Opinion: The U.S. Constitution and Georgia Men

"Hold on, my friends, to the Constitution and to the Republic for which it stands. Miracles do not cluster, and what has happened once in 6000 years, may not happen again. Hold on to the Constitution, for if the American Constitution should fail, there will be anarchy throughout the world."- Daniel Webster

As the United States of America gets ready to honor the 221st anniversary of the framing of the US Constitution, we, as Americans, should make it our goal to learn more about this legendary document. As children, our teachers taught us the basics of where the Constitution was written and who signed it from each state. We also learned about the Bill of Rights and the amendments.

Now, as adults, we start to realize the importance of this document in our lives. It provides the basis of the freedoms we enjoy. The freedom of speech, the freedom to worship, the right to bear arms, the right to vote are just a few of the many privileges we enjoy in America.

Who were the men who framed the Constitution? Who were the men who represented Georgia? How many men were elected to represent Georgia?

William Few (1748-1828) and Abraham Baldwin (1754-1807) are the two men of the state of Georgia who signed the Constitution in 1787. Did you know that a total of six Georgia men were appointed to attend the convention? Two of men did not attend and two others, William Leigh Pierce and William Houston, were not there for the majority of the debates.

Both Pierce and Houston were Georgia natives. Pierce made his home in Savannah and was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives. Pierce did participate in several debates on key points. He favored strengthening of the federal government as long as the states still retained some power. Pierce left the convention early as his business in Savannah suffered, and eventually went bankrupt. He died shortly after in 1789.

Born in Savannah, Houston enjoyed a childhood of privilege. His father was highly involved in the royal government of Georgia. He returned home to Georgia from his schooling in England when the Revolutionary War began. He is known for his belief in colonists' rights, and is one of the original trustees of the University of Georgia. Houston died in 1813.

The 55 men who attended the convention had much to say. These delegates, or deputies, were appointed by the legislatures of the 13 states. Some of the deputies left early as Pierce and Houston did. Others who were appointed to attend did not. Why? Was it not convenient? Was it a sense of not comprehending the importance of revising the Articles of Confederation? Was it a shirk of their duty? We don't know the answers. What we do know is the masterpiece document that these men framed.

The words of Benjamin Franklin, in a speech delivered to the convention in late June 1787, provide a glimpse for us: "....In these sentiments, Sir, I agree to this Constitution, with all its faults, — if they are such; because I think a general Government necessary for us, and there is no form of government but what may be a blessing to the people, if well administered; and I believe, farther, that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic government, being incapable of any other."

Could the framers have imagined the longevity of our Constitution?

Celebrate, American citizens. Read the Constitution. Honor the Constitution. Protect the Constitution.

Ann Eldredge

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Editor's Note: National Constitution Week is rapidly approaching. Kudos to the organizations who strive to increase our awareness of the Constitution, and a special kudos to the James Waldrop Chapter DAR of Fayetteville and Fayette County, whose endeavors with regards to educating the school children and adults has become well known and honored beyond our area. Take a few moments and view the videos released last year.

Part 1 Constitution Week Video
Part 2 Constitution Week Video

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Governor Perdue Announces Sites for Go Fish Georgia facilities

Community Support Drives Selection of Locations for Visitor’s Center and Mega-Ramps

PERRY, Ga. — As the Georgia Department of Natural Resources begins implementation of the Go Fish Georgia program, Governor Sonny Perdue today announced the locations for the Go Fish Georgia Center and Hatchery and the ten sites across the state for mega-ramps to be built on lakes and rivers.

“The announcements today are exactly what I envisioned when I proposed the Go Fish Georgia program – state and local governments joining with private donations, all contributing to growing our state as a destination for recreational and tournament fishing,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.

Governor Perdue joined a number of local officials from Perry and Houston County to announce the Go Fish Georgia Center will be built on 120 acres located on the south side of the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter. This facility will include a visitor’s center that will market and promote fishing opportunities throughout the state, an on-site public fishing lake and a fully functioning warm water hatchery.

The site for the visitor’s center and hatchery was selected after an independent review of more than a dozen potential locations using criteria developed by Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). In addition, the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter supports the use of this property for the facility, and the Houston County Development Authority, Houston County, Perry Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Perry are contributing $2.5 million to the construction costs of this tourism asset.

“We are excited about serving as the host community for Governor Perdue's Go Fish Georgia Initiative and are even more pleased about the tourism potential this statewide visitor's center brings to our community,” said Perry Mayor Jim Worrall. “The Go Fish Georgia Center is a natural complement for the Georgia National Fairground & Agricenter as both will attract visitors to our community and enhance the economic impact of tourism in Georgia.”

The 10 mega-ramp sites announced today are part of a 15-site bass fishing trail that will include large ramps capable of accommodating large fishing tournaments. Eight of the sites will receive Go Fish Georgia funds to match local financial and in-kind contributions for construction. The other two sites will be built on Lake Hartwell using funds from the PCB contamination settlement stemming from chemical releases upstream by a South Carolina plant that eventually flowed down into the lake.

The sites that were announced include:

· Laurel Park - Hall County on Lake Lanier
· Wildwood Park - Columbia County on Clarks Hill Lake
· Richard B. Russell State Park - Elbert County on Lake Richard B. Russell
· Pyne Road Park - Troup County on West Point Lake
· Veterans Memorial State Park - Crisp County / Cordele on Lake Blackshear
· Earle May Boat Basin Park – City of Bainbridge on Lake Seminole
· Jaycee Landing - Wayne County and City of Jesup on the Altamaha River
· Robert Baurle Ramp – Augusta / Richmond County on the Savannah River
· Gum Branch Access - Hart County and the City of Hartwell on Lake Hartwell
· Tugaloo State Park - Franklin County - Stephens County and the City of Lavonia on Lake Hartwell.

“This program will allow for the development of a new ramp enabling Augusta to pursue economic development opportunities in the form of fishing tournaments, while at the same time providing increased outdoor recreational opportunities to local citizens for generations to come,” said Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver, who also attended today’s announcement. “I would like to personally thank Governor Perdue for his efforts as they are greatly appreciated.”

Also announced today were the new logos for Go Fish Georgia. These logos were selected to represent the family values and the economic potential associated with program. The red bobber logo promotes recreational fishing for families and draws upon memories of childhood fishing adventures for young and old alike. The classic bass fishing lure is meant to appeal to more advanced anglers and professional fishing tournaments.

Fishing contributes approximately $1.5 billion to Georgia’s economy each year. DNR estimates more than 10,000 jobs in Georgia are related to sport fishing, which generates $15 million in state income taxes, and $19 million in state sales taxes. A major bass fishing tournament can have as much as a $5 million economic impact on a local community. A championship event can have a $27 million economic impact.

Go Fish Georgia is designed to promote and enhance boating and fishing tourism in Georgia and to boost economic development in communities across the state. This initiative will result in quality fisheries resources statewide, including family friendly fishing and recreation access points that will increase fishing participation in Georgia.

For more information on fishing in Georgia or the Go Fish Georgia initiative, please go to www.gofishgeorgia.com.