Katherine Robertson: Reflections on freedom as Independence Day approaches
Raised to love my country and our flag, and because it’s reserved for time with my family, the Fourth of July is a day that I look forward to from the very first signs of summer. For me, at least, I sense that this year will somewhat bittersweet. When we celebrate America’s independence, we necessarily celebrate freedom — unprecedented and unmatched by any other nation. For the first time in my life, I fear that my own freedom might actually be at stake. As the left tirelessly labels as hateful anyone expressing the slightest disappointment over the Court’s ruling on marriage, any objective constitutional scholar has to admit that this decision goes well beyond the simple act of requiring that marriage licenses be issued to any couple who seeks them. Rather, it tips the scales of justice against one of our nation’s foremost freedoms: the free exercise of religion. As you have likely read and heard numerous times over the weekend, the court has designated the right to marry as one that is “fundamental.” Assigning that status to same-sex marriage places it on equal footing with the free exercise of religion, a freedom enumerated in the First Amendment. Such a designation for same-sex marriage has vast implications, of course, for anyone with a religious objection to it. Precedent dictates that government action may limit a fundamental right if the action promotes a compelling or overriding state interest. Sadly, the court made no effort in last week’s decision to assure the protection of religious liberty in the face of this new state interest in same-sex marriage. The majority writes, “[m]any who deem same-sex marriage to be wrong reach that conclusion based on decent and honorable religious or philosophical premises, and neither they nor their beliefs are disparaged here. But (emphasis mine) when that sincere, personal opposition becomes enacted law and public policy, the necessary consequence is to put the imprimatur of the State itself on an exclusion that soon demeans or stigmatizes those whose own liberty is then denied.” In other words, if exercising your First Amendment rights, including that of religion, is interpreted as demeaning the fundamental right to a same-sex marriage, then your religious right will be deemed inferior. To that end, Justice Samuel Alito did not mince words: “[The decision] will be used to vilify Americans who are unwilling to assent to the new orthodoxy. In the courts of its opinion, the majority compares traditional marriage laws to laws that denied equal treatment for African-Americans and women. The implications of this analogy will be exploited by those who are determined to stamp out every vestige of dissent.” Justice Clarence Thomas similarly opined, “[i]t appears all but inevitable that the two [rights] will come into conflict, particularly as individuals and churches are confronted with demands to participate in and endorse [same-sex marriages]. The majority appears unmoved by that inevitably.” This new, very real threat to our previously taken-for-granted freedoms will have one of two effects on those who revere the First Amendment. Some may decide that the current is just too strong, the left’s talking points too convincing, and that a strict adherence to the Constitution or our own religious beliefs is no longer feasible. On the other hand, and hopefully more likely, others will awaken from complacency. They will choose to be more intentional about who they allow to influence their stances, more confident in their convictions, and more thoughtful in how they go about expressing them. As renowned legal scholar, Judge Robert Bork, wrote in 1993, “[i]n our current culture wars, perhaps the most important of the virtues for conservatives is fortitude — the courage to take stands that are not immediately popular, the courage to ignore the opinion polls. Otherwise, we will never change the polls. That is what true conservatism means, or it means nothing.” This Independence Day, let’s reflect on the fortitude of the generations before us who fought for our freedoms and refuse to be the apathetic generation that lets them slip away. Katherine Robertson is vice president for the Alabama Policy Institute (API), a nonprofit research and education organization dedicated to the preservation of free markets, limited government and strong families.
