Showing posts with label jimmy carter in plains. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jimmy carter in plains. Show all posts
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Jimmy Carter in Plains: Robert Buccellato valdosta daily news article
“Jimmy Carter in Plains” is mostly a picture book filled with photographs of the 39th President and his family in their Georgia hometown.
Charles W. Plant provides the mother lode of photos. Robert Buccellato provides the words.
The book is part of the Images of Modern America series.
There are plenty of photographs of all of the Carters from the period when he was running for President of the United States: Brother Billy, mother Lillian, wife Rosalynn, etc.
The book reveals Carter’s small-town roots and his outsized ambition to move from the office of Georgia governor to the White House.
Ironically, as the book is filled with Plains photos and remains true to the title “Jimmy Carter in Plains,” the cover is a photograph of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter walking the streets of Washington, D.C., during the presidential inauguration.
With dozens of photos, the book is an interesting look, literally and figuratively, into the small town that fueled the rise of Jimmy Carter in the 1976 presidential campaign. The same town that serves as his home and inspiration today.
Charles W. Plant provides the mother lode of photos. Robert Buccellato provides the words.
The book is part of the Images of Modern America series.
There are plenty of photographs of all of the Carters from the period when he was running for President of the United States: Brother Billy, mother Lillian, wife Rosalynn, etc.
The book reveals Carter’s small-town roots and his outsized ambition to move from the office of Georgia governor to the White House.
Ironically, as the book is filled with Plains photos and remains true to the title “Jimmy Carter in Plains,” the cover is a photograph of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter walking the streets of Washington, D.C., during the presidential inauguration.
With dozens of photos, the book is an interesting look, literally and figuratively, into the small town that fueled the rise of Jimmy Carter in the 1976 presidential campaign. The same town that serves as his home and inspiration today.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Jimmy Carter In Plains : An Amazon bestseller
For the third time since it went on pre-sale
the book has become the #1 New Release in Photography History
It has remained within the top ten all week long and according to the publisher, as sold over half of its first edition. Oh and did I mention the book was only released two days ago.
Get the acclaimed book while you still can, apparently Amazon has had to order another set of books so they won't get sold out.
http://www.amazon.com/Jimmy-Carter-Plains-Images-America/dp/146711541X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454535253&sr=8-1&keywords=robert+buccellato
the book has become the #1 New Release in Photography History
It has remained within the top ten all week long and according to the publisher, as sold over half of its first edition. Oh and did I mention the book was only released two days ago.
Get the acclaimed book while you still can, apparently Amazon has had to order another set of books so they won't get sold out.
http://www.amazon.com/Jimmy-Carter-Plains-Images-America/dp/146711541X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454535253&sr=8-1&keywords=robert+buccellato
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Brother Billy and Miss Lillian
When asked about his family, Billy without missing a beat let off one of the best quips of the entire election cycle: "My mother went into the Peace Corps when she was sixty-eight. My one sister is a motorcycle freak, my other sister is a Holy Roller evangelist and my brother is running for president. I'm the only sane one in the family."
One morning in 1976 Billy Carter was driving his pickup truck through Plains when he spotted Jimmy walking with Senator John Glenn of Ohio, a possible Vice-Presidential choice who was in town for an interview with the Democratic nominee. As the nominee introduced the Senator to Billy Carter, the younger brother reached into the car seat, chose a can of beer and popped the cap. Jimmy Carter seemed to shudder.
Brother Billy had the now famous main street sign hung originally in 1966. It proclaimed at the time that plains was the “Home of our next governor.” He changed it in 1970 be erasing with paint the word “next.” In 1975 Billy once again hired painters to change the sign so that it read “Home of the Next President.” Of course the morning after the 1976 general election, painters were again called to change the sign.
A new water town erected in the town during the summer of 1976. A group out of Albany was contracted to dismantle the old water tower piece by piece. The town hadn’t used the rusty tower for years. But according to Billy Carter its dismantling was necessary, “There were people climbing up it. One fellow got up to the top and wouldn’t come down.”
