Sunday, September 2, 2012

As Detroit has gone, so will America under Obama's Democrat Party

Since 1960, Detroit has been ruled by the Democratic Party. In particular, its been ruled by the African- American wing of the Democratic Party, which came to power through the Civil Rights movement. These Detroit politicians have imposed their taxes and plans on the city, in progressively more authoritian ways. The result has been a complete collapse of civil society. A huge percentage of the hard - working,, honest people fled the city, leaving those who remained to be preyed upon by a government nearly consumed by avarice, greed, and corruption. The situation was further powered by the economic might of the major car companies, which themselves had been captured, in effect, by the Democratic Party's union operatives. Detroit lost 80% of it's population and nearly all it's working and middle classes. What was left was the poorest' most violent city in America.

George Bivins
2545300
georgebi@windstream.net
See my blogs  -  www.gradycountynewa.blogspot.com

Friday, June 22, 2012

Farmers Learn Hard Way How Agenda 21 Affects Them

Conspiracy, Capital C: Michigan Farmers Learn Hard Way How Agenda 21 Affects Them
by

03312012ObamaLiberals love to dismiss any talk of a global plan to take over small farms and destroy private ownership as “conspiracy theory.”
Michigan farmers are starting to learn that there’s nothing theoretical about it and the conspiracy is quite real.
NaturalNews.com reports that the state’s Department of Natural Resources recently conducted at least two armed raids on pig farmers, including bringing the entire goon squad of at least six vehicles and about a dozen armed officers.
Were the farmers criminals?
According to the DNR they were, and the raids included felony arrest warrants. But the actual crime was … raising pigs.
Under an “invasive species order,” or ISO, the state of Michigan has declared the pig farmers’ livestock to be an invasive species, and the raids were planned for the purpose of killing said pigs.
Farmer Dave Tuxberry reported slaughtering all of his pigs in advance of the DNR raids, hoping to avoid arrest. But according to NaturalNews, the DNR conducted the raid anyway, tossing the place and generally doing the jack-booted thug thing.
After four hours, the DNR officers decided that all the pigs were indeed dead, and they gave the farmer papers to the effect that he was no longer breaking the law because he was out of business.
Another farmer reported the interrogation of his customers, and he says his regular meat processor was so terrorized that she will no longer take his pigs for fear her company will be raided, but the loss of business will cause her severe financial harm.
The invasive species order issued by the state declares that nearly all small family farms raising open-range pigs are engaged in illegal activity. The pigs are declared to be “wild hogs” under the ISO, distinguished by their hair type. Raising pigs of the wrong hair color is punishable by up to four years in prison.
Wrap your head around that for a moment. First, how can a hog be “wild” if it’s being “raised”? And now it’s criminal to even have one of these evil creatures in your possession.
The farms, most of which have been in business for decades, are competition to “Big Pork,” in this case the Michigan Pork Producers Association, which explains the ISO on its website.
This is straight out of Agenda 21, the United Nations’ plan for global “sustainable development.” Part of that plan aims for the elimination of small farms as a waste of resources.
It also seeks a reduction of the population. And if you’re going to do that, targeting the diversity of a nation’s food supply could be a good way to start.
Nationally, the federal Department of Transportation has been going after family farms by reclassifying most farm vehicles as commercial vehicles, requiring anyone driving a tractor to invest in training and a commercial drivers license, and placing the equipment under laws intended for semi-trucks driven on the road. It would also ban young, underage farmers from using a tractor.
Note that the DOT Secretary Ray LaHood holds a seat on the recently created White House Rural Council, which has ties to George Soros and the Center for American Progress.
The EPA, of course, is getting in on the act, taking small farms as “buffer zones” for waterways to protect them from pesticides. Under Agenda 21, these areas are designated as not inhabitable by humans, as detailed by the Wildlands Project.
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson is on the Rural Council, which was established, according to President Obama, “to strengthen rural communities and promote economic growth.”

