The Etowah Habitat Conservation Plan, or ObamaCare for minnows
By Sen. Chip Pearson
ATLANTA (August 21, 2009) – Disclaimer: Though this is a serious issue with serious implications, large amounts of sarcasm are used in the following opinion. Sometimes it’s better to laugh than to cry. Proceed at your own risk.
We’re from the government, and we’re here to help
While the country is gripped in the worst recession in a generation, Georgia’s unemployment rate is above 10%, and Obama-Pelosi-Reed et al are trying to take over one-sixth of the economy, you would think your federal government would have little time for mischief and meddling. Think again. While you’ve been working to feed your family and pay your taxes while praying you still have a job tomorrow, your public servants at the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and their friends at UGA have squandered over $1.5 million on a program called the Etowah Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). I call it the Yazoo Land Deal II, or “the largest taking of private property since the removal of the Cherokees!”
“Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you there.” Those are the words of Isla Paschal Richardson displayed on the inside of the memorial ceremony program for Leah Tatum-Dick and her husband Bill. Close friends, colleagues and family members gathered last week at the State Capitol in remembrance of our friend Leah. Many feel the shock and pain of the sudden tragedy that took their lives, but we gathered to celebrate the wonderful blessing she brought to each of our lives. 
