Tommy Tuberville dismisses reports Katie Britt influenced drop on military holds, likens U.S. Senate to a ‘cartel’
Appearing on the Dixon and Vining Show on Birmingham’s Talk 99.5 FM this morning with Richard Dixon and guest host Apryl Marie Fogel, Tommy Tuberville talked about a wide range of topics, focusing on what he described as the upcoming change in rules that resulted in his drop on military holds. Tuberville told Dixon and Fogel that while he cannot claim a victory on his eleven-month-long effort to stop the Department of Defense from expanding access to abortions on U.S. military bases, he intends to continue the fight in the future. He explained the timing of his actions this week, which resulted in 425 nominations being confirmed, saying, “They changed the rules on me in the last couple of months.” He claimed to have had the votes with bipartisan support to leave it in the military budget that he anticipates passing next week to change the policy back to where it was before the DOD’s post-Supreme Court updates. Expressing his frustration, he said, “This is not a government. This is a cartel. This is run by the Democrats.” Before going on to say, “I don’t understand some of my Republican colleagues,” describing the process where they agreed with Chuck Schumer to change the 200-year-old rule to lift his hold before the budget came to a vote. As reported by Politico in early November, several Republican members of the Senate took to the floor to force Tuberville’s hand on confirming 60 nominees. That effort was led by Senator Dan Sullivan, who was joined by Joni Ernst of Iowa, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Todd Young of Indiana, and Mitt Romney of Utah. Tuberville stressed, “We fought hard. I’m not done. We’re going to continue to fight; looks like we’re gonna have to get President [Donald] Trump back in office, then we’ll get it changed back.” He is continuing his hold of 4-star generals. The interview continued with Fogel asking about a Punchbowl News story that has gained national attention saying that Alabama’s junior senator Katie Britt acted as an intermediary in the final negotiations that led to his release of the holds. Tuberville demurred, saying they had had a “couple of conversations.” He then pivoted quickly to credit his colleagues Mike Lee, Roger Marshall, and Rick Scott for supporting his efforts over the last eleven months. He said if he got a call from anyone else, it was, “Hey, we need to get this done. You know it could hurt the election next year; could hurt our possibilities of getting a senator or two.” Tuberville emphasized that elections weren’t his priority, saying, “That wasn’t my concern.” Tuberville wrapped up his response to the report that Britt had a pivotal role in negotiations to end his hold. He said, “I don’t know where that other information came from.”
MARC panelists predict 2024 election will be Donald Trump versus Joe Biden
On Saturday, four political pundits addressed the membership of the Mid-Alabama Republican Club (MARC) in Vestavia Hills about the coming 2024 presidential election year. The MARC panel included syndicated columnist former State Representative Steve Flowers (R-Troy). Flower’s columns can be read weekly here at Alabama Today. Alabama Today President and Publisher Apryl Marie Fogel served on the expert politico panel. Fogel is a former talk radio host in the Montgomery market. Rounding out the panel were Alabama Public Television’s Capital Journal host Todd Stacy and former Alabama Republican Chairman Marty Connors. Connors chairs the Alabama Center Right Group. The panel was moderated by former State Rep. Paul DeMarco (R-Homewood). DeMarco, a prominent Birmingham attorney, is also a former MARC President and the former Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. DeMarco’s columns can also be read at Alabama Today. DeMarco asked the panel about the Alabama Republican Presidential Debate scheduled for next month in Tuscaloosa. The panel was skeptical that anyone on stage could win the GOP nomination. “I really think the debates are irrelevant,” Flowers said. “[Donald] Trump has the nomination.” “I imagine it will be Trump and Biden,” said Fogel. “We have some really great candidates, but does it matter?” Stacey said. “You have two candidates in Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis.” Recent national polling has President Joe Biden’s job approval at just 37% – a new all-time low for a President in their third year. More troubling for Democrats is the polling in the swing states. In recent polls, Trump leads Biden 49 to 44 in Arizona, 49 to 43 in Georgia, 48 to 43 in Michigan, 52 to 41 in Nevada, 42 to 35 in Ohio, 48 to 44 in Pennsylvania, and 45 to 37 in Texas. The only swing state where Biden is currently leading Trump is Wisconsin, where he leads Trump to 47 to 45. When the New York Times substituted Gov. Ron DeSantis for Trump, he beats Biden 48 to 44 in Wisconsin. Former Ambassador Nikki Haley leads Biden 53 to 39 in Wisconsin – showing that support for Biden is extremely soft at this point. DeMarco asked the panelists if that polling was scaring Democrats. “The polls are really bad looking for Biden,” said Flowers. “I like what we