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.
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.
Infrastructure bill to support Alabama broadband, road repair; Congressional Republicans rip ‘reckless’ spending
Alabama will receive $5.2 billion in federal highway funding and $225 million for bridge replacement and repairs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, according to a news release from U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell of Birmingham. The state’s Republican Congressional delegation criticized the measure for spending more on Democratic wish lists than actual infrastructure. The state will also receive $100 million to improve the state’s broadband coverage. “Broadband internet is necessary for Alabamians to do their jobs, participate equally in school learning, health care, and to stay connected,” Sewell said in the news release. “Yet 18% of Alabama households do not have an internet subscription, and 11.5% of Alabama residents live in areas where, under the FCC’s benchmark, there is no broadband infrastructure.” Alabama will receive $400 million over the next five years for public transportation projects. About a fourth of transit vehicles in the state are “past useful life,” according to Sewell. Sewell said Alabama’s infrastructure “has been falling behind for far too long.” “I fought to ensure that equity is a central focus of this bill, and I’m proud that it will uplift hard-working Alabamians from our biggest cities to our most rural communities,” Sewell said. Alabama will also receive: $782 million for water infrastructure improvements. $140 million to improve the state’s airports $23 million for wildfire protection. $19 million for protection against cyberattacks. The bill passed the House by a vote of 228 to 206. Republican Rep. Gary Palmer of Vestavia Hills voted against the bill. “Our economy is struggling, and our national debt already presents a serious national security threat, but the Democrats have shown they are willing to recklessly push through a bill that costs over a trillion dollars with only about 10 percent going to roads and bridges,” Palmer said in a news release. “I fully support funding for infrastructure that is focused on national priorities rather than wasting hundreds of billions of dollars on a Green New Deal wish list and programs under the guise of human infrastructure that simply expands government control of our lives.” The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the infrastructure bill will increase the federal budget deficit by $256 billion over 10 years. U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl, a Republican from Mobile, said in a tweet over the weekend that he opposed the bill as well. “Late last night, I voted no on the Pelosi/Biden ‘infrastructure’ bill because less than 10% of this massive bill will go toward actual infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, ports, and waterways,” Carl said. “It’s time to get serious about real investments in our infrastructure.” By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square contributor
Gary Palmer demands cost analysis of Build Back Better legislation
Congressman Gary Palmer and several colleagues have sent a letter to Congressional Budget Office Director Phillip Swagel. The group has requested cost analysis of the Democrats’ Build Back Better legislation. In a press release, Palmer stated, “The nation will have to build back from the brink of bankruptcy, should this legislation ever become law. Although the Democrats are pretending to scale back on a number of the unwarranted programs in it, we have no idea what the true price tag is for these policies that would fundamentally undermine our Republic and move us one step closer to socialism.” According to a recent article from the House Committee on the Budget Chairman John Yarmuth, the Build Back Better Act “aims to make an investment of $1.75 trillion in family care, health care, and combatting the climate crisis.” However, Palmer argues that the initiative will cost more than what is being stated. “I have seen more than one or two budget gimmicks during my time in Congress, and this package is full of them,” Palmer continued. “For instance, the legislation partially funds programs and pretends they will come to an end, even though the clear intention is to make them permanent. This is why we have requested that the CBO Director conduct a true analysis, so that Congress and the American people have a real understanding of just how much this monstrosity will cost. Independent groups have consistently said this bill is not paid for and will increase the deficit. This analysis will expose all of the bill’s budget gimmicks and hopefully end this misleading effort to run our country over the fiscal cliff.” The letter states, “H.R. 5376, as it is currently drafted, contains cherry-picked program expirations and phase-out periods that are meant to circumvent congressional scoring procedures. These provisions are disingenuously meant to hide the true costs of these policies and their burden on Americans today and for generations to come. It is of paramount importance that before Congress collectively acts on this legislation, it has an accurate understanding of what the effects of this legislation would be if its policies became permanent law.” The letter was also signed by Reps. Vern Buchanan, Greg Steube, Pete Stauber, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Jack Bergman, David Rouzer, Tracey Mann, Mary E. Miller, Tedd Budd, Markwayne Mullin, Jody Hice, Eric Crawford, David McKinley, and Andy Biggs.
