Openly terrific

The President hosted a reception in honor of LGBT Pride month yesterday.

I'm wondering if Rick and Bubba will be able to hold their tongues. They've been warned by their sponsors and by their syndicator to hold down their rhetoric or face the music.

While most of the local community has heard what the sponsors are saying (both Academy Sports and Bojangles Chicken have said they don't agree with Rick Burgess' comments and told the radio hosts as much, and that if they targeted gays or any other group like that again they would pull their sponsorship. The syndicator of the show is unhappy as well, and he doesn't want to hear any more reports of such talk.

Here is the president speaking at the reception. He called Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis, lesbian and gay members of the House of Representative, "openly terrific."

I think that's a great new term for us. Because being gay is terrific.




Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also spoke at an event celebrating LGBT Pride month.

She was the first first lady to march in a Pride parade.

"Human rights are gay rights and gay rights are human rights once and for all."



One of my facebook friends, and straight woman who took part in the civil rights struggles during the 1960's posted this comment on one of my facebook posts yesterday.

June is Pride Month. President Obama has called upon all Americans to observe this month by fighting prejudice and discrimination in their lives and everywhere it exists.

I am so proud of our straight allies and the way they take up for us against the hurtful rhetoric of the right.

So many people have told me or have posted on facebook that this year's Pride has given them more inspiration than they have felt in years. Polls are showing that Americans are now more accepting of Equality than they have ever been, and many religious groups or individual churches are realizing that LGBT people are created and loved by God just as they are.

In spite of the vocal frustration with the Obama administration on the slowness of advancement of LGBT Equality, we really should be thankful of the progress that has been made.

These things come to mind.

Passage of the (inclusive) Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act.

Repeal of the HIV ban on travel.

Hospital visitation for lesbian and gay partners (in hospitals that accept Medicare and Medicaid.

Federal employee benefits.

Broadening of the definition of "son and daughter" so employers would be required to offer workers in same sex relationships the same right to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for partner's newborns or to adopt (announced yesterday by the labor department).

And the president's call for congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), to pass an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and the pending end of Don't Ask Don't Tell(DADT). The House has passed the repeal, the Senate Armed Services Comittee has approved, and the full Senate will vote someday.

Country singer Chely Wright was at the President's reception.

Here is her video for "I Already Do."

Catching up on the craziness

There is so much craziness going on, and all of it seems to be coming from the Party of No, at various levels.

The picture is not of Republican crazies, more on this group later.

First, Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman signed a bill that restricts abortion to less than 20 weeks based on the assertion that fetuses feel pain after that.

Based on that logic, shouldn't he also be signing a bill that bans circumcision? I'm just askin'.

*****

Hillary Clinton's name is being tossed around as a possible nominee to SCOTUS to replace Justice John Paul Stevens. A Republican friend of mine is promoting a conservative Internet "poll" which so far has 91% of respondents voting "no" to the possibility of a Clinton appointment. I would love to see Secretary Clinton appointed.

Also a lot of talk is being generated about Obama has to pick a "mainstream" nominee. What in the world does that mean? Republicans want a a progressive president to pick a conservative Supreme Court Justice. Ha! Obama could pick Mother Teresa (were she still alive) and Republicans would fight the nomination. So, President, pick whoever you want, because you are going to get a fight anyway, so you might as well fight for someone that fires up your base.

*****

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell want the big banks to fail. In fact, he says we can't get out of this recession until they do.

Not only is the GOP the Party of No, they are the Party of Fail. Rush Limbaugh wants the president and the country to fail, now their senate leader is wanting the banks to fail.

Sorry, Mitch, but the President's plan (that rescued us from economic meltdown) is working. I hate to get all "economics" on you (maybe in a later post), but we need to be hoping for the banks to succeed, just as we need to be hoping for small businesses to succeed.

*****

And John McCain. What can I say? He is just a poor old man that should have quit while he was ahead. Americans used to love and respect him. Many Democrats and independents supported his presidential bid in 2000. You know, when he was making his name known as a maverick.
Now he has just gone Borneo it seems (that's an old college phrase for "whacko").

*****

Speaking of old college days and such, I'm sure glad that there are still some hippies entertaining us.

Enjoy this video by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

In Afghanistan....

The U. S. military does not allow gays to participate openly because "it would create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale, good order and discipline."

Of course, "straight" people in Afghanistan who are guarding our embassy can do this:

Granted, these are not military, so they are not America's best, but still. For more pictures, including pictures of security contractors get their kicks peeing on one another, simulating anal sex, doing "butt shots," and "eating potato chips out of ass cracks," go to Gawker.

"They have a group of sexual predators, deviants running rampant over there. No, they are not jamming guys in the ass per say [sic], but they are showing poor judgenment [sic]." Most of it appears to have been voluntary, but those who didn't really want to drink vodka shots out of the clenched butt-cheeks of their male co-workers were penalized and reported barricading themselves in their rooms. And sometimes the behavior extended to the locals:

"An Afghan national employed as a food service worker at the guard corps' base at Camp Sullivan submitted a signed statement dated August 16, 2009, attesting that a guard force supervisor and four others entered a dining facility on August 1, 2009, wearing only short underwear and brandishing bottles of alcohol. Upon leaving the facility, the guard force supervisor allegedly grabbed the Afghan national by the face and began abusing him with foul language, saying, "You are very good for fXXXing." The Afghan national reported that he "was too afraid of them I could not tell them any thing."

These are the people guarding our embassy. I hope Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has her way, no, let me re-phrase this, fires their asses and has them incarcerated where they can have some real fun.

What an embarrassment.

Convention Day 2

The Democrats continue to "wow" the voters of the country from Denver. Now I know that not everyone, me included, watches every speech by every democrat, but whatever speech you see inspires and restores faith that our country can return to one with respect and integrity and promise.

Lilly Ledbetter, the Alabama Goodyear worker who was paid less because she is a woman, and who took her fight for equality all the way to the Supreme Court, spoke. While I can't find an embeddable video of her speech last night, here she is explaining her fight. The right wing Supreme Court ruled that she should have filed a complaint within 6 months of her first paycheck that was different from her co-workers. Problem is, there was no way for her to know what her co-workers were being paid. She, and millions of women like her, will never receive the pay she is due.



For a full transcript of her prepared speech, click here.

Shouldn't women who do equal work receive equal pay? McCain thinks not. Obama thinks so.

