Randy's Views

Avoid SIS. What is it? What causes it? What are the most common forms of treatment? Here are some answers.

SIS is Self Imposed Stress. This is a condition caused when an otherwise non-stressful event is made stressful by circumstances within the control of the person enduring the stress.

Here is an example. Leave for the airport too close to departure time. Then, endure the stress while standing in line waiting to pass through security. Note, it is avoidable - leave earlier. Hence, it is self imposed stress (SIS).

SIS occurs every day in an assortment of ways. Sometimes it is starting too late when getting ready to go to the movie. Other times, it is sleeping that extra five minutes and then stressing while sitting in traffic. Regardless of the circumstances, it creates a condition that is obvious to bystanders. Worse yet, it is contagious - the stress typically spreads to everyone who comes in contact with it (except teenage children). It should be noted that in some extreme cases, SIS can result in total shut down.

There are several difference causes of SIS. Most times, it is a common case of insufficient planning. Basically, it occurs when there is simply no calculation of how long each of the many activities on the schedule will take. One significant complicating factor of this condition is the steady addition of items to the task list. So, what starts as a realistic, albeit optimistic, schedule quickly turns into an impossible list of things that can never be done. (Some call this
"trying to do too much.")

There are other causes. There are reports of the condition based on - what has been referred to as - no sense of time. Without a clock or stopwatch, ten minutes feels the same as two hours. The time just passes with no real comprehension that time is passing at a rapid clip.

As others pensively watch, the appointed time approaches, and there does not appear to be any real appreciation of what is happening. But there is. Internally, the SIS is building and looking for a single moment of release. When it appears that this is happening, avoid all contact. Nothing good will happened when the release occurs.

Some have suggested that SIS can be an addictive condition. Basically, this school of thought is that nothing can be really accomplished in an efficient way absent the adrenaline rush from knowing that deadlines are at hand. Hence, there is a pattern of manic rushes of activity in connection with scheduled events such as guests coming over or trips out of town.

There are some treatments that have been recommended. The most common is called "forensic planning." This involves a technique of scheduling backward from a preset deadline. So, if dinner is at 7:00, and it takes 30 minutes to leave work (or get ready), then start at 6:30.

Another treatment involves something known as "time fudging." If the event actually starts at 7:30, then say 7:00 so that 7:30 is actually on time.

Treating SIS can itself cause SIS. Some folks are really sensitive about it. So, always discuss broaching the subject of SIS with a friend or colleague before actually raising it. Another option is to leave this important information regarding SIS and its treatment in a conspicuous place.

The average Georgian does not know the name of the chairman of either the Georgia Republican Party or the Democratic Party of Georgia. Yet, both are important political figures in Georgia politics. Their influence touched virtually every aspect of elections in Georgia over the past few years. Both leave a political legacy that has changed the political landscape in Georgia. In this way, and others, they have left a permanent imprint on their respective political parties.

Until its recent state convention, Bobby Kahn was the chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia. His political creativity, discipline, and stamina enabled State Representative Roy Barnes to emerge from a crowded field to be elected Governor. After Governor Barnes' election in 1998, Bobby Kahn became the Governor's Chief of Staff.

Being a devoted student of politics, Bobby Kahn turned his attention toward solidifying the Democratic Party's stronghold in an effort to increase its chances of withstanding the changing political tides in Georgia politics. From all objective measurements, he did a good job.

Going into the 2002 gubernatorial election, Governor Barnes' campaign and the Democratic Party of Georgia amassed a huge war chest and commanded a well-developed network of volunteers. His success in building what appeared to be a dominant political machine was well reported in the media throughout Georgia. By all accounts, it was impressive. As the 2002 election approached, no one expected the race to even be competitive. Bobby Kahn's strategy would have undoubtedly worked in the Georgia of elections past. But, this was a new Georgia.

In the end, the structure and discipline of the well-oiled political machine Bobby Kahn built became his party's worst enemy in 2002. (Interestingly, Republicans at the national level discovered a similar lesson in 2006.) After Governor Barnes' loss, Democrats elected Bobby Kahn as chairman. The times had passed him, and Georgia Democrats could not recover.

In 2002, Bainbridge businessman Alec Poitevint took a big gamble. Against the long odds of beating a well financed incumbent Georgia governor, Alec Poitevint stepped up to the plate and backed Sonny Perdue. For a Georgia businessman, this was no small risk. The list of businessmen, professionals, and politicians backing then Governor Roy Barnes was intimidating to most. Bobby Kahn's reputation for holding people accountable for their political actions was intimidating to the rest.

After Sonny Perdue's election in 2002, Georgia Republicans elected Alec Poitevint as State Chairman. In 2004, Alec Poitevint led the Republican Party in completing its takeover of Georgia state government with the election of a majority in the Georgia House of Representatives and the reelection of a majority in the Georgia Senate. In 2006, as State Chairman, Alec Poitevint guided Georgia Republicans as they withstood a national tide of Democratic sentiment and elected a Republican Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Public Service Commissioner. He is not seeking reelection.

For the Democratic Party of Georgia, the new chairman is Jane Kidd of Athens, Georgia. Georgia Democrats hope she signals a new direction for their party.

Georgia Republicans will elect their new chairman in May. Needless to say, Georgia Republicans hope that their new chairman will lead them to as many successes as their last.