With the primary season over the democratic nominee returned home to plains to rest before the customary start of the fall campaign during Labor Day. The press of course followed him wherever he went, to fish fry, the family pond house to fish with his mother, and the train depot. This was also when the first tourist shuttles and vans began to operate in the town. Before long there seemed to be new and bigger news circulating throughout the town each day. Brother Billy eventually hired an agent and t-shirts reading “Billy Who 1984” were being sold in town.
According to Richard Hyatt author of The Carters of Plains “Miss Lillian held Court at the Depot like the Queen mother.” There was always a constant stream of people wanting to touch her and reach out to her. She finally put up a sign that said “Don’t touch me! Just talk and Keep moving.”
Following Watergate honest was one of the key qualities many Americans claimed they were looking for in a presidential candidate. This lead Jimmy Carter to declare that he would “Never tell a lie or make a miss leading statement.” Miss Lillian told him repeatedly that such promises were impossible to keep. Whenever reporters would question her about the candidate’s plead she would often times make humor out of it. “Jimmy says he'll never tell a lie. Well, I lie all the time. I have to - to balance the family ticket. “
“Should we believe your son when he tells us he won’t lie to us?” one reporter asked during an in-depth interview with Miss Lillian. “Well,” she said to the reporter, “Jimmy tells White lies.” When the reporter asked Miss Lillian to explain what that meant she replied with relish, “Remember how when I met you at the door I told you I was glad to see you?”
At the age of 66 Miss Lillian went to India as a Peace Corps volunteer. As a registered nurse she spent the next two years working in a clinic outside of Bombay. She worked on the presidential campaign full time and became a notable guest on the talk show circuit of the day. Upon her return home, the Carter children built her this pond house
Miss Lillian strongly disliked the commercialization of the town, and soon gave up her daily journeys to the depot. Billy Carter actually moved away from Plains to a town 19 miles away. The increased interest in Plains meant that it attracted to its doors some of the best and worse kinds of people. Often Billy Carter’s service station was filled with strangers looking to rub elbows with him or in some cases promote strange cases.One crafty idea to help promote the city was to purchase off one square inch of land near the depot to interested buyers. Complete with a signed certificate anyone could purchase for five dollars a piece of plains.
In the summer of 1976, as the press gathered around Plains to get acquainted with the Democratic nominee and his family, Billy Carter quickly became a national celebrity. "I got a red neck, white socks, and Blue Ribbon beer," Billy would say with a grin. His service station was always packed with an odd mix of regulars and journalism royalty.
Some felt the tiny town took on the aura of an old Hollywood set on election night. By midday crowds pouring into the town. Candidate Carter appeared at around 5 o’clock to speak on a make shift platform to address the thousands that now gathered around it. Once the Carters left for Atlanta to await their electoral fate the crowds only grew larger.
The final vote that election night was 50.1 percent for Carter and 48 percent for Ford. It took some time for the voters in Mississippi to put Carter over the top, which didn’t take place until 3 am. Carter would receive over 90 percent of the African American vote and most of the rural vote.
The small town was packed with supporters and the bright pink sunlight of the early morning cropped up over the buildings of Main Street and bathed those on the depot platform with a warm sunshine. Jimmy Carter returned home to say thank you.
After climbing up the crowded depot he embraced his mother, brother, and sisters. He was given a copy of the Columbus Enquirer from cousin Betty Pope that read “Carter Wins” and held it up triumphantly to the crowd.
“In 22 months I haven’t been choked up...But when we drove into town, and saw so many people foolish enough to be out in Plains. All the others running for President didn’t have people helping them who would stay up all night in Plains.”
