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Articles from the April 1, 2016 edition


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  • America's Invasion BY Socialism: THE Road to Despotic Power

    Bobbie Ames|Apr 1, 2016

    The Manifesto lists ten planks to advance Communism. 1, Abolition of property in land and application of all rents of land to public purposes. 2. A heavy progressive or gradual income tax. 3. Abolition of all rights of inheritance. 4. Confiscation of the property of all emigrants and rebels. 5. Centralization of credit in the hands of the State, by means of a national bank with State Capital, and an exclusive monopoly. 6. Centralization of the means of Communication and transport in the hands of...

  • Bent(ley) On Destruction

    Staff Writer|Apr 1, 2016

    Back in 2010, Robert Julian Bentley, the candidate, decided to make a dramatic statement by officially changing his birth name to "Doctor Robert Bentley" in order to be hailed as the physician for a state suffering from a anemic economy and high unemployment. He had planned to run on his new name until party leaders refused to waive its policy of not allowing nicknames on the ballot. Bentley discarded his God given name of 68 years for political expediency. This small and silly vignette gave a...

  • IMAGINE A WORLD WHERE . . . .

    Robert Tate|Apr 1, 2016

    A nervous tension hangs heavily over the upcoming press conference. As usual, something major in the world occurs and the President of the United States is expected to step up to the podium and give not only his ideas of the event but will hopefully spell out exactly how his administration plans on reacting. Today is no exception. 80 members of the press corps huddles around waiting for the POTUS to step onto the stage. Over the din and confusion in the room, questions can be heard wondering...

  • America's Invasion By Socialism: The Road to Despotic Power!

    Bobbie Ames|Apr 1, 2016

    The polity and government of these United States is original. Let us say it again, Original and Peculiar. It has two great elements of divisions of power: a. that of the States exercising local Self-Government, and b. that of the Nation, formed by a voluntary Union of States. The motto on the Great Seal of the Nation gives that origin: E Pluribus Unum, confirming that our beginning is found in the 13 colonies and their voluntary union. Let us not forget that their union was based on that idea of...

  • Bentley v. Collier and Hubbard's 23 Felony Counts Moving Forward

    John Sophocleus|Apr 1, 2016

    Seems there's no limit to embarrassment we must endure in Alabama from our political parasites as the next iteration of corruption tremors were felt in Montgomery last month. Some commented they'd never heard of ALEA (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency) until reading their March Alabama Gazette column on 'affidavit wars' in Judge Walker's adjudication of Speaker Hubbard's 23 felony counts which cited Special Agent Jack Wilson's conclusion. According to the Alabama Political Reporter after...

  • Inside the Statehouse

    Steve Flowers|Apr 1, 2016

    In early 2009, Dr. Robert Bentley came to see me about his race for Governor of Alabama. Bentley was finishing his second term in the Alabama House of Representatives and closing down his very successful dermatology practice in Tuscaloosa. I liked Bentley immediately and thought it was magnanimous that he would want to spend his retirement years as Governor. I did not give him much of a chance and predicted he would run a respectable third in the race. However, he surprised everybody, probably...

  • Reality Check

    Marcia Chambliss|Apr 1, 2016

    I find that most people detest election years because of the onslaught of ugly political advertising, never-ending robo calls, or roadside signage that is never fully eradicated. I detest it because while many of us are involved in campaigns to elect replacements in hopes of solving some of the problems created by the last election cycle, we tend to take our eyes off the shenanigans that continue to take place in our halls of government. I shudder to think of the damage likely being done in...

  • Turkeys Are Feeling The Pressure of Season

    Steve Long|Apr 1, 2016

    Turkey season has kicked off now in Alabama, and even though I haven't held a gun yet this season, I've seen plenty of action while helping hunters and huntresses chase after those elusive birds. Now, while some folks have started the season with a big bang, knocking down turkeys well before the morning's really started, there are also folks out there who just can't quite get the rascals to fly down from the roost in the right direction. Some of these birds have been talkative, and sometimes...