are seeing in the polls,” said Fogel. “You can see a scenario where he bows out,” Stacy said. “He makes the decision that he doesn’t want to run again, and then they get another nominee.” “You can change horses, but it would have to be somebody who has already qualified,” Connors said. “I think it is too late for it to be somebody else,” said Flowers. On Tuesday, Republican Governor Tate Reeves won reelection with a margin of less than four points. Democratic Governor Andy Beshears defeated Attorney General David Cameron in Kentucky. Republicans in Virginia lost control of the General Assembly. Voters voted in favor of a pro-choice and pro-gender transition plank in their state Constitution. DeMarco asked if Tuesday’s election results were disappointing for Republicans. “Going into 2022, the Democrats are really on their heels,” Stacy said. “The economy is crummy. The President is crummy. Democrats should be on their heels.” “The lessons from Ohio and Virginia are on the abortion issue,” Stacy said. “Republicans have not been adept at this.” “Democrats say that Republicans want to take your rights away,” Stacy continued. “That is what they are going to cling to.” Connors said that Republicans need better messaging on how much they care for the child after it is born. “I don’t view those races as precursors to next year,” Flowers said. “There is a lot of infighting within the Republican party,” Fogel stated. Fogel recalled how the nation just watched the Republicans in the House of Representatives divide into different sides over who the Speaker was. “We need to remember who the enemy is,” Fogel said. DeMarco asked if the Republican National Committee Chair, Ronna Romney McDaniel, needs to be replaced. “I think there is a fatigue issue with her,” Connors said. “We have had three elections in a row under her where Republicans did not do well.” “I absolutely think we need a new Party Chair,” said Fogel. “We have lost the momentum on the ground.” “I am not sure how much it really matters,” said Stacy. “The RNC has become a lot less influential and powerful than it once was.” The MARC steering committee announced that it has recommended that Birmingham area attorney Janey Whitney be President of the Club for 2024. The MARC meets on the second Saturday of every month in the Vestavia Hills Public Library at 8:30 a.m. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Senate runoff national bellwether for Mitch McConnell vs. Donald Trump for Senate leadership
National media and insiders are all abuzz watching the U.S. Senate race in Alabama, noting that it has become a proxy battle between Mitch McConnell and President Donald Trump supporters within the party. While Trump pulled his endorsement in the race, just as Congressman Mo Brooks found his footing again, it hasn’t stopped Trump-like and Trump-supporting senators Rand Paul and Ted Cruz from going all-in in their support of the firebrand congressman. Brooks continues to wage war on the same establishment supporters who fought Trump tooth and nail as a candidate. Both Paul and Cruz have campaigned on behalf of Brooks, the Alabama congressman who staunchly supported Trump, and urged a crowd of Trump supporters to start “taking down names and kicking ass” before the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6. Meanwhile, McConnell and his team favor Katie Britt, the former president of the Business Council of Alabama and chief of staff to Richard Shelby. “The people who I trust that I know really well from my state, Thomas Massie and others, tell me he has a great voting record … It takes somebody who’s willing to stir the pot, who is willing and unafraid,” Paul commented during a Monday evening tele-townhall for Brooks. “We need hard-hitters who are unafraid to tell the truth, and I think Mo Brooks is one of those.” Brooks sees the upcoming June runoff as a battle between McConnell Republicans and MAGA Republicans. “This Senate runoff is a battle for the soul of the Republican Party. It is Mitch McConnell’s Katie Britt versus Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Rand Paul, and America First’s MAGA Mo Brooks,” Brooks said after Tuesday’s primary. “Katie Britt is a Chamber of Commerce lobbyist backed by McConnell and the Swamp. They are bragging about trying to buy this seat for Britt.” AL.Com reported shortly after Trump pulled his endorsement of Brooks that, “Britt made it a point of stopping short of calling the election stolen.” In a nearly 20-minute interview on Capitol Journal, while Britt praised Trump fawningly, she again dodged addressing the issue outright twice when directly asked. Instead, opting to talk about election fraud in general terms and the changes in procedures that were seen due to COVID-19. Brooks, however, continues to argue that Trump won and that the election was stolen from him. According to a McClatchy DC report, a super PAC run by McConnell’s former chief of staff donated $2 million to an Alabama group designed to take down Brooks and assist Britt. Stephen Law, who runs the Senate Leadership Fund, told The Hill earlier this month that Brooks has historically been “a very weak candidate…a bad fundraiser, prone to gaffes.” Additionally, McConnell allies