The British magazine's blog has an article about the possibility that Alabama voters might elect an African-American candidate...i.e., Artur Davis...as Governor 2010. "Shocking" is the way they put it. Somehow I get the feeling the esteemed publication thinks the fire-hoses are still at work here. I've said for years that we pay the "Wallace Tax" in Alabama...having to work that much harder because of the stain on our reputation...but come on! Perhaps the Economist would like to send a correspondent to Alabama for a month or so? If Davis has a chance, it's because he has so far managed to ride the same center rail---against hate crime legislation, against gay marriage (but kinda OK with "civil partnerships")---an even more center center rail that President Obama took to the White House. A Poll conducted by Davis pollster John Anzalone shows him winning not only the Primary a year from now, but even a General Election against possible GOP nominee Bradley Byrne. But November 2010 is eighteen months away. The first TV spot hasn't run. I understand the strategy, seize the high ground and make yourself a candidate to beat. But let's get some definitive answers from the dozen or so folks who are likely candidates before any crowns are passed out.
[UPDATE: There's an interview with Davis on a South Alabama website (Ligniappe. com) in which he's asked about party identification.."Alabama Democrats run from a different place" is his comment, a version of the "I didn't leave the party, the party left me" line that you hear from Republicans all the time. Here Davis tries to distance himself from the DNC. Wonder if that means he'll reject any monetary or other assistance from the national party. If I get a chance to interview him again, I want to ask him to name four specific ways Democrats in Alabama are different from Republicans in Alabama, without mentioning any national party issues.]
Oh puhleeeze!
ReplyDeleteThe "dismal science" is purporting to tell us (homefolks here in Alabama) what is shocking?!
(Hey! THIS is shocking AND true! Brits have mouths that are "filled with what looked like the broken ends of lollipop sticks. In Britain too-perfect teeth considered sinister. British teeth are so riddled with over and underbites, crowding, swollen gums, discolouration and erratic spacing. One well-spoken, well-dressed man - his mouth had imploded, leaving him with an underbite so drastic his jaw was permanently jutting out. I couldn't believe this was possible in someone under 30." ref: http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/the_way_we_live/article6047049.ece)
But to their credit, they DO identify that George C. Wallace, was the ONLY Alabama governor to be elected three times, and after his GENUINE change of heart. In fact, it was his own personal epiphany - a most genuine change of heart - apology for wrong doing, and humble request for forgiveness from those whom he previously aggrieved which was in his favor. Many - if not most - prefer to ignore that fact, and portray G.C. Wallace as a bigoted racist. At one time, he was. But the love of God in Christ changed his heart.
Nevertheless, returning to the story at hand...
I think perhaps what "The Economist" writer may be enigmatically suggesting is that somewhat similarly to the nation, Alabama has suffered under very nearly a decade of executive incompetence, and political wrangling of a significantly questionable legal nature, much of which has been occult, and began in similar fashion to the Bush/Florida/U.S. Supreme Court ("I'm gonna' whine, 'cause I'm a baby") debacle.
Remember how in 2002 the Republicans in Baldwin county violated state election law by counting ballots AFTER observers had departed, and how they DISCARDED 6,000 Democratic votes?
Liars (R) AND thieves (R)!
I was quite surprised the whole lot of 'em wasn't indicted! But then, that's "the fox guarding the henhouse" strategy, isn't it?
So yeah... it's time for change in Alabama - and it's NOT about skin color!