Gary Palmer: Thanksgiving greetings
In 1789, President George Washington issued one of the first presidential proclamations for a national “day of thanks.” Such days of recognition and celebration were fairly common throughout the early states, but President Washington issued this announcement in order to highlight the newly established U.S. Constitution. In his proclamation, he focused on the many blessings Americans had to be thankful for in light of their recently won freedom from British rule and the formation of their new constitutional government. He reflected on how God had brought their young nation through many hardships to achieve its official beginning, and even at that early stage of the country, encouraged his fellow countrymen to recognize the gift they had in the American ideals of liberty and peace. He wrote that he recommended this national day of thanksgiving so that, “…we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks – for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation – for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war – for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed – for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted – for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us….” More than 200 years after this proclamation, though our national circumstances are now quite different, I’m struck by how many of President Washington’s words still ring true today, especially as we celebrate Thanksgiving. Then, Americans were figuring out how to carry on after a costly and tiring war, how to govern themselves, and how to live together peaceably. Today, many of us are exhausted from a pandemic and wondering how to recover from the losses wrought by COVID or economic hardship. And though we have now been the United States of America for a long time, we are still working out how to best govern ourselves and live together. Divisions and tensions may even feel insurmountable right now. But consider George Washington’s position when he made that proclamation of thanksgiving in 1789. The American colonies were not yet too far away from the Revolution and still felt the effects of it. Their concept of governance was new, and people disagreed passionately about how it should look. The Constitution was brand new and still needed work, and those in authority had major disagreements about it. As a recently formed nation, America certainly still faced the threat of disunity. Yet, Washington emphasized thankfulness and pointed out the many blessings to be had in America. Though tensions abounded and the country faced serious work to move forward in unity, it had won independence against incredible odds. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution offered a remarkable foundation, despite the work that still needed to be done to ensure the survival of self-governance. Today, as many of us still reel from the pandemic and its effects or feel exhausted by the news cycle and tense politics, I think President Washington’s 1789 proclamation for that day of thanks remains an example for us. Just as George Washington encouraged his fellow citizens in 1789 to give thanks for how God had guided and preserved the country so far, for the establishment of the Constitution, and for the civil and religious liberties enjoyed in America, we too can give thanks for these things. The foundation that the colonies had then is still the same foundation we have now and can continue to build upon, and few countries in the world can boast a better starting point than the U.S. Constitution. As we debate how to run our country, we can take comfort in the fact that our predecessors wrestled with many of the same questions. Despite the struggles of carrying our nation forward into the future, and despite these fraught times, we are still blessed to be Americans and blessed to still enjoy those ideals of liberty President Washington talked about. I hope reading his words from this proclamation offers not only another reminder of the Thanksgiving holiday but a challenge to reflect on how much we have to be truly grateful for as Americans, no matter how tense the disagreements may sometimes feel. I also hope they motivate us to commit afresh to fighting for our founding ideals, as they seem to come under attack in new forms every year. As President Washington gave thanks for the preservation and favor of God that allowed America to form as a nation, let’s give thanks now for how we have continued to be preserved to grow into that “more perfect union” the Constitution speaks of and determine to keep working to become an even more perfect one in the years ahead. Gary Palmer is a congressman for the 6th District of Alabama.
Jim Zeigler: Thanksgiving All Year Round
Pilgrims and Native Americans in Massachusetts held the first Thanksgiving celebration in the New World in 1621. George Washington issued a proclamation creating the first Thanksgiving Day designated by the federal government in 1789. On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father” to be celebrated on the fourth Thanksgiving in November, and the official holiday of Thanksgiving began. Hopefully, for Christians, Thanksgiving is more than a single day of celebration. It is a lifestyle, a way of life. We are told in I Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Is this even possible? Yes. Is it easy? Not always. When we give thanks, we acknowledge the goodness of God. We recognize that our joy comes from the Lord, not our circumstances. By giving thanks, we focus on what we have rather than what we wish we had. Our hearts experience joy, and real thanksgiving happens. During this season of Thanksgiving, we should thank God for His provision and His plans for us even when we do not understand all our circumstances. As you count your blessings, you cannot help but be overwhelmed by God’s goodness and grace. There is an old Southern hymn that sings of thanksgiving as a lifestyle. When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed And you are discouraged thinking all is lost. Count your many blessings, name them one by one And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God has done. Count your blessings. Name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done. Jim Zeigler is the State Auditor of Alabama.
