read and listen to this

http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/article/10081/

Don't sweat it guys - when was the last time a politician ever made good on a campaign promise?

umm.... the National Research Council was started by a Republican (Lincoln)

All hysteria aside, it is good change because he would be reducing the influence of politicians, who cater only to their electorate, and lawyers on this important decision.

You should include other parts of his statement: "Instead of endless lawyering and litigation over the Apalachicola, the Panhandle region needs new national leadership — that’s why I’ll ask the National Research Council to assess the water supply and recommend the best way to fairly allocate those scarce resources."

The National Research Council (NRC) functions under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), and the Institute of Medicine (IOM). The NAS, NAE, IOM, and NRC are part of a private, nonprofit institution that provides science, technology and health policy advice under a congressional charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln that was originally granted to the NAS in 1863. Under this charter, the NRC was established in 1916, the NAE in 1964, and the IOM in 1970. The four organizations are collectively referred to as the National Academies.

The mission of the NRC is to improve government decision making and public policy, increase public education and understanding, and promote the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in matters involving science, engineering, technology, and health. The institution takes this charge seriously and works to inform policies and actions that have the power to improve the lives of people in the U.S. and around the world.

The NRC is committed to providing elected leaders, policy makers, and the public with expert advice based on sound scientific evidence. The NRC does not receive direct federal appropriations for its work. Individual projects are funded by federal agencies, foundations, other governmental and private sources, and the institution's endowment. The work is made possible by 6,000 of the world's top scientists, engineers, and other professionals who volunteer their time without compensation to serve on committees and participate in activities. The NRC is administered jointly by the NAS, NAE, and the IOM through the NRC Governing Board.

You need to get beyond the sound bites, especially the ones from talk radio.

http://sites.nationalacademies.org/nrc/index.htm

"You need to get beyond the sound bites, especially the ones from talk radio."

Unlike sound bites from the mainstream media. Everyone knows they have no agenda whatsoever. If there is one thing this election proved is that there is no unbiased media. At least talk radio doesn't pretend to be...

I think the problem is that its not possible, for anyone, even the President, to stop the lawyers and litigation. There are already laws on the books (Endangered Species Act, for example) that have a bearing on the outcome of the water allocation issues. The President can't just vacate that law, and turn it all over to the NRC. (Of course, the President has other ways to coerce a solution, but that's t he was talking about.)

One thing won't change. We elect the puppets - we don't pull the strings.

I totally agree with Thin'air, they are just puppets performing for the highest bidders.

In response to the last two posts, while I can easily understand your sentiments in this regard, one might infer that we are helpless, powerless, and in no way responsible for the actions of our elected officials. One could say, why bother to vote, be informed, or even pay attention, since it doesn't matter anyway. I disagree. ChrisP.

It does matter. Just because someone is tired of the empty promises and voices out doesnt mean they dont care..

Article in the AJC today says Corps of Engineers predicts Lanier will begin setting new low water records on Dec 5.

Gene

Sorry, I forgot to post some deep political stuff -

Who's hotter, Michelle Obama or Sarah Palin?
and
Jessie Jackson, hold tight.

I'm afraid that Sarah Palin is only cool (or is it hot) among old white guys.

Now, if you want a hot first Lady, check out Carla Sarkozy:

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/04/11/arts/12bruni.php

But then the French have always had a leg up on us when it came to this stuff.

No, Mrs Obama ain't cool -- she ice cold baby! Her and Hillary could freeze a meat locker in 5 minutes flat...

You guys need to watch what you say. Obama now has full Secret Service protection. And when I say Secret Service I mean Secret Service. Secret hand shakes and the full Monty.

I warned you!

Peelskid raises an important point. After all these years the Atlanta Boardsailing Club doesn't have a secret handshake. We need to get one guys....

That's exactly what I ment!

This thread is going way out there, I think you guys have been drinking too much lake water...I bet that's the real reason the water level is down.

Marek

heavy political discourse. let's rig instead.

Not to brag, but guess who called me yesterday.

Sarah Palin.

I wasnt home at the time so she had to leave a message. And she forgot to leave her number. Oh well, she'll probably call back.

Gene