Georgia Rep. Paul Broun is a bright guy and physician who for some unbeknownst reason insist on being somewhat nutty on the Hill. I met Dr. Broun a few years ago when he was running to replace the late Rep. Charlie Norwood. I thought his runoff opponent Jim Whitehead was a quintessential southern political leader; Whitehead put you in the mind of an aging, wise coach.
Some Republican political operatives in Georgia should have their heads examined because Whitehead played football at the University of Georgia yet wrote off Athens—“dog gone,” literally. He had Black managers in his tire company who worked themselves up in the operation but the Whitehead campaign never used them in ads or had them working the community—in other words, win without Black support so you won’t need to listen to their liberal agenda for the next two years. Newsflash: Not all Blacks are liberals and those people whispering in your ear are not helping.
So, Broun keeps coming up with a constant diet of far-right conspiracy theories or faith-related legislation that feeds a certain element but does not help his party with moderates nor help address the economy recovery. He is better than this because his father was a well-represented Georgia legislative leader. His father’s legacy is so strong that the Black community in Athens backed Paul over reasonable Whitehead. How you like me now?
Of course, Broun is safe from a Democrat challenger but his latest legislative idea of making 2010 the year of the Bible might bring out a GOP candidate who is about the business of governing rather than stirring conflict and division. Would 2011 be the year of the Quran and 2012 the year of the Torah? I am a moderate and I will be at church on Sunday but a resolution like Broun’s can’t pass until there is a constitutional amendment to declare one faith the official faith of America and Broun knows that.
Our community needs reasonable Republicans more than just another Democrat.
Project Logic Ga 
Obviously I am completely against this one as well.
That said, I will say something that maybe people aren’t aware of:
This isn’t unprecedented. From what I have heard it was done in the early 80s as well – and passed!
Still, that it was done once doesn’t mean it is ok to do it again, and this dude needs to be stopped – sooner, rather than later.
What I don’t understand is the reason for the Year of the Bible. What is the purpose? Last week this time I was in attendance at the Georgia Republican Convention. The tone was positive, not divisive. It displayed inclusion. There is an opportunity now for the Republicans to show people from all walks of life, especially African-Americans, that their politics can make an impact many of the social ills that disproportionately plagues them. Michael Steele said something to that affect in his remarks at breakfast last Saturday.
Sometimes it seems Congressman Broun, who I really have grown to like as a person and consider a friend, that he’s out there all by himself with this kind of talk and rhetoric. Is it just me that feels that way?
Unfortunately, Helen, the purpose is pandering.
It’s a lot easier to tell the people that vote for you what (you think) they want to hear, instead of what they need to hear.
I blame Helen. If she got me corrected then she should be helping her friend Paul Broun dial down the drama. Helen, I was with you when I met him. Dude is a fighter; just point him in the right direction and restrict his diet of talk radio.
The best read post on this blog was written by one of his staffer on her own time. She should comment to clear the air.
And where is Denise Freeman who ran against Broun then endorsed him in the Black community, which might have been the margin of victory. Rev. Freeman, who is never at a loss for words, should chime in.