Despite SCOTUS ruling, some Alabama counties give gay marriage licenses, others refuse
Nearly one-third of Alabama counties on Monday were not issuing marriage licenses to gay couples, or had shut down marriage license operations altogether, despite Friday’s landmark U.S Supreme Court ruling that same-sex couples have a fundamental right to marry. An Associated Press telephone survey of counties on Monday found that at least 32 of the state’s 67 counties were issuing the licenses to gay couples. However, at least 22 counties were not issuing the licenses, with many of those shutting down marriage license operations altogether as probate judges said they needed time to sort out the ruling. Rep. Patricia Todd, the state’s only openly gay lawmaker and the head of the Human Rights Campaign-Alabama, said the probate judges need to accept that the issue was settled with the U.S Supreme Court ruling that made gay marriage the law of the land. “It’s perplexing to me that they are not able to do their job,” Todd said. “Unfortunately, I think it’s probably going to continue until one gets sued and thousands of taxpayer dollars are spent on a lawsuit they are going to lose.” In March, in response to a request from two conservative groups, the Alabama Supreme Court ordered probate judges not to issue licenses to gay couples. On Monday, the court issued an order that noted a 25-day rehearing period for the landmark marriage ruling and asked the judges and the conservative groups to file motions “addressing the effect of the Supreme Court’s decision” on the March injunction by July 6. At least two probate judges pointed to the order from the state’s highest court to explain why they were not issuing same-sex marriage licenses. Randolph County Probate Judge George Diamond said he is waiting for the end of a 25-day appeal period before he begins issuing same-sex marriage licenses. Diamond said the county could begin sooner if it receives a directive from the state’s high court. “Right now my attorneys are telling us to hold off and see what this appeal is,” he said. Marion County Probate Judge Rocky Ridings said the county is not issuing same-sex marriage licenses after receiving the Alabama Supreme Court’s order. Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, who recused himself from the Alabama marriage case because of his past statements, did not participate in Monday’s order. He did issue a separate statement, however, saying that “in no way does the order instruct probate judges of this State as to whether or not they should comply with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling.” Susan Watson, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, said probate judges could face court sanctions if they issue marriage licenses to heterosexual couples but refuse to give them to gay couples. “There is no justification for delaying or obstructing the clear message of the Supreme Court of the United States — marriage equality must begin in Alabama, and probate judges who stand in the way of that legal imperative risk exposing themselves to legal consequences,” Human Rights Campaign Legal Director Sarah Warbelow said in a prepared statement. Some counties began granting the licenses to gay couples on Friday. More counties followed suit Monday after the Association of County Commissions of Alabama sent a memo advising probate judges to follow the U.S. Supreme Court ruling. “We are going to issue a license to every couple that qualifies under the law,” Monroe County Probate Judge Greg Norris said. “We’re going to follow the law.” Shelby County began issuing same-sex marriage licenses on Monday, after delaying on Friday so that Probate Judge James Fuhrmeister could review the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision. The delays won praise from some same-sex-marriage opponents. “Thank God that we have probate judges who stand for that which is right to keep their counties out of the principle of marrying that which God says cannot be married,” John Killian, pastor at Maytown Baptist Church, told a news conference in front of the Alabama Supreme Court building. State law says that probate judges “may” issue marriage licenses, meaning they aren’t required to issue them. Several judges have cited that provision as they ponder what to do. “I expect, in those counties, voters will get tired of having to drive to other counties to get marriage licenses,” Watson said. “That’s just ridiculous. It’s a hassle for everyone.” Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
NBC dumps Donald Trump over Mexican immigrant remarks
Presidential candidate Donald Trump, a part-time Palm Beach resident, is getting serious backlash over comments about Mexican immigrants in his campaign announcement speech. NBC is severing ties to the outspoken celebrity business mogul, and will not air the partially Trump-owned Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants. Trump fired back with a statement accusing NBC of giving in to political correctness and being “weak and foolish.” The network is willing to “stand behind lying Brian Williams,’ Trump said, “but won’t stand behind people that tell it like it is.” Spanish-language channel Univision also severed ties will Trump last week, saying it won’t air the pageants because of his comments. Trump then barred Univision execs from his Doral golf course. In his June 16 announcement, Trump said Mexican immigrants were “bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re rapists, and some, I assume, are good people.” He also supports building a wall along the southern border of the U.S., forcing Mexico to pay for it – a suggestion the Mexican government calls “biased and absurd.” Trump doubled down on his comments in a statement Monday. “As of today, Donald J. Trump is no longer affiliated with NBC. Mr. Trump stands by his statements on illegal immigration, which are accurate. NBC is weak, and like everybody else is trying to be politically correct — that is why our country is in serious trouble. “We must have strong borders and not let illegal immigrants enter the United States. As has been stated continuously in the press, people are pouring across our borders unabated. Public reports routinely state great amounts of crime are being committed by illegal immigrants. This must be stopped and it must be stopped now. Long ago I told NBC that I would not being doing The Apprentice because I am running for President in order to Make our Country Great Again. “If NBC is so weak and so foolish to not understand the serious illegal immigration problem in the United States, coupled with the horrendous and unfair trade deals we are making with Mexico, then their contract violating closure of Miss Universe/Miss USA will be determined in court. “Furthermore, they will stand behind lying Brian Williams, but won’t stand behind people that tell it like it is, as unpleasant as that may be.”