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Amy Carter
Let me tell you a story
There was once a girl named Amy
At the age of seven her parents moved her from the City and the Governor's mansion to the Country. This particular was a self proclaimed City Girl and enjoyed being the First Daughter of the state of Georgia. However in no time at all she found that she rather enjoyed Rural life. Her parents were off running for President or some such thing that she wasn't very interested in, and she was living almost full time with her two grandmas. These woman spent most of their days spoiling Amy and her cousins, and this new slightly independent, mostly indulgent, and totally freeing lifestyle was everything to young Amy. Having a small grouping of Male Cousins as Friends and acres of wildlife for a playground, the once metropolitan Amy became a tomboy.
Once her father started becoming famous, the press began to seek out Plains. They started asking her Uncle Billy and Her grandmother Lillian for interviews. Amy however was early on spared by her grandmother from giving interviews, not because she was trying to shield her grand child, but because in her own words "she smells terrible and refuses to take a bath."
As her father became the Democratic Front Runner Amy became friends with the young Children of the many reporters who were sent to cover plains. Many a columnist or news anchor would find themselves buying Amy and their own daughter a hamburger at a skating ring, while her father was trying to win a far off Primary.
Once her father became his Party's nominee Amy's freedom was largely suspended by the inclusion of a Secret Service Agent that had to follow her everywhere. That and all the miles of trees she use to climb, and the main street she use to race through with her bike was now congested with people, strangers, some nice, some strange, all of them getting in her way.
This was when the Carter brain and it's talent for Entrepreneurship started to take hold and Amy decided to go into business for herself. Now she did what any young girl her age would do in this situation she opened up a lemonade stand. Journalist Richard hyatt once described her as "Lemonade and Freckles." The budding business owner and her friend john served sandwiches and lemonade to the people who flocked to Woodland Drive to take a peak at the Carter Residence. With members of the National press being her best customers.
Now it didn't take long for Amy to learn the golden rule of road side economics "supply and demand" and the price for a cup of lemonade was soon raised from a dime to a quarter. Some Reporters actually used this minor raise in a satirical article. When one reporter jokingly teased the Candidate about his daughter's price gouging, Carter without missing a beat replied with a smile that reporters should pay double. They had expense accounts.
Its stories like this that make American History interesting and its this kind of story that makes Plains so interesting. It was a moment in time when the historic met the ordinary. When America Came home. When a retiree like Lillian Carter got into a mud fight after a fish fry with a member of journalistic royalty like Sam Donaldson. When people who wrote articles to a national audience across the wide expanse of the 1970s news media, would soon find themselves sharing a beer with a mud covered daily laborer at Billy's service station.
There was once a girl named Amy
At the age of seven her parents moved her from the City and the Governor's mansion to the Country. This particular was a self proclaimed City Girl and enjoyed being the First Daughter of the state of Georgia. However in no time at all she found that she rather enjoyed Rural life. Her parents were off running for President or some such thing that she wasn't very interested in, and she was living almost full time with her two grandmas. These woman spent most of their days spoiling Amy and her cousins, and this new slightly independent, mostly indulgent, and totally freeing lifestyle was everything to young Amy. Having a small grouping of Male Cousins as Friends and acres of wildlife for a playground, the once metropolitan Amy became a tomboy.
Once her father started becoming famous, the press began to seek out Plains. They started asking her Uncle Billy and Her grandmother Lillian for interviews. Amy however was early on spared by her grandmother from giving interviews, not because she was trying to shield her grand child, but because in her own words "she smells terrible and refuses to take a bath."
As her father became the Democratic Front Runner Amy became friends with the young Children of the many reporters who were sent to cover plains. Many a columnist or news anchor would find themselves buying Amy and their own daughter a hamburger at a skating ring, while her father was trying to win a far off Primary.
Once her father became his Party's nominee Amy's freedom was largely suspended by the inclusion of a Secret Service Agent that had to follow her everywhere. That and all the miles of trees she use to climb, and the main street she use to race through with her bike was now congested with people, strangers, some nice, some strange, all of them getting in her way.
