Georgia Unfiltered

SCLC: Legal Attack on Tyrone Brooks Denigrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:12:00 +0000

Congratulations to the SCLC.

They've been approved for the Capital One Platinum Race Card.

The Platinum Race Card is valid for assigning blame when you haven't done your job, diffusing embarrassing legal situations whether you're guilty or not, and much, much more.

The SCLC is attempting to diffuse an embarrassing legal situation. Today, they're holding a press conference to "denounce the legal attack on Tyrone Brooks and the mean spirited effort to discredit his SCLC civil rights work and denigrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr."

State Representative Tyrone Brooks was recently indicted on 30 counts of mail, wire and tax fraud.

When the indictment was announced, United States Attorney Sally Yates said, "This is a disappointing day. Representative Brooks has done much good in his life, both as a state legislator and civil rights leader" [Severson, Kim (23 May 2013). Civil Rights Firebrand’s Fraud Case in Georgia Now Has Others Treading Softly
. New York Times. Retrieved on 18 June 2013.].

Not once did U.S. Attorney Sally Yates or anyone else denigrate the work done by Representative Brooks or Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. But the Capital One Platinum Race Card allows groups like the SCLC to shut down debate by using race. The Capital One Platinum Race Card allows one to play the victim, even if they've been accused of victimizing others.

According to the SCLC, Tyrone Brooks is the victim here, not the people he and his charity pledged to help with literacy and mentoring programs.

"I am alarmed and outraged that federal prosecutors want to punish and silence the veteran and venerable civil rights warrior Tyrone Brooks," laments Dr. C.T. Vivian, President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

"This attack on Tyrone is an attack on all of us and an affront to all that we do as civil and human rights activists," opines SCLC CEO and President Emeritus Charles Steele.

It is alleged that Tyrone Brooks used charitable contributions --cash donations he and his charity pledged would help with literacy and mentoring programs in the black community-- for his own personal benefit. But, if you let the SCLC tell it, Tyrone Brooks is the victim here. If you let them tell it, Tyrone Brooks is under attack.

(rolls eyes in disgust)

Union City Mayor Ralph Moore Resigns Abruptly

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:50:00 +0000

Union City Mayor Ralph Moore resigned suddenly this week.

Moore, who was first elected in 1993, submitted his resignation letter (shown below) last month at the Union City City Council meeting.

Union City City Council Member Vince Williams, the mayor pro tempore, is now serving as the city's chief executive until the November elections, when a new mayor will be elected for a four-year term.

Union City is located in south Fulton County, and has a population of 19,456.

For #MusicMonday, "Internet Friends" by Knife Party

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:23:00 +0000

"Internet Friends" by Knife Party

Georgia Democratic Party 1st Vice Chair May Be Forced Out of Job if Mary Squires Becomes Chair

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:40:00 +0000

The Democratic Party of Georgia is facing major upheaval these days.

The Party's Federal Elections Commission (FEC) report for the period beginning 1 April 2013 and ending 30 April 2013 showed the organization with just $30,734.18 cash on hand and a large credit card bill totaling nearly $11,000. Former Party leader Mike Berlon resigned after a media firestorm concerning his law practice, leaving First Vice-Chair Nikema Williams at the helm until a special election can be held.

Now, an analysis of Georgia Democratic Party rules suggests Williams may be forced out of her job as First Vice-Chair if a female is elected Party chairman.

The Charter of the Democratic Party of Georgia states that, "The First Vice-Chair shall be of the opposite gender to the State Chair."

In layman's terms, if the Democratic Party of Georgia chairman is a male, then the First Vice-Chair must be a female. If the Democratic Party of Georgia chairman is a female, then the First Vice-Chair must be a male.

Mike Berlon's resignation started a process; a process that ends with a special election of a new Party chair to fill out the remainder of Berlon's term.

Former state Senator Mary Squires announced she's running for Democratic Party of Georgia chairman. Squires is the only announced candidate, thus far.

If Squires wins, Party rules say the First Vice-Chair shall be a man, leaving current First Vice-Chair Nikema Williams (a woman) out of a job.

Obama Claus is Spying on You

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 06:44:00 +0000

Ethics Complaint Filed Against #ATL City Council Member Claims $4K in Unreported Campaign Cash

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 09:15:00 +0000

Georgia Unfiltered obtained a copy of an ethics complaint filed against Atlanta City Council Member H. Lamar Willis.