U.S. Supreme Court rejects president’s attempt to limit power plants
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday against the Obama administration’s attempt to limit power plant emissions of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants, but it may only be a temporary setback for regulators. The justices split 5-4 along ideological lines to rule that the Environmental Protection Agency did not properly take costs into account when it first decided to regulate the toxic emissions from coal- and oil-fired plants. The EPA did factor in costs at a later stage, when it wrote standards that are expected to reduce the toxic emissions by 90 percent. But the court said that was too late. The rules, which took effect in April, will remain in place while the case goes back to a lower court for the EPA to decide how to account for costs, environmental advocates say. They were supposed to be fully in place next year. At issue was whether health risks are the only consideration under the Clean Air Act. The challenge was brought by industry groups and 21 Republican-led states, which argued that the regulations were too costly for coal miners, businesses and consumers. Writing for the court, Justice Antonin Scalia said the EPA was unreasonable in refusing to consider costs at the outset. “The agency must consider cost – including, most importantly, cost of compliance – before deciding whether regulation is appropriate and necessary,” Scalia said. In dissent, Justice Elena Kagan said it was enough for the EPA to consider costs later in the process. “Over more than a decade, EPA took costs into account at multiple stages and through multiple means as it set emissions limits for power plants,” Kagan said. She was joined by the court’s liberal members. The EPA said it is reviewing the court’s decision and will determine any appropriate next steps once a review is completed. “EPA is disappointed that the Supreme Court did not uphold the rule, but this rule was issued more than three years ago, investments have been made and most plants are already well on their way to compliance,” EPA spokeswoman Melissa Harrison said. Indeed, more than 70 percent of power plants already have installed controls to comply with the rules, said Vicki Patton, an attorney at the advocacy group Environmental Defense Fund. “EPA already has an economic analysis that it can rely on to demonstrate that the public health benefits of the standards far outweigh the costs,” Patton said. The case is the latest in a string of attacks against the administration’s actions to use the Clean Air Act to rein in pollution from coal-burning power plants. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky called the ruling “a cutting rebuke to the administration’s callous attitude.” He said it “serves as a critical reminder” to state governors, who are awaiting more EPA rules this summer aimed at curbing pollution from coal-fired power plants that is linked to global warming. States have already challenged those rules even before they are final, and Congress is working on a bill that would allow states to opt out of any rules clamping down on heat-trapping carbon dioxide. White House spokesman Josh Earnest called out McConnell for reprising his suggestion that governors should flout EPA regulations. He said McConnell was not advocating in the best interests of the American public. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, suggested that the high court ruling gives opponents an opening “to protect the jobs and energy that are still at risk under this administration.” In the case of the mercury rules, the costs of installing and operating equipment to remove the pollutants before they are dispersed into the air are hefty — $9.6 billion a year, the EPA found. But the benefits are much greater, $37 billion to $90 billion annually, the agency said. The savings stem from the prevention of up to 11,000 deaths, 4,700 nonfatal heart attacks and 540,000 lost days of work, the EPA said. Mercury accumulates in fish and is especially dangerous to pregnant or breastfeeding women, and young children, because of concern that too much could harm a developing brain. A disproportionate share of the 600 affected power plants, most of which burn coal, are in the South and upper Midwest. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Personnel note: Gov. Robert Bentley picks Will Edwards as Director of Appointment
Gov. Robert Bentley has tapped Will Edwards to be his Director of Appointments to replacing Lyndsey Stewart. Stewart reportedly has gone to work with Adam Robinett at Enrollment Advisors. Edwards was assistant director of appointments and scheduling before Stewart left. According to LinkedIn, he has been in that position since August 2014. Prior to that he worked two political campaigns, including Bentley’s re-election and Blake Edwards election to Florence City Council. For more information about the Appointments office visit its website.