Steve Flowers: 2022 elections six months away
Believe it or not, we are six months away from the 2022 elections. All statewide offices will be decided in the May 24, 2022, Republican Primary. Winning the Republican Primary is tantamount to election in the Heart of Dixie. Therefore, garnering the endorsement of the most conservative group in the state is vitally important towards an election. That group is the Alabama Farmers Federation or commonly known as Alfa. The Farm PAC Alfa endorsement is the gold standard for conservatism, and it is the ticket to election in Alabama. The Alabama Farmers Federation is governed by county federation leaders in each of the state’s 67 counties, and the word leaders should be emphasized. The leaders of each county federation are respected men who have been born and raised in their community. Many have owned farmland for generations, are respected agribusinessmen, deacons in their churches, and board members of their local banks. In other words, they are centers of influence, and their words and recommendations extend well beyond their agricultural base. To win the Alfa endorsement, statewide candidates have to go see each of the county federation members in all 67 counties. There are over 100,000 actual farmers in the state that vote the Alfa endorsed ballot right down the line. There are also affiliated agribusiness groups that toe the Alfa line. In addition, there are over 100,000 insurance policyholders throughout the state who have their car and homeowners’ insurance with Alfa, and they see the Farm PAC endorsement and usually follow it because they have contributed to Farm PAC. Additionally, a good many Alabamians will see their friends and neighbors with an Alfa ballot and ask them who Alfa has endorsed in certain races. Then they will vote that way because they know Alfa has vetted the candidates and chosen the most conservative ones. The Alfa endorsements for the May 24, 2022 elections were decided on September 28, 2021. These endorsements will be decisive. Katie Britt won the endorsement for the open U.S. Senate race, which will be the marquee race next year. She got it the old-fashioned way. She worked for it. She got out and visited and got to know almost every farmers federation member in the state. This endorsement will probably propel her to victory. Governor Kay Ivey received the endorsement. She has been the darling of Alfa her entire career. The Farm PAC endorsement was critical in allowing her to win the governorship without a runoff four years ago. They have been with her from the get-go when she was State Treasurer two terms and Lt. Governor two terms. Will Ainsworth received the Alfa endorsement for reelection as Lt. Governor. This endorsement is the reason he upset Twinkle Cavanaugh in their race four years ago. Alfa was the reason he won that race and has made his political career. Incumbent Attorney General Steve Marshall has been endorsed by Alfa because he has proven to be a real conservative. Rick Pate has won the Alfa endorsement for a second term as Agriculture Commissioner. He had the endorsement four years ago, and it helped him win. Folks are really interested in who Alfa endorses for Agriculture Commissioner. Incumbent PSC Commissioners Chip Beeker and Jeremy Oden received the coveted Alfa nod. One of the most critical endorsements Alfa made was selecting Greg Cook for the Alabama Supreme Court seat of retiring Judge Mike Bolin. This endorsement of Greg Cook is pivotal. It proves that he is the conservative pro-business candidate for the Supreme Court. It will probably assure his victory. Popular incumbent Supreme Court Justice Kelli Wise got the endorsement even though she may be unopposed. Three candidates for secondary constitutional offices received the endorsement of Alfa and will be instrumental in their elections are Wes Allen for Secretary of State, Young Boozer for State Treasurer, and Rusty Glover for State Auditor. Glover’s getting the endorsement is that race is pivotal, as is Wes Allen’s in the Secretary of State. Alfa has endorsed all of the incumbent Republican Congressmen, including Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, and Gary Palmer. They have endorsed Dale Strong in the open 5th district congressional race. He appears to be the favorite. All of Alfa’s statewide endorsements are Republicans. That makes sense because every statewide officeholder in the state is a Republican. If you made me bet, I would wager that all of the above-mentioned Alfa endorsed candidates will win next year. We will see in about six months. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Fighting gas prices, U.S. to release 50 million barrels of oil
President Joe Biden on Tuesday ordered a record 50 million barrels of oil released from America’s strategic reserve, aiming to bring down gasoline and other costs, in coordination with other major energy-consuming nations including India, the United Kingdom, and China. The U.S. action is focused on helping Americans cope with higher fuel and other prices ahead of Thanksgiving and winter holiday travel. Gasoline prices are at about $3.40 a gallon, more than 50% higher than a year ago, according to the American Automobile Association. “While our combined actions will not solve the problems of high gas prices overnight, it will make a difference,” Biden promised in remarks at the White House. “It will take time, but before long, you should see the price of gas drop where you fill up your tank.” The government will begin to move barrels into the market in mid-to-late December. Gasoline usually responds at a lag to changes in oil prices, and administration officials suggested this is one of several steps toward ultimately