The complaint, which can be read below, alleges Willis "accepted at least $4,000 in campaign contributions," but did not report them.

Willis, who is up for re-election this fall, is also facing the possibility of being disbarred for "allegedly depositing $30,000 meant for a client in a personal injury case into his own bank account," according to a Creative Loafing report [Wheatley, Thomas (7 February 2013). Court-appointed lawyer recommends Councilman H. Lamar Willis be disbarred for ethical violations. Creative Loafing. Retrieved on 11 June 2013.].

H Lamar Willis Ethics Complaint by Andre Walker

A Video Tour of the #TomorrowWorld Site

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 06:26:00 +0000

On 3 June 2013, Georgia Unfiltered was given an exclusive tour of Bouckaert Farms, home of TomorrowWorld 2013; one of the world's largest electronic dance music (EDM) festivals.

TomorrowWorld Operations Manager Sammy Lakwijk served as tour guide and revealed details of the upcoming event such as the theme, where stages would be located, and how many campers are expected in Dreamville, the TomorrowWorld camping experience.

For more information, visit www.tomorrowworld.com

Georgia Unfiltered TomorrowWorld Tour

For #MusicMonday, 10 Hours of the Star Wars Cantina Band

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:54:00 +0000

Star Wars Cantina Band (10 Hours)

About that Cheerios Commericial . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 09:35:00 +0000

Jim Galloway, Political Insider for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, talked a little bit about this "controversy" last week.

It seems that certain folks are bent out of shape over a Cheerios commercial featuring an interracial family.

We, here at Georgia Unfiltered, don't have much to offer by way of commentary about this particular subject. Still, one is left wondering if there's an uproar about the biracial daughter of a white woman pouring a box of Cheerios on her black father, what might the reaction be to this Sprite advert from Germany:

German Sprite Commercial

#TomorrowWorld Opens Its Book of Wisdom to Georgia Unfiltered for a Sneak Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:03:00 +0000

TomorrowWorld, the massive electronic dance music festival that started in Belgium as TomorrowLand, is coming to Georgia this fall.

Thousands of EDM fans from around the world will converge on Bouckaert Farms in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia to hear their favorite DJs mix and match music for three days in September.

Georgia Unfiltered received an invitation from TomorrowWorld organizers to tour the festival site, and learn more about the planning.

(Construction crews moving dirt in place for the TomorrowWorld main stage. Photo by Andre Walker.)

Construction is already starting on the venues. Crews are moving in dirt (shown right) to begin laying the foundation for the various stages and platforms that will be part of the TomorrowWorld experience.

TomorrowWorld Operations Manager Sammy Lakwijk revealed that more than 300 artists and DJs are confirmed to appear at TomorrowWorld on nine different stages that utilizes the existing landscape of Bouckaert's Farm to create a unique experience. There will be stages built on the lakes that pepper Bouckaert's farm. Temporary bridges, built exclusively for TomorrowWorld will take festival goers to the different areas and different stages. And the main stage, Lakwijk said, will feature the theme of TomorrowWorld 2013 -- The Book of Wisdom.

TomorrowWorld's main stage will be modeled after the main stage at TomorrowLand 2012 (shown below).

Organizers say they're hoping to offer TomorrowWorld attendees something special, from the music all the way to Dreamville, the onsite campground.

The Dreamville site (pictured below) is sandwiched between one of the many lakes on Bouckaert's farm and the Chattahoochee River.

(The TomorrowWorld Dreamville camping site, as seen from the air. Aerial image by Google Earth.)

Dreamville is expected to hold 30,000 campers over five days.

An estimated 50,000 EDM fans will flock to TomorrowWorld each day for the festival, and planners say they are working with local officials to address all the logistical issues that come with hosting that many people in one centralized location.

Fulton County Commissioner Bill Edwards says he and TomorrowWorld organizers have been meeting with local mayors weekly on traffic and security concerns.

"This didn't start yesterday," Edwards said. "It's been months of planning.

"We want everyone to be safe, have a good time, and board their planes back to their countries, talking about how great and hospitable we were here in south Fulton," Edwards continued.

Bruno Vanwelsenaers, Managing Director for the TomorrowLand festival in Belgium, said they're vision is to bring TomorrowWorld to Chattahoochee Hills and keep it in Chattahoochee Hills year after year.