George Bivins
georgebi@windstream.net
2292545300
www.gradycountynews.blogspot.com

Monday, June 18, 2012

Ban on UN Agenda 21



Monday, 04 June 2012 09:25

Alabama Adopts First Official State Ban on UN Agenda 21

Written by
    Alabama Adopts First Official State Ban on UN Agenda 21
    Alabama became the first state to adopt a tough law protecting private property and due process by prohibiting any government involvement with or participation in a controversial United Nations scheme known as Agenda 21. Activists from across the political spectrum celebrated the measure’s approval as a significant victory against the UN “sustainability” plot, expressing hope that similar sovereignty-preserving measures would be adopted in other states as the nationwide battle heats up.
    The Alabama Senate Bill (SB) 477 legislation, known unofficially among some supporters as the “Due Process for Property Rights” Act, was approved unanimously by both the state House and Senate. After hesitating for a few days, late last month Republican Governor Robert Bentley finally signed into law the wildly popular measure — but only after heavy pressure from activists forced his hand.
    Virtually no mention of the law was made in the establishment press. But analysts said the measure was likely the strongest protection against the UN scheme passed anywhere in America so far. The law, aimed at protecting private property rights, specifically prevents all state agencies and local governments in Alabama from participating in the global scheme in any way.

    "The State of Alabama and all political subdivisions may not adopt or implement policy recommendations that deliberately or inadvertently infringe or restrict private property rights without due process, as may be required by policy recommendations originating in, or traceable to 'Agenda 21,' " the law states, adding a brief background on the UN plan hatched at the 1992 “Earth Summit” in Rio de Janeiro.

    The people of Alabama acting through their elected representatives — not UN bureaucrats — have the authority to develop the state’s environmental and development policies, the official synopsis of the law explains. Therefore, infringements on the property rights of citizens linked to “any other international law or ancillary plan of action that contravenes the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution of the State of Alabama” are also prohibited under the new measure.

    Of course, as the law points out, the UN has enlisted a broad array of non-governmental and inter-governmental organizations in its effort to foist Agenda 21 on the world — most notably a Germany-based group called ICLEI, formerly known as the International Council of Local Environmental Initiatives. But the new measure takes direct aim at that problem, too: “the State of Alabama and all political subdivisions may not enter into any agreement, expend any sum of money, or receive funds contracting services, or giving financial aid to or from” any such entities, as defined in Agenda 21 documents.

    “This bill, that would bar the state from taking over private property without due process, is intended to shelter Alabamians from the United Nations Agenda 21, a sustainable development initiative that some conservatives see as a precursor for the creation of a world government,” explained Alabama GOP Executive Director T.J. Maloney when announcing that it had been signed into law. The Republican National Committee (RNC) adopted a resolution earlier this year blasting the global scheme and urging policy makers to oppose it, and state parties have followed suit.

    Public support for the Alabama law was overwhelming and bipartisan as citizens who had been terrorized by Agenda 21-linked schemes targeting their private property spoke out. But according to analysts and state Republican Party officials cited in press reports, Gov. Bentley was originally hesitant to sign the bill — almost certainly due to concerns over the potential loss of some federal funding.

    The U.S. Senate, of course, has never formally ratified Agenda 21. But the executive branch — in conjunction with accomplices at the international, state, and local levels — has for two decades been quietly attempting to impose the plan on Americans by stealth, mostly using deceptive terms like “Smart Growth” and “Green.” And proponents of the global scheme consistently threaten that states seeking to protect citizens from the UN plot could end up losing some federal funds.

    “Every time you take a dollar of federal money, there’s strings attached,” explained Ken Freeman, chairman of the Alabama-based group Alliance for Citizens Rights (ACR), an organization that fought hard to ensure that the Governor signed the bill into law. “We were originally walking soft on this issue, to tell you the truth, because when things were going our way, why change anything?”

    But when Gov. Bentley did not immediately approve the bill, Freeman told a reporter, ACR turned the activism up a notch, urging citizens to contact the Governor’s office and express their support for the measure. The grassroots pressure paid off: Alabama became the first state to be officially shielded by law from UN-linked anti-property rights scheming.

    “It seems that Agenda 21 does actually bring people together in communities — just not in the way the U.N. had hoped for,” remarked Justice Gilpin-Green in a column for the conservative site Townhall, citing Freeman and other instrumental supporters of the effort. “Hopefully other states can mirror Alabama’s determined nature in passing their anti-Agenda 21 legislation. It was citizen awareness and direct action that finally brought about the needed changes last week and that same awareness and action will be needed for the future of every other state.”

    Legislative analysts said the bill, sponsored by GOP state Sen. Gerald Dial, was extremely well crafted: protecting citizens and individual rights from UN decrees in a simple, straightforward manner that Agenda 21 advocates would have a hard time criticizing. Liberty-minded organizations and lawmakers are already examining the measure for potential use as a model in other states currently struggling to expel the global scheme and its myriad tentacles.

