The Georgia YRs are inviting Republicans from around the nation to put pressure on the U.S. Senate to confirm Hans von Spakovsky for FEC Commissioner.
Hans is a recess appointment to the Federal Elections Commission by President George W. Bush. Read the George Will article linked below for details then call your Senator to encourage him/her to let Hans’ confirmation go through!
It is especially important if your Senator is a Democrat to put the pressure on!
For those of us here in Georgia, we know our Georgia Senators are backing Hans, but call them and encourage them to keep fighting and not give up.
Saxby Chambliss: (202) 224-3521
Johnny Isakson: (202) 224-3643
To find your state’s senators:
http://www.senate.gov/index.htm
The following op-ed by George Will will give you further details.
Please take 5 short minutes to make two calls today!
George Will Article on the FEC and Hans
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Say "Thanks" to an American Soldier
The Georgia Federation of Young Republicans would like your help in promoting a national expression of thanks to our military men and women during the Thanksgiving Day holiday.
Beginning at 6 am EST on Saturday, November 17, and ending at midnight PDT on November 22, Americans can text a message of thanks to 8-9-2-7-9. Within seconds, the sender will receive a reply on his or her cell phone from America Supports You (ASY).
The message will come from a member of the armed forces or a family member of someone who is serving, who will express his or her appreciation for the support, both personally and on behalf of others who are serving.Because all the major mobile wireless providers—AT&T Wireless (Cingular), Verizon, Sprint (Nextel, Qwest), and T-Mobile—will provide access to the ASY text message program, there is no upcharge.
For more information, please go here.
Members of the military and their families—we now have troops serving in 177 countries—will learn the number of text messages and be able to view many of them.
America Supports You expects this effort to be a unifying moment for the nation, at a time in which families traditionally come together and express gratitude for things large and small that contribute to their lives.
Take a moment this Thanksgiving to say, "thanks!" to those who will be spending Thanksgiving far from home.
Beginning at 6 am EST on Saturday, November 17, and ending at midnight PDT on November 22, Americans can text a message of thanks to 8-9-2-7-9. Within seconds, the sender will receive a reply on his or her cell phone from America Supports You (ASY).
The message will come from a member of the armed forces or a family member of someone who is serving, who will express his or her appreciation for the support, both personally and on behalf of others who are serving.Because all the major mobile wireless providers—AT&T Wireless (Cingular), Verizon, Sprint (Nextel, Qwest), and T-Mobile—will provide access to the ASY text message program, there is no upcharge.
For more information, please go here.
Members of the military and their families—we now have troops serving in 177 countries—will learn the number of text messages and be able to view many of them.
America Supports You expects this effort to be a unifying moment for the nation, at a time in which families traditionally come together and express gratitude for things large and small that contribute to their lives.
Take a moment this Thanksgiving to say, "thanks!" to those who will be spending Thanksgiving far from home.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Dekalb YRs
The Dekalb YRs will be having their next meeting at Houlihan's Restaurant, across from Perimeter Mall at Park Place, 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE, Atlanta GA 30346, on Tue., Nov. 13 at 7pm, speaker will be announced at a later date.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Join American Solutions Thursday, Sept. 27
Join Speaker Newt Gingrich as together we find American Solutions for Winning the Future...
American Solutions, a new nonpartisan organization, founded by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, designed to rise above traditional gridlocked partisanship to provide real, significant solutions to the most important issues facing our country, will be holding its inaugural national Solutions Day activities here in Georgia and you are invited to take part.
The Inaugural Solutions Day activities will begin with a kickoff program on Thursday, September 27 at 7 - 8:30 PM at the Cobb Galleria Center and will continue with a series of workshops to be held Saturday, September 29th at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton.
Both events can be attended in person FREE of charge and will also be broadcast live on the internet and on DISH Network Channel 219. Additionally, on September 29th, American Solutions will host "Solutions Day" workshops across the country and on the Internet at http://www.americansolutions.com/ .
