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I’m filing this column on the Monday before the election.  Some of you will be reading it before the votes are tallied, while many of you will see it in publications that run after we know – hopefully fairly quickly – who won the race for President of the United States, as well as control of Congress.  

I don’t yet have the benefit of that knowledge to share with you. I’ll move on to focus on what needs to happen regardless of who wins or has won.  

There’s a lot of talk about the need for “unity” in our country. Most of us agree that we need to come together as a country. The hyper-partisans that control much of the narrative and too much of the agenda only want this unity where they get everything they want and the losing side capitulates.  

That isn’t unity.  That’s the operating stance of a conquering force.

Americans will not be conquered. Not from the left. Not from the right.

We are a free people.  We yearn to live freely. 

The reality of this election, like yet amplified louder than those before it, is that both parties have painted the other as authoritarians who want to take our freedoms away.  There’s an uncomfortable amount of truth to the claims of each side.  

We would not have the fear and anxiety over the outcome of this election if our government – at all levels – had not grown so powerful as to interfere with if not outright control too many aspects of our daily life. We’re far removed from the original vision of self-governance laid out by the Founding Fathers. 

This didn’t happen overnight.  Gradually over centuries we as a people have traded the illusion of security and prosperity for their own personal freedom and responsibility.

For us to restore government to its proper limited roles and constitutional functions, we first have to accept that will require a lot more of us taking responsibility of our own lives and the outcomes of our own choices.  

It was interesting to hear Vice President Nominee Tim Walz suggest we need to “mind our own business” at one point in the campaign.  Many of us would like to do just that, without asking the government’s permission nor approval first.

At the same time, we have those who say they want to eliminate all government handouts, but then angrily demand “keep your government hands off my Medicare” – a government run and subsidized federal program.

Even with these two competing visions, there should be room for unity.  We can unite around the fact that both parties believe the other given the power government currently wields is too great to live under if our party loses.

This should be the primary focus of the next Congress.  The Executive Branch has grown too large and is largely unaccountable.  Bit by bit, Congress needs to use its power of the purse and that of specific legislation to specifically reign in the powers given to one person who resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

This would, however, mean Congress itself would have to take responsibility for the jobs our Senators and Representatives have been elected to do.  Instead of representing we the people, they fund the government with omnibus bills, and they pass laws that leave the details to bureaucrats in rule making processes.

The rules the bureaucrats make only go one way – and that direction is more centralized power in the executive branch.  Congress should immediately change this process, both requiring rules made to be passed by Congress before taking effect as law, as well as sunsetting all current rules not yet codified by Congressional vote.  

We need to know the names of the people who write the laws we free people live under. They should never be faceless bureaucrats whose mission seems to be to increase their own fiefdoms at the expense of the American people.  

We know the government is too big and too powerful when too many people are afraid to live under the rule of a party they didn’t vote for.  On this, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents can agree.

Whomever controls the next Congress should immediately work to get bipartisan consensus on where to begin reasserting Congress’ role both as a check and balance, as well as that of the branch that is to make law.

This path would only begin to demonstrate unity within the country.  It would have the added benefit of making Americans understand and possibly even respect Congress as an institution once again.

The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) has awarded David Mitchell the Sarah Nichols Pinckney Volunteer of the Year Award for 2024. Mitchell, Executive Director of Atlanta Preservation Center, has been recognized for his outstanding service to the Georgia Historical Marker Program. The award was presented at Atlanta Preservation Center in Atlanta on Monday, October 28, 2024, by Elyse Butler, GHS Manager of Programs and Special Projects, and Breana James, GHS Historical Marker and Program Associate.

“David Mitchell has been an active and stalwart advocate for the preservation and stewardship of historical resources across Georgia for many years,” said Christy Crisp, Marilyn Memory McMullan Director of Programs and Vice President of Education and Programs at the Georgia Historical Society. “From his hometown in Rome, to Atlanta, to Sparta, and beyond, David has contributed his time, energy, financial resources, and physical labor to ensuring that Georgians and visitors alike are able to learn from and enjoy our state’s rich history. GHS is grateful for his support of our educational and research mission and his assistance on countless historical marker and other projects over the past decade.”

Given annually, the Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes individuals and groups who have selflessly contributed their time and resources to advance the mission of the Georgia Historical Society. It is named in memory of Sarah Pinckney, who for many years gave so generously of her time and resources to this organization.

“I am very grateful to receive this award,” said Mitchell. “It is an acknowledgment that community, fidelity, and working together with a common interest for the preservation of Georgia’s history is still present.”

For more information about the Sarah Nichols Pinckney Award, please contact Elyse Butler, GHS Manager of Programs and Special Projects, at 912.651.2125, ext. 119 or by email at ebutler@georgiahistory.com.

To become a community partner or adopt a historical marker, please contact Elyse Butler, Historical Marker Manager, at ebutler@georgiahistory.com.

Smith + Howard is pleased to announce the promotion of five exceptional professionals to Partner: Nicole Davis, Daniel Sage, Erin Sak, Travis Shears and Megan Worth. These individuals have each demonstrated outstanding dedication to the growth of the firm and exemplify the values that drive Smith + Howard’s success.

These new partners bring a wealth of experience and expertise across our service lines, contributing significantly to the development of our people, innovative solutions for clients, and the expansion of our business. Their commitment to client service, leadership within the firm, and embodiment of Smith + Howard’s core values make them well-equipped to take on this important role.

Nicole Davis, Tax Partner, has played a key role in advancing our tax initiatives and strengthening client relationships. Daniel Sage, Assurance Partner, has been instrumental in fostering staff development and business growth through his innovative approach and dedication. Erin Sak, Assurance Partner, has led with expertise in assurance services, supporting firm technology and enhancing our technical capabilities. Travis Shears, Tax Partner, has been pivotal in the growth of our Chattanooga office, bringing a strong business network and steady leadership to our post-merger transition. Megan Worth, Tax Partner, has driven tax process improvements, developed client trust, and consistently mentored our team. 

“Our newest partners have consistently demonstrated their commitment to Smith + Howard’s values and long-term success,” said Sean Taylor, Managing Partner of Smith + Howard. “They are trusted advisors to our clients and mentors to our team members, embodying the high standards of service and integrity that our firm is known for. We are proud to welcome them as partners and excited for the contributions they will continue to make.”

Smith + Howard congratulates Nicole, Daniel, Erin, Travis and Megan on this significant career milestone and looks forward to their ongoing impact in their new roles.