Milton CountyA little bit of background.
Milton County in the U.S. state of Georgia was created on December 18, 1857. Alpharetta was the county seat until the end of 1931, when Milton was merged with Fulton County to save it from bankruptcy during the Great Depression.Now some current events.
In recent years there had been growing animosity by those in affluent north Fulton County over tax revenue needed in the less-developed southwest section of the county, as well as over excessive land development and zoning, and other issues of local control. Because of the July 18 referendum, active political discussions regarding the re-forming of Milton County out of north Fulton (the area in which the City of Johns Creek will reside) have been revisited.At many levels, this story is nothing special. Suburbs deciding they enjoy being rich. And the poor are everyone's problem not just theirs because of a very oddly drawn county. But this is the South and everything has a racial element to it.
During this year's midterm elections, it was the incumbent Atlanta political base which played the race card in a very inappropriate fashion in a pathetic attempt to get out the vote. Andrew Young, Mayor Shirley Franklin, and Rep. John Lewis spoke in the ominous radio ad. Here is the Lewis portion:
On Nov. 7, we face the most dangerous situation we ever have. You think fighting off dogs and water hoses in the '60s was bad. [Now we] sit idly by, and let the right-wing Republicans take control of the Fulton County County Commission.... Your very life may depend on it.(Here is the full text.)
To summarize, we already had a portion for withdrawing from Fulton County and now this ad where there is blatant us (black/city) versus them (white/suburbs) to crystallize the racial portion of the issue.
So, here's what is special. I am in the middle of this. The Studiodave family estate is in John's Creek. (You can actually see it by selecting "voting Democrat" on fundrace.org for the greater Alpharetta area.)
Personally, I see this as another case where a class issue which is being clouded by the race issue. The facts are that Atlanta politics are hugely. (The saying goes "if Maynard Jackson invented graft, Bill Campbell made it an institution." For example, the judge at Campbell's sentencing added that during the trial he "was overcome, almost appalled, at the breadth of misconduct in your administration.") Based on the corruption and the savings in taxes I'd receive - I have to say it is very hard for me to support remaining in Fulton.
I'd love to know your thoughts. Am I a racist for responding in this fashion? Or simply selfish? Or am I a great American?
7 comments:
No, you're not racist for wanting to be free of corrupt pols you can otherwise do little or nothing about. And wanting lower taxes isn't a racist thing in and of itself.
Look, we had an African American secretary of state whose prior career was one of outstanding achievement. We now have an African American senator many people, whites and others, would like to see run for president. We really have come a long way.
But race should never be a de-facto stay out of jail free card for crooked politicians.
Studio, you're a racist for always trashing the Atlanta Hawks.
It does sound like race is clouding what is mostly a class issue. Kinda lame that Milton was saved by Fulton during the depression, but now that former Milton's doing better than Fulton they want to break off again.
On the other hand, former Milton is almost all white, right? And the part of Fulton they want to leave behind is almost all black?
I guess it's time for us to finally reveal that StudioDave is, in fact, Michael Richards.
Damn!!!!!!!!!!!!
I guess that means you guys are generating a bit more traffic lately.
You know, I think anonymous makes some terrific points, but that crack about "Kansas home equity loan" was over the line, mister.
Well, you know what they say about camera digital reviews. By themselves they're alright, but if you get 'em in a group...
Oh, man. I'm so sorry about that. That was my dad talking.
WF
This may be off topic, but does anybody know where I can find some jewelry?
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