021: Domino’s Pizza 1209 Maple St Carrollton 96 previous 93 95 previous 98 05/03/2021: Popeye’s 1517 Hwy 27 S Carrollton 95 previous 96 05/27/2021: Plant Wasted 206 Adamson Sq Carrollton 05/21/2021: McDonald’s 1303 Maple St Carrollton 95 previous 93 05/19/2021: Johnny’s New York Pizza 1670 Hwy 27 S Carrollton 95 previous 91 05/27/2021: Shucker’s Oyster House 481 Rome St Carrollton 94 previous 100 05/26/2021: Zaxby’s 1195 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 94 previous 94 05/26/2021: La Trattoria 120 Alabama St Carrollton 94 previous 94 93 previous 90 05/10/2021: Bojangles 750 Hwy 61 Villa Rica 05/10/2021: Hardee’s 161 Commerce Dr Villa Rica 92 previous 93 90 previous 95 05/20/2021: Waffle House #1514 592 Hwy 61 Villa Rica 05/10/2021: Sonic Drive-In 100 Park Ridge Dr Villa Rica 90 previous 94 05/28/2021: Central Coffee Company 820 Maple St Carrollton 87 previous 100 Violations: Both reach-in coolers underneath service counter reading ambient temperatures at 46F and 48F. Milk at 46F, chicken salad at 46F. 05/25/2021: O’Charley’s 1591 Hwy 27 S Carrollton 86 Violations: Digital thermometer on warmer not holding food at correct temperature. Equipment, bulk containers, etc. with grease and food debris accumulation. Rusted shelving present in walk-in coolers and dish area.

05/03/2021: Longhorn 1155 Bankhead Hwy Carrollton 83 Violations: Mold buildup inside ice machine at chute. Reach-in cooler at fryers holding TCS foods at 52F - 54F. Gaps present with daylight showing at back door.

Replace weather strip to not allow pest entry.

83 previous 100 05/25/2021: Dunkin Donuts 1202 S Park St Carrollton Violations: Prep top cooler holding TCS foods at 46F - 48F. Gaps around all outer doors with daylight showing through. Replace weather stip to prevent pest entry.

05/26/2021: Steak N Shake 1460 Hwy 27 S Carrollton 74 previous 86 Violations: Observed out of date Servsafe Manager Certification. Manager could not produce current certificate. Preptop cooler/reach-in cooler holding tomato at 46F, salad dressing at 46F. Heavy grease and debris build-up on equipment and walls and floors. Vent return covered with dust build-up. Observed excessive fly activity in facility.

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Page 26 June 13, 2021

StarNews

www.starnewsgaonline.com

How can you prepare for the “New Retirement”?

DERICK

NEWTON FINANCIAL ADVISOR

A generation or so ago, people didn’t just retire from work - many of them also withdrew from a whole range of social and communal activities. But now, it’s different: The large Baby

Boom cohort, and no doubt future ones, are insisting on an active lifestyle and continued involvement in their communities and world.

So, what should you know about this “new retirement”? And how can you prepare for it?

For starters, consider what it means to be a retiree today. The 2020 Edward Jones/Age Wave Four Pillars of the New Retirement study has identified these four interrelated, key ingredients, along with the connected statistics, for living well in the new retirement:

Carroll County marriage licenses

MAY 1-31, 2021

marriages chart

- Health: While physical health may decline with age, emotional intelligence, the ability to use emotions in positive ways - actually improves, according to a well-known study from the University of California, among others.

However, retirees fear Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia more than any physical ailment, including cancer or infectious diseases, according to the “Four Pillars” study.

- Family: Retirees get their greatest emotional nourishment from family relationships - and

they’ll do anything it takes to help support those family members, even if it means sacrificing their own financial security. Conversely, retirees lacking close connections with family and friends are at risk for all the negative consequences resulting from physical and social isolation.