Brian Schweitzer is the Governor of Montana. When can we get him as president? This short video is an example of his ability to make a point and entertain at the same time.



"Petro-dictators will never own America's wind and sunshine"

He closed with "That's it baby, let's go win this election. God bless America."

Then came Mark Warner, the former governor of Virginia running to become senator from that state. News anchors were warning he needed to be careful because he needs moderates and conservative votes to win. That may be true, but checking the polls I see that Warner is up by 24, so I think he has some leeway and he let it loose.

Watch his speech here.



Then came Hillary, and the speech the nation has been waiting for. When she entered the arena, I realized that she is as big a celebrity as Barack. But, contrary to what McCain believes, there is nothing wrong with celebrity. America loves celebrity.

Hillary addressed her "sisterhood of the travelling pantsuits" with a sincere and powerful endorsement of Barack Obama, and I truly don't understand those who don't get it. Oh well, they will only have themselves to blame when health care becomes out of reach for even more Americans, Exxon continues to rack up record profits, and we have to start eating grass and pine comes from our backyards. Oh yeah, and when we are fighting wars on so many fronts that it is impossible to win and finish any of them, and their sons and daughters or making their third and fourth deployment. That is the future under John McCain. Oh, and when our science textbooks are written by theocrats that care more about controlling kids than teaching them science. That is McCain.

Wake up people.

While Hillary's endorsement of Barack was anticipated and necessary, her case against John McCain was clear and accurate. Here she sums it up in 56 seconds.




Watch the full speech here.



Immediate reaction was positive, from every news site except Fox, who obviously lost the feed from the convention floor and did not see the speech. That is the only explanation.

MSNBC

Rachel Maddow: She just nailed it

CNN

Anderson Cooper: Electrified everyone, and got them out of their seats.

David Gergan: Her finest moment in politics.

Then Fox:

Bill Kristol: Shockingly minimal endorsement.

Mort Kondracke: Agreed with Kristol.

Fred Barnes: I think the Obama people will complain.

Next time guys, watch the speech before you comment on it.

Stay in Hillary, and Signs in Bessemer

Hillary should stay in the race


Barack Obama will be the nominee of the Democrats, I have no doubt. But Hillary's presence in the race, and the discourse between the two candidates brings countless new people into the process in every state when a primary occurs. I can not remember an election in which voters in every state felt as though they were having a say in who the nominee would be.


These new voters might not have seen the light had it not been for the opportunity to make a choice and express it through voting, many of them for the first time. Since the Democrats will need every vote in November to defeat McBush, the primaries should continue. Then, as Hillary has already indicated, we will all come together and support Obama. Kumbaya.


Signs in Bessemer


Sometimes a sign looks like this:

The sign pictured is at the Red Rock Convenience Store located at Arlington Avenue and 19th Street in Bessemer's Historic Southside. That is a business that many in the area would like to see closed down, but there are some in the area who want it to remain open because (as some suspect) it gives them a place to gather and sell their drugs (conveniently). This sign has been in its current position for years, and when I walk to town on the city sidewalk, I have to leave the sidewalk and either walk in the street or walk through the parking lot. I don't think an entity can place a sign across a sidewalk, so I will ask our council person to look in to this.

Across the street is this sign:

In front of this building.

I have written about this historic property before, but that was when I thought the school board would use common sense and sell the property to a nearby developer who was going to restore the building. Then they got greedy, and want to use the property to make money by selling it for more than anyone would pay for it, while it continues to decline at an exponential rate.


Then there is this sign:

and I only include it here because I featured another sign here on this post last year.

Sometimes signs are more subtle, such as a sign that Bessemer might actually be moving forward on issues that have been overlooked for years. Council president Jesse Matthews said "We're going to take some aggressive moves out in the districts," in an interview reported in the Western Tribune.

"He cited problems in the older neighborhoods topping the priority list" according to the paper, including getting rid of old burned out houses and repaving of roads. That's kind of ironic, as we approach the first anniversary of my columns in The Western Tribune. My first column was titled "Three things that Bessemer needs now" and while not in my original list, the column ended with "...let's see...Re-paving streets?"

Where are the streets worse, Bessemer or Birmingham? I drive in both cities every day, and it's close. On Birmingham's southside, 2oth street driving south just past the fountain is about the worst road I drive on. Or there is the railroad crossing in Powderly or the streets I take in West Birmingham on the way to UAB. I don't know, they are all bad, especially when you drive a bouncy little pick up truck.

But in Bessemer, where potholes and crummy repairs are spread all around the city, at least the council president is talking about paving. And improvements in our communities, something we haven't heard from council leadership in years. Let's see if he can follow through.

Primary Comments

I don't know if Mormons recognize Lent, but I have an idea for Mitt Romney...give up politics. The Dominionist candidate kicked your tail all across the South, allowing the Warmonger candidate to solidify his lead.

Again what a night for the Democratic Party, as we show once again that we have two strong candidates for president and voters go to the polls in record numbers to indicate their choices. All of my comments are based on current information and returns, which is not complete.

My preference of course is Clinton, and while she did not win in Alabama, look at the difference between Alabama and Georgia. Obama won by 34% in Georgia, but only by 14% in Alabama. Are we that different than Georgia?

While all the votes are not yet counted, and all the delegates not yet awarded, at this point Clinton is still ahead. Votes don't select candidates, delegates do.

And the popular vote across the country favors Clinton by quite a bit. I added all the totals for all the states that have voted so far, and Clinton leads 9,723,766 to Obama's 8,354,065. That is 53.8% to 46.2%. Of course popular vote does not elect presidents either, but it is better to be ahead than behind.

The greatest wins for Hillary in my opinion were the victory in Massachusetts and California. In Mass, where both Senator Kennedy and Senator Kerry endorsed Obama, Clinton won easily, by about 15%. And in California, where the Oprah - Kennedy - Shriver fest pulled in thousands of potential voters last week, Clinton won by about 10%, after "polls" showed Obama with a chance to win.

Precinct results are not available yet, and as a result delegate results are not available either.

Alicia Keys likes Hillary. Watch this video of her song Superwoman:



Great song Alicia. And great video.

U. S. News and World reports that the Republican National Committee is levying fines for refering to Hillary or Obama by their first names. Makes them appear too friendly and likable. $10. Well, they are more likable than the candidates of the Republican Party.

My Question for Hillary

Monday night Hillary Clinton is participating in a town hall meeting that will be broadcast live on the Hallmark Channel and on her web site.

