The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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As we celebrate the significant milestone of President Trump once again securing the Republican Presidential Nomination it's imperative that we, as leaders and stewards of Republican values, take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this victory and the path that lies ahead. We may have supported other candidates in the process of selecting Donald J Trump as our nominee, but the people have spoken. This victory is more than a primary win. It must serve as a beacon that guides us towards...
In the words of Ronald Reagan, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” Recently this poignant reminder echoed through the halls of Congress in light of President Joe Biden’s threats at the 2024 State of the Union address aimed at the Supreme Court and its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson. He threatened, “Women are not without electoral, electoral power — excuse me — electoral or political power. You’re about to realize just how much you’re right about that,” during h...
During this Easter season, as we gather with friends and family let our hearts be full of gratitude as we remember the ultimate sacrifice and the triumphant resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We must make this Easter a time of reflection, renewal, and rejoicing, for it marks the moment when our greatest fear, death itself was vanquished, giving us eternal hope and life. As we celebrate this sacred day, let us also remember the values that have sculpted our great nation. America...
Pending Legislation Would Decriminalize Provisions of the Ethics Law Today, the Alabama House of Representatives will debate the latest attempted rewrite of our current ethics laws. I am strongly opposed to this legislation. It is important to me that the members of the legislature and the general public understand why. This bill decriminalizes an array of ethics offenses, rendering them subject to civil, not criminal, penalties imposed by the Ethics Commission. Current law already provides for...
The Alabama legislature is currently considering expanding Medicaid. This has been a hot topic for debate since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare in March of 2010. Currently various reports suggest that Medicaid expansion is needed for the continued viability of many of Alabama’s hospitals and health care providers and the health of Alabamians who rely on the program for their health care needs. While I applaud those who care for those with great need, we m...
I immigrated to the United States from India in 1985 as a college dropout without a penny to my name. I was just a kid, far away from home, who wasn't sure what direction my life would take, or what my prospects living in this new country would be. That's a scary thing for a young, homesick man who was not used to living in a place with limitless opportunity. But that all changed. This country gave me the greatest gift in the world, the gift of the American Dream. Through hard work, dedication,...
The 2024 Legislative Session begins next week. It will be difficult to replicate the success of last year’s regular session. The 2023 year was a premier year for any first year of a quadrennium. Indeed, it may be one of the most momentous in state history. It was historic because of the vast amount of money available to be appropriated. When asked what grade I would give the legislative session at its conclusion, I gave it the highest I have ever given: B+. It would have gotten an A, but l...
As usual, there always seems to be a lot going on in the world. So this week I bring to you my not-so-world-famous “Bits and Pieces; version 18.” 1. The Border (Again): Several columns back, I wrote about our southern border. And in that time, it has not gotten any better; only worse. It is sickening to watch and from my perspective, the true human tragedy is not necessarily the plight of the illegal immigrants, sad as it is on a personal level, but rather what is becoming of this country. It...
One hundred years ago, Vladimir Lenin died. Lenin was an unlikely revolutionary. His story was not one of meager beginnings or social depravation. Rather, he came from a family of means that had little connection with the proletariat he came to champion. He was well educated, attended college, and became a lawyer. But, during his “education,” he was radicalized when exposed to Marxism and embraced its view of 19th century revisionist history. Throwing facts aside, the history lessons he acc...
The General John Archer Elmore Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution honors our Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving our communities, and educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our country. In conjunction with the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we honor soldiers of the American Revolution buried in the River Region of Central Alabama. Although Alabama was not in existence at the time of...
Criminals that would exploit the elderly are heartless subhumans. Elderly individuals that may be suffering mild dementia, are lonely, have trouble diserning nefarious schemes and have only sporadic support from family may be especially prone to exploitation. To make it worse they are now generally reliant on life savings, investments and social security to live. That could be a huge chunk of money that could be ripe for picking. My own parents received a telephone call several years before...
“First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.” So said General Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee, speaking the eulogy of our first President whose birthday we celebrate this month. But recent polls suggest that many Americans hardly know who George Washington was, when he lived, or what he accomplished. Some even challenge his military skills, saying he was at best a mediocre tactician, lost more battles than he won, almost lost the war, and at one point was almost removed as...
A ‘Valentine’ themed column was requested for the February Gazette… I thought, Lord help this poor wordsmith - esp. when writing from the heart. Once again, help provided via Scriptures. I believe God answers all sincere prayers - sometimes the answer is no. Seems there’s no fool like an old fool for Christ; a moniker more obvious as my life comes to a close. Oldsters seem reluctant to share ‘University of Hard-Knocks’ education with others who may benefit, in particular our posterity w...