    “Alabama House Bill 618 [SB 477] is a large step towards protecting Alabamians against UN meddling. It protects the due process rights of Alabamians. It keeps Constitutional Law above International Law,” noted Jason Baker, a Montgomery-based conservative pundit with the Examiner. “Now state after state awakens to the threat it poses to freedom and sovereignty.”

    Across America, Tea Party groups, liberty-minded Democrats, libertarians, and a broad coalition of activists have been turning up the heat on Agenda 21. Tennessee, for example, adopted a bipartisan state resolution slamming the UN scheme as an “insidious” and “socialist” plot that is completely at odds with American traditions of limited government, individual freedom, private property, and self-governance under the Constitution. Numerous other states are pursuing similar measures.

    A bill similar to Alabama’s seeking a complete ban on Agenda 21 and unconstitutional UN “sustainability” efforts in Arizona was approved overwhelmingly in the state Senate. The legislation died in the state House even after clearing several hurdles, however, when the legislative session ended before a final vote could be taken. New Hampshire is reportedly working on a bill to ban Agenda 21 that sailed through the state House last month.

    Meanwhile, local governments across America — under intense pressure from citizens and activist groups — are slowly awakening to what critics call the “dangers” of the UN scheme. Dozens of cities and counties have withdrawn from ICLEI in recent years, and as awareness continues to grow, that trend is expected to accelerate.

    The UN, however, is doubling down on its controversial plan. In June, governments from all over the world will be meeting in Rio de Janeiro for the so-called “Conference on Sustainable Development” — known as Rio+20 for short. According to official documents released by the global body, the summit, headed by Chinese Communist Sha Zukang, will be seeking to dramatically transform human civilization under the guise of environmentalism.

    Production, education, consumption, individual rights, and even people’s thoughts will all be targeted under the global plan to create a so-called “green economy,” the UN admitted. But with the tidal wave of opposition in America growing stronger every single day, analysts expect fierce U.S. opposition — if not from the Obama administration, at least from the increasingly outraged citizenry.

    Related articles:

    Arizona Bill Would Ban UN Agenda 21 Within State

    Tennessee Passes Resolution Slamming “Socialist” UN Agenda 21

    Kansas Lawmakers Seek Resolution Against “Insidious” UN Agenda 21

    EPA's Plans for Implementing UN's Agenda 21

    What are the UN's Agenda 21 and ICLEI?

    Texas City Withdraws From ICLEI, UN “Agenda 21”

    UN Report for Rio+20 Outlines Top-down “Green” World Order
    Photo: Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley speaks in Montgomery, Ala.: AP Images

    Wednesday, May 23, 2012

    Sno-Cone Machines - Terrorism?

    Homeland Security Buys Sno-Cone Machines to Fight Terrorism

    Written by Gary North on May 23, 2012



    Terrorists will stop at nothing to bring America down. But the Department of Homeland Security is up to the challenge.

    The latest threat is heat exhaustion. This is especially a threat in West Michigan. So, in preparation for this ruthless attack on West Michigan, the DHS has bought 13 ice-making machines.

    And not just any ice-making machines. It has bought Sno-Cones, the Cadillac of ice-making machines. No expense should be spared to protect residents of West Michigan.

    The machines that went to 13 counties — including Kent, Ionia, Muskegon, Ottawa and Newaygo — are Arctic Blast Sno-Cone makers that can, according to one sales list, shave 500 pounds of ice per hour.

    The 13 ice machines cost a total $6,200, according to the West Shore Regional Planning Commission, which administers the grant money.

    The written justification of the funding insists that the “machines will assist with treating the onset of heat exhaustion and stroke during large scale events or activities including possible terrorist incidents or similar emergencies.”

    The narrative also says local emergency managers believe they can use the Sno-Cone machines to produce ice quickly to help cool down suffering patients.

    The Deputy Fire Chief who chairs the Regional Homeland Security Planning Board has explained that the machines have a useful purpose.

    “In the event of an emergency where there is great heat for extended period of time, it does provide a means for ice packs for responders, for volunteers to stay hydrated in a different way than bottled water, and it is portable.”

    He added that local emergency management agencies can use the Sno-Cone machines as an attraction at public functions where they are trying to recruit volunteers.

    There is nothing like a Sno-Cone to recruit volunteers to keep America safe from terrorists.

