Tribune and Republicans Shake It Up

The Republican presidential candidates duked it out again last night, this time on Fox. But even Chris Wallace and Brit Hume could not steer this debate in a direction that made the candidates look strong.

Most interesting was Ron Paul’s assertion that U. S. policy resulted in the attacks on 9-11, a charge that Rudy Guiliani strongly denied. Oddly enough, in Fox’s text message poll, Paul (25%) outpolls Guiliani (19%), trailing only Mitt Romney (29%). Could anti-war voters be influencing the republican polling? I sure hope so.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,272493,00.html

The Western Tribune hit the streets yesterday and today, and the early buzz is that it outshines the competition by far. The paper is crisp looking, with good use of color on the front page and throughout and with true news stories, including an exclusive about the Bessemer Airport Authority and the huge financial mess they are have been left with. One reader said they were going to have to adjust their schedule now, after spending a good bit of time reading this issue, as compared to the minute it took to flip through the old paper.

The editor, Dan DeLong, said “All newspapers – big and small – have a duty to act as the community’s mirror.” He understands that a newspaper not only has that obligation, but also that if it upholds its obligation, it can help to “improve everyone’s living condition,” he says. “Let me repeat, everyone’s living condition.”

A community is made up of all the people who live there, whether they are black, white or brown, young or old, gay or straight or of one faith or another (something the Birmingham City Council has suddenly realized). Other stakeholders in the community are business owners and their employees, and visitors. A paper that does not accept this and targets only one segment of the population becomes more of a “newsletter” rather than a “newspaper.” DeLong assures us this will not happen. “You can take it to the bank,” he says.

And where else will you find a recipe for squab, or pigeons, that even describes how to make the local birds tender for consumption by marinating. No one should go hungry in Bessemer, and I look forward to Chef Bouffon's next contribution. I will be glad to email the recipe to anyone who does not have access to the paper. Soon I hope the paper will be online.




Daylilies are beginning to bloom, and the rain this morning has beat these down a little. I don't expect the flourish of blooms I had last year because we dug up most of the plants and divided them. There must be over 20 varieties.

Birmingham Takes a Giant Step

The Birmingham City Council just passed a resolution of tolerance similar to the one defeated just weeks ago. This resolution promotes tolerance and respect for all residents and visitors, and condemns racism, bigotry, homophobia and other forms of discrimination, and encourages Birmingham to embrace diversity.

"Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama and it is an important part of us changing the hearts and minds of the people of this state, " said Howard Bayless Board Chair of Equality Alabama. He went on to say, "Today is an important day for the LGBT community. Today is the day we can look to and say now we have a place here. We have a place in Alabama that we are WELCOMED."

This is one spot in Alabama where progress is being made, and the work of Howard and Councilwoman Abbott and the many bloggers and email writers and others who made this possible are certainly appreciated.

Just on the heels of this we learned that Jerry Falwell has died. Falwell has been a voice for intolerance and homophobia, and lets hope that his message of bigotry and hatred dies with him. My condolences to his family.

Another Bush Casualty

Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty is stepping down; making him the highest ranked Bush administration casualty in the U. S. attorney’s firing case. He will remain until late summer. He will join Kyle Sampson and Monica Goodling as justice department officials who have resigned as the controversy continues. And the ring leader, Alberto Gonzales, remains with the full support of Bush. Will that support fade after Gonzales turns over his emails today?

Paul Wolfowitz is getting closer to getting the boot. A World Bank committee made up of board members called on the full board to make a decision on Wolfowitz’s fate. My prediction at the first of the month was that he would be gone by May 22, so we are still on track.

Unrelated (I hope), Eric Rudolph is taunting his victims by having his essays posted on the Army of God web site. Rudolph and his Army of God connections prove that Radical Christian Fundamentalism exists. Donald Spitz, who maintains the web site has railed against abortion providers and their staffs, gays and lesbians (using not so nice words), and Muslims, among others. Rudolph brings Jesus in to the equation by arguing that he (Jesus) would condone “militant action in defense of the innocent.”


And shame on The Birmingham News using a picture of Rudolph that looks like it came out of Entertainment Magazine. The attractive, mysterious image on page 1B should be replaced by a mug shot photo. I won't promote Rudolph by reproducing his picture here.

Anyway, yes, Jesus was radical. But Jesus was radical in his love for all, and he even told us to love our enemies. He promoted tolerance and acceptance, not “militant action”. Radical Christians are Christian in name only, and don’t represent true Christianity, anymore than radical Islamic fundamentalists represent the true Muslim religion.

Let’s see if tolerance and acceptance is promoted in Birmingham today.

Pomegranates grow on large shrubs and these are the flowers that will later produce fruit. These shrubs were already here when we moved to this house.

Foxgloves are another traditional flower that I am trying to establish around the house. I doubt they will ever be as striking as the foxgloves at my neighbor Jane's house.

