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Democracy

Legislature

Activists: Anti-riot bill an “attack on the core principles of American democracy”

The coalition of 18 organizations penned a recent letter to Alabama legislators insisting they vote against the anti-riot bill.
February 18, 2022

Ballot access reform is unlikely to get out of committee

Reports are that a bill to make it easier for minor party candidates and independents to get ballot access likely will not even get out of committee in its house of origin this session. Senate Bill 336 is sponsored by State Senator Cam Ward, R-Alabaster. According to the synopsis: “Under existing law, to gain ballot … Continued
May 21, 2019

American values leave no room for socialism

Last week, I was honored to address a group of newly naturalized citizens of the United States. It was an experience that gave me the opportunity to reflect on a question as old as our nation itself: “What does it mean to be an American?” In the United States, we don’t define citizenship as being … Continued
May 7, 2019

ALGOP House rule changes eliminate democracy

Elections have consequences. In Alabama, the consequence is the death of democracy. Or, at least, it will be if the Republicans who increased their supermajority stronghold in the state Legislature in November have their way. On Monday, APR received a copy of Republicans’ proposed rules changes for the upcoming 2019 legislative session. The changes are … Continued
January 8, 2019

The problem with a supermajority

There is a downside to supermajority control in government. Inevitably, no matter how many times you force through your agenda and ignore the cries from the other side of the aisle, the supermajority will eventually be unable to accomplish necessary, hard things. Because the necessary, hard things that need to be accomplished will be things … Continued
December 18, 2018