    I know I will sleep better, knowing that West Michiganers are safer.
    Next week, maybe central Georgians will be safer, too. I’m hoping.



    How’s that for regional planning Charlie? What a crock.

    Sunday, May 13, 2012

    The Delphi Technique


    The Delphi Technique: Let’s Stop Being Manipulated!

    More and more, we are seeing citizens being invited to “participate” in various forms of meetings, councils, or boards to “help determine” public policy in one field or another. They are supposedly being included to get ”input” from the public to help officials make final decisions on taxes, education, community growth or whatever the particular subject matter might be.
    Sounds great, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, surface appearances are often deceiving.
    You, Mr. or Mrs. Citizen, decide to take part in one of these meetings.
    Generally, you will find that there is already someone designated to lead or “facilitate” the meeting. Supposedly, the job of the facilitator is to be a neutral, non-directing helper to see that the meeting flows smoothly.
    Actually, he or she is there for exactly the opposite reason: to see that the conclusions reached during the meeting are in accord with a plan already decided upon by those who called the meeting.
    The process used to “facilitate” the meeting is called the Delphi Technique. This Delphi Technique was developed by the RAND Corporation for the U.S. Department of Defense back in the 1950s. It was originally intended for use as a psychological weapon during the cold war.
    However, it was soon recognized that the steps of Delphi could be very valuable in manipulating ANY meeting toward a predetermined end.
    How does the process take place? The techniques are well developed and well defined.
    First, the person who will be leading the meeting, the facilitator or Change Agent must be a likable person with whom those participating in the meeting can agree or sympathize.
    It is, therefore, the job of the facilitator to find a way to cause a split in the audience, to establish one or a few of the people as “bad guys” while the facilitator is perceived as the “good guy.”
    Facilitators are trained to recognize potential opponents and how to make such people appear aggressive, foolish, extremist, etc. Once this is done, the facilitator establishes himself or herself as the “friend” of the rest of the audience.
    The stage is now set for the rest of the agenda to take place.
    At this point, the audience is generally broken up into “discussion—or ‘breakout’—groups” of seven or eight people each. Each of these groups is to be led by a subordinate facilitator.
    Within each group, discussion takes place of issues, already decided upon by the leadership of the meeting. Here, too, the facilitator manipulates the discussion in the desired direction, isolating and demeaning opposing viewpoints.
    Generally, participants are asked to write down their ideas and disagreements with the papers to be turned in and “compiled” for general discussion after the general meeting is reconvened.
    This is the weak link in the chain, which you are not supposed to recognize. Who compiles the various notes into the final agenda for discussion? Ahhhh! Well, it is those who are running the meeting.
    How do you know that the ideas on your notes were included in the final result? You Don’t! You may realize that your idea was not included and come to the conclusion that you were probably in the minority. Recognize that every other citizen member of this meeting has written his or her likes or dislikes on a similar sheet of paper and they, too, have no idea whether their ideas were “compiled” into the final result! You don’t even know if anyone’s ideas are part of the final “conclusions” presented to the reassembled group as the “consensus” of public opinion.
    Rarely does anyone challenge the process, since each concludes that he or she was in the minority and different from all the others.
    So, now, those who organized the meeting in the first place are able to tell the participants and the rest of the community that the conclusions, reached at the meeting, are the result of public participation.
    Actually, the desired conclusions had been established, in the back room, long before the meeting ever took place. There are variations in the technique to fit special situations but, in general, the procedure outlined above takes place.
    The natural question to ask here is: If the outcome was preordained before the meeting took place, why have the meeting? Herein lies the genius of this Delphi Technique.
    It is imperative that the general public believe that this program is theirs! They thought it up! They took part in its development! Their input was recognized!
    If people believe that the program is theirs, they will support it.
    If they get the slightest hint that the program is being imposed upon them, they will resist.
    This very effective technique is being used, over and over and over, to change our form of government from the representative republic, intended by the Founding Fathers, into a “participatory democracy." Now, citizens chosen at large are manipulated into accepting preset outcomes while they believe that the input they provided produced the outcomes which are now theirs! The reality is that the final outcome was already determined long before any public meetings took place, determined by individuals unknown to the public. Can you say “Conspiracy?”
    These “Change Agents” or “Facilitators” can be beaten! They may be beaten using their own methods against them.
    Because it is so important, I will repeat the suggestions I gave in the last previous column. One: Never, never lose your temper! Lose your temper and lose the battle, it is that simple! Smile, if it kills you to do so. Be courteous at all times. Speak in a normal tone of voice.
    Two: Stay focused! Always write your question or statement down in advance to help you remember the exact manner in which your question or statement was made.
    These agents are trained to twist things to make anyone not acceding to their agenda look silly or aggressive. Smile, wait till the change agent gets done speaking and then bring them back to your question. If they distort what you said, simply remind those in the group that what he or she is saying is not what you asked or said and then repeat, verbatim, from your notes the original objection.
    Three: Be persistent! Wait through any harangues and then repeat the original question. (Go back and reread the previous column.)
    Four: (I wish to thank a reader of the previous column for some EXCELLENT suggestions.) Don’t go alone! Get as many friends or relatives who think as you do, to go along with you to the meeting. Have each person ”armed” with questions or statements which all generally support your central viewpoint. Don’t sit together as a group! Spread out through the audience so that your group does not seem to be a group.
    When the facilitator or change agent avoids answering your question and insists that he must move on so everyone may have a chance to speak, your own agents in the audience can then ask questions, worded differently, but still with the same meaning as yours. They can bring the discussion back to your original point.
    They could even point out, in a friendly manner, that the agent did not really answer your question. The more the agent avoids your question, and the more your friends bring that to the attention of the group, the more the audience will shift in your favor.
    To quote my informant: “Turn the technique back on them and isolate the change agent as the kook. I’ve done it and seen steam come out of the ears of those power brokers in the wings who are trying to shove something down the citizen’s throats. And it’s so much fun to watch the moderator squirm and lose his cool, all while trying to keep a smile on his face.”
    Now that you understand how meetings are manipulated, let’s show them up for the charlatans which they are.