There are already more than 2000 site hosts in all 50 states signed up to participate in the webcast. We want to invite you to participate in the webcast either in person or by video so we can share with you our thoughts about transformational change. For more information, go to http://www.americansolutions.com/ or contact Georgia Deputy State Director, R.J. Briscione at rbriscione@americansolutions.com.
Be part of the solution, sign up for the American Solutions Kickoff
...Then Join the Georgia Young Republicans for a Solutions Mixer at Jocks and Jills at the Cobb Galleria
After the American Solutions event, come over to Jocks and Jills in the Galleria Center for the Georgia Federation of Young Republicans Solutions Mixer.This is a great chance to mix and mingle with other Republicans and discuss the solutions which Speaker Gingrich has presented to fix America's future.You don't have to be a Young Republican to stop by and there is no charge.
The Georgia YRs need you! Visit the new GeorgiaYR.org today!
American Solutions, a new nonpartisan organization, founded by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, designed to rise above traditional gridlocked partisanship to provide real, significant solutions to the most important issues facing our country, will be holding its inaugural national Solutions Day activities here in Georgia and you are invited to take part.
The Inaugural Solutions Day activities will begin with a kickoff program on Thursday, September 27 at 7 - 8:30 PM at the Cobb Galleria Center and will continue with a series of workshops to be held Saturday, September 29th at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton.
Both events can be attended in person FREE of charge and will also be broadcast live on the internet and on DISH Network Channel 219. Additionally, on September 29th, American Solutions will host "Solutions Day" workshops across the country and on the Internet at http://www.americansolutions.com/ .
There are already more than 2000 site hosts in all 50 states signed up to participate in the webcast. We want to invite you to participate in the webcast either in person or by video so we can share with you our thoughts about transformational change. For more information, go to http://www.americansolutions.com/ or contact Georgia Deputy State Director, R.J. Briscione at rbriscione@americansolutions.com.
Be part of the solution, sign up for the American Solutions Kickoff
...Then Join the Georgia Young Republicans for a Solutions Mixer at Jocks and Jills at the Cobb Galleria
After the American Solutions event, come over to Jocks and Jills in the Galleria Center for the Georgia Federation of Young Republicans Solutions Mixer.This is a great chance to mix and mingle with other Republicans and discuss the solutions which Speaker Gingrich has presented to fix America's future.You don't have to be a Young Republican to stop by and there is no charge.
The Georgia YRs need you! Visit the new GeorgiaYR.org today!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Freedom from Fear
During World War II, artist Norman Rockwell painted the essence of American freedom. The series of four paintings illustrated two enumerated freedoms that are spelled out in the U.S. Constitution; Freedom of Worship and Freedom of Speech.
The other two freedoms are not ones written into the Constitution, found in the Bill of Rights, or spoken of in the Declaration of Independence. The other two were Freedom from Want and Freedom from Fear. These two freedoms are inscribed on the hearts and minds of Americans and are enumerated by countless citizens who volunteer their time and money to anyone in need, whether it is the neighbor across the street or a neighbor across the world.
It is an idea enforced by the firefighter who runs into a burning building, regardless if it is a house on Main Street or a Tower in Manhattan. It is protected wherever an American soldier places his combat boot down on the parade ground in Ft. Benning, GA to graduate from boot camp or in a foreign land to tear down the prison of tyranny that has jailed others in want and fear that can be more solid than any iron bar or concrete block. Finally, it is enshrined in the clicking sound of the shoes of those who guard the Tombs of the Unknowns; the whispers of those who say a prayer in the chapel that replaced the offices destroyed by the plane in the Pentagon, or the soft rustle of flowers left on a sidewalk in New York or a field in Pennsylvania.
The battle we face today is one that started decades ago, but was only finally brought home to most Americans six years ago. It is the same battle faced by every generation of Americans. Every generation has been asked to answer a call to take up arms for freedom, not so the next generation will live in peace, but so the next generation will not be burdened by fear and want when it is their turn, their duty and their responsibility to hold up Freedom’s torch in a dark world. Unfortunately, as the years pass, many in America seem to be losing their resolve. They harp that the war is lost; not understanding the war is not in Afghanistan and Iraq. These places are just missions in a greater war. If these were the war, then we have already won.