in Washington have quietly sent financial contributions to Britt. Monica Popp, a GOP consultant who is married to David Popp, McConnell’s communications director, Brian McGuire, a former McConnell chief of staff, and Megan Hauck, a former health policy adviser to McConnell, have all sent Britt personal donations. While Britt may have the support of the D.C. fundraising circuit, Brooks believes that separating himself from the likes of McConnell and what he sees as the “anti-Trump movement” is a good strategy. Three of Brooks’ television ads have shown images of McConnell with labels like “debt junkie” and “weak.” Earlier in the month, Brooks held a series of rallies around Alabama that were titled “Fire McConnell townhalls.” Brooks said in a campaign statement, “This race is not about me: it’s the America First agenda vs. the swamp, Mitch McConnell, and the bought and paid for special interest agenda. It is time for conservatives to choose sides. In 2017, McConnell spent more than ten million dollars lying about me and my record. Now he’s at it again.” One poll showed McConnell’s favorability rating among Alabama Republicans is just 27%, with 54% viewing the McConnell unfavorably. The McClatchy DC report quoted Apryl Marie Fogel, radio host and conservative activist in the state as saying, “Mitch McConnell is viewed here in Alabama as the epitome of all that is wrong with the party. He represents the establishment in a state that prides itself on a base that is anti-establishment.” Fogel went on to say, “On the other hand, this is a state that has long embraced Ted Cruz and Rand Paul style conservatism. They’d love to see more of that fiery brand senator on the floor.” Fogel added, “There’s a lot more riding on this election and runoff than just who is going to hold this seat; McConnell and team has the money, but Cruz and Paul have the hearts of the voters.” The attention on McConnell also takes away attention from the fact that Trump revoked his support of Brooks during his campaign. “I’ll tell you this: I don’t believe Donald Trump is going to get conned by McConnell twice,” Brooks said after qualifying for the runoff. “He’s not going to side with Mitch McConnell and against the Alabama grassroots. At the end of the day, he’s going to stand with the America First movement.” In an interview late last year, Brooks suggested Paul and Cruz would be preferable leaders of the Senate Republican caucus over McConnell. “I anticipate that once in the Senate, the people of Alabama are going to want me to support as the Republican Leader in the Senate, whoever is the most conservative senator running for that position, and that’s what I will do,” Brooks said at the time. Paul has already indicated he will help Brooks. “If you get into the runoff, I’m looking at my calendar,” Paul told Brooks on a Monday evening call. “I think I might want to come down to Alabama and help.”
Political powerhouse commentator Jeff Poor leaves Yellowhammer News
Jeff Poor, host of the Jeff Poor show on FM Talk 1065 and editor of Breitbart TV, is leaving his position at Yellowhammer News and heading to 1819 News, where he will be a politics editor. Poor was a frequent contributor to Yellowhammer News, a Montgomery, Alabama-based conservative news outlet. His radio show boasts big-name guests from across the nation, from members of congress to some of the most prestigious and well-funded national grassroots groups and policy think tanks. State elected leaders line up for their chance to chat with him in his star-studded 3-hour show. Last year, ALToday listed Poor as one of Alabama’s most influential people. With over a decade of experience reporting on politics and the news media, Poor previously reported from Washington, D.C. for The Daily Caller and the Media Research Center. Poor manages a team of reporters to monitor and deliver highlights from radio and television news for Breitbart TV. Apryl Marie Fogel congratulated Poor on Twitter, stating, “Big Breaking News in #ALPolitics: @jeff_poor leaving @yhn to @1819News. Huge get for 1819 and there goes the only reason I ever went to YH after reading the 7 things list in the morning. Jeff is truly one of the best!” Bryan Dawson, President and CEO of 1819 News, congratulated Poor. “Very excited about adding Jeff to the team. He is an incredible journalist, he really understands Alabama politics, he knows what makes a good story, and he will no doubt help @raymelick and @EricaLynnThomas shape and mold our up and coming journalists,” Dawson wrote on Twitter. Craig Monger, a writer for 1819 News, also sent congratulations to Poor. “Welcome aboard, @jeff_poor! Super stoked to be on the same team as this legend!” Poor has appeared on the Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, and CBN. His work and reporting have been featured at The Drudge Report, The Washington Times, and American Spectator, among many others. He grew up in Birmingham and has reported in all 67 counties in Alabama. He received his building science degree from Auburn University and a journalism degree from the University of South Alabama. Poor will start his new position at 1819 on February 28. *Apryl Marie Fogel is the owner and publisher of AL Today.