"It's not our plan to move around," Vanwelsenaers told Georgia Unfiltered. "We chose this venue. We're very happy, and we're here to stay."

For #MusicMonday, #Skrillex Live at Tomorrowland 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:28:00 +0000

Skrillex (live at Tomorrowland 2012)

Photo Diary: Nature 'n Ducks

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:19:00 +0000

Hot Chelle Rae & Owl City Kick Off #CrazyGoodSummer Tour with Free Concert in Atlanta, 12 June

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Fri, 31 May 2013 11:08:00 +0000

Pop-Tarts® toaster pastries is bringing Crazy Good™ Summer 2013 to teens nationwide by giving them exclusive access to their favorite music artists, including three free concerts beginning in Atlanta, 12 June.

The second annual Crazy Good Summer tour will kick off on 12 June 2013 with a free concert by Hot Chelle Rae and EDM sensation Owl City at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia. Fans can visit the Pop-Tarts Facebook page on Monday, 3 June at 10:00AM EDT to RSVP to receive two concert tickets. But fans will have to hurry since there are a limited number of concert tickets available.

The crazy good times will continue all summer long as Pop-Tarts will announce two additional, free concerts in surprise cities in July and August. Followers can try their hand at guessing these secret locales by visiting the Pop-Tarts Facebook page, where hints are already being dropped.

"I can't wait to show my fans a crazy good time at the Pop-Tarts concert this summer," said lead singer, Adam Young of Owl City. "They're part of my go-to breakfast while I'm on the road."

Formed in 2007, Owl City is an American electronica musical project by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Adam Young. Young's songs pulsate with euphoric dance beats that will appeal to fans of house, trance, dub-step, and other styles of electronic music.

Winners of the 2011 American Music Awards for Best New Artist, Hot Chelle Rae continues to make their mark in the music industry. Their sophomore album, Whatever, featuring the mega-smash hits "Tonight Tonight" and "I Like It Like That," sold more than 6 million singles.

One for the Road . . . ResignationWatch: Here's a Sample "I Quit" Letter for Mike Berlon to Sign

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Fri, 31 May 2013 07:16:00 +0000

Georgia Unfiltered is ready to be relieved of its ResignationWatch duties.

For nine days, beginning 20 May 2013, story after story appeared here on this very website that ultimately led embattled Georgia Democratic Party chairman Mike Berlon to say, "I quit."

In a statement released to the press Wednesday, Berlon said he's "prepared to step down from his leadership role in the party."

"The details of my resignation will need to be worked out over the next few days and weeks. I want to talk to my staff and the leadership of our party to ensure a smooth transition. There is a great deal at stake," said Berlon.

People are now questioning what exactly Mike Berlon means when he says he is prepared to step down and the details his resignation will need to be worked out over the next few days and weeks.

What details must Mike Berlon work out in order to resign?

There's no severance package to be negotiated. The office of chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia is an unpaid position. Plus, and pardon the poor English, the Georgia Democratic Party ain't got no money to be paying nobody.

Does Mike Berlon want the state Democratic Party to bestow him with a token of their esteem?

That might involve some torches, pitchforks, a rope, and a very strong tree.

Plain and simple, there are no details to work out. One does not "prepare to step down." Either resign or don't.

No equivocating. No stipulations. No preparations. No provisions. Resign or don't. It's that easy.

Georgia Unfiltered is a benevolent blog. Help is given here, when needed. And so, in keeping with that benevolence, below is a sample resignation letter. All Mike Berlon needs to do is sign it and print it.

For #ThrowbackThursday, From 1988, "Wild Wild West" by The Escape Club

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Thu, 30 May 2013 06:42:00 +0000

"Wild Wild West" by The Escape Club

Berlon Quits.

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Wed, 29 May 2013 17:23:00 +0000

From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

Faced with mounting legal problems and a growing chorus of criticism from party loyalists, the head of Georgia’s Democratic Party said he would step down Wednesday amid fears that he could complicate a Democratic comeback attempt.

First Vice Chair Nikema Williams, who was profiled earlier this week by Georgia Unfiltered, becomes acting chair.

ResignationWatch: Who are the Members of the Georgia Democratic Party Executive Committee?

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Wed, 29 May 2013 13:36:00 +0000

Georgia Unfiltered resignation watch now enters its fifth day.

