As Election Day Approaches

The 2010 mid-term elections are nearly here, and every pundit seems to have an opinion about turnout, results, trends--you name it. This morning I read this article, which gives an interesting appraisal of why voting trends are changing. A changing national demographic seems to ensure a changing political climate in future elections too. Changing political climate may well become the norm as we move through the 21st century. 

Shifting Voter Demographics: America is a Different Country

How do you think changing national demographics will change national, state and local elections in the years to come?

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

It's Not Over

There are still some of us who believe personal home-ownership will make a comeback...in time. While the word around prominent planning people seems to be pushing toward the live/walk, rental style dwelling scenario--a trend I also believe has some merit, just perhaps not in to the extent some predict--there remains tremendous desire by many to have "a piece of land to call their own."

Why Housing Will Come Back


What do you think the future of home-ownership is?

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

Disillusioned Small Business

Did small businesses in the U.S. ever have a chance to help with economic recovery, or did big business (who has a chokehold on lending) kill the chance for them? Can the economy really come back without the base drive of small business? 

This article discusses how disillusioned small business is under the current administration.


Why Business Hates Obama


What is the answer?


Blessings!
Shannon \o/

Class Issues

This article highlights a growing issue of class division that doesn't seem to even be on the radar in the two popular US political parties, but is most assuredly in the mind of those of us who make up "Main Street America".
  
The Democrats' Middle-Class Problem

What do you think? 

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

A Sensible Perspective

The reasoning behind the McChrystal dismissal seemed weak to me, to say the least. Here is an article that presents a great perspective about his dismissal, his replacement, and previous presidencies' handling of war commanders.

McChrystal Exit: Obama and His Generals

Blessings!

Shannon \o/

Development

WOW! I just read a great article on the land development process. Not only is it insightful into the process, it explains some of what planners, developers and engineers contribute early in the process. There are some great points about future impact and long term value in the body of the article. What a great resource for future discussions.
Read it here.

What do you think?

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

Decentralize

I can't believe it has been so long since I posted! Along with my family, I have been very busy trying to finish the remodeling at our home. We are finally in the home stretch, and after these last few weeks of evenings full of events, we should be able to finish the last of the painting and settle into a more "normal" routine.

I have remained involved in the activities of Griffin politics. I continue to attend Board of Commissioners workshops and meetings, Unified Development Code meetings, republican party meetings and local events. I am excited about the future of Griffin and see many positive and hopeful signs of growth and prosperity in the years ahead. I am really looking forward to June Jam next weekend. I hope to see many of you there!! I hope you will stop and chat when you see me around town.

A few months ago, I read this article, "Decentralize the Government". As always, I don't necessarily agree with every detail, but I believe most of us can agree that our current federal government has grown much too large and far-reaching. Corruption, in its purest form along with lesser degrees of self-serving, self-interested and personal gain forms, greet us at every "turn" of the blogging and Internet news page. We surpassed reasonable sustainability some time ago. Left to reach its own natural conclusions, the mammoth that is our federal government and its burden of debt will not end well for any of us, nor our coming generations.

For this reason (among many others), I urge everyone to become involved in the political process on some level. At the very least, inform yourself of the platforms of the candidates and get out there to vote your convictions at the ballot box. There are so many ways to become involved...volunteer on the campaign of a candidate you support, attend government sessions--the City of Griffin Board of Commissioners hold workshops at 9am and meetings at 6pm every second and fourth Tuesday, attend local events to meet your community and her leaders. Pray. These suggestions are nothing new to hear from me--it was the heart of my campaign last fall and has long been a familiar refrain in my political involvement. I can't wait to hear what you are doing to be a part of the process!

Blessings!
Shannon \o/

A Different View

I read an article this morning offering a completely different view of the Atlanta/Metro Atlanta area. It leaves out a lot of what those of us who live near Atlanta know to be true about crime, diversity, infrastructure, etc., but it reveals a positive view we may not normally notice. I've never been to Portland; therefore, I have no point of reference. And as one of the comments implies, I don't see myself living any closer to Atlanta than I already do. Every city has its (sometimes multitude of) problems, but at the same time, every city has its good points, too.

What do you think?

Atlanta: Ground Zero for the American Dream

Blessings!
Shannon \o/