For (apparently) putting the kibosh on the concealed weapons in restaurants bill (HB193). From yesterday’s Political Insider (login).
No explanation was given, but we can hazard a guess. With the exception of a very few bills intended for the Republican base, this session’s low-volume agenda has been devoted to: A) reinforcing GOP ties with a business community that will be funding the ‘06 contests; or B) convincing suburban women  now a key swing vote in Georgia  that they need not fear the excesses of GOP rule.
Apparently, the concealed weapon issue didn’t go over well with either “A” or “B.” Restaurateurs had nightmares over liability issues that come when 9mm semi-automatics mix with surly waiters and dirty spoons.
And women somehow found no comfort in the possibility that the gentleman in the next booth at Applebee’s could offer cover fire in a pinch.
Also referenced in PI, check HB539, which would give the film industry tax credits for shooting in Georgia. The theory is a film crew is attracted to the state by incentives, stays a few months, generates enough sales tax revenue to more than make up for the initial incentive, then leaves. PI dubs them “super tourists.”
Finally, there was Democratic Lt. Governor candidate Greg Hecht’s letter to Christian Coalition leader Sadie Fields.
Dear Sadie,
I hope you are doing well. I appreciate the invitation to the event this Saturday. Unfortunately, I have a conflict, but I am grateful for your hard work. You have been dedicated to families for a long time, and I appreciate your service. While we agree on some issues and disagree on some other issues, I have always been appreciative of your concern for all people. Also, I thought the paper took an unfair shot at you last year. Take care.
Greg K. Hecht.
That pissed Decatur Guy off.
I will not be voting for such a pathetic panderer. Sorry Greg Hecht. Hopefully someone, and I’m not sure who, will be running against you.
I agree in less concrete terms, with the caveat that “pathetic pandering” is what politics is all about. So, rather than saying “I won’t vote for him,” let’s just call that a strike against him. Mae, I hope there is some sort of ulterior, “keep your friends close, but your enemies closer” motive behind that letter.
Little known fact outside of AK: Alaskans do not need a permit to carry concealed weapons. Permits are available for those who wish to conceal a firearm in recriprocal states.
thanks for the open mind rusty
seriously, greg was just being nice b/c there was no reason to write a hate letter to the cc in response to an invitation to speak at ralph reed’s organization no less….
I do not think “kudos” is the right response. Perdue and many other GOPers wanted this bill, but found it would cost them campaign contributions and did not poll well. He does nothing because it is the right thing.
That being said, as a former bartender and server I am glad for all my restaurant bretheren that this piece of shit did not pass. Guns in restaurants are not fun as I was laying on the dirty floor during one gun fight in NC soon after they allowed concealed weapons there.
At least for the time being, they listened to what most people in the state wanted and decided not to pass legislation against those wishes — contrary to what their base wanted. That’s what government is supposed to be about. I’m pissed at them about a lot of the things they’ve done, but am also willing to acknowledge when they do the right thing, which I think they did in this case. They wouldn’t be doing their jobs if they weren’t addressing their base, so if it turns out okay in the end I won’t complain… much.
A plague on the Christan Coalition! Vote for Ralph Reed or Greg Hecht? Are you kidding??????
How the hell do you have a radical moderate, More like (anti christian,
handout giver,union lover,radical left,
same old people running for public office,
GIVE ME SOMEONE NEW WHO WONT KISS BUTT
Mr. Johnson,
Thank you for sharing your ideas . As a valued member of the Radical Georgia Moderate community, your opinion is important to us. It will be distributed through the appropriate channels.
I carry a weapon as A Bounty hunter I would like to carry my weapon conceal please help george
As a card carrying IATSE member, I’m pleased to se GA offering tax incentives for film production. It bolsters the industry here, which currently centers mostly on commercials, non - dramatic televisio and music videos and ultimately creates jobs that would otherwise have gone to Canada. As for what it does for the tax base, I can’t say, but most films shooting in any major city hire their Below the Line staff locally and that can only be good. More films also means more positive visibility for the state, also a good thing.
Life’s too short to proofread.
Can you carry a concealed weapon in a restaurant that serves alcohol if you have a permit?