The New York Times reports on a suburban Georgia county where the Great Recession has become an equalizing force between black and white residents, with whites using a larger share of public assistance programs, and at least there, created a less hostile atmosphere in the process. Too bad it took a recession to do it.
I have to think the same effect is being felt in Alabama, and I wonder whether politicians running in 2010 will recognize it. Some white and black candidates may have to rethink their strategy. Who needs food stamps? Who needs help with the utilities? Who needs some kind of affordable health insurance? Who needs tax and constitutional reform? Who indeed.
In 1901, the "framers" of the current Alabama constitution shafted poor blacks and poor whites by setting up the tax system we by and large live with today. But that was then. Now there's the internet and a much broader flow of information to and from the people. Will voters hold candidates feet to the fire? Or will it be even easier to slip by voters who are concentrating more on saving their homes and feeding their families?
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