"We're planning our Voices Across America town hall meeting. We'll hear from people in Alabama and all across America. This event -- one of the biggest town hall meetings America has ever seen -- will be broadcast live Monday night on Hallmark Channel starting at 9 p.m. EST. Or you can watch it live on hillaryclinton.com. "

I submitted the following question:

Artur Davis, the Alabama campaign manager for your opponent, at a recent forum in Birmingham said that the GLBT community should not look to Washington (or Montgomery, our state capital) for change, in spite of the fact that it took Washington leadership to bring change in civil rights. Could the GLBT community look to the Clinton administration for change?

You can ask a question here

I will be surprised if my question is asked of the candidate.

Ann Coulter Endorsing Clinton? And the Upcoming Primary

This has to be the weirdest endorsement of the season.



Ann Coulter has endorsed Hillary Clinton, says she will vote for her, says she will campaign for her, if John McCain is the Republican nominee.

Alan Colmes raised his hands and said "My work is done."

I really don't think voters will hold this endorsement against Hillary, because no one listens to Ann Coulter anyway.


Clinton and Obama faced off last night in a mild-mannered debate that likely convinced more independents and moderate republicans to vote democratic than it persuaded democratic voters to change their support from one candidate to the other.

That's good, it will help ensure a Democratic president in the Oval Office in January.

It's also good because the latest polls have Hillary leading in almost all the Super Dooper states.

Massachusetts, Clinton up by 24
New Jersey, Clinton up by 12
Tennessee, Clinton up by 33
California, Clinton up by 3
Minnesota, Clinton up by 7
Oklahoma, Clinton up by 17
New York, Clinton up by 28
Arizona, Clinton up by 10
Delaware, Clinton by 22
Missouri, Clinton by 19

Latest polls also have Obama leading in Alabama and Georgia, and granted, some of the above polls were taken before big endorsements this week. But I think Clinton stopped the flow of votes to Obama last night.

Several of the states voting Tuesday do not have polls on the site.

Several questions have come my way about voting procedures for Tuesday. Here is a link to the ballot of you vote in District 7 (my district).

Here is the ballot for District 6.

From here you can link to the other district ballots.

You can not vote for delegates who are committed to a candidate different than the candidate you selected for president. So if you vote for Hillary, you can choose up to 4 male and 4 female delegates who are committed to her. Likewise for Obama.

If you want to vote for uncommitted delegates, you can not vote for a presidential candidate.

Here are instructions from the party web site. Instructions are also on the ballot.

Make plans to vote on Tuesday. Hillary Clinton.

The Nation, The University, The City

1. The Nation

Did you notice that I made no comments after the president’s State of the Union Address? I was just so glad that it was the very last time we have to be subjected to that type of event with him in charge.

But Tuesday night was a different story. Tuesday itself was full of Biostats and such, and I anticipated coming home to relax. (Even with two tests on Wednesday). But how can one relax when their candidate is experiencing a huge win in Florida?

No delegates for the democrats, you say? That will be argued later when the Florida Party officials are lobbying to have their delegates credentialed. No, this vote was very important because of this >>> The candidates did not campaign in Florida…but Florida voters are not without televisions, computers or newspapers. They are well aware of the bickering between the candidates, the media bias, and of Barack’s big win in South Carolina. And they still are giving Hillary a 17% win, with 50% of the vote.

The Floridians had the same amount of candidate contact that most of the Super Dooper Tuesday voters will have. We for the most part, across the 24 states, have to depend on media reports…and word of mouth from friends and neighbors. We will not have candidate saturation like South Carolina had. People interviewed from Florida said that is what they did, and they propelled Hillary Clinton to a huge victory. And as a result, she got great air play from her win and her speech last night.

I just learned that John Edwards has dropped out of the race. It is hard to judge who this will help, the "white" vote might go to Clinton, the "anti-Clinton" vote will go to Barack, some will stay home (but come back out to vote in November). But it does mean we will have a one on one debate tomorrow night between just Barack and Hillary.

2. The University

UAB had a “Free Food For Thought” yesterday, a forum in which students, faculty and anyone else can come and get free food in exchange for participating in a round (rectangle) – table discussion. This month’s topic was “Is UAB Committed to Diversity?” On the flyer above the word “diversity” was a rainbow colored graphic, and also a collage of diversity was pictured. UAB does mention sexual orientation in its non-discrimination policy.

The event took place in the Ryals Building which houses the School of Public Health, so it was easy for me to attend. The School was well represented, but there were also students and staff from the School of Medicine, undergraduate, the radio station and more.

One important point brought up is that the appearance of diversity does not indicate diversity in reality. The student who mentioned this used the Bush administration as an example, but even among the public health students this was noted. We are probably the most diverse School on campus, attracting students from around the world, with many students from various African countries along with India, Iran, Bangladesh and more. We are represented by Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Atheists, Christians and more. Sexual orientation is understood (as presented in various classes) as a part of the normal spectrum of people.

So I was surprised to hear my fellow students voice opinions that did not reflect this. Too much Christianity an American said. Too much gathering of Indians with Indians and Blacks with Blacks and Whites with Whites in the hallways, another said. Yet another public health student said the biostats all hang together, the epi people all hang and the maternal and child health people do the same.

My feeling is that none of that reflects the University’s commitment to diversity, rather the natural tendency of people to associate with people like themselves.

But I was able to bring up an issue that reflects the University’s lack of commitment, or at least their lack of realization that they are breaking their own anti-discrimination policy by refusing to offer benefits (insurance) to same sex (or opposite sex) unmarried partners of employees who are insured. A commitment to diversity should include all people and treating all people equally.

Don’t let UAB tell you they can not do that because the administrator of their plan does not offer it. I am not sure if Blue Cross Blue Shield is the administrator of their (self insure) plan or not, but regardless, other “self insures” like Wachovia, RBC Bank, and Southern Progress offer such benefits, and I think they are administered by BC/BS. Correct me if I am wrong.

Then others like Terry Kellogg from BC/BS who spoke at the Over The Mountain Democrat forum a couple of weeks ago say economics will not allow it, but that is a fallacy. Studies show that costs are less for most same sex couples because most of them do not incur health care costs for things like pregnancies and childbirths.

