(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
Let’s kick this column off by first welcoming Ms. Sylvia back. I was glad to read her column and glad she was able to beat COVID—like Natalie Paine beat that case against her.
Maybe we should use different words, when referring to the outcome of the situation that Ms. Paine was going through. “Beat” is not the best word to use; that would make it seem as if she did something wrong and somehow got out of it. From reading the information in reference to the complaint and the findings, it appears she is not individually where the problem and issues lie.
I heard there were plenty of attorneys rubbing their hands together, just waiting for something bad to come out of this. Well, not this time!
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While on the subject, I would like to clear up something that was stated to me and is what some think about the situation. Contrary to popular belief, most people do not believe this was some diabolical plan created by Jared Williams. People close to the situation or people close to those involved have made it crystal clear that this was most likely the doings of those accused.
My grandpa would always say, “Everybody your color, ain’t your kind.” I guess that can go for any kind?
Speaking of kind…
This past week, I happened to be having lunch in the same place where they were having a luncheon for Senator Raphael Warnock. This lunch was attended by several local pastors who wanted to show their support for the senator. Several of the pastors who know me asked if I would like to join them and even offered to pay for my meal.
I was very impressed by the questions that were asked and even more impressed by the responses Senator Warnock was able to articulate. What impressed me more than anything was when Billy Morris walked into the meeting while everyone was eating to shake the senator’s hand. They exchanged pleasantries and I even heard Mr. Morris wish Senator Warnock much luck on his campaign.
And they say a tiger can’t change his stripes. Maybe like most of us, even Billy Morris can see the stark difference between Senator Warnock and senate candidate Herschel Walker.
Speaking of Billy Morris…
Well, this really doesn’t have anything to do with him. I mean, he did use to own the local paper, and I guess this is about newspapers. So, I guess there could be an association within the context of what I’m getting ready to say…then again, there could be lots of…
Let me just say it. Did anyone else see the announcement that the AJC will no longer print a daily paper— just the Sunday edition? Maybe Joe Edge is headed to Atlanta to start The Atlanta Press. Although this would have to be after Joe closes on The Augusta Chronicle.
I know our city has been struck with shooting deaths after shooting deaths that seem to be random acts of violence. When I say random acts of violence, I mean in the form of gang issues and violence. But it’s really people just being mean and stupid.
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For the most part, there isn’t much we can do for most of those shootings. Mean and stupid people are going to be horrible people anyway — at least most of the time.
If I could ask the Sheriff’s Office to watch something, I would love for them to really take a proactive approach toward the reckless people (not all are reckless) on the dirt bikes.
We have had a few dirt bike incidents/deaths this year, and they seem to keep happening. If we are not careful, this can become a more serious issue as I see more and more dirt bikes on the streets daily.
This is no exaggeration. I saw a dirt bike/scooter/off road vehicle —every single day of last week. ILLEGALLY! I say illegally because not a single one was wearing a helmet. I even saw one guy driving one with a smaller kid on it with him.
We can talk about the things non-thinking people get senselessly arrested for. I believe this being the serious safety issue that it is, we have to do something.
Here comes the Judge. Here comes the Judge.
I was sitting in the courtroom last week for a moment during a murder trial. The level of heartbreak that could be seen on the face of Judge Wright was evident. NOT because she felt sorry for the accused, but because the situation was absolutely horrible, and it didn’t seem as if the accused cared much about what was going on. In open court, you could hear about the threats made against people who wanted to testify and phone conversations between people involved.
I asked Judge Wright if she would sit in with me as I hosted the Austin Rhodes Show last week, and she obliged. I had several comments from listeners after we got off the air that they could hear the concern in her voice as she spoke about the cycles that communities like ours are going through—how these cycles exist, and it seems in some cases like generational curses that are hard to break.
Judge Wright even went as far as to explain how drugs are playing such a major part in the mental health crisis that our community is facing. More criminals are getting younger, and the crimes are becoming more heinous. There seems to be a true lack of caring and, it is effecting our community in all corners. Judges can only do so much. We must continue to support good judges and our law enforcement.
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In other news…
I know that some have been throwing around Steven Kendrick’s name as a potential candidate for the city administrator’s job. This may not be as far-fetched as some may think if we look at this from the standpoint of what the city needs.
Kendrick has government administration experience. He has relationships with all of the county commissioners in one form or the other. He meets the educational requirements, and outside of his unsuccessful run in the mayoral election, Kendrick has a pretty stellar track record of success. He’s a “local” guy who would be homegrown and probably not looking to leave. All of that equals sustainability. What else could you ask for?
I did get a kick out of the stories that if Kendrick is elected, how they would make Hardie the city lobbyist. I talked about Davis becoming a lobbyist for the city a long time ago…unfortunately, I believe he is way outside of that opportunity now. I do believe in giving people their day in court. I also understand the importance of not purchasing damage goods. Nothing personal — just what most of the people here are thinking.
I wonder if TAP’s story about him going to work at Georgia Tech excites any of the alumni? All I’ve I been hearing is how some are calling alumni donors and…here I go…getting ahead of myself again.
Michael Meyers is a columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com