The Taliban is out of power in Afghanistan, replaced with an elected President. Saddam Hussein and his sons are dead, replaced with an elected Parliament that is struggling to learn how to rule a nation. As the United States Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine provide arms of support, it is ultimately these new governments that will be responsible for securing the blessings of liberty to themselves and their posterity. But success there does not mean this war is over for us. The threat will not go away. Catching Bin Laden will not do it. Freeing Iran would not do it. It will only be accomplished when respect for freedom and self determination is recognized and enforced by freedom loving people the world over. This will require nothing less than the total and complete defeat of the terrorists and those who support them. Sticking our heads in the sand and wishing it will just go away will not solve the problem. Resolve, determination, and strength of purpose will.
Today we will place flowers, plaques and mementos to honor those who fell 2191 days ago. These symbols of remembrance, along with the retelling of the stories of those who risked their lives to save others will stir us. Our hearts will flutter and eyes tear up, even if we don’t know the people involved. We act this way because we know in our heart that people are worth dying for. We know it to be true in the deepest regions of our soul. It is engraved in our collective national spirit to the point that when we see or hear of someone’s self sacrifice, it's overwhelming. Our culture of life stands in stark contrast to the Culture of Death that will strap a bomb to a child so they can murder dozens of innocent people.
The Culture of Death must keep people in want and fear to have hope of surviving. A people who have nothing but want and live in nothing but fear will do anything for the hope of escape; even kill themselves and others for the hope of a trip to paradise. As Americans, we must remember that the greatest weapon we have in our arsenal of freedom is freedom itself.
Don’t just use today to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we may be around to remember them year later, but remember them and honor their sacrifice each and every day by making sure it was not in vain. We will never forget the day, but many have already long forgotten the lesson of that day. It is up to each of us to make sure our fellow Americans understand the attacks on September 11, 2001 were not just attacks on four concrete and steel targets, but attacks on those very Four Freedoms.
We will never truly know the fourth target was because the passengers on flight 93 had freedom from fear and exercised that freedom when they took their plane down. They held fast to their freedom to an end that was of their ultimate choosing. As long as Americans hold to their freedoms with as strong a conviction as those brave souls, we will continue to live in Freedom from Want and Freedom from Fear.
Jason Shepherd
Chairman, Georgia Young Republicans
The other two freedoms are not ones written into the Constitution, found in the Bill of Rights, or spoken of in the Declaration of Independence. The other two were Freedom from Want and Freedom from Fear. These two freedoms are inscribed on the hearts and minds of Americans and are enumerated by countless citizens who volunteer their time and money to anyone in need, whether it is the neighbor across the street or a neighbor across the world.
It is an idea enforced by the firefighter who runs into a burning building, regardless if it is a house on Main Street or a Tower in Manhattan. It is protected wherever an American soldier places his combat boot down on the parade ground in Ft. Benning, GA to graduate from boot camp or in a foreign land to tear down the prison of tyranny that has jailed others in want and fear that can be more solid than any iron bar or concrete block. Finally, it is enshrined in the clicking sound of the shoes of those who guard the Tombs of the Unknowns; the whispers of those who say a prayer in the chapel that replaced the offices destroyed by the plane in the Pentagon, or the soft rustle of flowers left on a sidewalk in New York or a field in Pennsylvania.
The battle we face today is one that started decades ago, but was only finally brought home to most Americans six years ago. It is the same battle faced by every generation of Americans. Every generation has been asked to answer a call to take up arms for freedom, not so the next generation will live in peace, but so the next generation will not be burdened by fear and want when it is their turn, their duty and their responsibility to hold up Freedom’s torch in a dark world. Unfortunately, as the years pass, many in America seem to be losing their resolve. They harp that the war is lost; not understanding the war is not in Afghanistan and Iraq. These places are just missions in a greater war. If these were the war, then we have already won.
