Now we get word that Georgia governor George "Sonny" Perdue plans to host a Southern Governor's Conference on heritage and tourism, which he claims to be the "theme" of his term as chairman.

It seems to me we're hearing one thing and seeing something entirely different. That has become the M.O. of our governor.

Are we talking real "heritage?" Or just more of the typical Perdue hypocrisy?

Under normal circumstances, we at the Georgia Heritage Council would be delighted with the news. After all, we have been saying (see links at bottom) one of the key failures of Georgia's lackluster tourism program has been Georgia's decided emphasis away from its true heritage and a strong tilt toward political correctness which means revising or eliminating the historical and cultural events for which Georgia and the South are best known.

It is these events and developments that tourists want to know about. Georgia is blessed with a wonderful story to tell in almost every county in the state.

There is great heritage to be showcased that represents all Georgians, of all colors and backgrounds.

Think of Margaret Mitchell, Joel Chandler Harris, Sidney Lanier, hundreds of battlegrounds, pirates, Ogeechees, the remarkable Georgians who have contributed to our liberty in the revolution to folks like T.R.R. Cobb who developed the codification of the U. S. legal system. Don't forget Crawford Long in medicine or so many other Georgians we need to introduce or re-intoduce to the world.

And our counties, almost all unique in their own way with stories to tell that many Georgians don't know.

Then the scenic grandeur. Nowhere is there such a great diverse landscape as we have in Georgia.

These are the historical, cultural and heritage highlights where the focus should be.

We'd like to believe the governor and his efforts to properly highlight the heritage of all our citizens and share it with the world. Unfortunately the governor's record betrays his new found stated intentions.

Isn't this the same governor that promised the people the right to vote on their state flag and then removed the only flag with either history or heritage from consideration? He now says he didn't do it. It was the legislature. He somehow thinks the public will be bamboozled in not knowing he traded the people's right to vote for some needed votes to pass his tobacco tax increase. If indeed he wants to blame the legislature he could have vetoed the gutted bill that removed the '56 flag as a choice. He didn't. How could he? He ended up approving the sell-out for votes.

Isn't this the same heritage-loving governor who has thrown in with the downtown Atlanta elites who have turned their backs on real Georgia heritage which is abundant around Atlanta for the newly found "Georgia heritage"---his so-called "New Day in Georgia?"

Downtown Atlanta tourist attractions proposed include the governor pledging millions in state tax money. We don't really know how much or to who for Perdue and his Atlanta cronies have refused to abide by the Georgia Sunshine laws even after being ordered to do so by the Attorney General. [ Hence, he's earned the reputation as SECRET CHAMBER MAN ]

The question begs, what are they hiding? What does this mean to Georgia taxpayers who have no interest whatever in Atlanta? Why can't every city or county get this kind of help in building their tourist business? The folks in South Georgia want to know why all Georgia departments are being asked to tighten their belts and cut the budget 5-10% across the board....while Perdue is promising unknown millions in taxpayer dollars to build amusement parks in downtown Atlanta. Hmmm...

To me, this hypocrisy means the wrong tourist program, by the wrong people, in the wrong place with the wrong people's money.

The new found "heritage" is unique in America. It is openly endorsed and promoted by the downtown Atlanta business community. Maybe Sonny will feature this at the Southern Governor's Conference. First, there is the Pimp's Parade. Then, not to be outdone, the Gay Days and their exhibition. We can't leave out the former top heritage attraction in Georgia, Freak Week or Freaknik.

How did the other southern states fail to recognize these great cultural and heritage jewels?

Sonny has a great record of accomplishment to guide his fellow governors into their own future development. His Georgia heritage is a strange model to recommend.

In the meantime the opportunity begs for someone with vision and integrity to restore the once great heritage and culture that people throughout the world came to Georgia and the South to see and feel. Nothing needs to be sugar coated. Show and tell it like it really was and is.

History and heritage have a unique fault of being taken in the context of today as opposed to the time capsule and mores of what it was like when it took place. Intelligent tourists who wish to expand their knowledge and horizons appreciate this. I'm willing to bet they prefer the Real McCoy heritage over any celebration of Georgia's pimps or freaks.

That's not going to happen under Sonny's plan. His corps of PC advisors arrange programs and appearances for the governor every day. When do you remember them including Dixie in this great search for heritage? Heck, the least they could do is showcase the old Georgia song, "Eatin Goober Peas."

Based on Perdue's poor track record with the truth and ethics in general, we expect more of the same old hypocrisy. Perdue is NOT listening to his constituents on this and all Georgians---and all potential visitors---are the losers.

Jeff Davis is a retired radio-TV journalist living in Gainesville, GA. Active in civic and political affairs, he is past president of the Georgia Jaycees, former vice president of the US and the world Jaycees, former campaign chairman of the Georgia Republican party. He voluntarily serves as chairman of the Georgia Heritage Council. He is a collateral descendant of President Jefferson Davis.

Related Links
http://www.southerngovernors.org/ -

Baker blows sunshine into Sonny's Shady Backroom - J.A. Davis

Tourism, Heritage & Truth - J.A. Davis

Tourists Seek Dixie - Frank Gillispie

Secret Chamber Man - X-Files Parody Song

Sonny's Shady NASCAR Coverup

Atlanta Dimwits: Give Me a Break! - J.A. Davis

Georgia's PC Custodians Whipped Again - J.A. Davis

Atlanta's Economic Stupidity Continues - J.A. Davis

Georgia's Chamber Snake-Oil Loses Again - J.A. Davis

Sonny's Non-Sunny Forecast: A severe Secrecy Front - X-Files