Richard Shelby takes stance against vaccine mandates
Senator Richard Shelby has publicly expressed his views on the Biden Administration’s vaccine mandate. The mandate states that all employers with more than 100 workers require them to be vaccinated or test for the virus weekly. Alabama lawmakers have spent months fighting, this arguing it is government overreach. Gov. Kay Ivey called the mandates “outrageous” and also argued that vaccine mandates are “not the role of the government.” Last week, congressman Gary Palmer and several colleagues sent a letter to Doug Parker, the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, opposing the mandate. Attorney General Steve Marshall also filed a lawsuit last Friday challenging the federal-contractor vaccination mandate. Last week, state senator Arthur Orr spoke to Yellowhammer News, expressing his surprise that Shelby hadn’t already joined efforts to stop the mandate. In an interview, Orr stated, “[W]hat I also find interesting, Dale, is Senator Shelby has not signed on with a letter from Senator Lankford from the Midwest to be against the Biden mandate,” Orr said. “Senator Tuberville did. And I was surprised not to see Senator Shelby join his Republican Senate colleagues fighting back against these Biden mandates.” While other lawmakers have openly expressed their disdain for the mandates, Shelby had been relatively tight-lipped about his views until now. On Monday, Richard cleared up any misunderstandings, stating on Twitter, “Last week I proudly joined @SenatorBraun and other @SenateGOP colleagues in officially challenging President Biden’s vaccine mandate under the Congressional Review Act. This mandate violates our constitutional liberties and is federal overreach at its finest.” Shelby stressed the importance of vaccinations but emphasized individual choice. “While I urge people to consult with their doctor about getting vaccinated, I believe our individual freedoms and rights are of the utmost importance,” Shelby commented.
Congressional leaders send letter to OSHA opposing vaccine mandate
Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) and several colleagues sent a letter to Doug Parker, the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, to oppose a federal vaccine mandate on businesses across the country. Alabama congressmen Mo Brooks and Barry Moore also signed the letter. The letter states, “OSHA has said the spread of COVID-19 presents a grave danger to employees. However, this is not the case. Many employees have either been vaccinated or have achieved immunity naturally, and thus are not in grave danger. Many workplaces are also not in environments where the spread of COVID-19 is a concern, including employees who work from home or who work in outside settings.” The letter also urges the Secretary to make a religious exemption. “While we do not agree that you should finalize this mandate, we urge you to provide a religious exemption to the requirement should you forge ahead and request that you make that commitment in writing.” “Unfortunately, this Administration must be reminded that religious rights and other freedoms are not forfeited during a pandemic,” Palmer stated in a press release. Palmer questioned the legality of the vaccine mandate arguing that religious and other conscience exemptions are the heart of the Constitution. “The employer-employee relationship does not need intervention from a third federal party. Employees need their individual rights to be protected, not trampled upon by the government. I firmly believe this mandate is unconstitutional, and at the very least, we need to defend the rights of individuals who, for whatever deeply held beliefs, decide to refuse it. No one should be forced to choose between providing for their families and violating their conscience. Religious and other conscience exemptions are at the heart of the Constitution, which this Administration and every Member of Congress swore an oath to uphold and defend. This letter from my colleagues and me insists that at the least, individuals’ freedoms must be respected and maintained when regulations on the mandate are finalized and published.” Originally tweeted by Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) on November 1, 2021. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is part of the U.S. Department of Labor. Their mission is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
What they’re saying: Delegation responds to debt ceiling vote
Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a short-term increase to the nation’s debt limit. This $480 billion increase ensures the federal government will continue to pay its bills into December. Without this approval, the government would have defaulted on the debt, a move that could decimate the economy. The measure passed by a party-line vote of 219-206. The U.S. has never defaulted on its obligations to pay its debt. Nearly $8 trillion in debt accrued under Donald Trump. In a press release, Mo Brooks argued against raising the debt limit, saying it is excessive. Brooks stated, “Washington Debt Junkies can’t kick the habit. They continue to push financial insanity to new heights by adding $480 billion to America’s debt limit. America’s debt will soon blow through the $30 trillion mark. That is roughly $90,000 in debt for every man, woman, and child in America. America’s deficit exceeded $3 trillion in FY 2020 and is projected by the Congressional Budget Office to again