    Saturday, May 12, 2012

    Recent countywide zoning - what is behind it?




    Friday, April 20, 2012

    Obama intends to Seize our land

    Obama’s secret plan to seize Americans’ land

    Thursday, April 19, 2012
    GreenHouse32
    Print Friendly
    Brian Sussman, author of “Eco-Tyranny: How the Left’s Green Agenda will Dismantle America,” has exposed Barack Obama’s secret plan to seize land from the American people, on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends.”
    In an interview with Steve Doocy, Sussman said the scheme was “secret no longer” because of his new book, “Eco-Tyranny,” which reveals confidential memos from inside the administration.
    Sussman explained to Doocy’s audience that the plan revealed in “Eco-Tyranny” was “concocted by Obama’s Department of the Interior to take over hundreds of thousands of acres of private land, take it off the books for development.”

    George Bivins
    georgebi@windstream.net

    www.gradycountynews.blogspot.com

    2297624783

    Wednesday, March 21, 2012

    Minnesota zoning regulatioms?

    Updated: 03/18/2012 11:43 AM
    Created: 03/17/2012 12:16 PM KSTP.com | Print | Email
    By: Jennie Olson

    Burnsville Man Arrested, Jailed for Siding Code Violation

    A Burnsville man on his way to work was arrested and thrown in jail without bond, and then subjected to electronic home monitoring.
    But it wasn’t for drugs or a DWI or some other major crime.
    Burnsville city leaders say Mitch Faber’s dealings with the law all stem from his failure to properly put up siding on his house.
    Yep, siding.
    Faber says he had every intention of completing the stucco and decorative rock project on his home but he ran into money troubles when the economy soured. Burnsville leaders say they had no choice to enforce the law.
    Here’s how a simple code violation spiraled into a criminal case:
    Mitch and his wife Jean say it all began back in 2007 when they received a letter from the city of Burnsville saying, in part, "you must complete the siding of your home."
    “We were in the process of finishing,” Mitch insists. “This wasn't something that we were trying to avoid doing.”
    But in 2009 there were two more warning letters, and in 2010 yet another--this time requiring Faber to appear in court. Burnsville leaders provided 5 Eyewitness News with these 2010 photos of the Fabers' home as proof there was a problem.
    “I was expecting maybe a $700 fine,” Faber said. Instead he was given an ultimatum -- finish the siding or go to jail.
    So Mitch returned to his house and he and Jean say they spent about $12,000 putting a stucco façade over the plywood exterior. They thought they were finally in compliance. They were wrong.
    Faber was then taken into custody in November 2011 after Burnsville inspectors ruled the work was still not satisfactorily completed. A warrant for his arrest had been issued when, according to the city, Faber failed to turn himself in because the house was still not up to code. Faber is adamant it was. Regardless, what came next, he says, was absolutely uncalled for and humiliating.
    “I'm walking around in a green and white jump suit, I had to shower in front of a sheriff, I was shackled, my wrists were handcuffed to my waist — for siding.”
    “It was insane,” said Jean. “Absolutely insane.”
    After two days locked up, a judge agreed Mitch should be released but required him to submit to electronic home monitoring. In Dakota County, that process requires participants — no matter what their crimes -- to blow into a drug and alcohol device every time an alarm goes off.
    “They could call me at 2 in the morning and they did,” Faber said.
    Burnsville city leaders would not grant 5 Eyewitness News an interview about the Faber case but in an email from Communications Coordinator Marty Doll, he wrote, “”The city feels it provided Mr. Faber ample opportunity (nearly four years) to remedy the situation before issuing a citation…the city’s practice is to only issue citations for property maintenance issues (such as this one) as a last resort. In this case, the city determined a citation was the next appropriate course of action. Once the citation was issued, the matter had essentially left the city’s hands and entered the hands of the court system.”