Georgia Democratic Party chairman Mike Berlon remains in office. But there are eight days until the 6 June state Democratic executive committee meeting, where Democratic National Committee member David Worley says he'll ask the executive committee to recommend the removal of Mike Berlon from office by the entire Georgia state Democratic committee.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) calls 6 June 2013 "decision day for Mike Berlon."

Berlon either resigns or, as the AJC says, the Democratic Party of Georgia executive committee decides his fate.

There is a process to removing Mike Berlon from office. I outlined the Democrats' removal process earlier this week. This process begins with the Georgia Democratic Party executive committee.

So, who's on this executive committee? The answer to that question can be found in the Charter of the Democratic Party of Georgia:

Membership of Executive Committee shall be comprised of the following persons: Officers of the State Party, State Constitutional elected officials (if Democrats), elected federal officials (if Democrats), Congressional District Chairs, the members of the Georgia Delegation to the Democratic National Committee, a Democratic member from each House of the General Assembly appointed by the Chairs of the Democratic Caucus of each House of the General Assembly, the President of the Georgia Association of Democratic County Chairs, the President of the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women, the President of the Georgia Council of Democratic Women, the President of the Young Democrats of Georgia, an elected member of a municipal governing body, and an elected member of a county governing body both appointed by the State Chair, the Chair of the County Affairs Committee, the Chair of the Affirmative Action Committee, and three (3) additional members appointed by the Chair.

Who are these people identified by Georgia Democratic Party rules? Let's start from the top and work our way down:

Officers of the State Party (7) -

Chairman: Mike Berlon;
First Vice Chair: Nikema Williams;
Congressional District/County Liaison Vice-Chair: R.J. Hadley;
Constituency Group Vice-Chair: state Representative Pedro Marin;
Candidate Recruitment Vice-Chair: Miguel Camacho;
Secretary: Laverne Gaskins; and
Treasurer: state Senator Lester Jackson.

State Constitutional elected officials (if Democrats) [0] -

NONE.

elected federal officials (if Democrats) [5] -

U.S. Representative John Barrow;
U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop;
U.S. Representative Hank Johnson;
U.S. Representative John Lewis; and
U.S. Representative David Scott.

Congressional District Chairs (14) -

Jeana Brown;
Kattie Kendrick;
George M. Johnson;
Sarah Todd;
Kip Carr;
Ben Myers;
Steve Reilly;
Stephanie Woods Miller;
David Robinson;
Patsy Harris;
Don Wilson;
Liz Johnson;
Melissa Prescott Crawford; and
Fred Gould.

the members of the Georgia Delegation to the Democratic National Committee (6) -

DuBose Porter;
Sally Rosser;
David Worley;
Richard Ray;
Wendy Davis; and
Dan Halpern.

a Democratic member from each House of the General Assembly appointed by the Chairs of the Democratic Caucus of each House of the General Assembly (2) -

House Democratic Caucus chair Virgil Fludd; and
Senate Democratic Caucus chair Horacena Tate.

the President of the Georgia Association of Democratic County Chairs (1) -

Lowell Greenbaum

the President of the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women (1) -

Gail Buckner.

the President of the Georgia Council of Democratic Women (1) -

Hattie Dorsey.

the President of the Young Democrats of Georgia (1) -

Steve Golden.

an elected member of a municipal governing body, and an elected member of a county governing body both appointed by the State Chair (2) -

JB Burke, Mayor, City of Morrow; and
Burrell Ellis, DeKalb County CEO.

the Chair of the County Affairs Committee (1) -

John Dooley.

the Chair of the Affirmative Action Committee (1) -

and three (3) additional members appointed by the Chair [3] -

Tasso Knight;
Steve Perkins; and
Kevin Madden.

All told, there are forty-five members of the Georgia Democratic Party executive committee. Party rules say a quorum for the legal transaction of business is a "majority of the membership of the Executive Committee," or twenty-three committee members. A majority vote is required for passage of executive committee actions.

Obama Justice Department Holds Up Macon-Bibb County Elections Because Blacks Don't Vote in the Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Wed, 29 May 2013 11:34:00 +0000

AJC Political Insider Jim Galloway brought us this news from WMAZ-TV (Macon).

The U.S. Justice Department put off the July elections for the new Macon-Bibb County consolidated government until state legislators explain how they decided the timing and non-partisan format of the election.

