Alabama

An open letter to Senator Del Marsh

Senator: While you and I could not disagree much more on what we need to do to help Alabama schools and educators, I have never questioned that you are a successful politician and businessman. You could have tremendous impact on education in this state–if you would listen to real educators and teachers instead of latching … Continued

January 13, 2020

Three lives lost in Saturday storms

Saturday, tornados and a line of severe weather ripped across the Southeast killing seven people including three in Pickens County. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) offered her condolences on the loss of life. “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of Saturday’s severe weather,” Gov. Ivey said. “Alabama has lost three of her citizens … Continued

January 13, 2020

Another chapter in the ‘We Dare Defend Our Wrongs’ files

Alabama is so often on the wrong side of history that one has to wonder if that’s intentional. Are we doing it on purpose, like a bratty child who is bad just to get attention? The federal courts had to make Alabama do the right thing during the Jim Crow years and civil rights movement. … Continued

January 10, 2020

Will lawmakers find Alabama solutions?

An Alabama solution to an Alabama problem is often how Gov. Kay Ivey frames her policy initiatives. Ivey’s position is unique in an era when Republican and Democrat solutions diverge greatly on even the most fundamental challenges of governing. But Ivey’s approach is not only wise; it is also the type of pragmatic thinking that … Continued

January 6, 2020

A way to more fair elections

It’s officially an election year. Alabama chooses members of the Legislature and constitutional officers like governor and secretary of state in off years. The next time we elect lawmakers and constitutional offices is 2022. However, this is a huge election year, even in Alabama. The Republican and Democratic primaries are March 3, 2020, also known … Continued

January 3, 2020

A New Year’s resolution for Alabama

Many people like to make a New Year’s resolution. As we start this new year and new decade, I think our state leadership needs to make a resolution: To improve our storm warning systems. Alabama is no stranger to deadly storms. Twenty-three people died in the tornado that struck Lee County earlier this year. More … Continued

January 3, 2020

Steve Marshall’s 2019 was one of the worst in Alabama history

Steve Marshall might just be Alabama’s worst attorney general — ever. To be certain, he’s an awful AG. And I only pause in calling him the absolute worst in this state’s history because Alabama has had more than its share of God-awful AGs through the years. Marshall, though, is making a real run at the … Continued

December 26, 2019

Legendary Alabama leaders who have passed away

As is my tradition, as the old year comes to a close, I like to pay homage to legendary Alabama leaders who have passed away. We lost some legends in 2019. Although he was a nonpolitical leader, Bart Starr passed away this year at 85. Starr was best known for being the quarterback of the … Continued

December 25, 2019

Alabama state and local governments collect less taxes than any other state

Alabama state and local governments collect less in taxes per resident than any other state in the U.S., according to the latest figures available from the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2017, rising revenue in Alabama, tax cuts in other states, and a variety of other factors led to some narrowing of the gap between Alabama … Continued

December 23, 2019

Alabama lagging behind other states in LGBTQ rights

Throughout the year, various states have taken steps to become more inclusive and champion the rights of the LGBTQ community. However, Alabama has not joined the wave of progressive movements, failing to pass inclusive laws and policies. This year, four states banned conversion therapy, a practice aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation from homosexual … Continued

December 19, 2019