This was when the Carter brain and it's talent for Entrepreneurship started to take hold and Amy decided to go into business for herself. Now she did what any young girl her age would do in this situation she opened up a lemonade stand. Journalist Richard hyatt once described her as "Lemonade and Freckles." The budding business owner and her friend john served sandwiches and lemonade to the people who flocked to Woodland Drive to take a peak at the Carter Residence. With members of the National press being her best customers.
Now it didn't take long for Amy to learn the golden rule of road side economics "supply and demand" and the price for a cup of lemonade was soon raised from a dime to a quarter. Some Reporters actually used this minor raise in a satirical article. When one reporter jokingly teased the Candidate about his daughter's price gouging, Carter without missing a beat replied with a smile that reporters should pay double. They had expense accounts.
Its stories like this that make American History interesting and its this kind of story that makes Plains so interesting. It was a moment in time when the historic met the ordinary. When America Came home. When a retiree like Lillian Carter got into a mud fight after a fish fry with a member of journalistic royalty like Sam Donaldson. When people who wrote articles to a national audience across the wide expanse of the 1970s news media, would soon find themselves sharing a beer with a mud covered daily laborer at Billy's service station.
Monday, January 11, 2016
Book Blurb by Chris DeRose
I am deeply honored to receive this Book Blurb by the New York Times Bestselling author of "The President's war" and "Congressman Lincoln" Chris DeRose
Let me just go on record and say that he is one of the rising giants of mine generation, in terms of Non Fiction Authors, and it is a great joy to present this to you all
"I loved this book. Many presidents are associated with a place. Without understanding the place, you can't understand the president. Few presidents are tied to a place like Jimmy Carter is to Plains. Thanks to this excellent book, with its rare and fascinating photographs, we can now understand the small town that raised a president, and thus gain a greater understanding of the man."
Chris DeRose, New York Times bestselling author of "The Presidents' War."
Let me just go on record and say that he is one of the rising giants of mine generation, in terms of Non Fiction Authors, and it is a great joy to present this to you all
"I loved this book. Many presidents are associated with a place. Without understanding the place, you can't understand the president. Few presidents are tied to a place like Jimmy Carter is to Plains. Thanks to this excellent book, with its rare and fascinating photographs, we can now understand the small town that raised a president, and thus gain a greater understanding of the man."
Chris DeRose, New York Times bestselling author of "The Presidents' War."
Jimmy Carter A Great President
This is an excerpt of the speech I shall deliver next month at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library
It is no longer enough to simply describe him as a Great or Excellent EX or Former President. This is an example of Professorial ignorance and a long used republican talking point. The simple fact is Jimmy Carter is the greatest former President in our nation's history, period. But, he is also an underrated and excellent President. He was not a failed president as many have claimed. And its time the Democratic Party defends him. His only major failing while in office was an honorable attempt to avoid bloodshed.
He has the best average of legislative achievement of any modern president except Johnson and the Camp David Peace accords still stands as the only lasting example of a Peace treaty in the Middle East. He cut our consumption of Foreign Oil in half and actually took the nation on the path towards a balanced budget by the mid 1980s. None of his Cabinet members were arrested or investigated (Reagan's cabinet couldn't claim the same.) He was the only modern Presidency to limit nuclear weapon production and trim our sale of Arms to foreign nations.
His promotion of Human Rights not only undermined the Soviet's support in many satellite nations, it also invigorated our own support in South America. At the start of his term, nearly every nation in South America was being governed by a military dictatorship. By the time he left office nearly the entire continent was electing democratic leaders.
Now not to look like a total Carter Fanboy, I will add that he had and has some severe failings. But to his credit he is the only modern US President that not only admits to them, he actually enjoys evaluating them. The final section of his book White House Diaries (itself a brilliant literary achievement) Carter talks very openly about his failing while in the office. He admits to being a micro manager and that he hated being the leader of the Democratic Party. He admits to having poor relations to congress and concludes that his efforts to pass legislation resulted in any modification or compromise to appear as a presidential defeat.
