It seems as if the local churches are beginning to step into the political arena. They are beginning to organize and advertise for the September 21 meeting at Toccoa Falls College. Apparently they are enlisting the efforts of the pastor at FBC of Blairsville who helped organize the citizenry in UnionCounty to help defeat the beer and wine measure there.

I am truly concerned whether East Ellijay will lose money once the churches ask their parishioners to halt their patronage of establishments there because they serve alcohol. But wait I forgot! Alcohol is ok to be served in a restaurant as long as it isn't in our backyard. It’s ok to drive to East Ellijay for a nice steak but just don't bring it here to Fannin County. My question is why are the churches rallying against an issue that isn't even a mandate in the good book. Nowhere, I mean nowhere, does it say that alcohol is bad. But yet they are blindly following some unwritten dogma. My suggestion is that they stick to issues that are actually relevant and are espoused in um....uh....oh lets say the BIBLE.

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath day. Colossians 2:16

Thanks to Randy for the bible verse.

I wonder what they would say if an anti-antialcohol protest were to appear at the meeting with the verse above and the facts that wine and strong drink are mentioned 247 times in the bible with the majority being either a positive and/or a neutral reference? Just thinking out loud.

One of the many reasons I have removed myself from "organized religion". These are probably the same group that want to keep the Ten Commandments posted for the world to see in every public building known to man.... but probably cant quote more than two of them....those being the ones that they have broken.... And that's a point for discussion too... I don't recall "Thou shalt not consume alcohol, strong drink, beer, wine, liquor by the drink, etc...." as one of the Ten Commandments.

I talked with several local folk about this issue over the weekend, and mind you some are church going and some are not.... The biggest issue that these people had was not the problem of alcohol....it's already here...it was the issue of what it will bring in the form of building and population to the area... which is why a good majority moved up here from Atlanta or other places. I can understand that point of view and sometimes tend to think that way.... but progress cannot be stopped... and I don't want others forcing their hypocritical morals down my throat...(no pun intended). The point was made also that Fannin County used to be known for the moonshine and corn liquor that was made up here.... "drive down Aska Road and look at all the chicken houses....but you never see a single chicken truck .... young folk grow marijuana and old folk make liquor...."

Maybe we are looking at this all wrong... could it be the ones that are screaming the loudest are worried about how the sale of beer/wine/liquor will infringe on their personal profits?

A friend of mine in MS said this similar issue took place in counties near where he lived. A study was performed and found that the "dry county" had more dui's, alcoholics, and alcohol related issues than the "wet" county next door where everyone drove to purchase. Could it be that passing this would result in fewer dui's? What a shame that would be!! What would the Fannin County sheriffs department do? How would they meet their quota? The lost revenue!!! Would there be as many road blocks as there are now....?

Just food for thought.... or in this case "drink"....

Where is the Sept 21 meeting? It says Toccoa Falls College but I just mapquested that and it is about 2 hours away. They must have a local branch where they are meeting. I will be in town this weekend and I am curious to hear what their arguments are first hand. Of course I may decide to stay in the cabin and watch the river go by and wait for the deer to appear. The idea that they are using scare tactics is almost funny except that people fall for it.

It’s actually used to be Truett-McConnellCollege across from the Epworth General Store at the 4-way stop in Epworth, Ga. The funny thing is I attend one of the churches involved with these shenanigans. However, I to not see the immorality in social imbibing. I've never read where Jesus ever said to not drink and so that is good enough for me. But sadly others seem to think that he did say as much. Unfortunately this issue has been redirected from an economic issue to an ideological one. Biscuits or Bagels my friends?

W-What
W-Would
J-Jesus
D-Drink

Would love to hear from anyone that went tonight. I would have gone but I had to pipe my wife down at the Commissioners' meeting, and she wouldn't let me go w/o her.

I'm hearing the 2 bozos on the council are talking $100K for a pouring license. That means Applebees, Longhorn, etc., and mom-&-pop can take a hike. Think they want word of that extreme tax to get out? Think they thought this one through? They may be "stuck on stupid" but they ain't dumb.

Well I saw a couple of yard signs that read, "Alcohol Kills-VOTE NO!" on Madola Rd. this weekend. I was curious as to whether anymore have began to appear or if this is just a isolated incident.

I've seen a couple on Hwy 5 headed to McCaysville. They are calling it the "Temperance Movement". I would agree that it is a "movement" but not a "temperance" one...

Unfortunately for those of us who actually believe in personal choice and responsibility, once the church community rallies around a cause its pretty much "GAME OVER". Not unless a group with deep pockets begins an ad blitz of their own espousing some facts surrounding the issue.