Big Week for Bessemer and for Birmingham

This is the big week for The Western Tribune, as the premier issue is published this week. You can call Nancy at 425-7171 and she will be glad to enter your subscription.

The Tribune is the only locally owned and operated weekly newspaper in the area, so they have a vested interest in printing accurate and relevant news for Western Jefferson County, and their policy is to put news coverage before anything else.

Biormingham has a chance to redeem itself Tuesday, May 15 as the Resolution for Inclusion is re-introduced at the council meeting at 9:30. Join Equality Alabama and others to witness this critical vote, or read about it later right here.

This is my first attempt at growing Hollyhocks. People tell me they remind them of their grandmother's gardens, so I guess they are appropriate for a historical home.

This hydrangea is new, in fact, it isn't even in the ground yet. I went to the hydrangea sale at Aldridge Gardens and purchased four of these to put in an area close to the fence in the back. There is already a hydrangea garden between the house and the fence on the side of the house toward the street, but those aren't quite in bloom yet.

Hatred in Alabama, from a Trailer in Bay Minette to Goat Hill

I know I live in Alabama. I know I live right on the buckle (of the bible belt). But really, how disgusting was it, to re-hear the details on the radio, and re-read them in the paper, of another horrific murder of a man because he was gay, and on the very same day, have our state house of representatives fail to pass a hate crimes bill that includes sexual orientation.

Christopher Gaines had already pled guilty to the murder of 18 year old Scotty Joe Weaver of Bay Minette in 2004, after his girl friend and accomplice gave him up. Those two recruited another man who they knew hated gays, to help them. But Chris is the one that tightened the rope around Scotty's neck, as Scotty, in vain, cried, "Chris, please stop." Then they beat him. That is before Chris and his two friends carried the body away and set fire to it. Oh yeah, as reported on the radio, after urinating on it. Because Scotty was gay. But in Alabama that is not a hate crime.

Billy Jack Gaither was 39 years old when he was bludgeoned to death in 1999 in Coosa County, because he was homosexual. His body was set on fire too. Why do they burn them? To burn away their own sin? I went to Billy Jacks memorial service at Covenant Metropolitan Community Church that year, and it was standing room only. Across the street was Fred Phelps, the Baptist preacher known for his "God Hates Fags" web site and his followers, including small children, with degrading signs about Billy Jack and all homosexuals. In Alabama killing and burning Billy Jack because he was gay is not a hate crime, however, hatred, as displayed by the Baptist preacher Fred Phelps, is protected.

There have been other people murdered in our state because they are gay. But our legislature continues to ignore this, saying it is OK to act on your hatred. Oh I know murder is murder and its already against the law to kill, why single out this group to protect, etc. Well if that is true, shouldn't we just do away with the current laws that includes people based on race, color, religion and national origin, which is what Alabama's 1994 hate crime law says? I say "No."

Here are the Birmingham area legislators who voted no: G. Canfield of Vestavia Hills, P. DeMarco of Homewood, O. Drake of Leeds, B. Galliher of Gadsden, J. McClendon of Springville, M. S. McClurkin of Indian Springs, P. Moore of Pleasant Grove, A. Payne of Birmingham, E. Thomas of Oneonta, A. Treadaway of Morris, C. Ward of Alabaster, J. Williams of Homewood, and R. Wood of Anniston. If one of these people represents you, you need to call them and let them know that they missed an opportunity to make something positive come from the murders of Scotty Joe Weaver and Billy Jack Gaither. If you live outside of the Birmingham area, find out how your representative voted and let them know how you feel about it.

Those who are reading this may not be gay. But you might have a son or daughter, or brother or sister, or cousin or other relative who is. Whether you know it or not, chances are that you have a gay relative. And there still are a number of people who hate gays; such talk is heard everyday from pro basketball players to rappers to certain Baptist preachers and to those we elect to serve us. A very few carry their hatred to extreme, sometimes influenced by alcohol, resulting in violence. Others exhibit their hatred in more subtle ways such as by pushing a button while voting on a piece of legislation.

All of those listed above who voted no are republicans (no surprise). All the "yes" votes in our area came from democrats. They are: M. Coleman of Midfield, P. Dunn of Bessemer, E. Hilliard of Birmingham, M. Moore of Birmingham, D. Newton of Birmingham, O. Robinson of Birmingham, J. Rogers of Birmingham, R. Scott of Birmingham, and P. Todd of Birmingham. Let these representatives know you appreciate their efforts.

Lum Weaver, Scotty Joe's older brother, who is also gay, said "They think this is going to drive us away, but it only makes us stronger" when talking about the murder and a previous attempt to strengthen the Alabama hate crimes law. That is true, and this year more representatives voted for the change than ever before. The fight will go on, in the chambers of the Birmingham City Council (and possibly in Bessemer, stay tuned), on Goat Hill and on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Tell the Whole Story, Dale

I posed the question “Who will be next?” to leave in the Bush administration and now we know: Tony Blair, announcing today that he is stepping down as Prime Minister. I have to admit, I’m not sad to see Bush’s lap dog go.