bringing down costs. Oil prices had dropped in the days ahead of the announced withdrawals, a sign that investors were anticipating the moves that could bring a combined 70 million to 80 million barrels of oil onto global markets. But in trading after the announcement, prices shot up roughly 2% instead of falling. The market was expecting the news, and traders may have been underwhelmed when they saw the details, said Claudio Galimberti, senior vice president for oil markets at Rystad Energy. “The problem is that everybody knows that this measure is temporary,” Galimberti said. “So once it is stopped, then if demand continues to be above supply like it is right now, then you’re back to square one.” Shortly after the U.S. announcement, India said it would release 5 million barrels from its strategic reserves. The British government confirmed it will release up to 1.5 million barrels from its stockpile. Japan and South Korea are also participating, and U.S. officials said it’s the biggest coordinated release from global strategic reserves. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman, Max Blain, said it was “a sensible and measured step to support global markets” during the pandemic recovery. Blain added that the country’s companies will be authorized but not compelled to participate in the release. Despite all the optimistic statements, the actions by the U.S. and others risk counter moves by Gulf nations, especially Saudi Arabia, and by Russia. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have made clear they intend to control supply to keep prices high for the time being. As word spread in recent days of a coming joint release from the U.S. and other countries’ reserves, there were warnings from OPEC interests that those countries may respond in turn, reneging on promises to increase supplies in coming months. Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso was among Republicans who criticized Biden’s announcement. The No. 3 Senate Republican said the underlying issue is restrictions on domestic production by the administration. “Begging OPEC and Russia to increase production and now using the Strategic Petroleum Reserve are desperate attempts to address a Biden-caused disaster,” Barrasso said. “They’re not substitutes for American energy production.” Biden has scrambled to reshape much of his economic agenda around the issue of inflation, saying that his recently passed $1 trillion infrastructure package will reduce price pressures by making it more efficient and cheaper to transport goods. Republican lawmakers have hammered the administration for inflation hitting a 31-year high in October. The consumer price index has soared 6.2% from a year ago — the biggest 12-month jump since 1990. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is an emergency stockpile to preserve access to oil in case of natural disasters, national security issues, and other events. Maintained by the Energy Department, the reserves are stored in caverns created in salt domes along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coasts. There are roughly 605 million barrels of petroleum in the reserve. The Biden administration argues that it is the right tool to help ease the supply problem. Americans used an average of 20.7 million barrels a day during September, according to the Energy Information Administration. That means that the release equals about two-and-a-half days of additional supply. “Right now, I will do what needs to be done to reduce the price you pay at the pump,” Biden said at the White House. He said the administration also is looking into potential price gouging by gas companies squeezing customers while making money off the lowered oil costs. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, too, said U.S. companies are part of the problem, keeping production below pre-pandemic levels in order to increase profits. The coronavirus pandemic roiled energy markets everywhere. As it bore down and economic activity sank in April of last year, energy demand collapsed, and oil futures prices turned negative. Energy traders did not want to get stuck with crude that they could not store. But as the economy recovered, production lagged, and prices jumped to a seven-year high in October. U.S. production has not recovered. Energy Information Administration figures indicate that domestic production is averaging roughly 11 million barrels daily, down from 12.8 million before the pandemic. Americans are feeling the squeeze. For Matt Hebard of Agoura Hills, California, it’s taking $80 to gas up his SUV. “Gas prices are definitely on everyone’s minds right now,” he said as he filled up at a station in his suburb northwest of Los Angeles. He hoped the president’s move has a good long-term effect. Sy Amber, meanwhile, was en route to Las Vegas from his California home. Unhappily spending more money filling up his car, he said he didn’t expect Biden’s action to work and didn’t agree with them. “I’m not happy with our president,” he said. Republicans in Congress are pointing to Biden’s efforts to minimize drilling and support renewable energy as a reason for the decreased production, though there are multiple market dynamics at play as fossil fuel prices are higher around the world. Biden and administration officials insist that tapping more oil from the
Vaccines making Thanksgiving easier, but hot spots remain