Alabama business roundup: headlines from across the state
Here’s a roundup of some of the top business headlines from across the state you may have missed this weekend: AL.com: Auburn University’s FAA-approved flight school for drones to launch in July Auburn University’s FAA-authorized Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight School is expected to be ready for lift-off next month, according to Alabama Newscenter. Bill Hutto, director of the Auburn University Aviation Center, said the flight school for drones will begin offering classes to the public in July, according to the report. In April, the university announced the FAA’s approval of the project, which Alabama Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey called a “major win for the state.” The flight school will offer flight training outdoors as well as classroom instruction on safety and other topics. In addition, the training center will administer the written exam and flying test required by the FAA. In the future, Hutto said the university will offer courses more specialized in specfic fields, such as agriculture, law enforcement and other careers that may benefit from drone use. “This is an honor for Auburn University,” said Bill Hutto, director of the Auburn University Aviation Center. “We will conduct commercial flight training for operators of unmanned aircraft systems outdoors and untethered. We will have the ability to offer training courses at different locations here and around the state for Auburn students, faculty, members of other public agencies and the general public.” Alabama Newscenter: Coastal Alabama Business Chamber a global finalist The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber in Gulf Shores is one of three finalists for Chamber of the Year in the worldwide Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Thirty-three members were invited to apply for the prestigious honor based on metrics including finances, membership retention, objectives, staff size, population size and other key benchmarks. The other two cities that qualified are Lake Houston, Texas, and Vail, Colo. “We are beyond honored to be selected.” Ed Rodriguez, executive director of the CABC, said, “It shows that people are taking notice of our incredible members and their dedicated service to this community.” Rodriguez has served as the executive director of the chamber for four years. He is a fourth generation Floridian, and has always lived and worked in a coastal area, so when this job opened, it was a natural move. “There are so many similarities between my home at Amelia Island and here at Gulf Shores. Both are islands based on tourism economy, both have historic forts, and both have huge shrimp festivals! I love being here.” Rodriguez, 53, has led the small staff of six to one of the top honors in the profession. What is his secret? “We have a large volunteer base that serves our membership, literally hundreds of volunteers. I have never seen a similar group of people so dedicated to service and selfless giving,” he said. “They operate with the motto: ‘It is not about us. It is about our community.’ We had 500 volunteers during the Shrimp Festival and countless others for the Reef Foundation, Entrepreneur Academy, Education Foundation, Coastal Christmas Initiative, Merry Market Festival, and many other programs. We are literally changing lives and improving our economy right here on the Alabama Gulf Coast.” When asked what makes the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber different, Rodriguez smiles. “We have another motto we live by: ‘We are not your grandpa’s chamber!’ We have members with massive amounts of energy fueling our programs and activities,” he said. “They sacrifice so much, and every minute they give is a minute away from their business. Our chamber is a battleship full of people working together to make it all happen.” The ACCE Conference will be held in Montréal, Canada August 11-14. The top three finalists will be interviewed and asked to show more data and metrics, and then a winner will be named. Alabama Newscenter: It’s official: Hyundai signs four-year sponsorship deal with NFL Hyundai Motor Co. signed a four-year deal with the National Football League to become an official sponsor of the most-watched sports league in the U.S. The Seoul-based company will be able to use NFL trademarks and have access to major events, according to a joint statement from the NFL and Hyundai. Financial terms weren’t disclosed. The deal comes amid the Hyundai’s efforts to cut costs and reduce production as sales and profit declined after a stronger won and weaker yen undermined the company’s ability to compete against Japanese rivals. The carmaker is counting on the new NFL deal to boost market exposure in the U.S., which will ultimately lead to an increase in sales. As part of the new sponsorship, Hyundai will have use of NFL trademarks across various marketing channels, including branded content, advertising and promotional materials. The NFL has become a year-round sport and Hyundai will have access to some of the biggest events on the calendar, such as the Super Bowl, NFL Combine, NFL Draft, NFL Kickoff and NFL Playoffs. Hyundai will also provide promotional vehicles at the Super Bowl and other events throughout the year.