    5 Eyewitness News also called Dakota County Corrections as well as Midwest Monitoring (the company in charge of the electronic home monitoring) but calls were not returned. In a letter dated February 21, 2012, Dakota County Attorney Jim Backstrom wrote the Fabers, “This was a prosecution initiated by the city of Burnsville through their privately-retained city prosecutor. The County Attorney has no oversight or supervision over city prosecutors…While it was a district court judge who heard this case and made decisions pertaining thereto, judges are employed by the state of Minnesota and not Dakota County.”
    The Fabers point to what they call far more glaring code violations outside other houses in their neighborhood. They’d like to know why they were targeted and others weren’t.
    “It’s selective enforcement,” said Jean.
    Most importantly, though, the Fabers say Burnsville made a mockery of an otherwise law-abiding man.
    Asked Mitch, “What did you accomplish other than wasting the city's money, the county's money, our money, and then all the mental and emotional anguish? What did you accomplish?”
    Mark Saxenmeyer can be reached at msaxenmeyer@kstp.com

    Friday, February 17, 2012

    Not enough city and county police

    2/17/2012



    As we speak, it looks as though we will be at war with Iran before the presidential election. I expect oil prices to double. Then, food prices to double immediately due to doubling of transportation costs. If that happens, we will have food riots, with not nearly enough police on the streets to protect us. We should be hiring and training county and city police by the dozens. Do not apply for grants to fund this hiring, because state and federal governments will take them over. We do not want a police state.

                80 % of our fruits and vegetables are imported. We have about 7 days before empty store shelves occur in America. Our farmers are not growing food.

                Why we really must prevent zoning regulations of our farmland: because through these zoning regulations will come  United Nations, federal and state control of farming. Why would they want to control our farmland? To control you by controlling your food. You won’t worry about giving up your guns when your children are hungry. Russia killed 20,ooo,ooo  just by controlling the grain. China about 30,000,000, N. Korea ????, U.S. Great depression  7,000,000.

    In the last 4 years the U.S. Government has ignored our constitutional guarantees as though they did not exist. Make no mistake; your government does not love you.

    I am now 78 years old. I was a pilot for Pan American World Airways for many years. I have seen all the above conditions occur, up close, around the world. Do not think it cannot happen in America.

    One of the most well informed citizens of Grady County is Dr. Jeffrey Bivins. I hope he will run for political office. I hope you will support him.



    George Bivins

    Grady County Commissioner

    1997 - 2000


    Monday, February 13, 2012

    2001 studies with Zoning more prosperous

    Dear Editor, The GA Tech study you quote from is 11 years old. Are you trying to fit a 2001 economic study to the economy of today? Wow, that is a real stretch. I would bet that a new comparison would be exactly opposite.
    My theory is follow the money. Naturally a study will say what you want it to say if you are controlling the money that comes from the taxpayers. If people will read your article very carefully

    Friday, February 10, 2012

    Dear Editor - on Zoning

    Dear Editor, I am reminded of how the attempt was made beginning in 1993, with two new commissioners seated, to slip zoning onto county land owners.

                    This information is not the complete minutes, but the information listed is absolutely accurate from the record. 

