Once again, GHC's Steering Committee meeting leaves me gratified and amazed at the progress being made.

It's really heartening when we consider that we've seen and heard of heritage reverses all too frequently in the past several years.

We're still a long way from having turned the corner but there are some significant breakthroughs. With numerous programs and projects underway after just one year of existence, the future holds hope for restoring recognition of the honor of our ancestors and the Framer's vision for a Constitutional Republic.

My optimism is a tribute to a group of 12 people who make up the GHC Steering Committee. They are a varied group in that they represent most all sections of a state that stretches more than 300 miles from border to border. They come from rural, suburban and urban areas. Most are, or have been, leaders of various heritage organizations. Their philosophies aren't always aligned, yet their common respect for one another and the accomplishment of overall objectives have brought the Steering Committee members together in a most effective way.

With an ever growing constituency of Georgians including those who are affiliated with GHC through our website (which provides regular updates to over 1,800 subscribers) and our growing membership database of involved voter activists on the grassroots level-----the stage is set for the heritage community to make its presence known in a significant way.

Partnered links to our website take our message to a combined viewer potential in the hundred thousand category. The lampoons and humor (X-Files) from our resident satirist, Steve Scroggins, are widely shared across the region and beyond. Our columnists, more than a dozen, are also widely linked from other websites.

GHC initially formed focusing on three primary tasks and several important ancillary initiatives. Our main focus has been on improving the heritage presence in the legislature and state/local governments, bringing about a better public relations posture for heritage in the state and---finally---developing a cooperative and coordinating effort amongst the various and often divided heritage organizations.

In the spirit of our mission, working with others, we were able to promote and pass the first meaningful legislation (HB 1654) to protect historical symbols in years. The new law became effective July 1, 2004. The law (GA 50-3-1) which already protected public monuments (such as the Augusta Riverwalk) was extended to cover private monuments in various forms (more on this in another column).

GHC has agreed to be a Plaintiff in the Augusta Riverwalk case and is offering substantial funds to be matched by others in the effort to have the flags restored. We would rather see the Augusta Mayor and Council reconsider their position and save us all the time, effort and money in battling over a totally unnecessary folly (and apparent violation of the law). We're committed to the battle if it's necessary.

GHC's leadership and development of the 2004 Georgia Fair Vote bill has been well chronicled. With help from a handful of dedicated folks across the state, we came close to achieving a vote in the Senate (on the Fair Vote Bill) and learned some valuable lessons along the way. This effort will continue and better days are ahead.

Toward the goal of building a legislative "Heritage Caucus," our legislative candidate questionnaires are being analyzed as they arrive. We are in the process of developing Voter Guides and endorsements for the November elections (based on our evaluation of the candidates and their positions in collaboration with other heritage organizations who evaluate candidates).

Our Governmental Affairs Committee is in daily dialogue with the leadership of each political party, and individual candidates. While it is premature prior to the elections, we can say that it appears that we will gain significantly in legislators committed to all or large parts of our ten point platform. Some are using it as part of their campaigns.

An important factor in our legislative program is that it is broad-based with many issues important to vast numbers of Georgians. The Atlanta vs Georgia theme significantly shapes GHC's legislative program. We're advancing on all these fronts while holding our ground on traditional heritage issues like returning the '56 state flag (the issue will NEVER be resolved until we get a Fair Vote). Our approach has opened new opportunities and attracted new allies in the legislature now willing to speak out and take the lead. Party leadership is contacting us and opening a dialogue.

Much of the progress in the legislature results directly from three GHC members who are regularly lobbying. Awareness of our statewide voter database has enhanced our position. This is enunciated even more by the fact GHC has now started developing Congressional District organizations on a grassroots basis. Each district will have its own officers and organization as well as its own events. Our goal is to have 9 or 10 of the 13 districts fully operational for the 2006 elections. If we're successful, several thousand GHC activists will be politically active throughout the state. Their impact will make a huge difference.

Our public relations efforts have recently seen the growing development of rebuttals to newspaper, radio and TV coverage we regard as anti-heritage. A case in point, Steve Scroggins recently taped a 90 second rebuttal to remarks Governor Perdue made on Macon's 13 WMAZ television. The rebuttal aired three times September 23rd at the end of their top-rated newscasts and reached a large audience in central Georgia.

Acceptance of "our side" of the story is gradually improving as a direct result of our Public Relations Committee working with the media on a one on one basis. Rather than being only reactive, we are taking the offensive with proactive programs. In addition, there are some special programs in the works that should result in some high profile and very positive publicity for Southern Heritage.

The Steering Committee has approved the concept for a GHC event for June of 2005, in Gainesville, Georgia. No details are absolutely certain, but here's the concept so far. First, during the day on a Saturday, we hope to coordinate a Confederate encampment, with re-enactors and SCV camps, and entertainment and living history open to the public. In the afternoon, the annual meeting of the GHC membership will take place. In the evening, assuming we can confirm the co-sponsorship of 8 or 10 regional SCV, MOS&B, UDC, SP, LOS and other groups, we plan to hold the first annual President Jefferson Davis Birthday Ball. With tickets at only $25 a couple or $15 single, we hope to assemble an impressive group. Children would be encouraged with free admission with their parents. We would like to arrange instruction in the various dances of the Confederate era and to include entertainment during band breaks and light refreshments. Period dress would be optional, or Sunday best is fine. Elected officials and the media will be invited. We're hopeful this event could rotate statewide geographically in future years.

Our membership database is growing. Anti-heritage interests and the media have been mercilessly pounding Southern heritage with lies piled on top of lies and distortions. Many people are realizing that no meaningful counter-offensive can be accomplished without coordinated votes and activists which can be converted into influence with the legislature. Membership in the database is as little as $5. You can join through Paypal on our website, or download and fill out the form and send with your check at our address below.

Yes, we're making progress, but we have so much more to do. We need the help of every like-minded Georgian. I urge you to show your vote of confidence to the folks on the GHC Steering Committee who are indeed one of the most talented and earnestly hard working groups I've ever been associated with. They welcome new help, and we have several upcoming projects where we need new leadership expansion.

Here are the folks on our Steering Committee who deserve a vote of confidence for their devotion.

• Norman Black, Gwinett County, Director of Public Relations
• Jack Bridwell, Moultrie
• Mike Crane, Morganton
• Jim Dean, Marietta, Vice Chairman, Chief Lobbyist
• Mike Freeman, Murrayville
• Woody Highsmith, Augusta, Director of GHC Events
• Sam Lyons, Brantley County, Director of Membership Database, South Georgia
• Ray McBerry, Henry County
• Randy Phillips, Shiloh, Director of Governmental Affairs
• Dan Roberts, Toccoa, Director of Membership Database, North Georgia
• Steve Scroggins, Macon, Webmaster