In 2002 of course the former President won the Nobel Peace Prize, two of the three small bronze medals he received reside here by his Grammy Award , just down the corner. While he is considered the nation's greatest former president, a title and reputation he doesn't mind, those four turbulent years still seem to resonate with Americans. Reagan doesn't connect with Millennials the way Carter does partly because of his post presidency, but mainly because his record remains evergreen. His humility and innovative agenda while in office speak for themselves and his humanitarian efforts out of office continue to make him relevant.
It is no longer enough to simply describe him as a Great or Excellent EX or Former President. This is an example of Professorial ignorance and a long used republican talking point. The simple fact is Jimmy Carter is the greatest former President in our nation's history, period. But, he is also an underrated and excellent President. He was not a failed president as many have claimed. And its time the Democratic Party defends him. His only major failing while in office was an honorable attempt to avoid bloodshed.
He has the best average of legislative achievement of any modern president except Johnson and the Camp David Peace accords still stands as the only lasting example of a Peace treaty in the Middle East. He cut our consumption of Foreign Oil in half and actually took the nation on the path towards a balanced budget by the mid 1980s. None of his Cabinet members were arrested or investigated (Reagan's cabinet couldn't claim the same.) He was the only modern Presidency to limit nuclear weapon production and trim our sale of Arms to foreign nations.
His promotion of Human Rights not only undermined the Soviet's support in many satellite nations, it also invigorated our own support in South America. At the start of his term, nearly every nation in South America was being governed by a military dictatorship. By the time he left office nearly the entire continent was electing democratic leaders.
Now not to look like a total Carter Fanboy, I will add that he had and has some severe failings. But to his credit he is the only modern US President that not only admits to them, he actually enjoys evaluating them. The final section of his book White House Diaries (itself a brilliant literary achievement) Carter talks very openly about his failing while in the office. He admits to being a micro manager and that he hated being the leader of the Democratic Party. He admits to having poor relations to congress and concludes that his efforts to pass legislation resulted in any modification or compromise to appear as a presidential defeat.
In 2002 of course the former President won the Nobel Peace Prize, two of the three small bronze medals he received reside here by his Grammy Award , just down the corner. While he is considered the nation's greatest former president, a title and reputation he doesn't mind, those four turbulent years still seem to resonate with Americans. Reagan doesn't connect with Millennials the way Carter does partly because of his post presidency, but mainly because his record remains evergreen. His humility and innovative agenda while in office speak for themselves and his humanitarian efforts out of office continue to make him relevant.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Jimmy Carter Promos - Reviews
The reviews are in and the book has been very well received
over half of its first edition has already been purchased
be sure to pre-order your copy now on Amazon, Books a Million, Barnes and Noble, or The Arcadia Website to name a few.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Matthew Algeo book blurb for Jimmy Carter In Plains
It is a great honor to have this book blurb by matthew Algeo author of the Books Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip and The President Is a Sick Man"Has it really been 40 years since Jimmy Carter was elected president? Robert Buccellato’s wonderful new book is a nostalgic reflection on the 1976 presidential campaign, when Carter’s hometown of Plains, Georgia was transformed from a sleepy Southern hamlet to the center of the political universe. Jimmy Carter in Plains takes readers back to a time when the lapels were wide, the cars were big, and a presidential candidate’s campaign headquarters doubled as a train depot. Filled with rare photographs, this book provides an intimate glimpse into the extraordinary life and times of our 39th president. I enjoyed every page of it."
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Book Review by Mary E Stuckey
The following book blurb was provided by the Great author Mary e Stuckley. Author of jimmy carter human rights and the national agenda, The Good Neighbor, and defining Americans to name a few.
As a presidential candidate and as president, Jimmy Carter remained a man of the South, deeply rooted in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. In this lovely pictorial history, Robert Buccellato brings the Carter campaign and its profound and continuing relationship to Plains vividly to life. In photos of the Carters, their campaign staff, the campaign itself, and the ways in which all of these continue to be commemorated in Plains, this book contributes to our understanding of Americana, political campaigns, small-town Southern life, and the Carter presidency.