What’s in it for UAB if they offer insurance benefits? Many top professors and research scientists overlook UAB for this reason. They may not be gay themselves, but they want to work in a place that offers equality. Some probably realize that if one group is discriminated against, it might not belong before another will be.

I made those points in about four sentences, and no one else commented on it, but I did notice some nods from some faculty types that were there. And sexual orientation was mentioned by a couple of other people as being a part of diversity.

All in all the forum was worthwhile and the food (Mexican) was good.

3. The (little) City

Bessemer is trying its best to become "Little Birmingham." (not to be confused with the liquor store by the same name on the outskirts of Panama City Beach that was the first stop on the beach road for our family vacations when I was growing up!)

I mean, here is Bessemer about to turn control of their water filtration plant over to an outside agancy with no control reserved for the city, like the Birmingham Water Works, sort of. Then, last night at a Council meeting during which the public turned out to voice concerns, Mayor Ed May, Council President Jesse Matthews, Councilors Dorothy Davidson and Earl Cochran, and others, put on an embarrasing display of childish behavoior, arguing and raising their voices until finally the meeting was adjourned having accomplished nothing.

I take that back. Something was accomplished. Information that I learned at the Bessemer Neighborhood Association meeting Monday was released. $3 million or so is missing. This is bond money that during Quitman Mitchell's administration was supposedly placed in irrevocable trust to draw interest to later pay on the $56 million bond issue that GUSC has only been making interest payments on. Money that was to be used now, or in 2009, to make the principle payment that everybody is worried about.

Those of us who wonder why only interest has been paid also wonder where the $3 million went. We do have copies of a resolution from 2000 which authorized GUSC to make "the first four payments of the $3.7 million from GUSC" to "the City of Bessemer General Fund..."

Alice Martin where are you?

South Carolina Votes

And a South Carolinian speaks.

Ann is a friend of mine since college, and she now lives in South Carolina and reads Bessemer Opinions. She sent me a message this week about the candidates in her state, and gave me permission to share it. Here is her picture and her message.

I had a great time today listening to Hillary explain her plans for the economy. Earlier this week, I heard Barack speak. I have nothing against Barack and will certainly support him if he wins the nomination but . . . Hillary was impressive, especially when she answered questions. Her plans for the economy are specific, detailed and reasonable. (published today on her website) She was able to field any and all questions with in-depth knowledge and plans for handling all issues - coal lobbyists, social security, medicaid health coverage for children adopted from foreign countries (right now there is a 2 year wait), securing borders, electric cars . . . You name it and she handled it. I came away very impressed.

Barack gave his normal very rousing speech and generated a great deal of excitement but then answered only 4 questions and had a great deal of trouble with 2 questions, one about farm subsidies and one about insurance coverage for mental health patients. I think this was largely due to the fact that he was obviously exhausted, but again, I just think Hillary can handle it.

I hope we can have a 16 year dynasty and I have the opportunity to vote for Barack in 8 years.

By the way, I was just on CNN! woo hoo! It's fun to be in SC right now!!

I am sure Ann is not as excited now, as Barack Obama has been declared the winner (with 0% of the vote counted) and Hillary Clinton is taking second place. But remember, Ann says what I have said as well. Democrats like us will support Obama just as strongly should he get the nomination, and most democrats I have heard feel the same way.

A reader wanted to know my thoughts about the race, and race. I can see where the media focus on race would turn voters off, but hopefully they are like me and it just turns them off from listening to the news, and not from voting. Obviously it didn't turn the people away from the polls in South Carolina as turnout looks to be huge (especially when compared to the Republicans).

I predict the campaigns (who knows about the media, they are less predictable) will be less focused on race this week as we approach Super Dooper Tuesday, and I would really be surprised if we know the Democratic nominee after that day. But back to race. I am convinced that race is becoming less important to the voters in spite of the media. When you look at the numbers of white voters who voted for Barack, and the number of black voters who voted for Hillary it seems that both candidates appeal to both races. And if that can happen in South Carolina, it could happen anywhere. Even in Alabama.

"Goings On" From Here and There

There's a lot going on the world of politics and culture, including caucuses and primaries this weekend, so here's a little local news, some political news and come cultural news.

The Western Tribune has a front page story this week about a hate crime being charged against the city by a Bessemer employee. Seems Willie Burgin's city truck broke down in a wooded area in Hueytown and he called in for assistance and waited but no one came. He was told by his supervisor on a walkie talkie, "Get you a rope and hang around, they are coming." He asked for clarification, he was told the same thing.

Burgin complained to his supervisors and told to forget about it. Rev. James Eades, head of the department, suggested the employee was simply "looking for a big pay day."

So he went to the mayor, Ed May. He recieved a letter from May that said the city "found no evidence that Mr. McLaughlin's statements were made with malice or that they were intended to be racially dipsaraging or offensive."

Burgin says that the mayor hides personnel problems by "sweeping them under the rug."

Burgin has filed a complaint with the EEOC (Economic Equal Opportunity Commission) and with the Jefferson County personnel board.

The Western Tribune: Real People, Real Issues, Real News

I just wonder if Ed May is a closet republican. He's teflon, like Ronald Reagan. He budgets money like the president and former republican congress did, with no regard to fiscal responsibility, and he governs with Cheneyesque secrecy. Well, he is running for a delegate position to the Democratic National Convention (for the wrong candidate), and after all, many democrats in Alabama are "republican lite" anyway, so who knows.

************************************

The Hillary Clinton Campaign is opening its Birmingham office Saturday with an event at 2:00. I am all for snow, but I hope it doesn't intefere with this event.

The office will be in downtown Birmingham, on 21st street, across from the YMCA. If the roads are safe...be there!


************************************
The Napa County Farm Bureau which promotes agriculture and protects family farms in Napa, California, has published a calendar as a fund raiser for 2008. From the looks of the calendar, all of Napa's agriculture involves grapes and winemaking with some beef operations as well.

But the real beefcake is in the photos of mostly bare farmers who have taken it off for the cause. Here's 35 year old Michael H., who is a grape grower and is Mr. June, so to speak.


Not all of the farmers pictured as as, uh, young, as Michael, but let me tell you, the vineyards and grapes all look healthy and fine. Support California Wines. And support Napa farmers by visiting Napa Uncovered where you can learn more about the Napa farming community and maybe even still get a calendar. This calendar was featured in Parade magazine a few weeks ago as well

Who Would Have Thought That?

