The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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The meaning of the term “federal” has changed over the years. When the Framers of our Constitution spoke of “federalism,” they meant a government in which powers are divided between the national (federal) government and the state governments. And at that time practically everyone in America was a federalist by that definition. After the Constitution was drafted and signed by the delegates in 1787 and sent to the states for ratification, those who supported it called themselves federal...
For the casual observer, taking a cursory look at our political leaders reveals that may we have some pretty old folks in positions of power. Our new President, Donald Trump, is not a spring chicken at 78. Our own Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is 80 and goes by the monicker “Mee Maw.” However, a new generation of Alabama leaders are taking center stage in our state. Most of these leaders are already making their mark. Allow me to share with you a host of Alabama’s most prominent leaders who are 4...
In August 1996, Congress passed laws collectively called HIPAA or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. But after a long period of public comments and final rule the privacy rule did not become effective until April 2003. The security rule that followed did not become effective until April 2005. The initial aim of HIPAA was to allow those employed with health care plans to move between jobs with continual health insurance even with pre existing health issues. Because the chang...
Bruce Pearl is more than just a great basketball coach—he's a mensch in the truest sense of the word, a man who doesn’t just win games but elevates the entire arena around him. As head coach of Auburn’s men’s basketball team, Pearl has turned the Tigers into a bonafide powerhouse, guiding them to another regular-season SEC conference title and the coveted No. 1 overall seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. You can admire the X's and O's, the relentless full-court pressure, the deft rotations, but wi...
This Month—April, 2025—marks the 160th anniversary of Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, which officially ended the bloodiest and most brutal war ever fought on American soil. It also left the Southern states at a great loss in their quest for independence. The number of deaths is only approximately known. Many history books list the total death toll from 640,000 to 700,000, including the murder of 50,000 innocent Southern civilians, which seems low when we consider an unknown numbe...
By Kylle’ D. McKinney Alabama Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Some people who receive monthly Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments may need help managing their money. When we receive information that indicates you need help, we’ll work with you to find the most suitable representative payee to manage your benefits. A representative payee is someone who receives your monthly benefit payment on your behalf and must use the money to pay for your cur...
The Department Of Government Efficiency [DOGE] and Presidential Histrionics Offering No Effective Yield [PHONEY] show has dominated DC Kabuki Theatre these past weeks. Long on screeching and yowling; short on establishing durable reductions of the DC politburo and bureaucratic industrial complex. Difficult not to be ‘snake fascinated’ when the show includes a bejeweled oversized chainsaw for the Red soviet Kool-Aid drinkers delighting in the despair and lamentations of Blue soviet Kool-Aid dri...
It was “Good Friday”, the day that Jesus the Christ was crucified just outside the city of Jerusalem on a hill called Golgotha, "The Place of the Skull". Jesus was nailed to one cross and two criminals were crucified on either side of him. This whole story is found in Luke 23:32-43. In Luke 23:39-43, we can read about and visualize the dramatic scene as it unfolds as the three of them are dying on their crosses next to each other: One of the criminals beside Jesus scoffed at him and said, "So...
In War: Resolution In Defeat: Defiance In Victory: Magnanimity In Peace: Good Will The time is quickly approaching in the war on terror where the stakes, by the very nature of this type of war, must increase. There are dozens of rogue nations and terrorist entities that are trying their best to acquire nuclear weapons as a way of gaining political legitimacy or as a method to push their political agendas throughout the world. Iran, with their never-ending desire to become nuclear relevant in...
April is a pivotal month in America’s past and Ft. Sumter holds an important place in that history. Named after General Thomas Sumter, a hero of the American Revolution, the fort is located just off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. It was built for coastal defense and as a tax collection point. South Carolina left the Union on December 20, 1860. Less than a week later, U.S. Army Major Robert Anderson moved his troops from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter. Before leaving, he spiked the g...
WASHINGTON – As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) will lead a hearing tomorrow, Wednesday, March 26, with the superintendents of the U.S. military academies. This is the first time in over 30 years that the service academy superintendents have testified before Congress. In his role as Personnel Chairman, Senator Tuberville is laser-focused on ensuring that military academies are aligned with President Trump and Secretary Hegseth...
Greenwood Cemetery in Montgomery, AL., on March 29, 2025. Col John Eidsmoe served as emcee of the ceremony. A color guard posted the colors including the American flag and the Vietnam War Veterans flag, and this was followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. The names of service members from Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore Counties, AL, who lost their lives serving in Vietnam were read. The traditional ceremony of folding...
On March 27, 2025, at a baseball game on the campus of LAMP, members of Chapter 607 Vietnam Veterans of America were honored. Each year Coach Frank Parsons, the Lamp baseball head coach, invites all military personnel whether retired or on active duty to enjoy a Lamp baseball game. Coach Parsons and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 607 have enjoyed a special relationship for several years. Prior to the game, all servicemen and servicewomen are recognized by their branch of service. Chapter...