break the $3 trillion mark in FY 2021.” “Debt Junkie spending is excessive. It is dangerous. Yet, Debt Junkies refuse to acknowledge the error of their ways and do what is necessary to avoid a debilitating national insolvency and bankruptcy. Without corrective measures, that’s where America is headed. Debt junkies must face reality, or America’s greatness will be relegated to a shadow of its former self,” Brooks concluded. Rep. Terri Sewell posted on Twitter that she supports raising the debt limit. Sewell commented, “Defaulting on our credit would cause an unprecedented economic collapse, hurting every American and every Alabamian. Addressing the debt ceiling is the responsible thing to do, & I was proud to join my Democratic colleagues to protect families from catastrophe and pay our bills.” Rep. Gary Palmer issued a press release arguing that Democrats are “oblivious” to the national debt crisis. Palmer stated, “Democrats just raised the debt limit while also trying to pass the most expensive piece of legislation in the history of the United States. We are already at a point where U.S. debt is at 125 percent of our GDP (Gross Domestic Product). This means that our debt is now 25 percent larger than the entire U.S. economy. The debate over raising the debt limit should have been a pause point to allow Democrats and Republicans to work together to deal with our unsustainable debt. “The reckless disregard for our debt crisis has become a national security threat, and it is undermining the security and well-being of the current and future generations. Instead of increasing the debt limit while trying to spend over $5 trillion more, Congress should be working to craft legislation focused on growing our economy, ensuring our energy security, creating jobs, and finding every reasonable way to reduce our debt, which has become a major threat to the future of all Americans.” On Twitter, Palmer commented, “Instead of increasing the debt limit while trying to spend over $5 trillion more, Congress should be working to craft legislation focused on growing our economy and finding ways to reduce debt.” White House Council of Economic Advisors stated in a blog, “A default would fundamentally hinder the Federal government from serving the American people. Payments from the Federal government that families rely on to make ends meet would be endangered. The basic functions of the Federal government—including maintaining national defense, national parks, and countless others—would be at risk. The public health system, which has enabled this country to react to a global pandemic, would be unable to adequately function.”
Members of Congress press HHS Secretary to release more COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment to Alabama
Congressmen Mo Brooks, Barry Moore, Gary Palmer, and Mike Rogers sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra voicing concerns over the Biden Administration’s distribution of monoclonal antibody treatments available to Alabama. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) recently halted treatment expansion plans and imposing limitations on the state’s allocation of monoclonal antibodies, reported Al.com. In September, the Medical Association of the State of Alabama also voiced their concerns with the new approach to allocating monoclonal antibodies. HHS changed the distribution method to make sure monoclonal antibody treatment is distributed equitably. Prior to the change, almost 70 percent of the monoclonal antibody supply in the U.S. was being used by just seven southern states: Alabama, Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and Louisiana. These states also have some of the lowest vaccination rates. Senator Tommy Tuberville introduced legislation last week that would block the HHS policy limiting monoclonal antibody treatments. The letter states, “HHS’s change appears to have caused Alabama to experience a significant drop in mAb dose availability, thus unnecessarily putting lives at risk. Further, it appears many healthcare providers and clinics have struggled with anticipating shipments, resulting in patients being unable to receive the mAb therapy. “We ask HHS to clarify if the allocation formula will reduce the number of mAb doses allocated to states based on a state’s ability to properly report to HHS how many mAb’s were used. “Lastly, we request an explanation of why there has been such a lack of clarity by HHS on when treatments will become available.” Brooks stated in a press release, “According to University of Alabama in Birmingham researchers, monoclonal antibody (“mAb”) therapy reduces risk of hospitalization by 70% in high-risk unvaccinated persons. But, the Biden Administration is throttling Alabama’s supply of mAb treatments according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. The signers of this letter want answers from the Biden Administration about why they’re reducing the number of lifesaving treatments available to Alabamians.” Rep. Moore commented, “This allocation change to the supply of monoclonals in the midst of a public health emergency delayed potentially life-saving treatments to many Alabamians. The federal government implemented this change at a time when many Alabama hospitals were in the midst of a crisis from a rise in the delta variant. Adding even more government red tape to our hospitals at a time like this is inexcusable. This administration needs to stop playing politics when there are lives at stake.”
