‘No divided allegiance’

By Joe McAdory

Below is a quote floating the Internet from President Teddy Roosevelt from 100 years ago regarding immigration and being an American:

“In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American ...

“There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag… We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language… and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.“

Flowers political column posted here today

By Joe McAdory

Didn’t have room for Steve Flowers’ politically-oriented column with an Alabama flair on the editorial page this week. I found it interesting that near the bottom, he considered House Minority Leader Mike Hubbard and two-year college chancellor Bradley Byrne as GOP lightweights in regard to the 2010 gubernatorial election. I’m not sure about that since both seem to be popular in Montgomery.

That said, here it is:

Historically congressional and legislative districts have been redrawn every ten years when new census figures are taken. However, the U.S. Supreme Court in a landmark decision last year opened the door for legislatures to reapportion congressional and legislative districts at any time rather than every decade.

The decision arose out of the Texas legislature where the Texas republicans, after gaining majority status, abruptly redrew their congressional lines to gerrymander longtime democratic congressmen out of office. The nation’s highest tribunal upheld this mid-term gerrymandering and it is now the law of the land.

When the democratic majority in the Alabama State Senate adopted their rules for this quadrennium one of the sticking points that republicans complained about was a rule change which made it difficult for the republicans to stop a reapportionment effort during this term. It only takes a simple majority of democrats to pass a reapportionment bill out of the senate. This rule change was made with an eye to possibly changing the lines prior to the 2010 elections. They figured what was good for the republican gooses in Texas was good for the democratic ganders in Alabama. Rumor has it that this move may be afoot for the February regular session.

The recent revelation that Second District Congressman Terry Everett will retire next year may prompt a move for an early redistricting effort by the legislature. There will be a bevy of aspirants for the seat. However, the eventual victor’s tenure may be short lived. Even if the legislature does not intervene, early census figures suggest that Alabama may very well lose a congressional seat after the 2010 census. This district would be the top choice for the chopping block.

My observation over the years with any reapportionment effort is that partisanship becomes secondary to self-preservation. Most legislators look out for themselves first and their party second. Therefore, any move will be arduous and difficult to pass. If and when one does occur it will reflect the growing trend of creating more extremely partisan districts that are either very Republican or very Democratic.

In addition to the open congressional seat, next year’s state elections will feature our junior U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions seeking his third six-year term. State Senator Vivian Figures of Mobile says that she wants to make the race and be the Democrats token sacrificial lamb. Sessions, who is also from the Port City, should have clear sailing for reelection.

Public Service Commission President Jim Sullivan’s post is up next year. There have been rumors that he will not run. If he decides to run he should win easily.

The big race will be for the place of retiring Justice Harold See. See’s seat is the only one of the nine Supreme Court seats up for election next year. See announced that he would not seek reelection during the summer. It could be an all female race. The democrats could field Deborah Paseur, a District Judge in Lauderdale County. Reportedly Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Kelli Wise is being courted by some republicans to be the GOP standard bearer. However, the big name tossed out is the Governor’s Finance Director, Jim Main. Main who enjoyed a successful legal career prior to joining the Riley administration would be the odds on favorite to win the See seat on the Supreme Court if he chooses to make the race.

With 2008 being a lackluster year most political junkies are looking to 2010 when the Governor’s office comes open. Jim Folsom, Jr. appears to have the way paved for a clear uncontested march to the democratic nomination. His two obvious challengers supposedly have resigned to not challenging Folsom. Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks and House Speaker Seth Hammett have told friends and supporters that they will not challenge Folsom. The Lt. Governor’s race is the most viable option for the Hammett and Sparks duo. Luther Strange is poised for another run at the number two spot on the Republican side.

That leaves the GOP gubernatorial slot a coveted and very open position. The early names mentioned, Mike Hubbard, Rob Riley and Bradley Byrne, are all lightweights that do not excite many GOP stalwarts, much less independent voters. However, a new name being promoted around the state is Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins. Hawkins possesses the charisma and stature to catapult to the top of the pack. He also has the fundraising expertise which is necessary in today’s political world.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His column appears weekly in 70 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the State Legislature. He may be reached at http://www.steveflowers.us.

$45 for AU-Vandy tickets? Don’t make me laugh

By Joe McAdory

Did something Saturday I’ve never done before—bought tickets for an Auburn football game outside the stadium. I’ve always seen folks selling tickets and have always been curious how close to the face value they were going for. I heard of tickets for marquee games like Alabama, LSU and Georgia going for $150 each. That’s a bit much. I would think a person would rather watch a game on TV for free than pay that type of dough.

Anyway, many folks outside the stadium were attempting to sell Auburn-Vandy tickets for $45 each, which was face value. There was no way on earth I was going to pay that much to go inside. That was ridiculous, even humorous. Instead, I got tickets for $25 each, though I’m sure I could have found them for even less. Still, not a bad deal to see an SEC football game.

After spending years in the press box, it’s been interesting watching some games from the stands. Granted, press box seats are better. They are chair backs and generally located between the 40 yard lines. I enjoy working a game and crafting a story or two afterward. That’s fun for me. Some people enjoy lawn work. I enjoy writing.

Got one suggestion for the folks working the scoreboard, turn down the pre-game music just a notch. A person could go deaf inside that stadium. People don’t sit on the bleachers an hour before gametime to get a headache. It’s very annoying and it’s very difficult to get a word in to the person next to you because all I can hear is “Carry on my wayward son.“ There will be peace when the music is done. Lay my weary head to rest. My ears won’t ring anymore.

Instead of blaring songs from the speakers, why not show a replay of the Auburn Football Review? Just a thought.

Morgan Shepherd doesn’t give up

By Joe McAdory

Longtime NASCAR driver Morgan Shepherd will be at Pine Grove United Methodist Church Opelika Saturday at 7 p.m. Shepherd, best known for driving the No. 47 Race Hill Farms Buick and No. 15 Motorcraft Ford back in his hey day, now pilots the No. 89 Faith Motorsports Dodge.

Shepherd won four career Winston Cup races (I don’t care if it’s called the Nextel Cup, Sprint Cup, whatever, it’s Winston Cup to me) and finished as high as fifth in the points standings in 1990.

I remember Morgan roller skating around the NASCAR garage, something I believe is outlawed today. These days, Morgan rarely qualifies for a Cup race but he doesn’t stop trying. I admire him for that. If you’re a NASCAR enthusiast and would like to hear about the days of racing with Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Darrell Waltrip and Bobby Allison—the real good ‘ol boys—head out to Pine Grove Saturday night.

Pop Tart larceny!

By Joe McAdory

You’ve got to be kidding me. A police report filed by the Auburn Police Division reads that someone stole a $4 box of Pop Tarts from an apartment on Lunsford Drive. Someone actually went to the trouble of busting a $150 door jam for Pop Tarts!

I can’t help but wonder which flavor it was. Brown sugar and cinnamin is quite tasty, as are the strawberry and blueberry-filled tarts. Maybe next time the culprit will just go to the grocery store, open a box and start eating right there in the cereal aisle. This way they don’t have to smash someone’s door to get their fix.