And in Bessemer, we have someone ready to make a run at replacing Tony Snow as President Bush’s press secretary if such an opportunity arises. Dale Jones, the editor of The Western Star, has once again misrepresented the truth regarding the war in Iraq as to leave no doubt that he could handle the job. Remember early this year he made the assertion that every person who has served would “return to Iraq in a second” while we all know of such veterans who have denounced the war and are working to get us out of Iraq.

This week, in his weekly editorial titled “Our Fight is against Al-Qaeda, not Iraq” Jones once again shows his willingness to twist the truth to fit his message, much as the White House does through its press secretary. He says:

Al-Qaeda was formed in or around 1988, twelve years before Bush went into office.

Ollie North testified before (the) Senate. He told Senator Al Gore that Osama bin Laden, the force behind Al-Qaeda, was the one man that he was most afraid of.

We’ve had opportunities before Bush to make a difference, but our “leaders” seemed too busy dealing with interns in the oval office.

Let’s remember, that twelve years before Bush went into office, when Jones says Al-Qaeda was formed (1988), Ronald Reagan was president (1981 – 1989) and during the next four years while Al-Qaeda was gaining strength, daddy Bush was president. And let’s not forget where Osama bin Laden got his inspiration.


When the marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, were destroyed by a suicide bomber in 1983, killing 241 American servicemen, Reagan was president, and did he retaliate? No. After initially pledging to keep a military force in Lebanon, he quickly changed his plans and withdrew. We did nothing to retaliate. Cutting and running, we were unable to get out of there fast enough. The success of that attack led to a sharp increase in suicide bombings across the world, and such bombings were later adopted by Al-Qaeda as an often used tactic. Bin Laden himself has indicated that the bombing in Beirut and the U. S. unwillingness to respond was inspiration for him.

So don’t blame the Clinton administration for the rise of Al-Qaeda. Jones is right, we have had opportunities before Bush to make a difference, in fact, Al-Qaeda might never have come into existence if Reagan had stood up to the terrorists in 1983. Tell the whole story, Dale.

And some roses.




The fence surrounding the back of our property is covered in vines and shadowed by trees, but as we have begun to clear it off, surprises have been revealed. These roses are two of several that remain, that the former owner must have had covering the fence decades ago. If we can get more sunlight onto the fence area by trimming some scrubby trees back, I’m hoping the roses will flourish once again.

Bessemer Shines, Alabama House Bill 482 Does Not

Great news for Bessemer. As expected, U. S. Pipe is announcing today to build their new plant here. Robert Gordon reports that the plant will bring $23.7 million to the economy of the city. Myla Choy, a U. S. Pipe attorney said, “This is very much in line with everything going on in Bessemer. This is one piece of the Bessemer rebirth story.”

Building permits and fees alone will generate $450,000 for the city on the $45 million project. Ray Torok, company president, says, “This is a statement of commitment by U. S. Pipe to the Bessemer Community. No one is going to wake up one morning and worry that U. S. Pipe is leaving Bessemer, and in this day and age, that is no small gift.” Neither is the $116 million total annual economic impact that U. S. Pipe, with its current plant and the new one will generate for the city once it opens.

For Bessemer, named in 2002 on the Woodrow Wilson International Scholar’s dead cities list, the resurrection continues.


Stop House Bill 482

Today the Alabama House Education Policy Committee will take up HB482, the Christian heritage bill. This piece of legislation would designate the first scholastic week in November each year as Christian Heritage Week in public K-12 schools and would require daily instruction during that week on the influence of Christianity on the history and heritage of the United States. House Bill 482 singles out the influence that the Christian religion has had on our history and heritage. This is a promotion and endorsement of a particular religious belief in violation the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and numerous Supreme Court decisions, including Lemon v. Kurtzman.

The bill’s authors have made a number of findings in support of a HB 482 that are extremely misleading. For example, the Christian heritage bill states that the U.S. Supreme Court in Holy Trinity Church v. Unites States determined that the U.S. was a Christian nation. Their interpretation of this ruling is wrong. Although the court expressed its support of religious freedom when writing the opinion, the ruling is not about the First Amendment at all. Holy Trinity is a case about the importation of foreign laborers.

There are other misleading statements in their support for this bill. Email me for more information. The House Education Policy Committee should reject House Bill 482. It’s unconstitutional, and will likely lead the state into costly litigation if adopted. Public schools should seek to create an environment conducive to learning by all students and not advocate religious or anti-religious beliefs.

I am all for religious instruction and training of children in religious tradition and heritage. At home. At church. Not in our public schools.