  • Chipmunks

    Ron VanHerwyn|Apr 1, 2016

    The chipmunks are small, ground-dwelling members of the squirrel (Sciuridae) family known for their burrowing habits and love of nuts. Despite their size, chipmunks can cause significant damage to homes, yards, and farms. The average size of a chipmunk is: 2-6" long with a 3" tail; less than 1 lb. in weight. Their lifespan in the wild: 2-3 years Identifying Features: Shades of brown/ yellow/grey fur with white and black stripes down the back. There are 23 existing species of chipmunks all chipmu...

  • The Quarterback Battle

    Ed Jones Sports Editor|Apr 1, 2016

    Alabama fans are in a state of anxiety again this spring. “Who will be our quarterback?” This question is asked of me almost every day. Everybody loved Blake Sims two years ago, but he could not deliver the prize. Nobody wanted Jake Coker last year. All he did was go 14-0 as Alabama’s starting quarterback and hand the unbelieving Tide fans another national championship. “Really, who will be our quarterback this year?” As long as Nick Saban is the coach, there will be an adequate quarterback! Bef...

  • Q. I have read a little about a Qui tam action, but why does a "whistleblower" need a lawyer?

    Ron Holtsford|Apr 1, 2016

    Qui tam actions are a part of the False Claims Act. Whenever a government contractor or payee defrauds the Federal Government, the Federal Government wants to know about it so that they might recover lost funds or in some cases the False Claims Act can cover illegal acts by companies. To do so the Federal Government encourages “whistleblowers” to report the wrongful action and if found to be legitimate, a private attorney and possibly Government inclusion (intervention) may pursue the wro...

  • Learning to accept your family of origin dysfunction is difficult, however, it is plausible

    Hector Oswaldo Chavez|Apr 1, 2016

    Growing up in a gender-based family, there were distinct roles that my father and mother had, but there was some moderate flexibility ( e.g., my father played with children and my mother disciplined the children). I don't recall any argument concerning parental roles, but I also do not recollect ever seeing my Dad do what is typically considered a feminine role, in a historically Mexican family, of cleaning the home, washing clothing and cooking. My father died at an early age of thirty-nine,...

  • Legal Aid Difficulties

    Judge Philip Dale Segrest|Apr 1, 2016

    The cost of access to the legal system presents difficult, perplexing questions. The legal system is the last resort for dispute resolution. But access to the legal system costs money. Lawyers engage in the practice of law to make a living. They cannot provide their services free. The cost of a judiciary has caused the legislature to impose substantial charges in the form of various court costs. If the dispute involved involves only a small economic value, the cost of the legal solution may be...

  • The Immigration Dilemma

    John Martin|Apr 1, 2016

    Everybody in America knows that we have a serious problem with immigration. However, very few have offered any reasonable and workable solutions. One “solution” that will not be effective is building a “Berlin Wall” along our southern border. Building and guarding it would not only be outrageously expensive, but it could be easily bypassed on both ends by boats or even swimmers. Deportations to the other side of the border are also mostly ineffective. The illegals simply come back again and aga...

  • TAKING STOCK DURING FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH

    Kylle McKinney|Apr 1, 2016

    April is Financial Literacy Month, which is a perfect time to take stock (pun intended) of your retirement savings. Social Security is there to help secure your future, but savings should be the foundation of a bigger retirement plan. Have you ever done business online? The convenience and safety of doing business online is another way we’re meeting the changing needs and lifestyles of our customers. You can open your own personal my Social Security account within a matter of minutes and have ac...

  • The old folks best friends

    Dr. John Bitter|Apr 1, 2016

    It's been a good eight decades since your humble scribe has enjoyed the company of a dog; and then it was for only a short time. But now, canine company once more brightens this humble life, albeit its once every fortnight, and then for only an hour. But, one makes the best of what one is allowed. This time its many dogs, but they belong to someone else. At any rate their company is enjoyed even though its only twice in a month. And it is enjoyed with a vigor, as may be witnessed by the way the...

  • WHAT GETS TO YOU?

    Dr. Rick Marshall|Apr 1, 2016

    Everyone has a pet peeve. One of mine is telemarketers. Telemarketers are both resolute and resilient sales professionals. Their job is to get on the phone to make cold calls and try to sell a product or a service. They do not give up easily. If you do not pick up the phone they will call you again. If they encounter your answering machine, they may leave a recorded message but you can be assured they will call again. Perhaps you are like me. You don’t like professional sales callers and just as...