The Taliban is out of power in Afghanistan, replaced with an elected President. Saddam Hussein and his sons are dead, replaced with an elected Parliament that is struggling to learn how to rule a nation. As the United States Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine provide arms of support, it is ultimately these new governments that will be responsible for securing the blessings of liberty to themselves and their posterity. But success there does not mean this war is over for us. The threat will not go away. Catching Bin Laden will not do it. Freeing Iran would not do it. It will only be accomplished when respect for freedom and self determination is recognized and enforced by freedom loving people the world over. This will require nothing less than the total and complete defeat of the terrorists and those who support them. Sticking our heads in the sand and wishing it will just go away will not solve the problem. Resolve, determination, and strength of purpose will.
Today we will place flowers, plaques and mementos to honor those who fell 2191 days ago. These symbols of remembrance, along with the retelling of the stories of those who risked their lives to save others will stir us. Our hearts will flutter and eyes tear up, even if we don’t know the people involved. We act this way because we know in our heart that people are worth dying for. We know it to be true in the deepest regions of our soul. It is engraved in our collective national spirit to the point that when we see or hear of someone’s self sacrifice, it's overwhelming. Our culture of life stands in stark contrast to the Culture of Death that will strap a bomb to a child so they can murder dozens of innocent people.
The Culture of Death must keep people in want and fear to have hope of surviving. A people who have nothing but want and live in nothing but fear will do anything for the hope of escape; even kill themselves and others for the hope of a trip to paradise. As Americans, we must remember that the greatest weapon we have in our arsenal of freedom is freedom itself.
Don’t just use today to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we may be around to remember them year later, but remember them and honor their sacrifice each and every day by making sure it was not in vain. We will never forget the day, but many have already long forgotten the lesson of that day. It is up to each of us to make sure our fellow Americans understand the attacks on September 11, 2001 were not just attacks on four concrete and steel targets, but attacks on those very Four Freedoms.
We will never truly know the fourth target was because the passengers on flight 93 had freedom from fear and exercised that freedom when they took their plane down. They held fast to their freedom to an end that was of their ultimate choosing. As long as Americans hold to their freedoms with as strong a conviction as those brave souls, we will continue to live in Freedom from Want and Freedom from Fear.
Jason Shepherd
Chairman, Georgia Young Republicans
Friday, September 7, 2007
A Eulogy to Charlie Bailey
Today is the funeral for a man whose undying determination, good humor, and positive attitude never won him elected office, but won him something much greater, the love and friendship of hundreds around our state.
I met Charlie Bailey in 1996 during my days as a UGA College Republican. He was running for Secretary of State. It seemed that Charlie was always running for Secretary of State. Some people dream of being Governor or U.S. Senator or President, but all Charlie wanted was Secretary of State. Each time the post came up, he ran. In 1998, 2002 and 2006 Charlie criss-crossed the state handing out his simple business card that said who he was and what he was running for. It wasn’t a big campaign, but it had determination. His high point was in 2002 where his work in 1996 and 1998 paid off. Charlie shocked the political establishment by beating a well funded primary opponent to become the GOP nominee. He lost to Democrat incumbent Cathy Cox in November.
Charlie didn’t look that good the last time I saw him, but his spirit more than made up for his failing body. His campaigning days ended on Labor Day as Charlie’s health finally gave way and he went home to his Maker.
It seems fitting that we lost Charlie on Labor Day. He was one of the hardest working people I knew. Charlie did not the meaning of the words “give up.” He understood that just because you don’t achieve something, that it doesn’t always mean you have failed. Charlie achieved a lot more in life than many people who run for elected office and even many who win. He may never have been elected Secretary of State, but for those of us he met along that journey and whose lives he touched, the achieved something even greater.
I met Charlie Bailey in 1996 during my days as a UGA College Republican. He was running for Secretary of State. It seemed that Charlie was always running for Secretary of State. Some people dream of being Governor or U.S. Senator or President, but all Charlie wanted was Secretary of State. Each time the post came up, he ran. In 1998, 2002 and 2006 Charlie criss-crossed the state handing out his simple business card that said who he was and what he was running for. It wasn’t a big campaign, but it had determination. His high point was in 2002 where his work in 1996 and 1998 paid off. Charlie shocked the political establishment by beating a well funded primary opponent to become the GOP nominee. He lost to Democrat incumbent Cathy Cox in November.