. . . Local Democrats argued that holding the election in July would reduce the impact of black voters, who, statistics show, are less likely to vote in summer elections. They also argued for partisan elections, continuing the practice in the city of Macon and Bibb County.

The department has given the Bibb County legislative delegation 60 days to answer a list of questions and requests for materials related to the move to a nonpartisan July election.

Galloway, Jim (28 May 2013). Feds order Macon elections postponed. AJC Political Insider. Retrieved on 29 May 2013.

I’m a bit confused here.

Under the Voting Rights Act (VRA), Georgia must obtain pre-clearance from the Department of Justice (DOJ) before any changes to election law may be made so that the DOJ can ensure minority voters are not being disenfranchised.

In the WMAZ-TV article, "Democrats argued that holding the [Macon-Bibb County] election in July would reduce the impact of black voters who, statistics show, are less likely to vote in summer elections.”

Could not the argument be made that by failing to vote in summer elections, black voters (like myself) are effectively disenfranchising themselves?

Is it not true that by being less likely to vote in summer elections, black voters reduce their own impact?

Black voters freely choose not to vote in summer elections. How is the free choice of black voters not to vote in July elections a violation of the VRA?

Could someone please explain that to me?

ResignationWatch: #GaDems 10th Congressional District Chair Asks Stacey Abrams to Demand Berlon Quit

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Tue, 28 May 2013 16:38:00 +0000

We are still here on resignation watch here at Georgia Unfiltered.

Mike Berlon, embattled chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia, has not resigned . . .

. . . Yet.

But the number of Democrat insiders calling for his resignation are steadily growing. It is becoming evident that Mike Berlon cannot continue leading the Georgia Democratic Party, with many activists expressing little or no confidence in his leadership.

Monday, Patsy Harris sent an email to the state Democratic executive committee urging her colleagues to call on Democrat elected officials to ask Mike Berlon to quit.

Harris currently serves as the Georgia Democratic Party's 10th congressional district chair. She also is a member of the state Democratic executive committee.

Georgia Unfiltered obtained a copy of Harris' email (shown below in its entirety), which also was sent to House Democratic Leader Stacey Abrams.

ResignationWatch: Planned Parenthood VP Poised to Become #GaDems Chair if Berlon Vacates Post

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Tue, 28 May 2013 11:07:00 +0000

This is day four of Georgia Unfiltered resignation watch.

It's been four days since Democratic National Committee (DNC) member David Worley, a former Democratic Party of Georgia chairman, called on current Georgia Democratic Party chairman Mike Berlon to resign his post.

Including today, there are ten days until the Democratic Party of Georgia executive committee meeting where DNC member David Worley said he'll ask the panel to recommend Berlon’s removal from office to the full state Democratic committee.

Yesterday, I explained the process of removing Mike Berlon from office. Whether Berlon resigns or is ousted from office, Georgia Democratic Party rules say, "In the event of a vacancy in the office of Chair, the First Vice-Chair shall become Acting Chair and shall have the authority, powers and duties of the Chair."

(Georgia Democratic Party First Vice Chair Nikema Williams.)

The First Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia is currently Nikema Williams (pictured right).

Here's what you should know about Nikema Williams:

Nikema is a Democratic National Committee (DNC) member;
Nikema was a delegate to the 2008 and 2012 Democratic National Convention;
Nikema raised between $50,000 and $100,000 for the Obama campaign in 2012;
Nikema is the Vice President of Public Policy for Planned Parenthood Southeast; and
Nikema is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

Democratic Party of Georgia rules say:

Unless provided differently in these Bylaws, a vacancy in any position shall be filled by a special election by the body that selected the original position holder.

In case of a State Committee office or National Committeeman, such special election shall be called within 10 days of the vacancy and such notice shall specify an election date no less than 60 and no more than 70 days from the date of the notice. Any person desiring to fill the vacancy must file a notice of candidacy with the State Chair no later than 30 days before the election date.

If Georgia Democratic Party chairman Mike Berlon resigns or is removed from office, Nikema Williams would become acting chair.

Nikema would serve at least sixty days (unless she decides to run for chair herself), and she would be responsible for conducting the special election to fill the remainder of Berlon's unexpired term.

For #MusicMonday, "Brothers in Arms" by Dire Straits

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Mon, 27 May 2013 10:29:00 +0000

"Brothers in Arms" by Dire Straits

ResignationWatch: The Process of Removing Georgia Democratic Party Chairman Mike Berlon from Office

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Mon, 27 May 2013 10:23:00 +0000

Georgia Unfiltered is on resignation watch.

