What Happens When Federal Law Overrules State Law?

As in the case of the latest round of marijuana referendums, which should apply - state law as decided by the will of the people or federal law?

Tuesday was a happy day for pot smokers in a couple of states. Colorado and Washington both approved referendums that allowed for legalizing marijuana - and not just for medicinal purposes. They went for it all. According to Minnpost.com, although 18 states and the District of Columbia have now approved marijuana for medical purposes, history was made in Tuesday’s election when Colorado and Washington voted to legalize it for recreational purposes. The problem comes, however, with federal law. It does not recognize any legal use of the drug. This has already caused problems in other states, which legalized it for medical purposes. You can buy it - according to state law, you just can’t grow or sell it - according to federal law. According …

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Georgia Votes: 2012 Election Results

Charter school amendment appears headed for win.

UPATE 5:50 pm If you are in line to vote at 7 pm, you will get to vote even though the polls close then. Tens of thousands of Fulton County voters have already cast ballots today. Turnout is especially high for today’s General Election, as it is in most Presidential election years. It's too early to know how this year compares to 2008. In the evening after traditional work hours, peak turnout is anticipated, and tens of thousands of additional voters could exercise their right to vote. Fulton County elections officials released a statement advising that voters who are in line at 7 pm will be allowed to vote under Georgia law. As provided by Georgia law, voters who are over age 75 or who have a disability are eligible to ask to move ahead …

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don Gabacho

3:48 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012

"don Gabacho, thank you for your observation. I agree that dealing with abusers of law is important. But dealing with abusers is often not very effective when the abusers are the ones in power and control."----E Pluribus Unum That's the eternal price of liberty. All it should tell anyone is to be that much more diligent in recognizing and protecting that which indeed constitutes us and not what …   more ›

Where Do I Vote in Tucker?

Don't forget to vote! Find your poll location and ballot summary here in Tucker.

Do you know where to go to vote on Election Day 2012? If not, you can use the handy Google Voter Info to find the location of your designated polling place. Simply enter the address where you're registered to vote. This tool's data has been updated to reflect changes that may have been caused by Hurricane Sandy. For details and articles about candidates in the Tucker area, click here

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Letters To The Editor

The Charter School Amendment: Money and Power

In a letter to the editor, a former charter school founder weighs in on the charter school amendment.

  There has been an awful lot of energy expended by opponents of the charter amendment. The opposition to the amendment claim that the state can “already” act as an appeals body for charter schools. Those supporting the amendment wonder: if the state can already approve charters, why is the Education Establishment fighting THIS hard against affirming that on the ballot on Nov. 6?  Most of the arguments posed against the Amendment are related to the enabling legislation, which establishes a Commission. The ballot question, however, ONLY reaffirms the state’s role in K-12 general education. So why the nasty battle against the amendment? At the heart of the argument employed by the school districts and affiliate associations who earn their …

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Obama-Romney Presidential Debate: Who Won?

Monday night was the final face-off for Barack Obama and Mitt Romney before the election. Who do you think won? And do you think it will affect the election?

  The presidential candidates met tonight for their third and final debate in the campaign season. This time, the topic was foreign policy. What did you think of the discussion? Was anyone a clear winner? And will it affect the outcome of the election? Coming to us on a mobile device? If you can't see the blog above, you can review the discussion at this RSS feed.

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Bob Pepalis

2:02 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012

We're closing off the comment stream on this article. But don't worry; with the election on Tuesday, we'll have plenty of articles for you to read and enter dialog with each other. And look for the Question of the Week or Day on many Patch sites to enter that discussion.   more ›

Obama-Romney Presidential Debate: Who Won?

Did either candidate get a bounce? Let us know what you think. And if you missed the debate, you can review the discussion on our live blog below.

  Gov. Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama faced off for the second time on Tuesday. The candidates debated in a town meeting format including foreign and domestic policy. The debate was held at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, and was sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates. The moderator was CNN Chief Political Correspondent Candy Crowley. Who do you think did the best job of making his case to the American people? Tell us what you think in the comments area below. See Also: So Who Won the First Presidential Debate? Biden-Ryan Vice Presidential Debate: Who Won?

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americanman

11:20 am on Wednesday, October 31, 2012

You do realize George that the governments role is to protect the country not financially support the citizens, right? If a woman wants to be that active shall we say (to be kind) she should be able to afford her own contraceptives and if not don't participate. Government should have no place in our personal lives particularly paying for our extra curricular activities!   more ›

Dionne McGee Running For State Court Judge

The candidate shares her qualifications and goals with Tucker Patch.

I am Dionne McGee. I want to be your State Court Judge because I want to be a instrument for justice. I am uniquely qualified because I am a career prosecutor, community leader, and DeKalb native.   My judicial philosophy is simple. I will uphold and defend the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Georgia. I will always have a listening ear, and will remain fair and impartial. I will decide cases based on the law and evidence in the case. I will protect each individuals civil and constitutional rights without regard to their age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual preference.  I have protected the lives of the citizens of DeKalb and Atlanta for over 10 years as a prosecutor. I was elected by lawyers to serve as the …

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Meet Your School Board Candidates Tuesday

A chance to meet all the candidates this evening in Tucker.

Join the DeKalb Chamber, Leadership DeKalb, eduKALB, PRISM, Junior League and Greater Lithonia Chamber for a school board candidate forum at Westwood College from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 10. The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Maureen Downey, author of the daily blog “Get Schooled”, will host the forum.   Westwood College is located at 2309 Parklake Drive in the Northlake area.

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