GEORGIA FOCUS: Blogs, Regina Thomas for Congress, Alternative Energy, Veterans For Peace, NAACP, Groups and Events

Some Georgia News:

Georgia one of 10 states most vulnerable to ‘oil price shock’...seems to me Georgia is a prime candidate for alternative energy. Coastal wind and methane and biofuels are perfect for Georgia and it is time for them to start investing in these. It creates local jobs as well.

Flowery Branch’s Downtown project a disaster at this point

Georgia Questioned on E-Voting Problems and Oversight- Alice Gordon and Matthew Cardinale

Dear Georgia GOP your candidate's racism cup runneth over

GA-Gov: Surprisingly competitive...could well be an interesting race!

Sign this petition to stop college tuition hikes


BLOGGING GEORGIA:

For Local Georgia News and Events, go to Lefty Blogs Georgia for the latest.

Tondee's Tavern: "A Practical and Useful Blog for the benefit of PROGRESSIVES in GEORGIA."

Atlanta Progressive News: Also on Every Thursday on 89.3 FM WRFG 12pm "Current Events" Show with Adam Shapiro. And for more on Radio Free Georgia, go here.

Georgia Justice Project is an unlikely mix of lawyers, social workers and a landscape company. We defend people accused of crimes and, win or lose, we stand with our clients while they rebuild their lives.


REGINA THOMAS FOR CONGRESS:

A Video from Regina Thomas for Congress (Democrat for GA-12):



I don't usually take sides in Democratic Primaries in other states, but in this case Barrow has sided with Republicans way too often. A change for GA-12 sure would be nice!

Here is Reginia Thomas' statement on why she is running:

I am running to give the 12th Congressional District Constituents a choice between having a voice in Congress and having no voice at all! I am running to give the district someone who will be accessible and accountable!

I have watched, I have listened and I have toured the District – What I saw six years ago and what I see now is very little to no improvements. The 12th District deserves better. With one of the highest unemployment rates of all of the 12 Congressional Districts – with the highest rate of uninsured Georgians, with more and more industry leaving the 12th – I cannot sit back in my comfort zone and continue to watch the District suffer.

Given the fact that Congress has ‘bailed out’ “Big Industry” – nothing has been done for the “Home Folks”. The same issues that plagued the 12th six years ago – continues to deteriorate. THE 12TH DESERVES BETTER!

We deserve a representative in Congress that cares about the District as a whole – someone that will say what they mean and mean what they say. The 12th deserves someone in all HONESTY and INTEGRITY takes responsibility for votes taken, mistakes made and who will meet with residents of the District in ‘OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS’.

I thank those of you who voted for me in 2008 – I ask that you go back to the polls on Tuesday July 20, 2010 and vote for me again in the Democratic Primary – I implore those of you who did not vote at all in 2008 and those who did not vote for me, to go out in record numbers (take others registered voters with you) and vote for the only candidate that will put the concerns of the District first.

I stand on a solid record – having served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1995-1998; and in the Georgia State Senate from 2000-2008 – a record of ACCESSIBILITY, DEPENDABILITY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY in taking care of the District in which I so humbly represented.

I am first and foremost a true Public Servant. I trust that you will support me in this endeavor as WE work together in Congress to face the issues before us in altruism.

“NOT FOR SELF – BUT FOR OTHERS”

Here are a couple of Democracy for America meetings in Georgia:

Decatur Meeting: First Wed. of every month, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM, Location: ChocoLate Coffee, 2094 North Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA, 30033 US Contact: Susan Keith susan_at_georgiafordemocracy.org

The North Fulton/East Cobb Democracy for America: Second Tuesday of every month, 7:00 PM, sign up here to find out where and more details.

You can also sign up here to help organize a Georgia for Democracy group in your area.


Drinking Liberally is a grassroots social organizations for people who like to meet fellow liberals over a good beer. Here are the Drinking Liberally chapters in Georgia:

Atlanta, Georgia
* Every Thursday, 8:00 pm onward
* Thinking Man's Tavern, 537 W Howard Ave, Decatur
* Hosted by Erin Abrahams, atlanta (at) drinkingliberally.org

Dunwoody
* First and third Wednesday of each month (next meeting January 2), 7:00 pm onward
* Ye Olde Dunwoody Tavern, 5488 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd (map)
* Hosted by Hillary Meister, dunwoody (at) drinkingliberally.org

Augusta, Georgia
* Second and fourth Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Helga's Lounge, 2015 Central Ave
* Hosted by Margie Hobbins, augusta (at) drinkingliberally.org

Savannah, Georgia
* First and third Thursday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* Crystal Beer Parlor, 301 W Jones St (corner of west jones and jefferson)
* lots of parking
* Hosted by John Mattingly, Victor Fishman and McKay Schwalbach, savannah (at) drinkingliberally.org


Next let me highlight some NAACP groups:

The Cobb County NAACP monthly meetings are the first Monday of the month at the branch office at 6:30 p.m.

