Why do local cops need battle tanks?

Drones, tanks, and grenade launchers: Coming soon to a police department near you

Why does a police department which hasn’t had an officer killed in the line of duty in over 125 years in a town of less than 20,000 people need tactical military vests like those used by soldiers in Afghanistan?

For that matter, why does a police department in a city of 35,000 people need a military-grade helicopter? And what possible use could police at Ohio State University have for acquiring a heavily-armored vehicle intended to withstand IED blasts?

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via The Citizen http://www.thecitizen.com/blogs/john-w-whitehead/12-10-2013/why-do-local-cops-need-battle-tanks

The ugly casserole dishes

Any self-respecting Southern woman has a list of casserole recipes a mile long ready to bake at a moment’s notice. You got a sickness or a death in your family, we’ve got just the casserole for you.

For years, my go-to casserole for such occasions was a hearty shepherd’s pie, a ground beef concoction topped with creamed potatoes. I added rolls and a dish of green peas then tucked it all into a big white basket and carried it off to the ailing.

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via The Citizen http://www.thecitizen.com/blogs/ronda-rich/12-10-2013/ugly-casserole-dishes

Facts belie paean to Obamacare

I read Dr. Awachie’s recent opinion letter titled, “The ACA flop and filibuster,” with interest, and wish to offer a different perspective on a few of the points raised in his letter as well as address a larger issue.

Many of us who have followed the Affordable Care Act (or Obamacare) from its inception have heard it said that the Obamacare is a Republican creation, with the implicit question of why do Republicans now oppose that which they created.

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via The Citizen http://www.thecitizen.com/articles/12-10-2013/facts-belie-paean-obamacare

The value of your vote is now one-fifth what it was

As I read last week’s Citizen, I was immediately drawn to the report on the front page, “2014 Question: District Voting Implementation.”

Here we were reminded that a politically appointed federal judge has decided that because no minority class candidate for county commissioner or school board had ever been elected by the majority of the county’s citizens, at-large voting must end because, as the decision states the current system is discriminatory.

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via The Citizen http://www.thecitizen.com/articles/12-10-2013/value-your-vote-now-one-fifth-what-it-was

For low turnout voting, cut back on poll sites

Isn’t there anyone with in government with a little common sense when it comes to cutting spending?

Run-off elections are necessary when no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote. Even though voter turnout is often low in the runoff, it seems that the number of polling stations is the same and that they are fully staffed.

This is wasteful; money could be saved by combining polling places in the runoff.

Some voters would surely complain about the inconvenience or lack of knowledge about the change.

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via The Citizen http://www.thecitizen.com/articles/12-10-2013/low-turnout-voting-cut-back-poll-sites

Frances Annette Hines Brumbach, age 97 of Tyrone

Mrs. Frances Annette Hines Brumbach, age 97 of Tyrone, Ga. (formerly of East Point, Ga.), died December 6, 2013.

Frances was born in Leesburg, Ga. on October 27, 1916 to the late Marsh and Minnie Hines.  She graduated from Georgia State Woman’s College (now known as Valdosta State University) and enjoyed a rewarding career as a third grade teacher. 

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via The Citizen http://www.thecitizen.com/articles/12-10-2013/frances-annette-hines-brumbach-age-97-tyrone

Geraldine Moss, age 66

Geraldine “Gerry” Moss passed away December 3, 2013.  She was born in New York on December 20, 1946, the daughter of Wilma Riley and Stanley Moss.

Gerry retired from Delta Airlines and later worked for Keller Williams. She is survived by nephews and cousins. 

A memorial service is planned for December 15, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. at Fayetteville Church of Christ.  Brother Dave Rodgers will officiate.

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via The Citizen http://www.thecitizen.com/articles/12-10-2013/geraldine-moss-age-66

Jack Nolan Thomas, age 71

Mr. Jack Nolan Thomas, age 71, died on December 8, 2013.

He was born in the Noah Community of Manchester, Tenn. on February 22, 1942, to the late Robert Leland Thomas and Rose Adeline Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Laura Gale Thomas.

Surviving are his wife of 32 years, Alice Thomas, his sister Wanda Lou Hannah, his five daughters, Traci, Kelly, Tara Nicole, Jenifer, and Lara, and a multitude of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.higginshillcrestchapel.com.

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via The Citizen http://www.thecitizen.com/articles/12-10-2013/jack-nolan-thomas-age-71

John Joseph Trum, Sr. age 54 of Newnan

John Joseph Trum, Sr. age 54 of Newnan, passed away December 7, 2013.

He was born on November 28, 1959 in Elizabeth, N.J. to the late Martin and Jean Golda Trum. Mr. Trum worked in the aviation field for over 30 years.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Trum; children Mike Trum, John Trum, Jr.; brother Martin Trum; and sister, Carol Deamorin.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.mckoon.com.

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via The Citizen http://www.thecitizen.com/articles/12-10-2013/john-joseph-trum-sr-age-54-newnan

Things to do-Dec.12-Jan.7

December

December 12

NYTimes best-selling author, Mary Kay Andrews, will be signing copies of “Christmas Bliss” from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. at Omega Books in Peachtree City.
Contact us at 770-487-3977 to reserve your copy of the book.
Refreshments will be served.

December 13

The “Grand Opening” for the new office of the Fayette County Republican Party starts at 6:30 pm.  This new office is located at 174 Glynn St, Fayetteville, located off Ga. Hwy 85 behind Captain D’s and Arby’s.

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via The Citizen http://www.thecitizen.com/articles/12-10-2013/things-do-dec12-jan7