It has been three days since State Elections Board member David Worley, a former Democratic Party of Georgia chairman, called on current Georgia Democratic Party chairman Mike Berlon to resign his post.

Since then, former Democratic Party of Georgia treasurer Russell Edwards, who's rumored to have had his own issues with Berlon, posted the following tweet on Twitter:

Edwards is right. Mike Berlon faced calls to resign or be removed from office just last year. Yet, he weathered the storm and still remains in office. This time, however, seems to be different.

The state Democratic executive committee is scheduled to meet at Party HQ next week. According to media reports, David Worley plans on asking the executive committee to recommend the full Georgia state Democratic committee remove Berlon from office.

If the Democratic Party of Georgia's executive committee recommends removing Berlon from office, it would have to be for cause.

Party rules say, "Officers or members may be removed for cause by a 2/3 vote of the State Committee, provided there is a fifty percent quorum.

"Cause may include:

The endorsement of, support of, or contribution to a candidate of another party.
Failure to perform the designated duties of office.
Conduct or circumstances which reflect discredit or disrepute upon the Party.
Public disclaimer of Party affiliation.
Intentional misrepresentation of positions or policies of the Party.
Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude or which otherwise reflects discredit or disrepute upon the Party.
Any violation of these bylaws."

Berlon had his law license suspended and received a reprimand from the state Supreme Court. Any schmuck on the street would agree those two circumstances alone reflects discredit or disrepute upon the Party.

Berlon is the defendant in a civil suit alleging he failed to distribute nearly $1 million from a trust he created for a client. Former Georgia Democratic Party chairman David Worley told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Mike Berlon’s legal woes tarnish the party’s image and hamper its abilities to raise funds." Again, that goes back to conduct or circumstances which reflect discredit or disrepute upon the Party.

Based on what's been publicly reported by various media outlets, those seeking to remove Mike Berlon as Georgia Democratic Party chairman have him dead to rights on reflecting discredit or disrepute upon the Party. Those are the charges against Mike Berlon. He has engaged in conduct and created circumstances which reflect discredit or disrepute upon the Democratic Party of Georgia.

So the next step is a hearing before the full state Democratic committee.

Party rules say:

The person to be removed shall have the right to written notice, at least 10 days before a hearing on said charges before the full State Committee, of the reasons for removal and the names of all persons who will testify in support of the charges against him/her.

The person to be removed shall have the right to counsel and to present all witnesses, documents and arguments in support of his position.

In other words, there will be a trial, and the trial will be public unless the state Democratic committee votes to close its proceedings to the public.

After the hearing is concluded, it will take a two-thirds vote of the State Committee, provided there is a fifty percent quorum, to remove Mike Berlon from office.

It is estimated that there are 331 state Democratic committee members. A 50% quorum amounts to 166 bodies in the seats. If 166 state Democratic committee members are present, it takes 111 votes to remove Berlon from office.

That's the process, unless of course, Mike Berlon resigns. And we're watching closely for that to happen.

Mike Berlon Digs In, Asks Democrats to Respect Difference Between His Law Practice & His Party Activities

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Sun, 26 May 2013 06:35:00 +0000

. . . the record is public. Anyone can go to the Gwinnett County Courthouse, pull the pleadings relating to case number 13-A-04434-5, and determine for themselves if they believe Mike Berlon, chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia, is a crook.

"It was more than mere chance that brought Merry and Pippin to Fangorn. A great power has been sleeping here for many long years. The coming of Merry and Pippin will be like the falling of small stones that starts an avalanche in the mountains."

-Gandalf the ~~Grey~~ White

It was more than mere chance that last week started with news of Georgia Democratic Party chairman Mike Berlon receiving a reprimand from the state Supreme Court and having his law license suspended temporarily. Those two events were like the falling of small stones that starts an avalanche in the mountains.

Since then, more reports of Mike Berlon's legal troubles emerged and calls for his resignation grew louder.

Gandalf said, in Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, "[Sauron] will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a King return to the throne of men."

And much like the Dark Lord Sauron, I believe Mike Berlon will raze the Democratic Party of Georgia to the ground before he sees someone other than himself as leader of that organization.

Berlon is digging in and preparing for battle.

