12 JAN 07: TANKS FOR NOTHING?

Two big meetings in the Columbus area Thursday appeared different, but actually had some things in comment. Both involved top leaders with controversial ideas. Both had plenty of critics, accusing the leaders of making big mistakes. And both had "Forts" - although I think most people respect Fort Benning much more than Fort Mitchell.

Fort Benning was the focus of President Bush, during a five-hour visit Thursday. He tried to encourage Third Brigade soldiers for their upcoming mission in Iraq - but couldn't exactly come out and tell them directly they're going early, in March. That's the way to make the Sergeants do the dirty work.

A deployment schedule was posted on the Defense Department's web site, indicating the Third Brigade will be deployed in Iraq in March. But this may not be all bad. Soldiers can arrive just in time to celebrate the fourth anniversary of their invasion.

President Bush arrived at Fort Benning during the lunch hour, and he sat down to eat with soldiers in Freedom Hall. But then suddenly, the White House staff ordered TV cameras be turned off - because they don't want video shown of the President eating. Why not?! We already know there's a family history, against eating broccoli....

(But then again, remember when the President's father became ill at a state dinner in Japan? This may be a clever White House strategy against "The Daily Show" and David Letterman.)

The TV cameras came back on when President Bush spoke to the audience at Freedom Hall. Did you notice the man with glasses in a suit and tie, sitting with soldiers behind the President? It was Muscogee County Republican Party leader Rob Doll - as if Fort Benning soldiers are driving Nissan Sentras, instead of Humvees.

I'm told other noteworthy, non-military people from Columbus were at Fort Benning for lunch with the President:

+ Former Mayor Bob Poydasheff - making full use of his veterans' benefit.

+ Police Chief Ricky Boren - picking a curious time to recruit new officers.

+ Chamber of Commerce President Mike Gaymon - perhaps trying to encourage military spouses to get autographs of the President, then open collectors' shops.

The President focused in his speech on the upcoming buildup of U.S. military personnel in Iraq. He admitted events in 2006 did not turn out as he anticipated - and I don't think he was talking about the Congressional election there.

President Bush declared the military buildup he's ordering in Iraq is based on advice from top officers, instead of "focus groups." But couldn't a meeting of generals be called a focus group -- especially if they're all focused on saluting the Commander-in-Chief?

The President repeated a joke he made in Tuskegee last year, when he told the mayors of Columbus and Phenix City: "Fill the potholes." Only then he added, "I'm not suggesting there are any" - apparently because he doesn't want a repeat of Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford asking for federal highway money.

After lunch, the President watched a demonstration of Fort Benning's infantry in action. It included a jump by Silver Wings paratroopers -- graphically illustrating what's happened to Mr. Bush's popularity in the last year or so.

After a private meeting with the families of fallen soldiers, President Bush shook hands and posed for pictures with Fort Benning troops before flying back to Washington. Several soldiers noted it was a "once in a lifetime opportunity" -- specially since they're not likely to have $5,000 to donate for the privilege anytime soon.

About 35 protesters gathered outside the Fort Benning gates before President Bush arrived. Columbus Police told them to move, because they didn't have a permit to demonstrate. Catholic Priest Roy Bourgeois could make extra money, helping these picketers as a consultant.

The demonstrators actually had permission to picket at Fort Benning Road and Victory Drive, and that's what they did. Some of them carried signs declaring President Bush a liar - as if there are politicians in this country who are NOT?!?!

Someone pointed out to me the Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition could only get 35 people together outside Fort Benning, while S.O.A. Watch draws protesters by the thousands. That's true - but Thursday's protesters only had three days, to organize after Mr. Bush's visit was announced. It's hard to criticize the President, when you have trouble getting off work.

The protesters apparently were not the only ones who were denied access to Fort Benning. I'm told a news crew from Atlanta's WSB-TV was barred from entering, because its satellite truck had an expired license plate. If the soldiers have to pass inspection, it's only fair that the journalists interviewing them do.

After Phenix City Mayor Jeff Hardin met the President at Fort Benning, he went back home for an evening meeting about combining water service with Fort Mitchell and Russell County. That meeting attracted about 100 people, most of them against it - which may show how much our area still supports its soldiers.

Did you see WRBL's coverage of the Phenix City public hearing? Who was the alleged genius who brought a bottle of Deer Park water to a meeting on the local water service -- and put it on the counter, where the City Council normally sits? There's political correctness, but then there's simple logical common sense.

Most of the people at Thursday night's hearing opposed a merger of Phenix City's water service with Russell County and Fort Mitchell. It's as if the critics think the Russell County water system is run by school teachers....

Some opponents of the water merger fear the result will be higher water bills. But Phenix City Mayor Jeff Hardin said that will NOT be the case, because the city will have millions of dollars to retire old debts. He'd better be right - or else the crowd at the meeting will retire their old mayor.

But Mayor Jeff Hardin admitted for the first time a water consolidation could cost some Phenix City Water Works employees their jobs. It's only fitting that the truth is coming one drip at a time, isn't it?

More public hearings are planned in the weeks ahead, and the Phenix City Council is unlikely to vote on a water consolidation before the spring. So there's plenty of time for creative protesters to make water balloons, paste the mayor's face on them, and stick needles in them outside City Hall.

Amidst all of this, some other news occurred Thursday as well:

+ Phenix City Police reported nearly every home in an unfinished new subdivision had its copper wiring stolen the other night. I'm starting to wonder if burglars will break into homes to steal jars of pennies, instead of electronic gear.

+ Muscogee County State Senator Seth Harp endorsed a bill allowing local votes on Sunday alcohol sales. Harp explained to lawmakers he's for the "separation of church and state" - so he must attend a church which only serves grape juice during communion.

+ The Columbus Civic Center floor was covered with dirt. A weekend of Pro Bull Riding begins tonight. The "monster trucks" appear next weekend. And sometime in between, Callaway Gardens should hold a flower show.

+ Instant Message to Bill Heard Chevrolet: About that "distressed merchandise sale" you're having - I think the cars would be a lot less distressed, if "Madman Dan" wasn't yelling around them so much.

COMING SOON: How e-mail will look 30 years from now.... yes, we have a preview of it....

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