FarmPAC announces 2022 political endorsements
FarmPAC, the political arm of the Alabama Farmers Federation’s (ALFA), has announced its endorsements for the upcoming primary elections for 2022. ALFA president and CEO Jimmy Parnell explained that the endorsements came after months of study and consideration of all candidates who went before the federation. Parnell stated, “These candidates have invested time in getting to know our county leaders. They’ve spent time on our farms and attended meetings where they heard about the issues and concerns important to Federation members. At the same time, our county leaders have studied the candidates and decided these individuals have the knowledge, experience, and determination to help lead our state and nation in the right direction.” The following candidates have earned the official endorsement of FarmPAC: • Katie Britt — U.S. Senate• Jerry Carl — U.S. House of Representatives, District 1• Barry Moore — U.S. House of Representatives, District 2• Mike Rogers — U.S. House of Representatives, District 3• Robert Aderholt — U.S. House of Representatives, District 4• Dale Strong — U.S. House of Representatives, District 5• Gary Palmer — U.S. House of Representatives, District 6• Terri Sewell — U.S. House of Representatives, District 7• Kay Ivey — Governor• Will Ainsworth — Lieutenant Governor• Steve Marshall — Attorney General• Wes Allen — Secretary of State• Young Boozer — Treasurer• Rusty Glover — Auditor• Rick Pate — Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries• Greg Cook — Alabama Supreme Court, Place 5• Kelli Wise — Alabama Supreme Court, Place 6• Jeremy Oden — Public Service Commission, Place 1• Chip Beeker — Public Service Commission, Place 2• Tracie West — Alabama State Board of Education, District 2• Yvette Richardson — Alabama State Board of Education, District 4• Cynthia McCarty — Alabama State Board of Education, District 6• Wayne Reynolds — Alabama State Board of Education, District 8 Endorsements approved at Tuesday’s meeting will carry through to the general election. Additionally, the federation stated they would announce their endorsements for state legislature at a later date. FarmPAC Chairman Steve Dunn of Conecuh County said the Federation encourages voters to study the issues and candidates prior to the election. Dunn stated, “It’s important for Alabama voters to be engaged in the electoral process,” said Dunn. “We encourage members to exercise their right to vote, regardless of their political preference, and to consider these FarmPAC endorsements when they go to the polls.”
Randy Taylor: Alabama kidney patients need Congress to support Medigap Expansion Bill
Since I started dialysis in 2018, I’ve been lucky to have coverage that supplements Medicare and helps to keep my costs down. Even with that added coverage, though, I’ve noticed it is tough to afford all of the medicines I need. For patients without the additional coverage I have, that cost is even higher. When Medicare doesn’t pay for medication or dialysis treatment. That money comes out of their pocket, and the financial burden is just too much for some patients to take on. For the many dialysis patients like me with diabetes, the problem is even bigger because of the added doctor’s appointments, medicines, and other costs that come with it. Patients need lawmakers to listen to our needs and pass bills that can help make coverage accessible and affordable. Thankfully, some are working on the Jack Reynolds Memorial Medigap Expansion Act, which would open Medigap coverage to dialysis patients under 65, meaning they’ll have additional coverage for the costs that Medicare doesn’t address by itself. I hope Representative Gary Palmer and our state’s other members of Congress take note of the obstacles dialysis patients face getting the right coverage, and work to pass this bill. Randy Taylor is a resident of West Blocton, Alabama.
Alabama congressmen join legislation to honor service members who died in Afghanistan
Congressman Jerry Carl, Gary Palmer, and Mo Brooks joined 158 Members of Congress in introducing legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. military service members who were killed in Afghanistan. Michigan congresswoman Lisa McClain introduced the legislation. Two suicide bombers and gunmen attacked the crowds flocking to Kabul’s airport last Thursday, killing at least 60 Afghans and 13 U.S. troops. The legislation will award the Congressional Gold Medal to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Hospitalman Maxton Soviak, and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss. Rep. Carl stated on Twitter, “I’m a proud cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation. The world is a better, safer place because of our servicemembers who have served in Afghanistan. May we never forget their sacrifices to fight terrorism and protect America.” Palmer commented, “Honored to cosponsor @RepLisaMcClain’s bill to recognize the sacrifices of the brave US service members who gave their lives in #Afghanistan last week. Their courage will be remembered.” “These heroic men and women are gone far too soon, and we must honor them for their bravery in helping U.S. citizens, and Afghan allies safely evacuate Afghanistan,” said Rep. McClain. “My heart aches for the families and loved ones of our service members. We will always remember their service and pay tribute to their sacrifice.”