So far, the only announced candidate for the chairmanship of the Georgia Republican Party is Sue Everhart. As First Vice Chairman as well as other positions, Sue Everhart has been an integral part of the many Republican successes in Georgia. There may be other candidates.

There have been many wonderful things written and said about Congressman Charlie Norwood. The bottom line of it all, however, is that people liked Charlie Norwood. His constituents loved him.

In large part, the consistent affection of his district (resulting in reelection six times) was the product of his outstanding service as Congressman. Put simply, he took care of his district; he heeded his constituents; and he stayed true to his beliefs. It is this last trait that endeared him to leaders around the country, especially here at home in Georgia.

Congressman Norwood was elected to Congress as part of the 1994 Republican Revolution. As he was apt to note, he volunteered twice for his country - once for the United States Army (serving a combat tour in Vietnam) and once for Congress. He undoubtedly considered the first 100 days of the 104th Congress as serving political combat duty in Washington, D.C. And, he loved serving.

As reflected by the comments of his colleagues, Congressman Norwood was a good team player. The key was to have Charlie Norwood on the team.

In Republican politics, he was a loyal soldier. Although he always wanted Athens, Georgia (the home of the beloved Georgia Bulldogs) as part of his Congressional district, he often accepted whatever district he got, if it was for the good of the team. When it came to candidate recruitment or fundraising, he was there. Even when it meant putting whatever aspirations he might have had for higher office, he did what was best.

Make no mistake, however, Charlie Norwood never stepped back from his core conservative principles. He never felt that government was the solution to problems. His track record confirms his steadfast convictions in this regard. Whether votes in the United States House or skirmishes with the Administration, Charlie Norwood was a reliable and consistent voice against bigger government.

Among his endearing qualities, there was one that stood out. No one ever had to guess where Congressman Norwood stood on any issue.

It was this candor that made him rather unique in American politics. While most politicians excel at the dodging and weaving that has become commonplace in Washington, D.C., Congressman Charlie Norwood was notable for standing his ground. On more than one occasion, he would say with a smile, "I've been known to get in to a fight or two, and I ain't shy about getting into another one." When he set his mind, there was bulldog determination.

Some might think that Congressman Charlie Norwood was a partisan. He did do his part to maintain the Republican majority in Washington, D.C. until 2006 and leading the Republican party to majority status in Georgia. He was a loyal confidante of both Speakers Newt Gingrich and Dennis Hastert. He gave them both candid and honest assessments on which they relied.

But, Congressman Charlie Norwood was not Republican first. Instead, he was a public servant with conviction. When it came to a compromise on immigration, he criticized his own party. When it came to healthcare (one of his true public policy passions), he led the way on the patient bill of rights. When it came to serving his constituents (be they Democrat or Republican), he was zealous.

Georgia will miss Charlie Norwood, one of its best public servants. The country will miss that candid hard-charging southern gentleman from Georgia - the Honorable Charlie Norwood.

Anna Nicole Smith. Enough said. Back to the real world.

The Georgia Legislature continues its steady march. Governor Sonny Perdue, Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle and Speaker Glenn Richardson have worked hard to accomplish much with little fanfare. Of course, as most insiders know, the real tests come in the final days when the tough decisions have to be made. Undoubtedly, some of the toughest decisions will involve the budget. Notably, this legislature may be defined as much by what it was not as opposed to what it was.

The 2007 Georgia General Assembly has not been about division. While so called "hot button" issues are no less important, they have not dominated the agenda. Instead, much of the focus has been on matters that bring Georgia together as opposed to issues that tear Georgia apart. There are a couple of explanations for this development.

Many would argue that one big reason is because the Republican controlled legislature backed by a Republican governor have already tackled these issues. When the Republicans first captured control, they made no secret of their intent to move on tough issues that were at the top of their agenda - such as photo ID and tort reform. Having delivered, they have now moved on to less sensational items (at least from the perspective of the media).

The issues are no less difficult (and probably much more challenging). Yet, they do not set the stage for back-drop made-for-television political antics. Of course, it is also true that this is not an election year. So, the interest of partisans is not as keen as it might be if control of the governorship or legislature was at issue in November.

No doubt, Georgia legislators noticed what happened when the Republican majority in Washington, D.C. strayed too far from the reasons they were elected. It is unlikely that they will make the same mistake here.

Some part of it has to be experience. Certainly, Governor Perdue and Speaker Richardson have become much more effective with each passing year. Both have a better sense of what they can accomplish, and what they cannot. Within the Georgia House, Glenn Richardson has proven himself to be a reliable, smart, and effective leader. No one should underestimate his ability, determination, stamina, or intellect. Like Senator Sam Ervin, he may appear to be just a poor old country lawyer. He is much more.

Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle's emergence has also made a difference. After all, he did replace the Democratic Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor. With a Democrat presiding over a Republican chamber, things were not going to be smooth. But the difference is much more than that. Casey Cagle's approach and demeanor has made a material difference.

Of course, there will be some challenging moments in the weeks to come as the General Assembly touches some emotionally charged issues. But, regardless of the issue (judicial pay raises, Sunday wine sales or any of the others), no one has shied away from dealing with the issues before them.

Once sine die comes, there will be plenty of opportunity to grade the accomplishments of the 2007 Georgia General Assembly. It would frankly be premature to do so any sooner. For now, the governing majority appears to be doing exactly what they set out to do - governing, without fanfare and with discipline. When it comes to governing, bold does not have to be loud.