Katie Britt makes U.S. Senate candidacy official
U.S. Senate hopeful Katie Britt made her candidacy official as she filed qualifying paperwork for the Alabama Republican Party primary election ballot. During her comments to the media, Britt spoke about the response to her grassroots campaign. “Since announcing our Alabama First campaign in June, the response from Alabamians in all 67 of our state’s counties has been incredible,” stated Britt. “I am proud to be running a grassroots campaign focused on growing opportunity for all hardworking Alabamians, and our message is clearly resonating. With every passing day, our momentum continues to grow strongly. I truly believe that the future and the image of our state is on the ballot, and we will not stop working on the campaign trail until the finish line is squarely in the rearview mirror.” She concluded, “As Alabama’s next U.S. Senator, I will fight tirelessly to protect our Christian conservative values, preserve the American Dream and ensure our state always has the best possible seat at the table. It is clear that Alabamians want fresh blood to shake things up in D.C. and put America and Alabama first – not the Washington special interests. Together, we will save the country we know and love from ineffective career politicians.” Britt, a Republican and former CEO of the Business Council of Alabama, has had her credentials called into question, with other candidates asserting that she is ‘unqualified’. Britt, however, seems unfazed by the commentary. In a recent interview with radio host Apryl Marie Fogel, Britt recently commented, “I think as far as qualifications go, I believe qualifications are fighting tirelessly for Alabamians and listening to what issues they have and looking at what we’re facing in our country and knowing how to achieve results. Putting Alabama first and delivering real results for hard-working Alabamians is what I’ve done day in and day out throughout my career.”
Calling bullsh*t on mask theatre would save lives
From Day 1 of COVID, I’ve focused on saving lives and protecting others. I don’t say this to toot my own horn; I say this because now, after a year and a half of supporting masks, flattening the curve, getting and promoting vaccinations, and pulling out masks again, there are people who are saying I want to kill kids. Some people believe that parents, teachers, and even elected officials who are discussing facts, peer-reviewed studies, and quoting doctors and researchers whose conclusions are contrary to the CDC and AAP are all conspiratorial COVID deniers. This is a stupid and harmful lie. Let me speak plainly for those confused: COVID is real. Vaccinations help protect against getting/spreading the virus and lessen the chances of death/hospitalization for someone who does get it. When worn properly by adults and older children (teens), Masks help the spread by limiting the percentage of respiratory droplets someone infected spreads. There is some value though it’s not as high for those wearing a mask if exposed to someone else. Seniors, preemies, people of all ages with underlying conditions such as obesity, heart or lung conditions, diabetes, or other immune system are at the greatest risk from COVID complications or death. Now back to the point at hand: Mask theatre is stupid and undermines the credibility of physicians and other medical experts who promote and support it. What qualifies as mask theatre you may well let me give you some examples: Masking as you walk to your table at a restaurant, only to get there, take it off and talk and eat for hours. Masking when walking or biking alone outdoors. Masking when in your car alone (extra points if the windows are down and double points if you’re a smoker masking between cigarettes). Masking in a home without someone sick or at high risk (extra points if you mask while watching t.v. then sleep next to someone unmasked). Masking when socially distancing outdoors under any circumstances that doesn’t involve an at-risk person. Worse than masking theatre is the fact that these guidelines or recommendations are harmful to those who want to take rational precautions. Starting today, my 2-year-old is being forced to mask. My other son has been masked since turning 3 and will start his kindergarten year in a mask, and my daughter went through second and is starting third in a mask. What’s worse? The health experts advising their school are requiring them to mask outdoors. I went to a kindergarten ‘meet the students’ playdate on a playground where children swinging, climbing, and sliding in 90 degree heat were forced to wear masks. I had to leave early because my son was overheated 20 minutes in. It took all I had not to shout at the adults in charge. Adults who I generally respect in a school I treasure. Children should be able to trust us as parents.Parents should be able to trust school officials.We all should be able to trust the medical community. WHO says masking under 5 is not recommended. When Governor Kay Ivey instituted a mask mandate, she and Dr. Scott Harris started it at 5. CDC and AAP have always said 2, but why? They’ve never once said why two. Not a single study supports the idea of toddlers being responsible for community spread. CDC reports that as of 08/07/2021 165 children in the nation under 14 have died of COVID. So tell me then why 2-5 year olds all over the state are being masked? Let me tell you. “Follow the science” has been lost to “following the guidance” and a system