Steve Flowers: Donald Trump comes to Alabama
Former President Donald Trump paid a visit to the Heart of Dixie last week. Obviously, this is Trump country. Alabama was one of Trump’s best states in the 2020 Election. He got an amazing 65% of the vote in our state. If the turnout for his August 21 rally in rural Cullman County is any indication, he would get that same margin of victory this year if the election were held again. Many of those in attendance were insistent that Trump won last year’s presidential contest and that it was stolen from him. The event was held on a desolate rural north Alabama farm. It was reminiscent of the 1969 Woodstock event in rural New York. In fact, our newly minted U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville referred to it as “Trumpstock.” Tuberville nor I either one attended Woodstock, but we are old enough to know about the legendary music and imbibing event. It was also reminiscent of some of the old George Wallace rallies in the 1960’s – only much larger. The rally drew an enormous crowd. Estimates said there were 45,000 Trumpites in attendance, and I am not an expert on estimating crowds, but I do not disagree with that number. It took me 30 minutes to walk through the crowd to get to my car. Trump is truly an entertainer, and Alabama is truly Trump Country, although there were quite a few folks in attendance from neighboring states. I was very appreciative to be given a VIP front row private reception invitation to the event. Allow me to share some of my observations. Coach/Senator Tommy Tuberville won his seat in the U.S. Senate because Trump endorsed him. It is obvious that Trump and Tuberville like each other and have bonded. Tuberville ran for and is in the Senate for the right reason. He wants to spend some of his retirement years giving back to this country. Tuberville was not groomed to be a politician. He is a football coach, but he is doing a good job representing Alabama in Washington. He has put together a good staff headed by veteran Stephen Boyd. They are doing a good job with constituent service. Tuberville looked jovial, relaxed, and dapper when he spoke prior to Trump. Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth gave a great speech. It was fiery and almost George Wallace level. He is a true conservative. He has two young sons who accompanied him to the rally. They are very gentlemanly young men who are always courteous and mannerly. Attorney General Steve Marshall gave an excellent speech. It was conversational, sincere, and well-received. Congressman Robert Aderholt was spectacular and gave a great speech and welcome. He represents Cullman in congress. His 4th Congressional District gave Trump the largest percentage votes of any congressional district in the country. Aderholt looks like a congressman. He is polished and erudite but has a grassroots appeal. His people in North Alabama love him. Mo Brooks spoke and was fiery as ever. Trump has endorsed him in the senate race. However, Trump only endorsed him once on this night. There is a lot of internal discord among the Republican Party membership. It appears that the Mo Brooks supporters have taken over the Republican Party hierarchy and that this Trump event was a Mo Brooks rally. Trump probably was asked to temper his Brooks endorsement. Indeed, Mo Brooks’s opponents, Katie Britt, Lynda Blanchard, and Jessica Taylor were all in attendance. Several state senators were there, along with the aforementioned state constitutional officers. I saw Greg Reed from Jasper, Tom Whatley from Auburn, along with hometown Cullman Senator Garlan Gudger, and PSC Commissioner Jeremy Oden, also from Cullman County. In addition, Secretary of State John Merrill and Jefferson/Shelby Congressman Gary Palmer were in attendance. It was good to see some of the old, longtime, 50 year Republican Party faithful founders there – Elbert Peters from Huntsville, Joan and Paul Reynolds from Shelby County, and Vicki and Mike Drummond from Jasper. They were laboring in the Republican vineyards before it was cool to be a Republican and still are. I had a chance to see Trump closeup. He looks amazing for 75. People age differently. He is a lot more cognizant and alert than 78-year-old Joe Biden. If you made me bet, I would say that Trump is running for President in 2024 and that he will carry Alabama. Happy Labor Day. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column is seen in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