  • How Then Should We Worship?

    Michael J. Brooks|Apr 1, 2016

    It was an unusual comment. He was with a group who came to our church to use our facilities for a civic event. I was fairly new at the church and he told me he went to a neighboring church. "We don't worship like you do," he said with a smile. I got the impression he was making a judgment about our worship. His comment, however, reminded me that every church I've known worships differently. Every church is a unique mix of folks with unique social and denominational traditions. I've been to a...

  • Law Enforcement from throughout the State honored Retired Sheriff D. T. Marshall

    Sheriff Derrick Cunningham|Apr 1, 2016

    Memorial Service - Monday, March 28, 2016 at Frazer United Methodist Church, Montgomery, Alabama. This is to remember a man who had dedicated himself to service to his country during the Vietnam War, and with the Montgomery Police Department for 20 years, and as Sheriff of Montgomery County for 16 years. Hundreds filed by the rotunda area of Frazer United Methodist Church to give their respects to his family and honor his commitment to law and order. The bonded brotherhood shown between law...

  • The Autauga County Sheriff's Office recognized local businesses and organizations for helping with our drug education program

    Sheriff Joe Sedinger|Apr 1, 2016

    Each business and organization was presented with a Certificate of Community Service and copies of the "Let's all Work to fight Drug abuse" book. We would like to thank the following for the ads purchased and donations made so the Autauga County Sheriff's Office could receive these books at no cost. Thank you to: 1. The Autauga County Commission 2. Auto Save Tire & Automotive 3. Quick Stop 4. Airport Automotive, Inc. 5. D & J Auto Parts Inc. 6. Jet Pep #47 7. Smith Auto Sales 8.The Minnow...

  • A message from Sheriff Franklin:

    Sheriff Bill Franklin|Apr 1, 2016

    The Elmore County Sheriff Office strives to do the best job possible and readily recognize the fact that each citizen that provides input and assistance regarding matters relating to our duties only makes our mission more effective. There are a number of links that can be visited here on our website at www.elmoreso.com and, if necessary, call our secret witness hotline at 334-567-5227. Please know that we do appreciate your input and support. Pistol Permit Requirements In order to obtain a...

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Multicultural Park

    Mayor Jerry Willis|Apr 1, 2016

    It is very exciting times in the City of Wetumpka. Things did not happen overnight. It took years of planning and working a plan to get into the development stage we have been in the last few years. It's a proven fact that with patience, stability and perseverance you will have successful opportunities come your way. We have enjoyed since 2000, by purchase, 109 acres of property on 14 bypass that joined 45 acres the City had owned for many years. With the acquisition of 25 more acres, we now...

  • PLANT OF THE MONTH; Caradonna Salvia

    Judge Peggy Givhan|Apr 1, 2016

    When the earth renews itself with a patina of pale greens, wherever one looks there is evidence of exuberant energy, and what we are viewing is nature establishing her glory. Gardens can be the sum total of our expressions of beauty, love and joy. What are we waiting for, so lets get started with April plantings so that April showers can bring May flowers. Much is heard today about organic foods, and many have asked me about organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are natural substances which...

  • The election is over (for now) so let's eat, drink and be merry, as long as it's Southern.

    David Spooner|Apr 1, 2016

    I like the month of April. It is a great month to celebrate FOOD. April is National BLT Sandwich Month, National Grilled Cheese Month and National Garlic Month. The week of April 12th to the 18th is National Egg Salad Week. Just think of all the meals that can be fixed celebrating these items. And don’t forget the food that has placed Southern Cuisine on the map. April 13 is National Peach Cobbler Day. National Pecan Day is the 14th. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake day is the 20th and two of my f...

  • "Beautiful in God's Timing"

    Trisston Wright Burrows|Apr 1, 2016

    Happy Spring! Time to open up the house and let the sunshine in. Perhaps, grab a few dozen trash bags, go through all the closets and the attic, and throw away everything that has cluttered up the house. I decided this spring I needed to clear the junk out of my head first. Only a few months into the New Year, and I already had too much on my mind. I still had a lot of questions built up from the past few year. God, why did this happen? Why did I pray for this, and it still fell apart? Why,...