    Pg.40 –New commissioners first Grady County Commissioner meeting,   Jan 7, 1993

    Pg.42 - Board discusses zoning implementation of Grady Co. rural land with RDC. See Grady County Commission minutes book J.

    The old commissioners and the RDC wasted no time indoctrinating two new commissioners.  In the blink of an eye, your future private property rights vanished.

    Pg.58 -  Two new commissioners voted to increase code enforcement staff salaries $20,000 per year. How many staff?  Three. 

    Pg.61 Two new commissioners voted for ordinance for building regulations.  Imposing permit and fee costs.

    Pg.62 - Board appoints zoning advisory commission.

    Pg.63 - Board schedules zoning advisory commission orientation.

    Pg.68 – Two new commissioners voted to increase environmental health fees.

    Pg.72 - Board schedules zoning advisory workshop, June 29, 1993.

    Pg.73 - County and city of Cairo make joint code enforcement agreement.

    Pg.82 - Board declares it is currently prepared to adopt zoning regulations.

    Pg.97 New Commissioner made motion to approve RDC funding.  Our Grady County Commissioners are paying many thousands of dollars each year to a shadow government organization whose demonstrated purpose is to take away citizens “Private Property Rights.”  They teach Counties and cities how to do it and when to do it, without citizen participation. This RDC group was renamed: South West Georgia Regional Commission.

    Pg.99 - RDC zoning maps presented to the board.

    Zoning never was passed by county commissioners because the citizens oversight group came down on the board like a herd of turtles.

    You see, the news media can misrepresent and say there is a consensus, and declare that people want zoning regulations. Then, the county commissioners can comfortably vote to impose zoning regulations.

    But, this time 3 county commissioners ( Norton, Childs, and Poitevint ) have seen that citizens never had a say in this deal, and passed a motion to have hands counted at these public meetings. Now, the truth must be told. The truth is that we don’t trust government anymore. This is not a “change we can believe in”.

    Regards,

    George Bivins




    Monday, January 9, 2012

    Public meeting on county wide zoning

     7 PM – All meetings.

    Location is at the Grady County Volunteer Fire Stations, seating is provided. You do not have to speak, although you can. What is important is that you raise your hand yes or no when you are asked to vote. It was not, at first, intended that a vote would be taken. Three commissioners voted that it shall. This is the only opportunity you will have to vote, so be sure to come and bring your friends.

    In 1993, 18 years ago the RDC, the County planning Commission, and a majority of commissioners planned to stick us with zoning – they failed to do it, like I hope they will fail again. Taxpayers saved about one $million during that 18 years. Lets save some more. -


    Monday, Feb 13 – Beachton

    Tuesday, Feb 14 - Calvary

    Thursday, Feb 16 – Reno

    Monday, Feb 20 -  Midway

    Thursday, Feb 23 – Pine Park

    Monday, Feb 27 – Whigham – scout building

    Tuesday, Feb 28 – Pine Level

    Thursday, Mar 1 -  Spence

    Monday, March 5 – County Line

    Monday, January 2, 2012

    Grady County Commissioners deceived

    Grady County Commissioners are being deceived

    The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, (a non government organization SWGRC), begins its work in cities and counties by meeting with County Planning Commission (an appointed group of citizens), usually selected for their agreeable nature, trying to be kind here. SWGRC spends considerable time with planning commission, inviting them to meetings, building up their sense of importance, making them feel they are contributing, when, in fact, they are being used to convince the County Commission that their mission for zoning in the county is necessary, and that the citizens want zoning so they will vote for it, after a few public meetings, at which nobody comes, which is exactly what SWGRC wants. Then news media prints that a consensus is reached, people want zoning regulations …. A majority of commissioners vote zoning in. This is exactly what happened in 1988 when sub-division regulations was voted in.

    But, this time around, County Commission Chairman Charles Norton stated that a straw vote will be taken after each public meeting. This is the only vote citizens will get. Citizens will not need to speak (although you can), just raise your hand, this is unprecedented.

    Veteran “sustainable development” opponent Tom DeWeese, the leader of the Virginia-based American Policy Center, notes that the Sustainable Development plan contained in the Agenda 21 plan is being advanced under an array of deceptively labeled initiatives such as:

    … cap and trade, global warming, population control, gun control, open borders and illegal immigration, higher taxes, higher gasoline prices, refusal to drill for oil and natural gas, education restructuring, international IDs, health supplement control, food control, farming “reform,” control of private property, etc.
    George Bivins
    229 254 5300