The Pope has been rejected from speaking at the inauguration of the new academic year at a prestigious university (La Sapienza) in Rome, of all places. Professors and students alike protested the planned event, because of the Pope's previous statements in support of the 17th century inquistion trial against Galileo.

Galileo, as you know, was tried for heresy after his publication of "Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems" in which he reported his discovery that the earth revolves around the sun. In the book he ridiculed Pope Urban VIII, and as a result stood trial in 1633. The judgement said his views were "absurd, philosophically false, and formally heretical, because it is expressly contrary to Holy Scriptures". Galileo later recanted to spare his life, but we can imagine how he felt deep in his heart.

This is the precise reason that I find no problem with examining and sometimes being critical of church teaching and current translations of "scripture", especially as it relates to science. I use quotation marks because those writings were pretty much hand picked by old white guys with an agenda (did they have republicans back then?)

So the Pope is unwelcome in Rome.

Now, who would have thought that?

And in Iran, where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death, and where Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said there are no homosexuals (ok to laugh here), transgenderism is OK. A documentary will be shown st Sundance titled Be Like Others, written and directed by Tanaz Eshaghian. In the movie she follows the experiences of four transgendered inidviduals, one who has completed her surgery, and three others considering or undergoing procedures.

According to Eshaghian, in an interview with Larry Flick on Sirius OutQ this morning, the Ayatollah Khomeini gave the OK to gender reassignment surgery because transgenderism was (and in that country still is) considered an illness. It was decided that persons could not be judged because of an illness, so the procedures are allowed.

According to the film info on Sundance, the doctor whose practice is examined in the movie performs more sex change operations in one year than are done in the entire country of France in 10 years.

Now, who would have thought that?

Hillary Clinton can be funny and entertaining, in addition to being right for America.



Now, who would have thought that?

Well, now you know!

Clinton Seeking Youth Vote, Women's Support

This post should be forwarded to young voters, and female voters and, well, all voters. Hillary Clinton is making inroads with the so called youth vote and recently had an online event where she addressed questions submmitted by facebook users. Here is a five or six minute youtube video where the candidate addresses questions posed to her.

Clinton addresses the following subjects here: genocide in Darfur, making college more affordable, creating green collar jobs, combating the upcoming recession and why she is the best candidate to bring change.



"She closes with "I want to reclaim the future for America, and that's really about you more than it is about me. And I'm going to do everything I can to make that happen."

Here is the youtube link link that you can send to your friends, or you can just forward Bessemer Opinions to them.

And Hillary still appeals to women, regardless of their age, and this column by Madeleine M. Kunin shows why Clinton's appeal among women was so much greater in New Hampshire than in Iowa.

Kunin is the former governor of Vermont, and she suspects that in states that have a good history of electing women to statewide office or sending them to Congress in Washington, that Clinton will do better than in states that do not have record of electing women. Iowa is one such state, one of only two (Mississippi is the other) that has never elected a woman to Congress or the governor's seat. New Hampshire has elected a woman governor three times and has the nation's second highest percentage of women in it's legislature (Kunin's state, Vermont, ranks first).

I think that since women's roles in politics (and elsewhere) are still repressed in much of the south, including Alabama, that Clinton will have a fight on her hands attracting huge numbers of women voters, but it is a fight that is winnable. South Carolina may tell us a lot about this, but Florida (if you consider it a southern state) has five women in Congress and their state legislature is 23.1% women. The women in Florida may give Hillary their support.

If I had the time I would research each state regarding these parameters and come up with an prediction, but there are too many other variables influencing this race.

So forward this to your female friends as well.

And for all voters, here is a good piece by Robert Farmer, Democratic bigwig. He was previously supporting Barack Obama, but has switched to Hillary Clinton's camp. This was printed in the Washington Post after the Iowa Caucus, on the day of the New Hampshire primary, before we knew Hillary had won. Farmer has considered electability in his decision and his editorial is worth reading.

Answers and Go New Hampshire, Go Hillary

New Hampshire.

Three things.

1. All the media outlets have emphasized that the voters in New Hampshire take their vote very seriously. Rather than just voting “against” her or him for unknown reasons, many of which are based on ill-conceived notions or prejudices, they evaluate each candidate on the issues and what that candidate says to them. In this case, Hillary Clinton definitely prevails, because she addressed the issues, including the economy, which is very important to New Hampshire voters. Obama did not address the economy over the last few days. In addition, “Hope” is not a plan, and when all you are offering is empty hope, voters do not know that you have any plans. Hillary has plans.

2. In New Hampshire, you can not vote twice, like in Iowa. People whose candidates were not faring well did not get to recast their vote for another candidate

3. The people in New Hampshire realize it is OK to be human. Hillary Clinton’s emotions, both during the debate and Monday showed her to be human. Your eyes can fill with tears and you can still be strong.

What a victory for Hillary Clinton. New Hampshire is good to the Clintons. And again, like in Iowa, what a night for the democratic party. While the number voting in the Republican Primary decreased , the number voting in the Democratic primary grew.

And I can not wait, if John McCain becomes the Republican nominee (not that I think he could sustain his momentum), Hillary’s end the war message would smother his hawk message.

****************************************
I can not believe that the Jefferson County Commission is giving money to The Eagle Forum to host a forum. And they will discuss issues like gobal warming. This is like paying the contrarians to spread their lies and seems just a little too partisan to me. Is it even legal? Shouldn't be. Somebody should raise a big stink about this.

****************************************
That being said, here are answers to the Alabama Quiz posted yesterday.

1. Here's the answer from the State Archives , which is where most of the answers and pictures come from, unless otherwise noted or linked. In 1817, when William Wyatt Bibb was appointed Governor of the brand new Alabama territory, Bibb realized he needed an official seal for his commissions and other state papers. With permission of President James Monroe and a law adopted by Congress, the territorial governor was authorized to select a design for a seal. Governor Bibb believed the best seal would be a map of the territory showing its rivers. It also showed the territories (now states) surrounding it.
By 1819, when Alabama became a state, the territorial seal was designated by the first legislature as the state seal. The state seal remained unchanged for 50 years, until the Reconstruction period when a Republican-dominated legislature had a new seal made. It consisted of an eagle perched upon the shield of the United States seal. In the beak of the eagle was a banner reading "Here We Rest". Around the new emblem were the words "Alabama Great Seal". This seal was used for 71 years to authenticate official documents and letterhead.
In 1939, a bill was introduced by the legislature to restore the original seal as the Great Seal of Alabama. When the bill came up it was approved unanimously by the Senate and the House. Governor Frank M. Dixon approved the new law and the Secretary of State had a new Great Seal created. Act no. 20.

