The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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As the first Regular Session of the Quadrennium evolves there are a myriad of complex issues arising. I am reminded of three simple truisms regarding the Alabama legislature and the governing of the State of Alabama. First of all, if anything significant or controversial or any major initiative is to be addressed, then it is dealt with in the first year of the four-year quadrennium. Thus, giving legislators three years before their constituents vote on them again. The political pragmatism and...
Trading in commodities, which are ingredients or components of finished goods, is the focus of global commerce. Information about commodities, their availability, and the impact of events that create scarcity, affects both current and future prices. Two hundred years ago, one significant commodity was tallow, a substance rendered from animal fat that was used to make candles, served as a basis for early skin care ointments, and was an essential ingredient of soap. Today, when we think about...
Hello my fellow Robservationites! Today I am bringing you the 16th Edition of my “Bits and Pieces.” For all of you who are familiar with this column, you know there comes a time when there is so much going on that I just want to touch base with several stories instead of focusing on just one topic. So, here we go. But first, this is my 158th Robservation. Anyone who knows me realizes that I write a lot about German ace Hans-Joachim Marseille. He shot down 158 airplanes. What does that mean? Wel...
The incident occurred in Florida on the interstate. The two men are from different states but with the incident occurring in the sovereign State of Florida, Florida law and jurisdiction applies regardless of the law in the residential states of the two men. Florida, as you may recall has a “stand your ground” law. Alabama also has a similar stand your ground law but we will discuss the Florida law and incident. Two families driving down a Florida became involved in a road rage incident bet...
At six years old traveling with my family and passing several churches along our way to church, I recall asking my father, who is right and why are there so many different churches? My father did not have an answer. Fast forwarding as an adult, routine discussions in Christian circles were often centered around; what did the New Testament Church look like? Every church wishes to emulate the early church this side of the resurrection. Since the reformation in 1517, this discussion continues with...
On April 10th Richard Lagrand (who recently lost reelection as the incumbent last summer) was reinstalled to Lee County Commission District 5 by Gov. Ivey, reaffirming her fidelity to ACCA, BCA, et al corruption over the citizens of Lee County. The death of Commissioner Harris (see my February 2022 Gazette column) soon after taking office provided a perfect example for Ivey to show resolve on holding a special election with an entire term of office unexpired. Obviously this wouldn’t bode well w...
As long-range battery technology advances by leaps and bounds, there is no question that the popularity of electric cars and trucks will rapidly advance in the next few decades, due primarily to far greater fuel economy and expected shortages of petroleum and possible cutoffs from OPEC and other hostile countries. Ford, General Motors, Toyota, and many others are ramping up production. But one company is far ahead—TESLA. It makes ONLY EVs. In July, 2003, Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning f...
Maybe in North Korea, maybe in Cuba, maybe in Iran – but not in the United States, the land of religious liberty. Well, maybe in Boston, or San Francisco – but certainly not in Selma, Alabama, right in the center of the Bible belt. But it happened. A man was arrested for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the street. It was Halloween 2022. People in Selma were walking, some in costume, in an annual Monster March. And Rickey Caster, a Georgia street evangelist accompanied by his sister, came...
“I supported President Lincoln. I believed his war policy would be the only way to save the country, but I see my mistake. I visited Washington a few weeks ago, and I saw the corruption of the present administration—and so long as Abraham Lincoln and his Cabinet are in power, so long will war continue. And for what? For the preservation of the Constitution and the Union? No, but for the sake of politicians and government contractors.” J.P. Morgan—American financier and banker, 1864. Many individ...
Col Douglas B. Cairns: Age 84 Col Douglas B. Cairns served for 30 years in the United States Air Force. His primary Air Force specialty was pilot and Director of Air Operations. He began his career with pilot training and then as a Flight Training Instructor. His variety of assignments included: F-4C/D/E fighter pilot and test pilot, Logistics Staff Officer, Air Operations Staff Officer, Planning and Programming Officer and Director of Operations. His final assignment was as Academic Program...
Rear Admiral William Kent Davis and Lieutenant Commander Lisa Renee Davis Rear Admiral (RDML) William Kent Davis served 30+ years in the United States military including 10 years in the U. S. Navy, 18 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve and two years in the U.S. Army. His Navy Occupational Specialty (NOS) was Public Affairs. His medals, decorations, citations and awards were: Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two), Meritorious Service Medal (three), Joint Service Commendation Medal,...
Command Chief Master Sergeant (CCM) David E. Headley Command Chief Master Sergeant (CCM) David E. Headley served 32 years in the United States Air Force Reserve. His Air force Specialty Code (AFSC) began as an administrative specialist with the 4th Air Postal and Courier Flight at Maxwell AFB Alabama. His other AFSCs included: Command and Control Technician, Intelligence Operations Superintendent and Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA). He also served as interim MAJCOM CCMSGT for the Air...
Would you love to experience fresh power in your life? You can! Many people feel powerless in so many areas of their lives. Many feel powerless to change their circumstances, their anxieties, their worries, their relationships, their marriages, their children, their financial conditions, their jobs, their bad habits, their addictions, their attitudes and so many other things in their lives they would like to change. Did you know that Jesus came to offer us the power to change as well as the...
The old adage, "April showers bring May flowers" will hopefully hold true for May 2023. And with these showers come many weeds. Before getting down to the business of actually planting, preparing the beds is a must. And this includes weeding, adding any soil or organic material, and applying fertilizer. Over the years, many newer gardeners have asked how much water do flowers and shrubs require. Of course, some plants need more water than others. As a rule of thumb, a woody stemmed flower...
I don’t remember being so annoyed as I was the other day. There I was sitting with a friend, sulking about a lost opportunity to pull the trigger on a tom turkey. The night before, we had seen a gobbler and a hen move into a certain part of the woods. We surmised they would certainly roost there, so our plans were to be their wake-up call the next morning. The next day we were in place as the sun began to rise. The woods all around us were being filled with a chorus of gobbles. None of them, how...
A huge portion of America has probably been clinging to their throw pillows and couch cushions just waiting for the final details of King Charles’ coronation in the United Kingdom to be announced. This week it was revealed that Prince Harry will be attending his father’s coronation. Wife Meghan will remain in California with the children. All media outlets have been more than generous with their reporting. Journalists have long attempted to explain people’s interest in the Royal family. Milli...
So often in this life when we are wronged, betrayed, offended, or treated unfairly. In the moment, we want to rise up to defend our rights and on our own point of view. Or we fight to get even. Or even stew in silence while nursing our wounds and getting angrier. It’s hard to extend the same grace and compassion that Christ Himself extended to others in the midst of His own pain. Yet He set the example, the way for us to walk. To be betrayed or wronged by one who was trusted is a difficult h...
Southern cuisine in the United States has been shaped by a variety of influences, including African and Asian cuisines. Both of these culinary traditions have left an indelible mark on the flavors, techniques, and ingredients of Southern cooking. African Influences: African slaves were brought to the Southern United States during the 18th and 19th centuries, and they brought with them a wealth of culinary knowledge and traditions. Many Southern dishes today, such as gumbo, jambalaya, and...