I believe --- not sure, but I believe that Georgia either is now or soon will be the only state in the Nation that absolutely forbids grocery stores from selling alcohol - including wine and beer - on Sundays. Why? Because Baptists are in church, that's why. Sunday is the biggest grocery shopping day of the week, and customers who might want to buy a bottle of wine or some beer are forced to come back later in the week to complete their purchases.

A bill was introduced into the Georgia legislature this year that seem destined for passage ... a bill to legalize the Sunday sale of beer and wine. The bill seemed destined for passage ... until, that is, the Christian Coalition stepped in. This group, backed by the Georgia Baptist Convention, started rallying the thumpers and pretty soon Republican Senators were running for cover. The point man for the Christian Coalition was it's president, one Jerry Luguire. Mr. Luguire is famous for saying that "there ought to be one day a week where people don't have to buy alcoholic beverages." Of course Mr. Luguire has been unable, in spite of repeated requests, to point out just which day of the week it is that people ARE required to buy alcoholic beverages.

Why bring this up? Because I wanted to share some more on Jerry Luguire --- the man who strikes absolute stone-cold fear into the hearts of Georgia's Republican legislators --- with you. More particularly ... the attitude he shows when some heathen dares to question his attempts to use the police power of the state to enforce his religious beliefs.

The comment to Jerry Luguire [jerryluguire@aol.com] was posted on the Georgia Christian Coalition website last week. The person who posted the comment was named Kevin. Here you go:

"Your branch has been very vocal in using the legislative power of government to keep an antiquated rule in place which forbids the sale of alcohol in stores. As a Christian, I find this very offensive, and I don't believe that we should force our principles or beliefs upon anyone. I can only imagine what all of my non-Christian friends think as they watch your branch try to force this law upon the citizens of Georgia. I'd like someone to respond to me to let me know exactly why this is such an important issue to your organization, and why you feel the need to support such an action."

Well ... that seems pretty reasonable. No name-calling. Just an honest, if not expertly worded request for a response. So - Did Kevin get a response from Jerry Luguire? Well, yes he did. There it was .. posted on the Georgia Christian Coalition website about 17 hours after Kevin left his question [I have the screen shot]. Jerry Luguire .. the man who has Georgia Republicans running for cover, simply issued this six-word response:

"Perhaps you should find Christian friends."

So there you go. What a wonderfully well though-out response from the president of the Georgia Christian Coalition. Can you smell the arrogance? Well why not? He has Georgia Republicans saying "Yes Sir, Mr. Luguire!" "No Sir, Mr. Luguire!" "Can I get you a cup of coffee, Mr. Luguire?" "Can I get someone to wash your car for you, Oh Exalted One?" Who wouldn't be arrogant and downright snotty with that kind of juice?

Wait until these people really get control of the police power of the state. You aren't going to enjoy it.