In an email to the state Democratic committee (posted in its entirety below), Thursday, Berlon requested Democrats to "respect the difference between my private law practice and my position as the Chair of the Party.

"My legal practice should never be a distraction for the Democratic Party of Georgia," Berlon emailed to the state Democratic committee, "but I am aware that it might become one if I don’t address these rumors directly. Instead of false information, I want to get the record straight."

Well, the record is public. Anyone can go to the Gwinnett County Courthouse, pull the pleadings relating to case number 13-A-04434-5, and determine for themselves if they believe Mike Berlon, chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia, is a crook.

And you know what? Mike Berlon is right. His legal practice has become a great distraction for the Democratic Party of Georgia. It's all anyone is talking about.

ResignationWatch: State Elections Board Member Calls on GA Democratic Party Chairman to Resign or be Removed

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Sat, 25 May 2013 06:46:00 +0000

The septimana horribilis ("horrible week") for Democratic Party of Georgia chairman Mike Berlon continues as the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) reports a high-ranking Democrat is now calling on Berlon to resign or be removed from office.

A high-ranking Democratic official called Friday for his party’s chairman to step down after a spate of legal concerns came to light.

David Worley, a former chairman of the state party, said Mike Berlon’s legal woes tarnish the party’s image and hamper its abilities to raise funds. He said he’ll ask the Democratic Party of Georgia’s executive committee, a group of roughly 30, to recommend Berlon’s ouster at a June 6 meeting. A vote by the full panel of about 300 board members could follow.

Galloway, Jim (24 May 2013). Mike Berlon’s problems could complicate a Michelle Nunn roll-out. AJC Political Insider. Retrieved on 25 May 2013.

Here's what you should know about Democrat David J. Worley:

Worley is a Democratic National Committee (DNC) member;
Worley is a State Elections Board member;
Worley is a former Georgia Democratic Party chairman;
Worley came within 980 votes of unseating Newt Gingrich in 1990; and
Worley is a big dollar donor to Democrat candidates and causes (He gave the the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) over $10,000 in 2012.).

In other words, David Worley is hardly some disgruntled, rank-and-file Democrat. He's Daddy freakin' Warbucks.

From a public relations standpoint, the last thing Georgia Democrats want is their Party chairman forcibly removed from office.

Behind the scenes, I am willing to bet pressure is being put upon Mike Berlon to resign and avoid a messy, contentious confrontation with the state Democratic committee in full view of the public; and it will happen in public due to a provision in the Democratic Party of Georgia Bylaws that reads, "Unless the body votes to go into executive session, all meetings of each body of the State Party shall be open to the public."

So, we're on resignation watch, ladies and gentlemen. My guess is Mike Berlon will resign as Georgia Democratic Party chairman before the end of the month.

Facing More Legal Troubles, Georgia Democratic Party Chairman Vows to Finish Out His Term in Office

noreply@blogger.com (Andre Walker) — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:47:00 +0000

Septimana horribilis.

It's a Latin phrase, and it means "horrible week."

The last five days certainly qualifies as a septimana horribilis for Democratic Party of Georgia chairman Mike Berlon.

This week started with news that Mike Berlon had his law license suspended and received a reprimand from the state Supreme Court. Then came the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) report showing $30,734.18 cash on hand and $18,661.32 in debt for Georgia's Democratic Party. Now the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) reports Mike Berlon, chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia, faces more legal troubles.

Mike Berlon was accused in a Gwinnett County lawsuit this week of failing to distribute nearly $1 million from a trust he created for a friend and his son.

The Gwinnett lawsuit was filed this week by Raymond Hines, who hired Berlon to create a trust in his wife's name after her death in 2003. Hines and his son pumped $960,000 into the trust, they say, but they never heard back from Berlon when they repeatedly emailed and texted him wondering where they're money was.

Bluestein, Greg (23 May 2013). Top Democratic official in more legal hot water. Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved on 24 May 2013.

This particular AJC article came after a list of civil actions listing Mike Berlon as the defendant was published on Georgia Unfiltered.

In spite of his septimana horribilis, Democratic Party of Georgia chairman Mike Berlon said, "I'm doing the best job I can as chair of the Democratic Party, and my private practice has nothing to do with that. I still have two years on my term and I intend to serve it out."

There's an old saying that comes to mind.

You know what they call a leader with no followers? Just a guy taking a walk.

Mike Berlon is just a guy taking a walk. All alone.