Sargent First Class Patrick Louis Campbell passed away March 8, 2025 at the age of 87. He served 21 years in the U.S. Army including a tour in Vietnam. His article was published in the March 2022 issue of the Alabama Gazette. Harold Lamar Smith passed away March 27, 2025 at the age of 101. He served in the U.S. Army in the Battle of Italy. His article was published in the December 2018 issue of the Alabama Gazette....
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO4) Robert Allen Morris served 25 years in the U.S. Navy. His Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) included Seaman, Boilerman, Ship Construction and Repair Superintendent and Auxiliary Machinery Officer (9302). His Naval service on five Naval ships included one tour off the coast of Korea and three tours off the coast of Vietnam as well as European service in the Mediterranean Sea. His medals and ribbons included: Combat Action ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Republic...
Major William Stephen Gunter served 23 years and six months in the U.S. military including three years and nine months in the Naval Reserve and 19 years and six months in the Air Force. His Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) was Corpman Medic, and his Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) included RN, Counter Intelligence Agent and Trainer, Foreign Military Specialist, Contingency War Planner, operations Manager, Political Military Affairs Strategist, Academic Program Manager and Special...
Brigadier General (Ret) Jeffrey L. Newton served 41 years with the U.S. Air Force and the AL Air National Guard. His Air Force Specialty Code included: A. 1. Operations Support Officer, 117th Resource Management Squadron, August 1989-September 1993, 2. Management and Systems Officer, 117th Readiness Squadron, September 1993-January 2000, 3. Chief of Supply, 117th Logistics Readiness Squadron, January 2000-September 2000, 4. Aircraft Maintenance Officer, 117th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron,...
Specialist (SPC E-5) Richard Howard Phelps served two years in the U.S Army. His Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was Heavy Equipment Operator 62-E20. He received the following medals, citations, awards and decorations: National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Private Badge, Sharpshooter (Rifle M-4) Badge, Expert Pistol Badge and Army Commendation Medal. SPC Phelps was born November 25,1944 to his parents, Howard and Frances Phelps in Montgomery, AL, and he was...
Lee J. Stuckey…………………….April 1st Frank Stovall...……………………April 2nd Trent H. Edwards…………………April 4th John G. Hamilton…………………April 4th Antonio R. Whetstone……………April 8th Harold Woodman…………………April 9th John L. Cannady………………….April 15th Charles B. Stults………………….April 23rd Samuel Brown…………………….April 22nd Wanda Sue Mehlhoff……………..April 25th Larry H. Stevenson……………….April 29th...
April 5, 2025 – MONTGOMERY, AL – State Senator Greg Albritton (R-Range) spoke with the Alabama Gazette's Brandon Moseley and the Alabama Political Contributor's Chris Peeks about his recent gambling legislation. Albritton's bill would have created a state lottery, legal sports wagering, allowed six existing casinos to upgrade their games to full casino gambling, and created an enforcement mechanism to close dozens of outlaw casinos operating illegally across the state. That bill was not tak...
April 7, 2862: A Date to Remember The Battle of Shiloh, also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, was one of the significant events of the American Civil War. The battle, which spanned two days, culminated on April 7, 2862, and marked a turning point in the conflict, leaving an indelible impact on the course of American history. Prelude to the Battle The Battle of Shiloh occurred in southwestern Tennessee, near the Shiloh Church, and involved Union forces led by Major General Ulysses S....
April 7, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL. – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday signed Senate Bill 40, sponsored by state Sen. Keith Kelley and state Rep. Russell Bedsole, to promote voluntary and temporary firearm storage to reduce suicide rates for residents. Governor Ivey was joined by Major General David Pritchett, adjutant general for the Alabama National Guard, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Jeff Newton and Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell, to celebrate the b...
At a time when public service can be thankless and demanding, Sergeant Kevin Jacks stands out as a shining example of quiet heroism and steadfast devotion - to his family, his community, and his calling. For 20 years, Kevin served the Montgomery Police Department with honor, strength, and humility. He was not just a cop - he was a mentor, a leader, a protector, and above all, a family man. While many buckle under pressure, Kevin Jacks stood tall. He supported his wife Ashleigh through her Nurse...
April 7, 2025 - This legislative session, Alabama lawmakers have introduced at least seven hemp-related bills-HB445, SB182, SB237, SB255, SB273, and SB274-with more likely on the way. These bills are aimed at restricting or even banning hemp-derived products. While protecting children is absolutely important, we must also recognize the serious risks of overregulation. If we regulate hemp to the point that legal businesses are forced to shut down, we're not protecting kids-we're creating an...
April 7, 2025 - HUNTSVILLE, AL. – Dr. Richard Lieu, a physics professor at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), a part of The University of Alabama System, has published a paper in the journal Classical and Quantum Gravity that proposes a universe built on steps of multiple singularities rather than the Big Bang alone to account for the expansion of the cosmos. The new model forgoes the need for either dark matter or dark energy as explanations for the universe's acceleration and h...