- Purpose: Nearly 90% of Americans feel that there should be more ways for retirees to use their talents and knowledge for the benefit of their communities and society at large. Retirees want to spend their time in useful, rewarding ways - and they’re well capable of doing so, given their decades of life experience. Retirees with a strong sense of purpose have happier, healthier lives and report a higher quality of life.

- Finances: Retirees are less interested in accumulating more wealth than they are in having sufficient resources to achieve the freedom to live their lives as they choose. Yet, retirees frequently find that managing money in retirement can be even more challenging than saving for it.

Almost 70% of those who plan to retire in the next 10 years say they have no idea what their healthcare and long-term care costs will be.

So, if you’re getting close to retirement, and you’re considering these factors, how can you best integrate them into a fulfilling, meaningful way of life? You’ll want to take a “holistic” approach by asking yourself some key questions: What do you want to be able to do with your time and money? Are you building the resources necessary to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve envisioned? Are you prepared for the increasing costs of health care as you age? Have you taken the steps to maintain your financial independence, and avoid burdening your family, in case you need some type of long-term care? Have you created the estate plans necessary to leave the type of legacy you desire?

By addressing these and other issues, possibly with the help of a financial professional, you can set yourself on the path toward the type of retirement that’s not really a retirement at all - but rather a new, invigorating chapter of your life.

Derick Newton, financial advisor, Edward Jones, 937B, Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 770-832-9515

Carroll County pistol permits

Number of Weapons Carry Permits applied for: MAY 1-31, 2021: 430

Carroll County jail population

(The Jack T. Bell Detention Center, 1000 Newnan Road, Carrollton) Total population as of JUNE 2, 2021: 517 Males: 448 Females: 69

Carroll County prison population

Total population as of June 3, 2021: 178 Capacity: 246 Males: 100%

Carroll County cattle receipts Carroll County Sale Barn 225 Sale Barn Road, Carrollton May 31, 2021: 577 May 24, 2021: 335 May 17, 2021: 322

Carroll County births

MAY 1-31, 2021: Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton: Girls: 53 Boys: 40 Tanner Medical Center, Villa Rica:� Girls: 35 Boys: 27

www.starnewsgaonline.com COMMISSIONER REYNOLDS from page 24 his family are long-time residents of Roopville and Barry has served many years as Chairman of the Roopville Historical Society. Barry is well-known throughout the area and is a large landowner and cattle farmer in Roopville with a wealth of knowledge of the West Georgia area and the affiliated pursuits of installing county water throughout the area.

Barry previously served on the Carroll County Water Authority and the executive director approached me, explaining his diligent service and requesting that he be reappointed for another term. I was glad to oblige and feel fortunate to have Barry’s experience and

abilities for another term on our County Water the opportunity came for me to nominate a Authority. person from District 5 to serve on this board, I Patricia felt it would be a Whatley, of mistake to not I am so glad to have these persons Whitesburg, was offer her the serving our county and representing appointed to the opportunity to District 5. Congratulations to them for Community serve another their respective appointments and for Development term. Patricia Appeals Board. readily agreed to agreeing to serve - even without pay.

Patricia and her serve again and I family are was very glad to residents of the Whitesburg area and she renominate her. She, consequently, is previously served as Chairman of the continuing to serve as the chairman of this Community Development Appeals Board. important Board for our county.

Given Patricia’s prior service record, when I am so glad to have these persons serving