2. The Crimson Cross of St. Andrew and a white field were adopted in 1895. The act did not stipulate as to the shape of the flag, so now you see both square and rectangular flags.


3. The state bird is the Yellowhammer.

The common flicker is the State Bird of Alabama. Alabama has been known as the "Yellowhammer State" since the Civil War. The yellowhammer nickname was applied to the Confederate soldiers from Alabama when a company of young cavalry soldiers from Huntsville, under the command of Rev. D.C. Kelly, arrived at Hopkinsville, KY, where Gen. Forrest's troops were stationed. The officers and men of the Huntsville company wore fine, new uniforms, whereas the soldiers who had long been on the battlefields were dressed in faded, worn uniforms. On the sleeves, collars and coattails of the new calvary troop were bits of brilliant yellow cloth. As the company rode past Company A , Will Arnett cried out in greeting "Yellowhammer, Yellowhammer, flicker, flicker!" The greeting brought a roar of laughter from the men and from that moment the Huntsville soldiers were spoken of as the "yellowhammer company." The term quickly spread throughout the Confederate Army and all Alabama troops were referred to unofficially as the "Yellowhammers."

4. “Alabama” is the official state song. Here are the words to the first and seventh verse:

1 Alabama, Alabama, We will aye be true to thee, From thy Southern shore where groweth, By the sea thine orange tree. To thy Northern vale where floweth Deep and blue thy Tennessee. Alabama, Alabama We will aye be true to thee!

7 Little, little, can I give thee, Alabama, mother mine; But that little--hand, brain, spirit, All I have and am are thine. Take, O take the gift and giver. Take and serve thyself with me, Alabama, Alabama, I will aye be true to thee.

Listen to our state song being sung. Does this take you back to grade school? Who all had Ms. Brown for their music teacher?

5. “We Dare Maintain Our Rights” comes from found on our state coat of arms. "Audemus jura nostra defendere"

Well and good, if only we all had equal rights. That day is a comin’.

6. The Southern Longleaf Pine is the official state tree. Great pine cones. When I was little, daddy planted a long leaf pine in the front yard. I could jump over it. For years. But suddenly it grew taller and faster than me, and it was a mistake to try to jump over it. I won’t elaborate.

7. Red Hills Salamander is the (cutest) official state amphibian. Click here for details and a picture of this endangered amphibian, which lives only in a few counties in south Alabama. I took a field trip in college to the Red Hills to scout for these critters during a herpetology class taught by Dr. Mount.

Click here for a picture and the story of the Red Hills Salamander.

8. Blackberry is the official state fruit. Yall don’t need pictures of blackberries, I am sure. But those of you who have tasted my pecan cobbler (from Miss Julia May) and those who love my peach cobbler, bring me a bunch of fresh blackberries this summer and let me make this for you.
Blackberry Cobbler.

4 cups fresh blackberries

1 cup sugar

1 Tbsp cornstarch

1/2 tsp lemon juice

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup butter melted

1 egg

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread blackberries in ungreased favorite cobbler dish. Mix sugar, except for I teaspoon, with cornstarch and lemon juice. Drizzle cornstarch mixture over blackberries and stir gently. Mix flour, baking powder and salt in separate bowl. Stir in milk, butter and egg. Spread batter evenly over blackberries and seal edges. Sprinkle with remaining sugar Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden brown . Let stand about 10 minutes before serving.

This is best served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream melting around it.

9. Conecuh Ridge Alabama Firewhiskey is the official state spirit. I could have used a shot of this when I lost this whole post and had to start over yesterday. And I think it would go well with the blackberry cobbler.

Travel Girl must have liked it. Scroll down to "Wednesday, May 10, 2006" to see what she said about Alabama, but her whole journal is pretty good reading.

10. Black Bear is the official state mammal. Yeah, I see a lot of these in Alabama.

11. Peach is the official state tree fruit. One recipe is all you get per post, but when the fresh peaches come in, I will provide. Mmmmm.

12. Fighting Tarpon is the official state saltwater fish. Travel girl mentioned this along with the Firewhiskey, so I guess they go together good also.

13. Camellia is the official state flower. You have already seen my favorite, and the Camellia show at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is coming up, I will let you know when.

And you know, when I was entering grade school, the Goldenrod was the state flower. Then the powers that be named this non-native shrub as the Alabama state flower. Go figure.

14. Hematite (red iron ore) is the official state mineral. Vulcan sits atop Red Mountain, named after this ore. Read the story of Vulcan at the Vulcan link.

But here’s something you don’t know. My great Aunt Rose Openshaw Johns Cannon (reputed to be the most beautiful girl in Birmingham) was at one time married to Col. Llewelyn Johns. Before she became his widow, he paid the freight to have Vulcan shipped back from St. Louis to Birmingham after the World’s Fair. That is my Vulcan connection.

15. Marble is the official state rock. This sculpture of the Head of Christ by Giuseppe Moretti who also sculpted Vulcan, is carved from Alabama marble. Many of you have seen this sculpture, either in Montgomery or here in Birmingham when it was part of the Vulcan exhibit.

16. Racking Horse is the official state horse. The Racking Horse Celebration in Priceville is a big deal. Racking Horses

17. Largemouth Bass is the official state freshwater fish. There is some question about fees paid as part of the bond issue that is bringing Bass Pro Shop to Leeds. Gee, Bessemer is not the only city that has questionable bond dealings.

18. Wild Turkey is the official state game bird. I really thought Wild Turkey was the state spirit.

19. Square Dance is the official state American Folk Dance. There used to be several Gay Square Dance Clubs in the state, like the Rocket City Rainbow Squares in Huntsville and a similar club in Birmingham. Are they still around?

20. Pecans are the official state nut. Again, only one recipe per blog, but Chef Julia May’s Pecan Cobbler is a favorite around here around Christmas.

21. Basilosaurus cetoides is the official state fossil. Believe it or not, this is a whale, and an entire fossilized skeleton was found on a plantation in south western Alabama in 1834. And always remember this, from our state archives site: "Fossil remains of the Basilosaurus cetoides may not be removed from the state without prior written approval of the governor".

22. The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is the official state mascot.


Did you know that the females also come in a dark or black form? The tiger stripes are still visible and here are some great pictures, be sure to look at the "golden form" picture link.