of peer pressure where doctors and parents alike have confided in me that they are scared to speak up to their peers or school administrators. Fear that is grounded in a world where those of us opposed to masking children are being accused of being selfish, reckless or even as bad as segregationist. So our toddlers and young children pay the price wearing masks except when they snack, eat lunch, nap/rest, snack again. What is gained in terms of protection that isn’t lost when they are in downtime? Nothing. It’s illogical, inhuman, and unscientific to think there will be no talking (or breathing) during these breaks or nap times. Masking any children outdoors is also ridiculous. Every life is precious but, and yes, I too can hardly believe I’m adding a “but” here, but we should not upturn healthy young children’s lives for a virus that, for the overwhelming majority, will be mild and not as deadly as the flu. Wait, did I just deny the deadly nature of COVID? No. I didn’t. Reread my statement. I want experts to follow the science. Beyond COVID, the costs of masking are high. The social and emotional costs of teaching our children to live in fear, having them miss years of developmental speech skills, the general risk to the immune system (hello, summer RSV), and childhood are high too high to be silent about. So what’s the right age to mask? Now that’s a topic I’d like to hear the data parsed out on. Not “just because they can talk, they can catch/spread COVID.” Actual, risk/costs and don’t tell me comfort and convenience are the only costs with a straight face. Most spread is happening within families and at home. I’m still waiting for one piece of evidence of swing set spread. Families need to consider their children, loved ones, and individual risk and make informed decisions. That choice shouldn’t be made for everyone by “experts” who refuse to acknowledge data, statistics, and risk factors. Protecting and keeping my children safe is my number one priority, but we can’t keep them alive at the cost of not letting them live. This is an opinion piece by Apryl Marie Fogel. Fogel is the editor and publisher of Alabama Today. She is the host of Straight Talk with Apryl Marie on News Talk 93.1 Radio on air 12pm-3pm central.
Katie Britt pulls no punches in responding to Mo Brooks’ ‘unqualified’ accusation
The Alabama senate race isn’t until 2022, but things are already heating up between frontrunners Katie Boyd Britt and Mo Brooks. While Brooks is betting on the power of the Donald Trump endorsement, Britt is leaning on more than just her connections to Senator Richard Shelby. According to the National Journal, Trump sent a statement through his PAC calling Shelby a “RINO.” Trump, in a statement, said Britt is “not what Alabama wants.” Trump wrote, “I see that the RINO Senator from Alabama, close friend of Old Crow Mitch McConnell, Richard Shelby, is pushing hard to have his ‘assistant’ fight the great Mo Brooks for his Senate seat.” In an interview with National Journal last week, Shelby suggested that Brooks is “feeling the momentum” of Britt’s candidacy. “Katie’s really just getting started. They’re showing a lot of interest, and they’re probably nervous about it,” Shelby commented. Britt has brought in $2.2 million in the second quarter of 2021 and had $2.1 million cash on hand. Brooks only brought in $824,000 in the second quarter. Brooks sent an email to the National Journal responding to Shelby’s comments. “I get that Richard Shelby wants to bequeath Alabama’s Senate seat to his former, relatively inexperienced employee. But U.S. Senate seats should never be inherited or bought, they should be earned and decided by the people of Alabama,” Brooks stated. “In any event, ‘rationality’ and ‘irrationality’ are in the eye of the beholder. I am 100% certain that, to Washington’s Swamp and special interest groups who routinely buy Congressmen and Senators, I appear very irrational because I put America First and special interest groups and their Swamp money dead last!” Brooks continued, “No person in Alabama history has been elected more times to public office as a Republican than has Mo Brooks. As such, I respectfully submit that Alabama voters have a much different perception of rationality than do Washington’s Swamp critters.” Apryl Marie Fogel, guest host of the Dan Morris Show on NewsTalk 93.1 Montgomery, spoke to Britt on her radio show on Thursday. When asked to respond to comments from the Trump organization and Brooks’ thoughts on her qualifications, Britt responded, “I know my opponent is a career politician, and he is clearly experienced at running for office and drawing a check off the taxpayer dime, honestly. I think as far as qualifications go, I believe qualifications are fighting tirelessly for Alabamians and listening to what issues they have and looking at what we’re facing in our country and knowing how to achieve results.” “Putting Alabama first and delivering real results for hard-working Alabamians is what I’ve done day in and day out throughout my career, Britt continued. “I define success through results, and it looks like my opponent, particularly given his words there, seems to define success through how many times he can put his name on a ballot in a lifetime. I guess I respectfully disagree.” There are also two other candidates in the senate race: former Ambassador to Slovenia Lynda Blanchard and former House candidate Jessica Taylor. *Apryl Marie Fogel is the owner and publisher of Alabama Today.