Friday, December 11, 2015
Author event Robert Buccellato at Bittersweet Book Store
The weekend of President's day next year I along with my family will be in south Georgia as guests of the national park service of Plains. I have a book presentation at the Plains Ga High School that Sunday and the previous evening at the Book Store bittersweet. This book store and cafe is located in Americus and is a wonder.
The bittersweet concept is a combination of all in life that is sweet and bitter, whether it is a bittersweet romance novel, a caramel coffee frappe, or a piece of dark chocolate.
Founded in 2015 in the City of Americus, Georgia, by Chuck Faaborg and Elena Albamonte, bittersweet offers books, including comics and graphic novels, coffee, and chocolate, in a beautiful, comfortable atmosphere.
Located in the newly renovated former Glover Opera House in Americus's historic district, bittersweet is the new Americus destination.
Author Event Robert Buccellato at the Thomas County Public Library
March 18th 2016 at noon
Robert Buccellato author of the new book Jimmy Carter in Plains will be presenting his book and several images at this beautiful library in Thomasville Ga.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
A cappella Books Shout out
The Folks at A Cappella Books wrote up a nice little shout out for my book event at the Carter Library next year
a little bit about them
They host a diverse range of authors throughout the year. From David Sedaris to Rachel Maddow to Bryan Stevenson, from book signings to author lunches to cocktail evenings.
HERES THE LINK
http://www.acappellabooks.com/event/robert-buccellato-book-signing
AND HERE IS there lovely shout out
WHO: Robert Buccellato
WHAT: Jimmy Carter in Plains Book Signing
WHEN: Monday, February 2nd, 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Jimmy Carter Presidential Library
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Follow this event on Facebook
WHAT IT’S ABOUT:
The physical connections to most American presidents are deeply rooted in the past and the unfamiliar. One can no longer see Washington's birthplace or William Henry Harrison's log cabin. Plains, Georgia, however, is different. In Jimmy Carter in Plains: A Presidential Hometown, Robert Buccellato tells the inspirational story of how one man and his community influenced an historic election. When Jimmy Carter, a one-term governor of Georgia, announced his candidacy for president, few took him seriously. Yet, in just two years, he managed to pull off a spectacular and unprecedented victory, thanks to his personal style of politicking and the support of his hometown. The exceptional photographs of Charles W. Plant guide the reader through the 1976 election, which made Plains America's hometown.
"How do you capture a magical time in your life? This book of photographs and descriptions are evidence of Jimmy Carter's hometown and campaign for President of our USA. Buccellato's book gives a true feeling of Plains, then and now. People can experience the small town life and 'down to earth' people who brought forth an awesome welcome to visitors then, now, and forever."
--Betty Pope, member of the Carter Peanut Brigade
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Buccellato is also the author of Florida Governors: Lasting Legacies and the forthcoming Finding Dan McCarty. He is also the Historian for the Clerk of Courts of Leon County, a position created for him. Robert lives in Crawfordville, Florida, with his wife, Stephanie, and their son, Croston.
If you are unable to attend this event, but would still like a signed copy of Jimmy Carter in Plains, please click the link below.
Event address:
441 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30307
Jimmy Carter in Plains by Robert Buccellato--Signed Copy--PREORDER
$22.99
SKU: sgn9781467115414
a little bit about them
They host a diverse range of authors throughout the year. From David Sedaris to Rachel Maddow to Bryan Stevenson, from book signings to author lunches to cocktail evenings.