When the Alabama Legislature was feverishly pushing the gas tax hike, did you ever hear a legislator say, “Let the People Vote?” Or how about this one: “I am personally prolife, but I believe a woman has a right to choose”? The latest use of this ever-popular legislative phrase is, “I am personally opposed to the expansion of casino gambling, but let the people vote.” The phrase, “Let the People Vote,” has been in Alabama since the last lottery vote miserably failed years ago. Given that gamb...
This past January 25, Alabama established a new milestone to implement the kindest, safest, simplest, and most practical method of execution known to man—nitrogen asphyxiation. Oklahoma was the first state to adopt this new procedure. In April 2015, Governor Mary Fallin signed a bill to allow it, and on March 14, 2018, Attorney General Mike Hunter and Corrections Director Joe M. Allbaugh approved it as the primary method of execution. In March 2018, Alabama became the third state, after O...
Based entirely upon my casual observation, women seem to be more susceptible than men, and children ag it on, but for some reason many people who have never so much as grew a turnip patch suddenly will get the urge to raise chickens as soon as January is behind us. All that has to happen for someone to catch chicken fever is to visit a farm supply store. A woman can go in there, maybe just shopping for a new pair of bib overalls, and then, innocently enough, she will see the cute little biddies...
It’s that time of year again, when the stores are filled with red and pink candies, stuffed animals and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. Some people look forward to Valentine’s Day each year, while others are impartial or may even dislike it. The holiday centered on love does not only have to be applied to couples, though. No matter how you feel about this holiday, as Christians, we are called to love at all times. Why? Because God first loved us. He sent His son, Jesus, to die for our sin...
Have you ever been approached to help at a school event or with an organization’s fundraising affair? It seems many people are willing to help organizations or community projects to be a success by giving their time freely which helps the company. One dictionary defines this meaning for volunteers, “A volunteer is a person who voluntarily offers to perform a service or other undertaking.” When you have gone to a fun outing do you notice how many people are wearing name tags asking if they can help you? They are volunteers! After talking to a...
As we mark the 73rd anniversary of the 22nd Amendment, which set term limits for the U.S. President, it is past time to act on the much-needed broader application of this principle – The United States Congress. The amendment was a bold step towards ensuring fresh perspectives and dynamic leadership at the highest level. It was deemed essential for the presidency; we must extend this wisdom to Congress. Our Founding Fathers had a vision for America's legislature that's far removed from the c...
When President Biden first took office, he immediately began dismantling our southern border. And he hasn't stopped. The President has taken 94 executive actions to destroy our immigration system, ranging from ending the successful "remain-in-Mexico" program to selling taxpayer-funded border wall materials for pennies on the dollar. The radical left-wing policies of Joe Biden, his "border czar" Vice President Kamala Harris, and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, have directly...
In the heart of Alabama’s District 2 Congressional race, where the stakes have never been higher, a candidate has emerged of high character and unwavering conservative values and Make America Great Again fervor, my good friend, Dick Brewbaker. Dick stands as the epitome of what it means to be a true patriot, a successful businessman, and a citizen lawmaker who not only talks the talk but walks the walk. As this race is crucial to which party controls Congress heats up, it is crucial to r...
I know we are in a new year, but allow me to look back into 2023 and share with you some observations and accolades from the last year. My old friend Mac McArthur has been Executive Director and Chief Cook and Bottle Washer of the Alabaman State Employees Association for 26 years now. He is one of my best friends and we talk about once or twice a month. Our conversations last an hour as we enjoy regaling stories of Alabama politics. Nobody knows Alabama political stories or Alabama political...
In the thirteen years that I have been writing these Robservations for the Gazette, this is the first time that I am writing an “in your face” religious column, if you will. Although I am sure my leanings come out many times in my writings, this was never intended to be the purpose of my Robservations column. I must admit that this Christmas Season has been a little challenging for me. Not so much with issues in my own home but I see many things that given the opportunity and if allowed, the...
Without specifics about yourself I’ll make this answer generic in a personal and in a business sense. I presume you looked at your financial estate planning (401k, mutual funds, stocks and bonds, life insurance, etc) which is important as there may be some changes such as to an inherited IRA. Ask your investment professional. You should also think about your legal estate planning. After all you are a year older; you may have gotten married, had a new child, had a child reach the age of m...
Church and State are separate kingdoms, but both are established by God upon the authority of His Word, the Bible. Christian churches have historically recognized the Bible as the inspired and authoritative Word of God, and as President Andrew Jackson said, "The Bible is the rock upon which our republic rests." But during the last two centuries, the Bible has been under unrelenting attack. Unsurprisingly, secular philosophers denounce the Bible as a collection of fables, myths, and legends loose...
