politician.  He needs to rethink his strategy for ethics reform.  I could be wrong but I cannot recall a time when so many legislators or former legislators have been indicted.  Sen. Jerry Cooper has been named an unindicted co-conspirator in a federal bank fraud and money laundering case.  Do you really want these same people making ethics legislation for you?  I think not.   

I have to give the Tennessee, Meigs and Bradley County Republican Party respect they have stood up to Chris demanding his resignation.  But don't just pay lip service, cut that funding off and support any challenger who rises up to take him on.  Republican Calvin Rockholt of Meigs County stated: "I don't care who they appoint, Democrat or Republican. Anybody beats someone that's indicted in federal court."  I agree. 

Indicted politicians benefit from complicated cases.  The longer it drags on, the more the voter forgets, and government goes back to business as usual.  Ben Franklin had it right, "In free governments, the rulers are the servants, and the people their superiors and sovereigns. For the former, therefore, to return among the latter [is] not to degrade but to promote them."

In the movie Tombstone Johnny Ringo says to the Earps: "I want your blood. And I want your soul. And I want them both right now!"  Chris you are not Johnny Ringo and Bradley County's blood or soul is not for the taking.  Val Kilmer, playing Doc Holliday, responded: "I'm your huckleberry."  Chris read my lips, as long as an indicted official is in office serving the citizens of Bradley County and I write a column for a newspaper, that individual is my enemy, because that individual is an enemy to the taxpayers. I will work to get that person out of office in the name of good government.  If someone does not announce shortly their intention to take you on, do not be surprised if the jet flying, limousine riding, kiss stealing, wheel'n,' deal'n' son of a gun does not return.  Bank on it the free ride and the free lunch are over.  I will campaign for Hillary Clinton before you ever get my vote again Chris, and I am a real Republican. If you are on the ballot in 2006, there will be a lot of people saying the same thing.  "I'm your huckleberry." 

In fact, some constituent or would be opponent would be wise to dig up your term limit quotes.  I am sure you may be over allotment by now.  But I know you supported 12 year limits.  So if you were elected in 1994, plus 12 years served equals 2006.  Like I said last month, time is up! People should demand that Chris does the right thing by stepping down.  His resignation is the only way for this to end, if he wishes peace of mind now or later.  If not, the epitaph to his career will read in pace requiescat.  In pace requiescat.  In pace requiescat. In politics they play for blood.  I'm your huckleberry.  I guess that makes me the Undertaker, but isn't that another show?  You have to love the WWE.  Shalom. 

NOTES:  In April I referenced pedophilia research.  I apparently misapplied the data.  However, I stand by my position that despite the efforts of many well meaning people, there is no cure for this sickness/depravity/crime.  Other researchers have reached similar conclusions.  Either way, it was not that relevant to the overall article. 

On a personal note:  Cleveland High School class of 1981 has lost a family member and a friend: Monique Stutes Roberts was passionate about everything she did, about everything she believed. For her, there were few causes not worth fighting or few moments not worth seizing. She will not be forgotten, as she touched all of our lives.  Our prayers and thoughts are with her family, especially her son Brad. Her smile and enthusiasm was infectious.  CHS Alumni Class of 1981 mourns our loss, but we know God has welcomed home a missing angel.   
     
--J. C. Bowman is a public policy analyst who resides in Tallahassee, Florida.
He can be reached by email at:
flapolicy@hotmail.com. 
.