And don’t confuse them with the smaller but also black pipevine and spicebush swallowtails that we see around here.

23. The monarch butterfly is the official state butterfly. Monarchs migrate, and again, when I was little there was a tree at the “top of Vestaven Way” behind our house where these butterflies would congregate by the hundreds or thousands on their way to Mexico. Pretty neat, huh. Now, tell me how the butterflies with their tiny insect brains find their way.

Also notice this monarch butterfly is on a goldenrod, the former state flower. The monarch wouldn't be caught dead feeding from a camellia. And hey, Mr. Monarch, this might remind you that your title could be stripped at any time for the younger, more hip butterfly.

24. The Alabama Redbellied Turtle is the official state reptile. This picture was taken by my professor, Dr. Mount. 25. The Star Blue Quartz is the state gemstone.
26. Scaphella junonia johnstoneae is the state shell.


27. The Demopolis Christmas on the River Tournament is the official state barbecue championship. Read about it

28. Stockton Fall Horseshoe Tournament is the official state horseshoe tournament. I don't believe this tournment still takes place. If anyone knows differently let me know. Really, all you need is a few guys and girls and some horseshoes and posts and this tourney could be revived!

29. Alabama Theater for the Performing Arts is the official State Historic Theater. If anyone missed this question I am embarassed for you. Oh, on the website, you will notice Gordon Lightfoot is coming in February.

30. The Pine Burr Quilt is the official state quilt.
Here are instructions for how to make the quilt. Let me know if you make one. I will buy it from you. Look at the picture on the instructions to see the full quilt. Beautiful.

Just a Few News Shorts

This will be a week of light blogging. Shoot, just when Bessemer Opinions (# 8) reaches it's highest rating I have to slow down.

Oh well, just headlines today.

In Bessemer news, from the Birmingham Business Journal, former revenue director Ryan Rancher has been charged with fraud and theft. Seems there is a lot of that going on around Bessemer.

From the Des Moines Register, an endorsement for Hillary Clinton.

I'm sure you know that by now. Also, Ann Lewis was here at a reception in Mountain Brook for Hillary, well atttended. Read in The Birmingham News.

And if you just want to poke fun at dubya, go here to see the latest talking action figure.

More Support for Clinton, and a Busy December Day

I should have remembered, because I wrote these predictions in September:

Prediction # 2. Alan Keyes has filed papers and announced he is running for President.

Remember Alan, he's the guy who called Mary Cheney a selfish hodonist.

Actually he didn't say that, he just agreed when asked the question by Michelangelo Signorile.

Mike Signorile: "So Mary Cheney is a selfish hedonist, is that it?"

Alan Keyes: "Of course she is. That goes by definition. Of course she is."

Anyway, back to the prediction. Alan Keyes will not win the presidency.

But I was sure surprised to hear Keyes' voice during the republican debate yesterday. I admit, I didn't listen to more than 15 minutes of it while driving home and then fixing my lunch, but I did see Keyes standing up on the stage with the rest of the stooges.

I still stand by that prediction: Alan Keyes will not win the presidency.

ButI learned long ago not to make bold predictions on politics or Auburn football, because one can never be sure how an election or a game against Georgia (or Mississippi State) will turn out.

But the article in the Birmingham News by Phillip Rawls today (for which there is no link at this moment) about Ron Sparks joining the Hillary Campaign makes me think that Clinton could do much better in the south, including Alabama, than people think.

While Lucy Baxley had her comments about Hillary used against her as being "too liberal for Alabama," Sparks is being pragmatic in endorsing Clinton with the hopes that after she is elected she will work with him (as commissioner of Agriculture) and the people of Alabama. He says he feels a connection with Senator Clinton, but has had the opposite reaction from the president and his agriculture secretary. "I've seen no respect," Sparks says.

There is no question that Sparks has been one of the most effective and most influential commissioners of agriculture our state has had, and this carries over to national recognition as he will become president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture in June 2008.

Maybe I will meet Ron Sparks this weekend, as we will be attending a private reception with Ann Lewis (former White House Communications Director and Senior Advisor to Hillary Clinton for President), in support of Hillary. Ann Lewis has a long list of credentials and accomplishements, summed up here (wiki). She also happens to be the sister of U. S. Congressman Barney Frank. It promises to be an interesting afternoon.

Hillary could surprise a lot of people in this state, because as it becomes more apparent that her leadership, experience and knowledge are what is needed to return America to it's position of leadership in the world, and to move our country forward on the issues that are important to us, then more Alabamians will fill in the little circle by her name (and in District 7, by my name as well, as a delegate to the convention) in February...and again in November.

Saturday will be a busy day, though, as we have three more events that evening: a Christmas Around the World party, a party congratulating a friend who is receiving his PhD from UAB in Public Health, and the Bessemer Historical Homeowner's Association Christmas Party at Hillcrest Manor. Here is more about the home from the BHHA site.

And for today...my last final exam for this semester!!!

Oprah and Obama, and some Hillary and Huckabee

The Golden Compass topped the movie list for the weekend, although not earning as much as the makers of the film hoped for. 26 million in the U S and 55 million in other countries is nothing to sneeze at, however. Parents with children accounted for half of the film's audience, so New Line is counting on family crowds that flock to theaters over the holidays to keep the movie afloat, a studio executive said. Has anyone reading this seen the movie?


If only Oprah were running for president. Then the crowds that are filling auditoriums in Iowa and stadiums in South Carolina might mean something.

Oh sure, there will be some who come to see Oprah that might remember that one of her "favorite things" is running for president, and he is "the reason for the (election) season".

Of course maybe some who come to see her, uh, him, are not that interested in politics anyway, but after listening to Oprah they might get "engaged" and turn out to vote or caucus, so Obama probably will get a few votes from Oprah followers.

But Oprah's experience with crowds and with influencing people do not make up for Obama's lack of experience in global politics and foreign policy. Hillary Clinton wins that issue hands down, and when it comes down to it, voters should realize the importance of having a president that can play on the world stage. And of course Clinton has her own superstar campaign aide that can draw even bigger crowds than Oprah. Bill!?

Obama's lack of experience is no where near republican Mike Huckabee's however. His lack of awareness regarding the National Intelligence Estimate that was released last week for over 24 hours reveals that he just isn't on top of things like a president should be. What a disaster a a president Huckabee would be.