The U.S. is facing its second Thanksgiving of the pandemic in better shape than the first time around, thanks to the vaccine, though some regions are seeing surges of COVID-19 cases that could get worse as families travel the country for gatherings that were impossible a year ago. Nearly 200 million Americans are fully vaccinated. That leaves tens of millions who have yet to get a shot in the arm, some of them out of defiance. Hospitals in the cold Upper Midwest, especially Michigan and Minnesota, are filled with COVID-19 patients who are mostly unvaccinated. Michigan hospitals reported about 3,800 coronavirus patients at the start of the week, with 20% in intensive care units, numbers that approach the bleakest days of the pandemic’s 2020 start. The state had a seven-day new-case rate of 616 per 100,000 people Monday, the highest in the nation. In the West, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Montana also ranked high. Some Colorado communities, including Denver, are turning to indoor mask orders to reduce risk, a policy that has also been adopted in the Buffalo, New York, area and Santa Cruz County, California. The statistics in Michigan are “horrible,” said Dr. Matthew Trunsky, a respiratory specialist at Beaumont Health in suburban Detroit. “We got cold and moved indoors and have huge pockets of unvaccinated people,” he said. “You can’t have pockets of unvaccinated people who don’t want to be masked and not expect to get outbreaks, not expect to lose parents, not expect to lose teachers.” During a recent office visit, he encouraged a patient who uses oxygen to get vaccinated. The patient declined and now is in the hospital with COVID-19, desperately relying on even more oxygen, Trunsky said. He said he continues to encounter patients and their family members espousing conspiracy theories about the vaccine. “We’ve had several people in their 40s die in the last month — 100% unvaccinated,” Trunsky said. “It’s just so incredibly sad to see a woman die with teenagers. Especially with that age group, it’s nearly 100% preventable.” In Detroit, where less than 40% of eligible residents were fully vaccinated, Mayor Mike Duggan said hospitalizations have doubled since early November. “We have far too many people in this country that we have lost because they believed some nonsense on the internet and decided not to get the vaccine,” said Duggan, a former hospital executive. Despite hot spots, the outlook in the U.S. overall is significantly better than it was at Thanksgiving 2020. Without the vaccine, which became available in mid-December 2020, the U.S. a year ago was averaging 169,000 cases and 1,645 deaths per day, and about 81,000 people were in the hospital with COVID-19. The U.S. now is averaging 95,000 cases, 1,115 deaths, and 40,000 in the hospital. Airports have been jammed. More than 2.2 million people passed through security checkpoints on Friday, the busiest day since the pandemic shut down travel early in 2020. On some recent days, the number was twice as high as Thanksgiving a year ago. Sarene Brown and three children, all vaccinated, were flying to Atlanta from Newark, New Jersey, to see family. People close to them have died from COVID-19. “I’m thankful that I’m here, and I’m not in heaven, and I’m thankful for my family and that God helped me survive,” said Neive Brown, 7, who got her first dose. More than 500,000 Americans have died of COVID-19 since last Thanksgiving, for an overall death toll of over 770,000. “We would encourage people who gather to do so safely after they’ve been fully vaccinated, as we’ve been saying for months now,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “I do think that this is very different because we actually have the tools to prevent the vast majority of cases.” Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, said his optimism is tempered by the delta variant’s ability to jump from person to person, especially among the millions who are unvaccinated or are due for a booster. “That equals very high vulnerability,” Topol said. Denver’s public hospital, Denver Health, is sending people elsewhere because of a lack of beds. Staff members were exhausted from treating COVID-19 patients and others who had postponed other medical needs, chief executive Robin Wittenstein said. “Our system is on the brink of collapse,” she said. Arizona reported at least 2,551 COVID-19 patients in hospitals, far below the peak of last winter but still reason for concern. Officials said beds were limited. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Ohio steel company to build $30M plant in Alabama, 100 jobs
An Ohio-based steel manufacturer is expanding its business to Alabama. Gregory Industries will invest $30 million to build a 325,000-square-foot facility on 83 acres (33 hectares) in the Elm Industrial Park in Athens, Alabama. The new development also will create 100 manufacturing, maintenance, and supervision jobs in the area. Construction is expected to begin next March, with operations beginning next fall, news outlets reported. Gregory Industries, based in Canton, Ohio, makes highway safety, metal framing channels, tubing, and other roll form steel products. Chief Executive Matt Gregory said the new facility will expand the company’s regional manufacturing capability and allow it o grow and serve its customers in the Southeast faster and more cost-effectively. “We’re very excited at the prospect of creating more jobs, and more business in Northern Alabama,” Gregory said. Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said the project came together due to teamwork from the city, Limestone County leadership, and the Limestone County Economic Development Association. “With all the growth our area is experiencing, this investment by Gregory Industries will also help provide products needed for highway safety projects. Working together as a team from the city, utilities, the county, and LCEDA allows us to successfully win projects,” Marks said. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