HERES THE LINK
http://www.acappellabooks.com/event/robert-buccellato-book-signing
AND HERE IS there lovely shout out
WHO: Robert Buccellato
WHAT: Jimmy Carter in Plains Book Signing
WHEN: Monday, February 2nd, 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Jimmy Carter Presidential Library
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Follow this event on Facebook
WHAT IT’S ABOUT:
The physical connections to most American presidents are deeply rooted in the past and the unfamiliar. One can no longer see Washington's birthplace or William Henry Harrison's log cabin. Plains, Georgia, however, is different. In Jimmy Carter in Plains: A Presidential Hometown, Robert Buccellato tells the inspirational story of how one man and his community influenced an historic election. When Jimmy Carter, a one-term governor of Georgia, announced his candidacy for president, few took him seriously. Yet, in just two years, he managed to pull off a spectacular and unprecedented victory, thanks to his personal style of politicking and the support of his hometown. The exceptional photographs of Charles W. Plant guide the reader through the 1976 election, which made Plains America's hometown.
"How do you capture a magical time in your life? This book of photographs and descriptions are evidence of Jimmy Carter's hometown and campaign for President of our USA. Buccellato's book gives a true feeling of Plains, then and now. People can experience the small town life and 'down to earth' people who brought forth an awesome welcome to visitors then, now, and forever."
--Betty Pope, member of the Carter Peanut Brigade
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Buccellato is also the author of Florida Governors: Lasting Legacies and the forthcoming Finding Dan McCarty. He is also the Historian for the Clerk of Courts of Leon County, a position created for him. Robert lives in Crawfordville, Florida, with his wife, Stephanie, and their son, Croston.
If you are unable to attend this event, but would still like a signed copy of Jimmy Carter in Plains, please click the link below.
Event address:
441 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30307
Jimmy Carter in Plains by Robert Buccellato--Signed Copy--PREORDER
$22.99
SKU: sgn9781467115414
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Make Congress Bigger and Cheaper
The title may seem like a joke, and I suppose it is a bit pie in the sky to think that the work "cheap" would ever be included with the word "congress." But, the growing level of partisanship and gridlock could all be resolved if the nation's congressional districts were smaller in size. As it stands right now the average congressional district has one representative serving the needs of over 600,000 citizens. If you look at the few combative districts like the Florida Second, the representative has to spend their miserably short two year term during two main tasks. Raising a disgusting amount of money and turning themselves into some kind of bipolar freak show as they attempt to appease everyone in their district. The sad fact is that hardly anyone is accurately represented now of days.
In 1911, Congress passed the Apportionment Act of 1911, also known as 'Public Law 62-5', which capped the size of the United States House of Representatives at 435 seats. During the next reapportionment, the size of the House was again limited to 435 seats, with the seats divided among the states by population, with each state getting at least one seat. Yet, now the congress has gotten to the point that the average member of Congress can't possibly improve the lives of those they serve. Heck they really can't do anything but raise money for re-election.
Congress is vastly more conservative, white, male, and older than the average american. To make matters worse America is the only advanced nation on earth that has such a complete lack of representative. In India the Parliament is over seven hundred members strong, even with a voting public of several million, they are still more diversely compatible to the needs of the voting public than we are. The UK elections are also very telling, the average amount of political parties that hold seats in the chamber is usually five or six major or minor parties. This requires the majority to be far more moderate than their members would prefer and the minority has to be far more innovative.
Plus the members of Congress are paid far too much, over five times the median income in the country. Both issues (congressional districts and income) are difficult to solve, yet not impossible.
State Conventions would solve the issues and both national party conventions could promote it next year as they are nominating their presidential candidates.
Solution? Pass the The Wyoming Rule. A Proposal that would add over one hundred members of congress and create eight new congressional districts in Florida instantly. But, to those of you who think such an idea is too revolutionary, I have something for you to think about. In his only speech as President of the Constitutional Convention, George Washington pleaded for the adoption of the First Article of the Bill of Rights. This Article deemed that no congressional seat should exceed thirty thousand citizens. So who can really argue with the father of our nation? By the way since Congress did not set a time limit for its ratification, the Congressional Apportionment Amendment is still technically pending before the states. Ratification by an additional 27 states is necessary for this amendment to be adopted. So come on Florida House! Talk about pie in the sky.