Alabama National Guard adjusts to looming budget shortfall
States around the nation are facing budget shortfalls for their National Guards following long stints in Washington D.C. after they were called upon to protect the U.S. Capitol. Gov. Kay Ivey activated the Alabama National Guard in January. The 750 soldiers were activated soon after the Capitol protests and returned home the day after the Inauguration. During The Dan Morris radio show on 93.1 Newstalk last week, guest host Apryl Marie Fogel* fielded a call stating that some Alabama National Guard training camps and drills were being canceled. Fogel reached out to Gina Maiola in Governor Kay Ivey’s office, who referred her to the National Guard. Sandra D. Lucas, the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the JFHQ Alabama National Guard, replied that Lucas responded, “The FY21 federal reimbursement to the National Guard Bureau has been delayed, causing a funding shortfall for the remainder of the fiscal year. This is due to supported events that were not planned for, or were underfunded, or underestimated. Although we are going to have to make changes to our schedule, every effort is being made to minimize impact to readiness. “As we are preparing to minimize expenses due to a shortage of fourth-quarter funding, the Alabama National Guard is adjusting the remaining FY21 annual training requirements. Readiness is our main priority, therefore, individuals who require annual training days will be given the opportunity to attend annual training to meet their 15-day active training requirement. “The head of the National Guard Bureau, Gen. Daniel Hokanson, publicly warned lawmakers in May that the Guard must be reimbursed by August to avoid impacts on training in the final months of the fiscal year. In the ensuing months, those warnings have become more stark. A July 6 National Guard report warns of far-reaching effects on training, vehicle, and aviation readiness as well as facility sustainment efforts if lawmakers don’t approve more money by the beginning of August.” “Without timely reimbursement by August 1, 2021, the National Guard will experience critical readiness impacts across its entire enterprise,” the report states. The report was shared by the offices of Steve Womack and Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.), who are pressing House and Senate leadership to quickly reimburse the Guard. “We are preparing to minimize expenses due to a shortage of fourth-quarter funding, but none of this is a new challenge for the Alabama National Guard. If the past year has proved anything, it’s the capability and adaptability of Guardsmen to meet any demands regardless of unforeseen circumstances.” Lucas concluded, “We are confident in the resilience of our Soldiers and Airmen. Whether we drill 12 months per year or only 10, we will remain Always Ready and Always There.” *Editorial Disclaimer: Apryl Marie Fogel is the owner and publisher of Alabama Today.
Mo Brooks disagrees with continued Facebook ban on Donald Trump
On Monday, Mo Brooks spoke to radio host and Alabama Today editor Apryl Marie Fogel on WACV radio and discussed the continued ban of Donald Trump on Facebook and other social media platforms. On Wednesday he stated on Twitter, “Like I told @aprylmarie on WACV radio, if social media platforms are going to censor content on their sites, then we need to remove legal protections that exempt social media platforms from liable and slander lawsuits.” https://twitter.com/RepMoBrooks/status/1390075835625787393 In another post on Twitter, Brooks stated, “Facebook’s continued ban of President Trump is a direct attack on the First Amendment’s Freedom of Speech rights. But President Trump is not alone. Facebook suppresses free speech of millions of Americans on a daily if not hourly basis.” https://twitter.com/RepMoBrooks/status/1390039511321784321 In a press release, he released the following statement. “Congress and the federal government must act to protect Freedom of Speech. Congress and the federal government can do that by: 1. Using anti-trust laws to break up the monopolies of Facebook, Twitter, Google and every other communications conduit Americans use to express their views and values. 2. Repealing any and all immunities Facebook, Twitter, Google and the like have that protects them from liability for their defamatory, libelous and slanderous conduct. A media conduit that edits and controls speech must be responsible for the injuries to reputations that ensue. “In sum, no federal law should be used as a sword or shield that aids and abets a company’s Freedom of Speech suppression. Any company that suppresses Freedom of Speech must know it will be held responsible for conduct that undermines one of America’s most cherished rights.”