And Huckabee's comments about AIDS 15 years ago, when it was certainly known that HIV was not spread by casual contact shows that he either was not up to date on the current knowledge of AIDS and HIV then, or he was playing to the homophobic and hateful religious right of 1992. He advocated quarantine for those infected with the HIV virus. Listening to his explanation of his comments yesterday, I guess he still plays to the homophobic crowd, but after all he is a Southern Baptist preacher.

So since someone made a (probably sarcastic) comment about the pictures of flowers I sometimes put on here, I will share some more. Camellias are in bloom, and I am waiting on one to bloom that we trimmed back severely a couple of years ago that usually blooms right around Christmas, and is just now about to bloom again. Until then, we enjoy this one on the other side of the house.







Here's a picture of the flower...really brightening up the Christmas season with some natural outdoor color.

New Uses for Cat Poop! And More

Now that our government has told us how to dispose of old medicines ,
we all must have a cat. Mix your old Vicodin with cat poop, they say, and dispose of it. Druggies would never sift through cat poop to find pills. Dont' be too sure...have you smelled a meth lab? And aren't these the same guys that smoke mushrooms collected from cow poop? (No pictures with this story).

From Bessemer...a progressive ordinance was passed as the council last night banned smoking in public places including restuarants. Some say this is not a sign of progress, but I say that which promotes public health is progress. However...still no passage of a water bond. More on the council meeting tomorrow.

And from the Clinton campaign:

11/6/2007
Alabama Leaders Endorse Clinton
The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsements of seven Alabama community leaders from across the state.
“Hillary is ready to lead on her first day in the White House and immediately begin delivering the change this country needs,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Ron Sparks.
“Hillary is passionate about helping people, it's at the root of who she is,” said Jefferson County Commissioner Shelia Smoot. “She doesn't change with the wind, she’s always working on our behalf to make a difference. America will be a better place with Hillary as our President.”
“I am grateful for the overwhelming support I’ve received in Alabama,” Clinton said. “With the help of these local leaders, we’ll take our message of change across the state and this nation.”
ALABAMA LEADERS ENDORSING HILLARY (YESTERDAY):
Commissioner of Agriculture Ron Sparks
Public Service Commissioner Susan Parker
Jefferson County Commissioner Shelia Smoot
State Senator Linda Coleman
State Senator E.B. McClain
State Representative Priscilla Dunn
State Representative Alvin Holmes
Bessemer Opinions Joe Openshaw (actually I just added that one).

My bid to become a delegate is going to be tough. There are 7 delegates to be elected from this district (congressional district 7), 3 males and 4 females, and well known public figures have already qualified. Here's a list of candidates...my name is not on the list yet, but my form is on the way. However, a number of delegates will be added after the election, and Hillary (when she wins) will have some say in that...and word is they have inquired about gay or lesbian delegates, as the democratic party seeks to be inclusive. So if I can't get more votes than Earl Hilliard, Gover Dunn and E. B. McLain, I may still be able to become a delegate. It is an interesting process.

Consider this an Announcement

I will be a candidate for delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. And I am pledging my support for Hillary Clinton.

Hillary Clinton for President

Hillary News at Hillary Hub

Now...I have not turned in the required form yet...just as several candidates for president that we know are running have not turned in their forms to get their names on our ballot yet either. Heck, Hillary is just today turning in her papers to run in New Hampshire. But I will do that in the next week or so.

Some of you may have thought I would support another candidate, and I did consider several of the well qualified Democrats. But as time has gone on, I realize that Senator Clinton is the most rounded with the most experience in both domestic issues and international issues. Hillary will be able to (quickly) restore the respect that the U. S. has lost around the world during the Bush administration, and this is critical both for succesful security and economic growth.

During the debate the other night, as fellow democrats attacked her as if she were the Republican nominee, I confirmed that I could not support democrats who spoke in such a way about the likely candidate. As Bill Richardson said, those kinds of words can hurt the party and hurt the democrat's chances of winning in 2008.

As president, Hillary Clinton will work to strenghen the middle class, take on issues like energy independence and global warming, work to provide affordible and accesible health care, and very important, she would begin to bring an end to the war in Iraq.

From her web site: Her three-step plan would bring our troops home, work to bring stability to the region, and replace military force with a new diplomatic initiative to engage countries around the world in securing Iraq's future. Hillary has been fighting every day in the Senate to force the president to change course. And today she described how she would bring the war to an end. For details, see Hillary on Iraq.

Gee, I wonder if the endorsement of Bessemer Opinions will be added to the long list of endorsements she already has listed.

And don't worry, this blog will not become a Hillary every day blog. I will still be monitoring the news (and newspapers) in Bessemer. Go Tigers (Jess Lanier...and Auburn!)

Hillary News, and a Little Bessemer History

Has your attitude about Hillary Clinton changed? The Boston Globe has a story titled Many Warming Unexpectedly to Clinton . You might have to register with the Boston Globe site to read this.

The story is about voters in New Hampshire, but the theme holds true in Alabama as well, as polls show she is increasing her lead among democratic voters here as well. A poll in September showed that 45% of primary voters in Alabama would choose Hillary up quite a bit from previous polls.

I am sure that there are some moderate republican voters whose attitude toward Mrs. Clinton have changed as well, and while they will not be voting in democatic primaries, some will vote for her if she is the candidate, in November 08.

I love it when republicans get what they wish for. For years they have been dreaming for a Hillary Clinton candidacy, thinking she would be a cinch to beat. Now she is growing stronger and it looks like their wish will be granted.

I want to hear from people who have changed their views on Hillary. If you previously said you would never vote for her, but now think you will, let me know. You can be anonymous, just click the anonymous button on the comments page.

In other election news, VOTE today in Birmingham. You know my recommendations, if not scroll down.





Our house was recently added to the Jefferson County Historical register, as the Lewis - Huey - McElroy House.













Do not confuse this with Huey Lewis and the News, still making music.






Colonel Thomas T. Huey, a Spanish-American War veteran, was mayor of Bessemer when he moved into the house built by George Lewis in 1895. Here he is with zinnias near the pergola in the back that still has antique roses from his era growing on it.











About 70 years later, Dr. T. R. McElroy bought the house, where he lived until 2000. He continued the gardening, hybridizing and displaying daylilies, and adding roses and camellias and azaleas.












The Lewis - Huey - McElroy House, ca. 1895.