Here's a terrific opportunity for most Georgians to get a state-mandated 10 percent discount in your automobile insurance premiums for a maximum of $14, only $12 for AARP members. All that is required is taking a class on safe (defensive) driving. In November, veterans and their families (spouse, widows, widowers and dependent children of at least 25 years old) can get it for free.<br />
Georgia has mandated by law that premiums typically must be reduced by 10 percent for a maximum of three years. It then can be renewed by taking another set of classes.<br />
This November, trained AARP instructors will conduct two 3-hour indoor classes on consecutive days, furnishing all materials. No actual driving is involved. The training involves instructor lectures; class discussion, videos, workbooks and tests are self-graded. Safe driving course certificates are issued so you to send to your insurance companies.<br />
You also can take the course online. Use this website: http://aarp.org/home-/transportaion/driver_safety/ and then just follow the prompts to find a class in or near your zip code. You even can sign up for a class online.<br />
You're also invited to call Don Linnartz at 770-538-4816 to sign up. This is an all-gain/no lose opportunity. I certainly plan on renewing my auto insurance discount. Join me in improving our defensive driving skills, keeping up with traffic laws and saving some real money.<br />
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POST NOTE:<br />
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The classes, given in various locations throughout the area during the entire course of the year, are not just for AARP members. They are open to all drivers, members or not, any age. Typically, the 6 hour class costs $14 for non-AARP members and $12 for members, but this November any veteran and/or spouse, widow, widower, or child can take it for free. Most who complete the course will qualify for a reduction in their auto insurance premiums of about 10%, but should check with their agents. I will be teaching the class to all interested drivers on November 14 and 15 at The Holbrook in Gainesville, three hours each day, making up the entire 6 hour class. There will be other classes offered in the area as well, and times and locations can be found at http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/transportation/driver_safety/. Readers can sign up for my class or any other online, and they can get additional information from Don Linnartz at 770-538-4816. Laura Nagel 770-533-9165
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CHANGING GEARS<br />
The Democratic Convention, primarily because of former two-term president Bill Clinton's speech, gave President Barack Obama a 4-5 percent jump over Mitt Romney in national polls. Clinton, who was impeached by the House but narrowly not convicted by the Senate, took credit for reforming Medicare. Ga. Senator Max Cleland actually was the key to non-conviction, though from the indisputable evidence it was clear as it could be Clinton was guilty. He previously had vetoed the Medicare reform bill twice. When the bill got the majority necessary votes to pass, Clinton had no choice but to sign it. That's not actual credit for passage by any definition.<br />
Clinton's watch indeed saw great numbers of jobs created, a balanced budget, etc. He was a great compromiser, even working with Republican Newt Gingrichs conservatism. Clinton was a middle of the road Democratic President and not really a bad one, unlike President Obama.<br />
After three straight months of Romney raising more funds than Obama, Obama narrowly won a little more than Romney, but Romney retains a substantial sum ahead of Obama. You can bet that's going to be spent freely in the battleground states where the election will be decided. These last two months are the ones when the roughly 10 percent of undecided voters will make their choices. The gap between the two will be closed and I still believe Romney has a chance of a narrow victory, maybe going down to the very last state to report.<br />
Remember again, the next president could nominate as many as four new Supreme Court Justices. If Obama gets to make those nominations, we're really in for a long-time social welfare state. Republicans who often just vote ought to get out working actively. Ways to do it include: (1) going door to door in your neighborhood telling them why Romney is best. (2) Calling friends and relatives locally and long distance even in other states convincing them. (3) Early vote so there'll be no chance you might not be able to on Election Day. (4) Volunteer to take voters, especially handicapped, to early over or to the polls on Election Day. There are other innovative ways.<br />
Let me give you a personal example. You recall my longtime friend Nathan Deal won the governorship by a relatively narrow margin. During his campaign, I made a 6-day a week practice of calling 10 local people (most randomly picked out of the phone book) and 10 long distance calls in Georgia states urging them to vote for Deal. I also called and wrote editors I new throughout Georgia. Nathan wasn't elected because of me, but because a number of people (including some I successfully enlisted) were doing the same thing. That's ground level basic politics 101. Let's practice it. Every vote counts. <br />
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