General membership meets the fourth Tuesday of the month, mostly at the office location but varies based on programs. Members are encouraged to attend these meetings. Join a committee today. Elections of officers are held in even years.

For more info contact the branch office: 605 B. Roswell St Marietta, GA 30061 770.425.5757 info_at_cobbnaacp.org

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, is the oldest, largest and strongest civil rights organization in the United States. The principal objective of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority group citizens of the United States.

The NAACP is committed to achievement through non-violence and relies upon the press, the petition, the ballot and the courts, and is persistent in the use of legal and moral persuasion even in the face of overt and violent racial hostility.

Fayette County NAACP Branch General Membership Meeting:
2nd Saturday Each Month - 4:00 PM, Flat Rock AME Church

And if you want contact info for other NAACP branches in Georgia (mainly street addresses), please go here.


BIODIESEL IN GEORGIA (and Georgia has a great network of biodiesel stations!)

Here are some biodiesel stations in Georgia. Biodiesel is less polluting and has a smaller carbon footprint than regular diesel, and is produced right here in the USA. Biodiesel can be used in almost any diesel engine. Up to B20 (a 20 percent blend) any diesel engine, whether car or 18 wheeler or whatever, can use it. Above B20 some older engines may have problems, but newer engines should be ok.

Citgo Food Mart: 174 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770-475-7071. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 24 HRS

ReFuel Bio: 250 Arizona Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307, 404-219-9709. Offers B100 (not ok for some older engines). Open 24 HRS.

SA White Oil: 590 Atlanta Street SE, Marietta, GA 30060, 770-427-1387. Offers B20 (ok for all engines) and B100 (not ok for some older engines). Open 7AM-6PM M-F; SAT 7AM-2PM.

Down to Earth Energy: 941 Monroe Jersey Road, Monroe, GA 30655, 770-267-7891. Offers B20 (ok for all engines) and B100 (not ok for some older engines). Open 8AM-7PM.

Enterprise Oil Co. 651 Joe Frank Harris Pkwy SE, Cartersville, GA 30120, 770-382-4804. Offers B100 (not ok for some older engines). Open 6AM-5PM M-F.

Apex Express: 205 Hawthorne Ave. Athens, GA 30606, 706-549-7535. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 6AM-11PM M-F.

Merryman Biodiesel: 288 Bowdoin LN SW, Adairsville, GA 30103, 706-602-9160. Offers variety of biodiesel blends. Open M-F 9-5.

Rock-It BP: 145 Highway 411 SE, Rome, GA 30161, 706-234-1838. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 24 HRS.

Soymet 101: 5680 Alabama Hwy NW, Rome, GA 30165, 706-802-1110. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 24 HRS.

Walthall Oil Company #401: 4433 Forsyth Road, Macon, GA 31210, 478-405-8218. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 24 HRS. NO TRACTOR/TRAILER ACCESS

Mini Food Stores: 3224 Vineville Ave, Macon, GA 31204, 478-742-2023. Offers B10 (ok for all engines). Open 24 HRS.

Davis Oil Company: Gunn Rd and Eagle Pkwy, Centerville, GA 31093, 478-953-1437. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 24 HRS.

Fillers #21: 2601 Moody Rd, Warner Robins, GA 31088, 478-328-3755. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 6AM-MIDNIGHT.

Fast Break: 200 South State Street, Lyons, GA 30436, 912-526-6591. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 24 HRS.

Fastbreak - BP: 142 South State Street, Lyons, GA 30436, 912-526-6591. Offers B20 (ok for all engines). Open 24 HRS.


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IN GEORGIA:

Some statistics from Repower America:

* According to the Georgia State Wind Map and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, there is over 10,000-megawatts of wind potential off the state’s coast. That's enough to replace 10 large coal-fired power plants!

* There are 2,027-megawatts of clean hydroelectric power in Georgia, which accounts for nearly all of the state's renewable energy generation today.

* Suniva, Inc. is building the first solar manufacturing plant in Georgia. The company will begin production at its 32-megawatt, high-efficiency solar cell facility in Gwinnet County, initially creating 100 new jobs.