“We are huge football fans at Hyundai and feel there is no better venue to reach consumers, increase consideration and tell the Hyundai brand story,” Dave Zuchowski, chief executive officer at Hyundai Motor America, said in the statement. “We can’t wait to show the NFL’s 188 million fans the great design, advanced technologies, dynamic performance and numerous safety features within theHyundai lineup.” “We are pleased to welcome Hyundai to our family of sponsors,” Renie Anderson, the NFL’s senior vice president of sponsorship, said in a release. “We appreciate Hyundai’s enthusiasm as we work together to reach our fans with innovative programs during our season and with our major calendar events throughout the year.” Hyundai will launch its activation with a major presence during NFL kickoff activities on Sept. 10. Hyundai’s sales in the U.S. rose 2.2 percent to 303,648 units in the first five months of this year, trailing the industry’s average growth of 4.5 percent, according to the company’s website data. Hyundai’s U.S. market share slipped to 4.3 percent this year through May from
Presidential primary brief: 498 days until Election Day
Welcome to the Monday presidential primary brief provided by Alabama Today. Every week you can find your latest headlines on the presidential primary races as we count down the days until Election Day. 245 days until AL Presidential Primary 498 days until Election Day Convention Dates: Republican July 18-21 2016, Democratic July 25-28 2016 Weekly Headlines: Bush leads in N.H. poll, Trump is second WSJ/NBC national poll shows Hillary Clinton crushing all rivals Bobby Jindal announces entry into 2016 presidential race Press Clips: Chris Christie Launches Campaign Website Three Days Before His Announcement (National Journal 6/27/15) If the trips to New Hampshire and leaked announcement invitations weren’t big enough clues, Chris Christie is in for 2016. Like several other campaigns this cycle, Christie’s team went for a digital-first approach ahead of a formal announcement: The New Jersey governor launched a campaign website Saturday, just three days before he’s expected to announce his White House bid from the gym of the Livingston high school where he graduated. He signaled the site’s launch in a series of tweets Saturday morning. New Poll: Bernie Sanders closing in on Hillary Clinton (The Blaze 6/26/15) With the progressive wind at his back, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is emerging as the most viable Democratic challenger, at least in New Hampshire, to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination. A WMUR/CNN poll released Thursday evening shows Sanders has narrowed the gap between him and Clinton from 21 percentage points to just 8 points in less than two months, for a Clinton lead of 43 percent to 35 percent. The poll was taken from 360 likely Democratic voters from June 18 to June 24. A year ago, Clinton trounced Sanders by 59 percent to 5 percent. 2016 candidates react to Supreme Court’s gay marriage ruling (NBC News 6/26/15) The Supreme Court’s landmark decision that all states must issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples prompted a flood of responses on Friday morning, including from those eyeing the White House in 2016. Reaction from the presidential hopefuls poured in almost immediately after the decision was announced. Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton tweeted just moments after the news broke that she’s proud to celebrate the “historic victory.” Here’s what climate hawk Martin O’Malley would do as president (Grist 6/25/15) Say what you will about Martin O’Malley, the former Maryland governor and current Democratic presidential candidate, but the man is a wonk. He may lack for narrative, but he will give you plenty of commonsense solutions. And he has a demonstrated commitment to combating climate change. So perhaps it should come as no surprise that despite his lagging far behind Hillary Clinton and even lefty Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in the polls, he is the first candidate to produce anything resembling a detailed climate policy. It’s only a work in progress, and it isn’t even available yet on the campaign website. But O’Malley’s team shared with Grist a white paper outlining some significant climate change policy proposals. Collectively, they would go further than President Obama has — or than Hillary Clinton has called for thus far. State Dept. gets Libya emails that Hillary Clinton didn’t hand over (NY Times 6/25/15) The State Department said on Thursday that 15 emails sent or received by Hillary Rodham Clinton were missing from records that she has turned over, raising new questions about whether she deleted work-related emails from the private account she used exclusively while in office. The disclosure appeared to open the door for Republicans on Capitol Hill to get more deeply involved in the issue. Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, who is running for president, said he planned to send a series of questions to the State Department about the missing emails and about why it allowed her to use the personal account. Scott Walker to announce 2016 intentions next month (CBS News 6/25/15) Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker will make his presidential intentions known the week of July 13, he said on Fox News Thursday night. In a crowded field of more than a dozen Republican candidates, Walker’s standing in the 2016 polls is relatively decent, so far. In a recent Fox poll of likely Republican voters, Walker tied for fourth place. A recent NBC/ Wall Street Journal poll put him in second place. The two-term governor has gained a reputation as a staunch conservative after successfully taking on unions in his state and pushing an often polarizing conservative agenda. Walker told Fox’s Greta Van Susteren that he would bring that same moxie to Washington, should he decide to run. 2016 contenders react to Obamacare ruling (Politico 6/25/15) Here’s how the 2016 presidential contenders reacted on Twitter to the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a major component of the Obamacare health law: Fox News Poll: Bush, Trump score post-announcement bumps (Fox News 6/24/15) There’s been a lineup change in the race for the GOP nomination, as businessman Donald Trump moves up after declaring his candidacy. He’s now second in the order after former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who also got an uptick in support after his formal announcement. For Democrats, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is still — by far — the team leader, according to a new Fox News national poll on the 2016 presidential election. After son’s death, Biden not ruling out 2016 bid (CNN 6/22/15) As Vice President Joe Biden slowly returns to official duties in Washington following his son’s death, a decision on mounting a third presidential bid looms in the not-so-distant future. In just more than a month, Biden will determine whether or not to make another go at the top job. And while many Democrats say they’re doubtful he will launch a presidential campaign, his supporters are holding out hope he decides to challenge Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination. As he steps back into public life, Biden has set an early August deadline for making his intentions known, said a Democrat familiar with his thinking. Before his son’s death, Biden consistently said he
Thursday hearing set for Auditor Jim Zeigler’s case vs. AG Luther Strange, school boards
State Auditor Jim Zeigler continues his crusade against wasteful government spending on Thursday, when a Montgomery court will hear his case against Attorney General Luther Strange and five members of the Baldwin County school board over what Zeigler alleges is improper use of taxpayer dollars to support a tax hike campaign earlier this year. As we have reported previously, Zeigler filed suit against the defendants back in May, arguing the school system should not have used public money in its “Build Baldwin Now” campaign to increase local millage rates for new school construction. The campaign was soundly defeated, but not before some $250,000 was spent on an advocacy campaign in favor of the tax hikes, a move Strange, Alabama’s highest law enforcement official, defended in a legal opinion. Zeigler hopes to overturn that ruling on Thursday. “The attorney general is throwing legal technicalities against us trying to justify a wrong. It is illegal and grossly unfair to use taxpayer’s money to campaign in a vote for a tax increase,” Zeigler said in a prepared statement on Monday. Zeigler points to state law which he says contravenes Strange’s decision, particularly a statute in the Code of Alabama, 17-17-5, which states: “…no person in the employment of the State of Alabama, a county, a city, a local school board, or any other governmental agency, whether classified or unclassified, shall use any state, county, city, local school board, or other governmental agency funds, property, or time, for any political activities.” Zeigler has previously said the attorney general’s opinion should not carry the force of law because Strange has an inherent conflict of interest in the case. “Attorney General Strange is also a defendant in this lawsuit,” Zeigler said. “We will prove that he issued an erroneous AG opinion saying it was legal for the school board to spend taxpayer funds in a campaign for a tax increase. Since it was this strange opinion that caused this issue, it would a conflict to have him or his staff issue another erroneous opinion that taxpayer funds can be used to defend individuals who misspent taxpayer money.” The suit is set to be taken up at 9 a.m. Thursday by Montgomery Circuit Court Judge Greg Griffin.
Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore says Christians will be ‘persecuted’ after same-sex marriage ruling
The U.S Supreme Court, in ruling that gays and lesbians have a right to marry nationwide, handed a decisive loss to Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore who earlier this year fought to keep same-sex marriage from coming to Alabama. The chief justice, speaking Sunday at Kimberly Church of God, lashed out at the decision, saying he could not accept the ruling as correct. He said it made sin a national right and it was as wrong as the court decisions that allowed slavery. “Just who do they think they are when one person can reverse 200-and-something years of precedent in our country and thousands of years of precedent in western civilization,” Moore said during remarks Sunday at Kimberly Church of God. The Republican chief justice, often a lightning rod for controversy, was careful at times to quote or paraphrase the words of dissenting justices in describing his opposition including Justice Samuel Alito‘s prediction that opponents of gay marriage would be vilified and Chief Justice John Robert‘s phrase of, “Just who do we think we are?” “Welcome to the new world. It’s just changed for you Christians. You are going to be persecuted according to the U.S Supreme Court dissents,” Moore said. Moore in February directed probate judges to not give marriage licenses to same-sex couples, saying they were part of an independent judicial branch and not bound by a federal judge’s order overturning Alabama’s ban on gay marriage. “Is there such a thing as morality anymore? Sodomy for centuries was declared to be against the laws of nature and nature’s God. And now if you say that in public, and I guess I am, am I violating somebody’s civil rights? Have we elevated morality to immorality? Do we call good, bad? What are we Christians to do?” Moore spoke at the church’s “God and Country Day” on an altar decorated with American flags and beneath a projected image of Jesus on a cross. “Christians are commanded not to hate their fellow man. They are commanded to love their fellow man … We are to love our fellow man and if we love our fellow man what are we do but tell them when there is sin, because sin is something you are supposed to hate. When they create it as a national right, a fundamental right, what are we do?” Richard Cohen, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, said it was a farcical to suggest that that opponents of same-sex marriage would be persecuted, saying the court majority made it clear that the First Amendment rights of opponents would be protected. “It’s a myth and a scare tactic,” Cohen said. Cohen said he hoped that Moore would follow the lead of other Alabama politicians who while vehemently disagreeing with the decision, said it must be respected as the law of the land. “We’ve yet to hear that from Judge Moore,” Cohen said. “Judge Moore would be so much better suited for the pulpit than the bench,” Cohen said. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Ann Eubank: Flag flap
There is no explaining what causes men’s passion to ignite. But much to my surprise, I find that the thing that has electrified many of the people of Alabama is a “Flag;” a simple square piece of cloth that represents an era long gone, a piece of history that cannot be rewritten. BUT, THIS IS NOT ABOUT THE FLAG. Unfortunately, this is about erasing America’s past, and we have again been sidetracked by a media diversion. It is a ruse to occupy the right hand of the citizens while the left hand is taking away our freedoms. In the past few years much has been done to rewrite American history, making it fit their agenda and destroy our “Present” and “Future.” Governor Bentley’s knee jerk reaction and removal of the “Flag” and kowtowing to the left wing agenda, defines his lack of courage. This is who Governor Robert Bentley is. He announced he “has taxes to raise” on every Alabamian, has not spoken out about Speaker Mike Hubbard, being allowed to keep his leadership office after he was indicted for criminal corruption, and of course, gave Dr. Bice a 25% raise and continues to allow Common Core to be taught in our schools. All of these issues are about CONTROL and the stripping of Liberties from the Individual. They will never be able pass enough laws to end offending someone. They have removed God and Christianity from our schools, workplace, and the public square. The President granted illegal aliens the rights of a citizen, the Supreme Court overruled the states, and a majority of the people, to grant special status and marriage rights to same sex couples. They rewrote the law to save Obamacare again. All is about control and the “Fundamental Transformation of America.” Congress has allowed the federal government to control your freedom of religion, personal politics, healthcare, property, gun rights, and freedom of speech; A Congress that was elected to represent YOU. So why has this “Flag Flap” enraged the hearts of Southerners and become an important event? They will tell you “it represents the loss of States Rights.” “It’s the death of the 10th Amendment.” “They want to destroy our history and take away our heritage.” Good and valid points that I agree with as a descendent of those who fought in both the American Revolution and the War of Northern Aggression, as well as died at the Alamo. I have always revered being born a Southerner, and yes, the “Flag” is part of that heritage. I believe the Northern Virginia Battle Flag, commonly known as the “Battle Flag,” should be allowed to fly and not be completely eradicated from our history. It is a First Amendment Right. Now that you have been awakened over the “Flag Flap,” we need to get more engaged against the things that are destroying America now? The “Present” and “Future” of America are the reasons we should be marching in the streets. Ann Eubank is the statewide co-chair of Rainy Day Patriots, and the legislative chair of the Alabama Legislative Watchdogs. Ann is a frequent visitor of the Statehouse and has bridged the gap between strong advocate and respected resource for members. She is also a member of the Alabamians United for Excellence in Education Taskforce and several other Stop Common Core groups.