Charlie didn’t look that good the last time I saw him, but his spirit more than made up for his failing body. His campaigning days ended on Labor Day as Charlie’s health finally gave way and he went home to his Maker.
It seems fitting that we lost Charlie on Labor Day. He was one of the hardest working people I knew. Charlie did not the meaning of the words “give up.” He understood that just because you don’t achieve something, that it doesn’t always mean you have failed. Charlie achieved a lot more in life than many people who run for elected office and even many who win. He may never have been elected Secretary of State, but for those of us he met along that journey and whose lives he touched, the achieved something even greater.
Buckhead YRs Get New Meeting Night
The Buckhead Young Republicans prove what's old is new by moving their regular monthly meeting back to the 2nd Tuesday, starting on Sept. 11.
The BYRs will have Atlanta City Councilman Howard Shook as their speaker.
The BYRs will have Atlanta City Councilman Howard Shook as their speaker.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Today is the final day for $30 Registration for the Georgia YR's Summer Quarterly!
Today is the last day to register for $30 for the Georgia YR Summer Quarterly in Rome, GA this weekend. Tomorrow, procrastination costs an additional $15!
We have a very exciting weekend in store for our attendees including parties, receptions, the Rome Braves and option events like golf at the beautiful Coosa Country Club or rafting down the Etowah River.
Visit http://georgiayr.com/Events.html to register today for $30!
We have a very exciting weekend in store for our attendees including parties, receptions, the Rome Braves and option events like golf at the beautiful Coosa Country Club or rafting down the Etowah River.
Visit http://georgiayr.com/Events.html to register today for $30!
DeKalb YRs Kick-Off Sept. 18!
The DYRs are having a kickoff social on Tuesday, September 18 at Houlihan's Restaurant at 505 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta GA 30346, across from Perimeter Mall at Park Place. The social will begin at 7pm.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Gwinnett Young Republicans
The Gwinnett Young Republicans are starting up again! Please join us for a Happy Hour Reception Wednesday, August 8, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
Mark Rountree, Senior Gwinnett Political Consultant and Winner of Georgia Trend’s 40 Most Influential People Under 40 will be our featured speaker.
Loafing Leprechaun Restaurant and Irish Pub
6320 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth
Friday, August 3, 2007
YRs Express Their Condolences with the passing of Don Layfield
It was with great sadness that we heard of the passing this morning of Don Layfield, former 8th Cong. District Chairman and current Chairman of the Bibb County Republican Party.
Don was a stalwart and dedicated activist for the Republican cause in Middle Georgia. I know there were many in Bibb County who were excited about his decision to leave the Chairmanship of the Eighth Congressional District to give his leadership and experience to rebuilding and growing the Bibb County Republican Party. We talked in length at the State Party Convention of making the Bibb County YR Club an active and thriving organization.
Please remember Don’s wife Myranelle and the rest of his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. You can reach Myranelle Layfield at 3510 Harold Road, Macon, GA 31217. We will post the funeral arrangements when they are announced.
His passing leaves a big hole in the hearts of all those who knew him. He will be sorely missed.
Don was a stalwart and dedicated activist for the Republican cause in Middle Georgia. I know there were many in Bibb County who were excited about his decision to leave the Chairmanship of the Eighth Congressional District to give his leadership and experience to rebuilding and growing the Bibb County Republican Party. We talked in length at the State Party Convention of making the Bibb County YR Club an active and thriving organization.
Please remember Don’s wife Myranelle and the rest of his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. You can reach Myranelle Layfield at 3510 Harold Road, Macon, GA 31217. We will post the funeral arrangements when they are announced.
His passing leaves a big hole in the hearts of all those who knew him. He will be sorely missed.