‘No gas tax’ rally brings dozens to State House
Opponents of Gov. Kay Ivey‘s gas tax proposal rallied against the $300 million tax increase bill on Saturday that they say breaks the promises candidates just made to their constituents this past election cycle Dozens of Alabamians showed up in protest on the steps of the State House in Montgomery including Alabama State Auditor Jim Zeigler who says one of the problems with the proposed gas tax increase is that it, “Has no expiration date.” “It will be in perpetuity. If gas prices go up to $2.50 or $3.00 a gallon we still have to pay the tax or when Trump goes up after President Trump is gone it goes up to $5 a gallon we still have to pay it,” Zeigler explained according to the Alabama Political Reporter. In January, Zeigler proposed a gas tax increase alternative dubbed “Plan Z,” which stands for “zero tax increases and zero congestion on our roads. Zeigler says Plan Z can provide about $900 million in new road construction funds from present revenues. Conservative’s for Better Leadership President Apryl Marie Fogel* “We need to call all of our elected officials and tell them that we don’t want this,” Fogel said according to APR. “66 percent of the gas tax will go to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). Fogel explained further that 25 percent of the taxes raised will go to counties, and only 8.5 will go to towns and cities. “We need you. We need your neighbors. We need your Sunday school class” to call their legislators and the Speakers office and the Governor’s office and tell them to vote NO,” Fogel added. Other speakers included North Alabama Tea Party Chairman Charles Orr, Retired Air Force Colonel Mike Parsons, Frank Dillman on behalf of the Alabama Libertarian Party. Watch footage of the rally below: The gas tax increase proposal Last week, Ivey introduced the gas tax increase proposal as part of her Rebuild Alabama Infrastructure Plan as a means to pay for infrastructure improvements. “My Rebuild Alabama Infrastructure Plan is a comprehensive approach to a glaring issue affecting citizens in every corner of the state,” Ivey said announcing her plan. “After 27 years of stagnation, adequate funding is imperative to fixing our many roads and bridges in dire need of repair. By increasing our investment in infrastructure, we are also making a direct investment in public safety, economic development, and the prosperity of our state.” Editor’s note: Apryl Marie Fogel is also the publisher of Alabama Today.
Real talk about breastfeeding for World Breast Feeding Week
It’s #WorldBreastFeedingWeek brought to you by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). Didn’t know that was a thing? Well don’t feel bad, neither did I until I started seeing blog and social media posts on the subject. I usually skip honoring the majority of themed days/weeks/months (especially since there’s just so many to keep up with these days) but breastfeeding is important to me and it should be important to society as a whole so let’s talk about it a little. My hope is that the more people talk openly about breastfeeding the more society stops shaming and putting obstacles in the way of nursing mothers and their growing babies. We as a society need to be encouraging and welcoming to mothers who choose to breastfeed. We should promote businesses and employers who are supportive of breastfeeding mothers and finally we should all take a stand to ensure that the legal rights of breastfeeding mothers are protected. Did you know that most states including Alabama there are laws that protect the rights of nursing mothers to nurse in public? The law here is pretty specific – anywhere a mother can legally be she can legally breastfeed. Note it doesn’t say, anywhere she can be she can breastfeed so long as it doesn’t offend anyone. It doesn’t say she can breastfeed as long as she’s covered up. It says anywhere she can be she can nurse. Section 22-1-13 Breastfeeding children in public or private locations. A mother may breastfeed her child in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be present. According to WomensHealth.Gov a project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 24 U.S. states and territories provide legislation related to supporting nursing women at work. They also highlight federal law protecting mothers, specifically mothers in the workplace. According to HHS, “The federal Break Time for Nursing Mothers law requires some employers to provide basic breastfeeding accommodations for some nursing mothers at work. These include a functional space and time for women to express milk each time they need to express.” Before I get into my personal story and thoughts on breastfeeding let me start saying that “Fed is Best“. I’ve seen and heard of mothers who want to breastfeed more than anything but can’t for any number of reasons out of their control. I’ve also known mothers who never had any interest or desire to nurse. Hospitals these days can be very aggressive in pushing breastfeeding and mothers can be so scared of formula that they allow their newborns to starve not realizing that it’s even happening. Feed your babies, it’s that simple. There’s no one right way to do anything in motherhood and that includes how you feed your baby. So long as you’re providing a physically and emotionally safe, nurturing and loving environment for your child(ren) do it your way momma and don’t you dare worry about what others say and do. I breastfed my daughter for 14 and months and my first son for 20. With my third child on the way breastfeeding is something I’m most looking forward but it’s also the thing I’m dreading most. Breastfeeding is both physically and emotionally draining and never let anyone lie to you and say it’s not. To exclusivy breastfeed, pump and manage all that comes with both means working 24/7 in the earliest and already most trying times of motherhood. There’s no doubt if I’m physically able I will nurse again, it was how I personally felt best bonded with both kids. Don’t get me wrong though, I know many incredible moms who never nursed and you’d know no difference between their relationships with their children and me with mine. Will I make it a year which was my previous goal for the other two? I don’t know. I’m not even putting the pressure on myself at this point to guess. Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience and every time I see mother’s shamed for doing it in public I feel instant defensiveness. On the other hand while working on this message I fought over which of the two breastfeeding photos I can find (out of thousands of me and the kids that have been taken over the years) to use on the post ultimately deciding not to use one of me at all. The public shaming and sexualization associated with images of women breastfeeding is wrong! I resent it. You should resent it too. If you’re one of those people offended by nursing mothers you need to reevaluate your own conscious. This is a woman feeding her child the way God (or evolution if that’s your thing) provided. It is one of those natural god given gifts that a few loud critics have tried to taint with cries against the indecency of it. Which is partially why I suppose there’s a week to share stories and spread awareness for it at all. For those objecting to public nursing: I’ve heard all the points of view and the fact is nothing has convinced me to hide as I did frequently in my early days. Now I do it anywhere and everywhere, with or without a cover depending on a number of circumstances including the weather, the babies mood, timing, if I have a cover with me, who’s around, and others but the fact is I believe without doubt women have a right to breastfeed anywhere they want to and however works best for them. Are you afraid of the sexuality of a breastfeeding woman? That’s your problem not hers. I can promise you that there’s not a mother in the world with a hungry child who’s sole purpose for nursing is to lead men astray. Are you afraid of your children seeing it? Teach them how normal and natural it is and then teach them that staring is impolite. Let’s all do better. Oh and the next time you see a momma feeding her baby however she’s doIng it if
What Alabama is doing to combat suicide, and what you can do to help
With Mental Health Awareness month, and the heavily publicized suicide of Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall‘s wife, only a few weeks behind us, we would be remiss not to keep the conversation about mental health going. “Often times we only talk about suicide in the case of celebrities… Robin Williams, Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain, and others. But the fact is suicide affects so many more of us. More importantly, the underlining cause of suicide, untreated mental illness or mental illness not responsive to medications and treatment, affects nearly all of us in some shape or form,” wrote Alabama Today publisher Apryl Marie Fogel. “I don’t know a single person not touched by mental illness — either persistent and severe conditions that plague them on and off throughout their lives, or acute in response to major life changes.” Which is why the Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, Lynn Beshear, does not take her job lightly. Since taking the position in 2017, she has been working tirelessly to educate the public, and raise funds for the department to address these issues within the state. Alabama Today asked her about the departments attempts to combat Mental Health issues, and what friends and family members can do to assist those they know who are struggling with mental illness: In light of the recent uptick in celebrity and influencer suicides, what is the Dept. of Mental Health doing to combat suicide rates in Alabama? Stigma is the greatest barrier to care and funding, so ADMH’s role is to acknowledge the elephant in the room and to educate tirelessly. According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center in Washington, D.C., some risk factors and suicidal warning signs may include: A history of depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental illness diagnoses A serious personal loss or number of losses and defeats taken personally Low self-esteem and self-loathing Social isolation Believing there is no hope of feeling better Chronic alcohol or another drug use Easy access to the means for dying We often hear about mental health conditions as a cause of suicide, but suicide is rarely associated with any single factor. More than half of people who die by suicide did not have a known mental health condition, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center offers these myths and facts about suicide: MYTH: A person who talks about dying by suicide won’t do it. FACT: About 80 percent of people who complete a suicide express their intentions to one or more persons. MYTH: Talking about suicide to someone who is depressed may cause them to kill himself or herself. FACT: Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide does not increase suicidal thoughts, but, in fact, may reduce them. MYTH: If a person shows improvement after a crisis point, the risk has passed. FACT: Most suicides occur within three months after the onset of improvement. MYTH: Suicide usually occurs without warning. FACT: Many survivors of suicide report they had thoughts of suicide long before their attempt. In Alabama, a person dies by suicide every 11 hours. In 2016, it was the 11th leading cause of death, with 788 citizens lost to suicide, compared to 543 deaths due to homicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call: 1-800-273-8255. What can friends and family do if they think they know someone who is struggling with a mental illness? One way to help is to learn Mental Health First Aid, which teaches how to and speak directly and with empathy to someone in need. Mental Health First Aid is an eight-hour course that gives people the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Be patient and calm while a suicidal or a person in a mental crisis is talking about his or her feelings and listen without expressing judgment and without agreeing or disagreeing with the person’s behavior or point of view. A safety plan, an agreement between the person and the first-aider, is a way to ensure that the person understands that someone is there for them. A safety plan should include actions to help keep a suicidal person safe, such as contact numbers the person agrees to call if feeling suicidal, for the person’s doctor or mental-health care professional, or a crisis helpline, or for friends and family members who would help in an emergency. The other very serious issue facing, not only Alabama but the entire US, is opioid addiction. I am the co-chair of Governor Ivey’s Alabama Opioid Overdose & Addiction Council to address this almost overwhelmingly complex issue that involves every sector of society, as well as law enforcement, the medical profession and an array of governmental departments and services.
