As the Georgia Heritage Coalition grows in its leadership role in various grass roots issues most concerning Georgia citizens, some facts become obvious.

Foremost is GHC's proactive and collaborative approach. When no one else would undertake a legislative campaign to get a Fair Vote for the Georgia state flag, GHC did. The legislation was drafted by the coalition and the promotion campaign with the members of the General Assembly was centered from GHC leadership with help from many willing partners from virtually all elements of the heritage community in Georgia.

The campaign was such a surprise it caused an historical improbability to take place. As the count of pledged votes reached the possibility of success, an unusual agreement was made between leading lobbyists of the downtown Atlanta business group, the Democratic and Republican party leadership, and the Black Caucus.....which put a freeze on any possibility of the Fair Vote bill being introduced.

Supporters from both parties told us about intimidation toward many Fair Vote supporters who would be key sponsors of the legislation. There is no question that fear of a vote resulted in collusion to throttle the legislation by intimidation.

The fight for the Fair Vote continues with a realistic view of the situation. Success in the future will depend on a proactive and a much more pragmatic approach to denying the party leadership unprecedented power over the voice and votes of the people's representatives.

This is a different campaign than those to which most loyalists are accustomed. It requires a change of tactics without a change of purpose. The Steering Committee of GHC has unanimously approved a formidable campaign which is actively designed to develop a power base sufficient to put the legislative leadership in less hostile hands---to give us a legislative leadership more representative of the consent of the governed.

The useless debate of blaming one party or the other will be overshadowed by properly placing the blame on both, equally, in our continuing non-partisan way.

The details will be forthcoming as each phase of the campaign is fully developed by a group of 12 activists who are experienced in politics at all levels from all parties. Yes, it will call on all loyal believers in Southern heritage, wherever they are, to participate in some way, if no more than contacting 5 or 10 people in your voting area with information and literature or making a small contribution for our public information campaign.

GHC will join in a concerted campaign with others to Boycott Downtown Atlanta. That's the headquarters of our opposition. The Atlanta suburbs are not part of our opposition. In most, we have a majority of the votes. We believe this can be an effective economic plan over time.

By developing wedge issues with other groups involved with GHC such as religious issue groups, anti-illegal-immigration groups, groups concerned about education, taxes, confiscation of property, veterans groups, historical preservation organizations, etc., a common thread develops.

For example, the same Downtown Atlanta business groups that oppose any favorable treatment of Southern heritage also oppose the Amendment banning Gay Marriage, they also oppose new legislation and enforcement of current laws against illegal immigration, they also support drivers licenses for illegal immigrants, they also support cutting off funding for the Boy Scouts and much, much more.

These Downtown Atlanta interests do not represent the views of the majority of the people of Georgia. The Downtown Atlanta cartel, with their pandering to the NAACP and The Southern Poverty Law Center have declared a left-wing-inspired war to dominate all of Georgia. It is now engaged, Georgia versus Downtown Atlanta.

In the coming months, we will be asking all loyal friends of the real Georgia to join in this battle to the full extent of your ability, however small that may be. It is time for all of us to join in a proactive stance. Stay tuned for details and join with thousands who will make this effort a reality.

J. A. Davis is a retired radio and television journalist living in Gainesville, Georgia. He is volunteer Chairman of the Georgia Heritage Coalition.

Contact: Telephone 770 297-4788 P-6, 2360 Thompson Bridge Road Gainesvlle, GA  30501