CRT from page 24 constructed their argument like a mousetrap. lege in acknowledgement of [their] thieved Disagreement with their program becomes inheritance.” I’m just one investigative irrefutable evidence of a dissenter’s “white journalist, but I’ve developed a database of fragility,” “unconscious bias,” or “internalized more than 1,000 of these stories. When I say white supremacy.” I’ve seen this projection of that critical race theory is becoming the false consciousness on their opponents play out operating ideology of our public institutions, it dozens of times in my reporting. is not an exaggeration—from the universities Diversity trainers will make an outrageous to bureaucracies to k-12 school systems, claim - such as “all whites are intrinsically critical race theory has permeated the collective oppressors” or “white teachers are guilty of intelligence and decision-making process of spirit murdering black children” - and then American when confronted with disagreement, they adopt too many Americans government, a patronizing tone and explain that participants have developed an with no sign of who feel “defensiveness” or “anger” are slowing down. reacting out of guilt and shame. Dissenters are acute fear of This is a instructed to remain silent, “lean into the speaking up about revolutionary discomfort,” and accept their “complicity in social and political change. When white supremacy.” originally Third, Americans across the political issues, especially established, spectrum have failed to separate the premise of those involving race. these critical race theory from its conclusion. Its . . . Worried about government premise - that American history includes institutions slavery and other injustices, and that we should getting mobbed on were presented examine and learn from that history - is social media, fired as neutral, undeniable. But its revolutionary conclusion from their jobs, technocratic, that America was founded on and defined by or worse, they and oriented racism and that our founding principles, our towards Constitution, and our way of life should be remain quiet broadly-held overthrown - does not rightly, much less perceptions of the public good. Today, under necessarily, follow. the increasing sway of critical race theory and Fourth and finally, the writers and activists related ideologies, they are being turned against who have had the courage to speak out against the American people. This isn’t limited to the critical race theory have tended to address it on permanent bureaucracy in Washington, D.C., the theoretical level, pointing out the theory’s but is true as well of institutions in the states, logical contradictions and dishonest account of even in red states, and it is spreading to county history. These criticisms are worthy and good, public health departments, but they move the debate into There are three small Midwestern school the academic realm, which is districts, and more. This parts to a successful friendly terrain for proponents ideology will not stop until it strategy to defeat the of critical race theory. They fail has devoured all of our to force defenders of this revoforces of critical race institutions. lutionary ideology to defend the FUTILE RESISTANCE: theory: governmental practical consequences of their Thus far, attempts to halt the ideas in the realm of politics. action, grassroots encroachment of critical race POLITICAL theory have been ineffective. mobilization, and an ENGAGEMENT: No longer appeal to principle.

There are a number of reasons simply an academic matter, for this. critical race theory has become We already see First, too many Americans a tool of political power. To examples of have developed an acute fear borrow a phrase from the of speaking up about social governmental action.

Marxist theoretician Antonio and political issues, especially Gramsci, it is fast achieving those involving race. According to a recent “cultural hegemony” in America’s public Gallup poll, 77% of conservatives are afraid to institutions. share their political beliefs publicly. Worried More and more, it is driving the vast about getting mobbed on social media, fired machinery of the state and society. If we want from their jobs, or worse, they remain quiet, to succeed in opposing it, we must address it largely ceding the public debate to those politically at every level. pushing these anti-American ideologies.

Critical race theorists must be confronted Consequently, the institutions themselves with and forced to speak to the facts. Do they become monocultures: dogmatic, suspicious, support public schools separating first-graders and hostile to a diversity of opinion. into groups of “oppressors” and “oppressed”?

Conservatives in both the federal government Do they support mandatory curricula and public school systems have told me that teaching that “all white people play a part in their “equity and inclusion” departments serve perpetuating systemic racism”? as political offices, searching for and stamping Do they support public schools instructing out any dissent from the official orthodoxy. white parents to become “white traitors” and Second, critical race theorists have advocate for “white abolition”?

StarNews

June 13, 2021 Page 27

our county and representing District 5.

Congratulations to them for their respective appointments and for agreeing to serve - even without pay. They are a great example of the respectable and diligent and communityminded residents that I am fortunate to call my fellow neighbors and friends in District 5.

There are, of course, many other such residents throughout my district and I call upon all of them often to get their ideas and guidance and help in filling my role as your District 5 County Commissioner. We are a great team.

Please call on me anytime, as I am here to help. You may reach me on my cell at 770851-6215. Please see my Facebook pages also.

Do they want those who work in lence, a common standard that challenges peogovernment to be required to undergo this kind ple of all backgrounds to achieve their potenof reeducation? How about managers and tial. On the scale of desirable ends, excellence workers in corporate America? How about the beats diversity every time.