Alternative energy and YOUR energy bill: YOU can be part of the solution for America by signing up to purchase your energy through a Green Power Provider. My wife and I have been doing this in NYC for years. All our energy usage is provided through wind energy generation on American farms. So we use clean energy AND help American farmers. It costs us three cents per kilowatt-hour more per month, but we feel great about it. Although our actual energy may come from anywhere, we are paying to purchase wind energy for the energy grid. Each state has different programs available, usually through yuor existing energy provider right on your existing energy bill. To find such options in Georgia, go here and pick your energy provider from the list. If you need help, you can email me and tell me who you get your bill from (don't give me any other info!) and I can tell you who to contact to go green through that energy provider. Or you can do the same thing using Renewable Energy Certificates through an organization that works with utility companies, though in this case it is a separate bill. One off the cheapest (.4-1 cent per kilowatt-hour), but still e-Green certified, ways to do this is through Good Energy. Or, for about half a cent per kilowatt-hour you can purchase renewable energy certificates through Carbonfund.org. ANY of these ways you do it, you are helping the environment, helping America, and helping cut carbon emissions.


Saving the Economy and Environment with Clean Energy!

Solar, Wind, Energy Efficiency, and Energy Conservation all have the power to meet our current and projected energy demand more cheaply then fossil fuels (read: Fools), all while providing more local jobs then traditional coal, nuclear, or natural gas plants! Join here for more details. Or go here: www.cleanpower4georgians.com

Atlanta Beyond Oil
We are interested in peak oil, global warming, relocalization,
sustainable communities, alternative energy, permaculture, and more. We are beginning to network with other Metro Atlanta groups and to have events that educate people about our concerns. We offer support, information, and opportunities to contribute to the solution. We'd love to have you join us! Go here for more details.

The Atlanta Green Living Meetup Group
We will meet to share ideas, listen to speakers, review new products, and organize in the community to promote the preservation of Atlanta's natural environment. The group focuses on easy, accessible options that everyone can take to reduce their footprint. Join here for more info.


Veterans for Peace, Atlanta has several vigils and rallies around Atlanta. Here is their weekly schedule. I urge you to join them if you can to show your support:

Tuesdays 12:45-1 pm
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at Emory University , in front of Woodruff Library. For more information e-mail: thee.smith@emory. edu.

Thursdays 5:00-6:00pm
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at CNN, Marietta and Centennial Olympic Park. For more information e-mail John.Zientowski@ turner.com

Fridays 12:00-1:00 pm
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at Colony Square , corner of Peachtree and 14th Street . For more information, e-mail bobbiepaul@rp.cbeyond.com

Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at Marietta Square ( Cobb Court House). For more information e-mail cobbpeace@comcast.net

Saturdays
12:00-1:00
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at Dekalb Farmers Market At 3000 Ponce de Leon Avenue , Decatur For more information, Fro more information e-mail John.Zientowski@ turner.com

Sundays
12:15-1:00 pm
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at the corner of MLK Drive and Washington Street (across from the state capitol). For more information, e-mail elogan@gsu.edu or peggyhendrix2000@yahoo.com.

12:00-12:30 pm
Weekly "Stand for Peace" vigil at 910 Ponce De Leon Ave NE ,Open Door Community. For more information contact Lauren Cogswell at lauren_cogswell@yahoo.com, 404-874-9652


Here are more organizations, groups and events in Georgia:

The Carter Center: Creating a world in which every man, woman, and child has the opportunity to enjoy good health and live in peace. Find out how you can get involved.

DeKalb County Young Democrats: The future leaders of DeKalb County. Go here to see upcoming events.

Atlanta Area Democrats Meetup Group: Grassroots Democrats upset with the direction the Republicans are taking our country and our state - we're taking action! Sign up for more information.

Cobb County Young Democrats
Monthly Happy Hours on the first Fridays of every month and monthly Business Meetings on the third Tuesdays of every month. Both are great opportunities to meet fellow Cobb County Young Democrats and learn about the 2008 heated races taking place in Cobb County.

Happy Hours: BLACKBIRD, 114 W Hancock St, Milledgeville, GA, 31061 US
Contact: Christin Ivey, Christin_ivey@ecats.gcsu.edu,

Business Mettings: Little Azio Pizza and Pasta 1675 Cumberland Pkwy, Ivywalk Unit #415, Smyrna, GA, 30080 US
Contact: Alexandra O'Callaghan, alli@georgiayds.org,

Cherokee County Democratic Party Meeting
Third Monday of Every Month, 7 PM
Hot Springs Community Center
100 Hickory Circle
Holly Springs, GA
More info here.

Georgia Equality is the political advocacy voice of Georgia's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender citizens and their allies. Founded in Atlanta in 1995, it has grown into a true statewide organization and is known nationally as one of the leaders among state and local LGBT groups.

Atlanta Amnesty International Chapter 75: Meet others in your local area interested in Amnesty International USA, a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights. Sign up to find out when and where.