Luther Strange put Alabama on winning side of execution drug fight
The U.S. Supreme Court just ruled on Glossip v Gross this Monday morning, announcing that states can continue to use the execution drug which was involved in a botched execution in Oklahoma. Earlier this year Alabama Today reported that Attorney General Luther Strange joined an amicus brief asking in a statement at the time he said, “These killers have raped and murdered children and stabbed prison guards to death. It is outrageous for them to argue that lethal injection has too high a risk of pain to be a constitutional method of execution. It is better than they deserve.” Of today’s ruling, Strange said in a prepared statement: “Opponents of lethal injections have repeatedly used court challenges of certain lethal injection drugs as ways to delay or avoid lawful executions,” Attorney General Strange said. “The U.S. Supreme Court confirmed our belief that executions using these lethal injection drugs are not cruel and unusual punishment, and therefore are not prohibited under the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.” Alabama wrote an amicus brief joined by 12 other states in support of Oklahoma’s right to use a three-drug lethal injection protocol. States, including Alabama, have adopted the three-drug protocol because of their inability to acquire other suitable drugs. “The U.S. Supreme Court has spoken on the constitutionality of states’ use of lethal injections and death penalty opponents cannot continue to indefinitely delay lawful executions.” Alabama was joined by Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wyoming in the amicus brief.
John Kasich plans to announce 2016 presidential bid July 21
Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who’s spent the year testing his scrappy political style and pragmatic policy positions around the country, plans to formally enter the 2016 presidential race July 21. The two-term governor, who leads one of the nation’s premier swing states, is expected to formally join the crowded Republican primary field at an announcement set for Ohio State University, according to senior advisers. The advisers spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss Kasich’s plans. Kasich, 63, would join a GOP field that already includes more than a dozen high-profile candidates. He isn’t as well-known as some of his likely Republican competitors, but he has been involved in national politics for more than three decades. He previously served in Congress for 18 years. No Republican has won the White House without carrying Ohio, and in 2016 the state holds extra weight as Cleveland plays host to the National Republican Convention. It would be Kasich’s second bid for the nation’s top job. He briefly sought the 2000 nomination before George W. Bush emerged as a Republican favorite. That earlier bid came after Kasich led efforts to balance the federal budget in 1997. It’s unclear if Kasich’s late entry into the 2016 contest would complicate his participation in the first Republican debate, which is in Cleveland in August. Only announced candidates will be invited. Beyond the timing, only those candidates who rank in the top 10 in national polling would be allowed on the debate stage and, as it currently stands, Kasich does not. Since January, he’s been traveling the country in a nationwide effort to line up necessary support to call for a federal balanced budget amendment, which he views as an extension of his efforts nearly two decades ago. His recent travels have also included political trips to Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, New York and Michigan, trips that gave him an opportunity to test his scrappy political style and his track record as governor on a broader audience. The trips have also included meetings with potential political donors. Kasich is considered more moderate than some of his Republican rivals He also is known for going off script and for pulling no punches about political positions he sees as practical though they might anger fellow Republicans. Kasich advocated income-tax cuts and expanded Medicaid under the federal health care law and has taken on oil-and-gas producers while supporting Common Core education standards. With the selection of Ohio State as the venue for his announcement, Kasich returns to his roots. It was there that the native of blue-collar McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, honed his political skills as a young college Republican. The event is expected to be held at the student union. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