Rep. Martin Scott to Address the GFYRC BOD on Human Life Amendment
I would like to introduce you all to possibly the most significant piece of legislation to be introduced this upcoming session- the Human Life Amendment.
At the next GFYRC Board Meeting on Sat. August 18 at 11:30 a.m., we will hear from Rep. Martin Scott (R-Rossville), the sponsor of the Human Life Amendment. You can read more about the amendment at the website personhood.net. It is backed by a diverse group of legislators, Republican and Democrat, from across Georgia.
Basically, this amendment will set in stone Georgia’s stance on when a human life begins- unborn and at fertilization. The amendment is Constitutionally based, written in reliance on Justice Blackmun’s opinion in Roe v. Wade- “(If the) suggestion of personhood [of the preborn] is established, the [abortion rights] case, of course, collapses, for the fetus’ right to life is then guaranteed specifically by the [14th] Amendment.”
This simple step- Georgia’s establishing at what point in time a fetus becomes viable- will make great headway into setting aside Roe v. Wade.
At the next GFYRC Board Meeting on Sat. August 18 at 11:30 a.m., we will hear from Rep. Martin Scott (R-Rossville), the sponsor of the Human Life Amendment. You can read more about the amendment at the website personhood.net. It is backed by a diverse group of legislators, Republican and Democrat, from across Georgia.
Basically, this amendment will set in stone Georgia’s stance on when a human life begins- unborn and at fertilization. The amendment is Constitutionally based, written in reliance on Justice Blackmun’s opinion in Roe v. Wade- “(If the) suggestion of personhood [of the preborn] is established, the [abortion rights] case, of course, collapses, for the fetus’ right to life is then guaranteed specifically by the [14th] Amendment.”
This simple step- Georgia’s establishing at what point in time a fetus becomes viable- will make great headway into setting aside Roe v. Wade.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
OUTRAGEOUS: Dem admits rooting for America to Loose!
You may have missed it since it wasn't exactly front page news, -- like when any Republican in Congress, even if he's only the janitor, expresses any concern about our progress in Iraq-- but a member of the Democrat House leadership, Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, actually stated that good news in Iraq is bad news for Democrats, it bares repeating.
The WashingtonPost.com ran an interview conducted by reporter Dan Balz and Chris Cillizza with Democratic Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina, House Majority Whip.
Balz asks Clyburn:
"What do Democrats do if General Petraeus comes in in September, and says, 'This is working very, very well at this point. We would be foolish to back away from it'?"
Clyburn responds:
"Well, that would be a real big problem for us, no question about that."
NO JIM, the big problem is a member of the House leadership...forget that fact...a MEMBER OF CONGRESS who likely has constituents serving in harms way, is actually saying that their failure is what's needed to advance the Democrat Party!
You can reach Rep. Clyburn at:
Phone: (202)225-3315
Fax: (202)225-2313
Toll Free: 1-888-JIM (546)-0006
Rep. Jim Clyburn's House Website
The WashingtonPost.com ran an interview conducted by reporter Dan Balz and Chris Cillizza with Democratic Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina, House Majority Whip.
Balz asks Clyburn:
"What do Democrats do if General Petraeus comes in in September, and says, 'This is working very, very well at this point. We would be foolish to back away from it'?"
Clyburn responds:
"Well, that would be a real big problem for us, no question about that."
NO JIM, the big problem is a member of the House leadership...forget that fact...a MEMBER OF CONGRESS who likely has constituents serving in harms way, is actually saying that their failure is what's needed to advance the Democrat Party!
You can reach Rep. Clyburn at:
Phone: (202)225-3315
Fax: (202)225-2313
Toll Free: 1-888-JIM (546)-0006
Rep. Jim Clyburn's House Website
Saturday, July 28, 2007
New Georgia YR Blog
As we work towards incorporating new technology to spread the Republican message, we are proud to present the first blog for the Georgia Federation of Young Republicans.
If you are interested in being a front page poster, please email me directly at shep1975@aol.com.
If you are interested in being a front page poster, please email me directly at shep1975@aol.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)