In 1911, Congress passed the Apportionment Act of 1911, also known as 'Public Law 62-5', which capped the size of the United States House of Representatives at 435 seats. During the next reapportionment, the size of the House was again limited to 435 seats, with the seats divided among the states by population, with each state getting at least one seat. Yet, now the congress has gotten to the point that the average member of Congress can't possibly improve the lives of those they serve. Heck they really can't do anything but raise money for re-election.
Congress is vastly more conservative, white, male, and older than the average american. To make matters worse America is the only advanced nation on earth that has such a complete lack of representative. In India the Parliament is over seven hundred members strong, even with a voting public of several million, they are still more diversely compatible to the needs of the voting public than we are. The UK elections are also very telling, the average amount of political parties that hold seats in the chamber is usually five or six major or minor parties. This requires the majority to be far more moderate than their members would prefer and the minority has to be far more innovative.
Plus the members of Congress are paid far too much, over five times the median income in the country. Both issues (congressional districts and income) are difficult to solve, yet not impossible.
State Conventions would solve the issues and both national party conventions could promote it next year as they are nominating their presidential candidates.
Solution? Pass the The Wyoming Rule. A Proposal that would add over one hundred members of congress and create eight new congressional districts in Florida instantly. But, to those of you who think such an idea is too revolutionary, I have something for you to think about. In his only speech as President of the Constitutional Convention, George Washington pleaded for the adoption of the First Article of the Bill of Rights. This Article deemed that no congressional seat should exceed thirty thousand citizens. So who can really argue with the father of our nation? By the way since Congress did not set a time limit for its ratification, the Congressional Apportionment Amendment is still technically pending before the states. Ratification by an additional 27 states is necessary for this amendment to be adopted. So come on Florida House! Talk about pie in the sky.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Jimmy Carter in Plains book review by Max J. Skidmore
Visual representations of politics in America are too often ephemeral,
taking the form of campaign literature that quickly vanishes, or news
reports that do not last beyond the headlines. Robert Buccellato, in what
obviously was a labor of love, has produced something different. His
presentation in pictures of the political life of President Carter before
and during his presidency should be welcomed by general readers who are
interested American presidents. Perhaps more important, these pictures
offer unique insights, making this book a contribution to American Studies
and to presidential history.
Max J. Skidmore
Author of After the White House: Former Presidents as Private Citizens
Jimmy Carter in Plains New Book Cover
 |
| I love this new cover for the book which is available for pre order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books a Million |
Jimmy Carter in Plains Book Endorsement by Kevin Mattson
I am very honored to present the book endorsement made by author Kevin Mattson, the author of several exceptional books including "What the heck are you up to Mr President" and "Just Plain Dick."
"This marvelous little book shines light on the truly populist campaign that landed Jimmy Carter in the White House. You can actually SEE the authentic and regular-guy style of Jimmy Carter at work. The images of Carter's small-town background are especially compelling. Political and historical junkies will find this book a great piece of entertainment that doesn't discount the moral and visionary heft that Jimmy Carter brought to Washington, D.C."
-Kevin Mattson, Author of "What the heck are you up to Mr President."
Friday, November 20, 2015
Pre order Jimmy Carter In Plains The Presidential Hometown
You can know Pre-order the new Book Jimmy Carter In Plains The Presidential Hometown
Heres the link on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Jimmy-Carter-Plains-Images-America/dp/146711541X/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Robert%20Buccellato%22?Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ntx=mode%20matchall
and Books a Million
http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Jimmy-Carter-Plains/Robert-Buccellato/9781467115414?id=6454813405753
Heres the link on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Jimmy-Carter-Plains-Images-America/dp/146711541X/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Robert%20Buccellato%22?Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ntx=mode%20matchall
and Books a Million
http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Jimmy-Carter-Plains/Robert-Buccellato/9781467115414?id=6454813405753
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