Similarly, in addition to pointing out the dismen and women in our military? How about honesty of the historical narraevery one of us?

No longer simply an tive on which critical race theThere are three parts to a sucory is predicated, we must processful strategy to defeat the academic matter, mote the true story of forces of critical race theory: critical race theory America—a story that is honest governmental action, grassroots has become a tool about injustices in American mobilization, and an appeal to history, but that places them in principle. of political power. . . the context of our nation’s high We already see examples of More and more, it is ideals and the progress we have governmental action. Last year, driving the vast made towards realizing them. one of my reports led President Genuine American history is Trump to issue an executive machinery of the rich with stories of achieveorder banning critical race state and society. . ments and sacrifices that will theory-based training programs . If we want to move the hearts of in the federal government.

Americans—in stark contrast to succeed in President Biden rescinded this the grim and pessimistic narraorder on his first day in office, opposing it, we tive pressed by critical race but it provides a model for govmust address it theorists. ernors and municipal leaders to politically Above all, we must have follow. This year, several state courage—the fundamental virlegislatures have introduced at every level. tue required in our time. bills to achieve the same goal: preventing public institutions from conducting Courage to stand and speak the truth. Courage programs that stereotype, scapegoat, or demean to withstand epithets. Courage to face the mob. people on the basis of race. And I have organ- Courage to shrug off the scorn of the elites. ized a coalition of attorneys to file lawsuits When enough of us overcome the fear that curagainst schools and government agencies that rently prevents so many from speaking out, the impose critical race theory-based programs on hold of critical race theory will begin to slip. grounds of the First Amendment (which pro- And courage begets courage. It’s easy to stop a tects citizens from compelled speech), the lone dissenter; it’s much harder to stop 10, 20, Fourteenth Amendment (which provides equal 100, 1,000, 1,000,000, or more who stand up protection under the law), and the Civil Rights together for the principles of America.

Truth and justice are on our side. If we can Act of 1964 (which prohibits public institutions muster the courage, we will win. from discriminating on the basis of race).

Christopher F. Rufo is founder and director On the grassroots level, a multiracial and bipartisan coalition is emerging to do battle of Battlefront, a public policy research center. against critical race theory. Parents are mobiliz- He is a graduate of Georgetown University and a former Lincoln Fellow at ing against racially divisive curWhen they see what the Claremont Institute for the ricula in public schools and Study of Statesmanship and employees are increasingly is happening, Political Philosophy. As execuspeaking out against Orwellian Americans are tive director at the reeducation in the workplace.

When they see what is hap- naturally outraged that Documentary Foundation, he has directed four films for PBS, critical race theory pening, Americans are naturally including most recently outraged that critical race thepromotes three America Lost, which explores ory promotes three ideas—race ideas—race life in Youngstown, Ohio, essentialism, collective guilt, essentialism, Memphis, Tennessee, and and neo-segregation—which Stockton, California. He is also violate the basic principles of collective guilt, and a contributing editor of City equality and justice. neo-segregation— Journal, where he covers topics Anecdotally, many Chinesewhich violate the including critical race theory, Americans have told me that homelessness, addiction, and having survived the Cultural basic principles of Revolution in their former equality and justice. crime. About Imprimis: Imprimis is the free monthly country, they refuse to let the speech digest of Hillsdale College and is dedisame thing happen here.

In terms of principles, we need to employ cated to educating citizens and promoting civil our own moral language rather than allow our- and religious liberty by covering cultural, ecoselves to be confined by the categories of criti- nomic, political, and educational issues. The cal race theory. For example, we often find our- content of Imprimis is drawn from speeches selves debating “diversity.” Diversity as most delivered at Hillsdale College events. First of us understand it is generally good, all things published in 1972, Imprimis is one of the most being equal, but it is of secondary value. We widely circulated opinion publications in the should be talking about and aiming at excel- nation with over 5.7 million subscribers

Page 28 June 13, 2021

StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com

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