Hypocrites and Democrats

The Wednesday, April 23 edition of the Selma Times-Journal reports that a challenge has been filed against Clifford Hunter, a Democratic candidate for County Commission in Dallas County, Alabama. Two years ago, Mr. Hunter ran for the Dallas County Board of Education as the nominee of the Freedom Party. After the election, Governor Riley appointed Clifford Hunter to the Dallas County Commission to fill the unexpired term of Kim Ballard. Ballard was elected Probate Judge of Dallas County in the 2006 election. Dallas County sources claim that Hunter committed to run in the 2008 election as a Republican.
Dallas County Candidate Challenged
The basis of Hunter's challenge is the Radney Rule, named after the author, former Senator Tom Radney of Alexander City. The Radney rule states:No person shall be permitted to qualify as a candidate for nomination or election to public or party office in said primary elections who did not support the nominees of the Democratic Party in the last general election. Any elected public official who attained office as a nominee of the Democratic Party, and any person who is a member of the State Democratic Executive Committee, shall not be permitted to qualify as a candidate for public or party office in said primary elections if, while holding such public or party office, he or she did not support the nominees of the Democratic Party in the last general election Evidently, the Radney Rule was intended to prevent anyone from running as a Democrat unless he had been a Democrat in the previous election. However, this rule has been widely interpreted through the years.
In 2000, County Commissioner Glenn White ran for a full term in Perry County after having been appointed by a Republican Governor. Because his appointment came from a Republican, Commissioner White was precluded from running as a Democrat as the Radney rule was invoked. In 2004, a Democratic candidate for District Judge in the Bessemer Division, Joan Singleton, was precluded from running because that candidate had contributed to the incumbent Republican, Judge Eric Fancher in the 1998 election--a six year lapse of time. (Lest anyone misunderstand, I am a supporter of Judge Fancher.)
The Democratic Party of Alabama seems to apply the Radney rule arbitrarily. In the current election, two candidates in Jefferson County were Republicans in the 2006 election. John Amari ran as a Republican in the past several elections.Yet, Mr. Amari is the Democratic nominee for District Judge.
John Amari
John T. Smallwood is still listed on the Jefferson County Republican Party as a member of the Jefferson County Republican Executive Committee. Two years ago, Mr. Smallwood announced that he was switching to the GOP in a rally on the courthouse steps. Smallwood campaigned with his sister in her quest for the office of Probate Judge Place two.
Why is the Radney Rule not applied across the board? Why are exceptions made in the application of the Radney Rule? Will the Democratic Party of Alabama disqualify John Amari and/or J.T. Smallwood? J.T. Smallwood

Do We Need a Christian President?

Last Sunday evening, April 13, Democratic candidates Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton participated in a Compassion Forum at Messiah College in Grantham, PA. Messiah College is an evangelical College with a Presbyterian heritage. The forum was sponsored by Faith in Public Life.
The interviewers questioned both of the candidates concerning their perspective on Christian faith. Senator Clinton spoke of her belief in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and testified that she had felt the Holy Spirit many times in her life. Senator Clinton told interviewers with CNN and Newsweek I don't think that I could have made my life's journey without being anchored in God's grace and without having that, you know, sense of forgiveness and unconditional love. According to Redeem the Vote, Senator Clinton testifies that she has accepted Jesus Christ as her Saviour and that she believes that the death of Christ made atonement for her sins. Redeem the Vote
Senator Obama testified that religion is a bulwark, a foundation when other things aren't going well. That's true in my own life, through trials and tribulations and further stated that I am a devout Christian ... I started my work working with churches in the shadow of steel plants that had closed on the south side of Chicago
Not to be outdone, Dr. Dan Yeary of the North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix, AZ testified that Senator John McCain is committed to Christ. Senator McCain's wife, Cindy, was baptized by former Pastor Richard Jackson. Senator McCain often attends with his wife and family, but his membership remains in a local Episcopal Church. Pastor says McCain Committed to Christ
So, all three major presidential candidates make claim to Christianity. Recently, someone asked me about the faith of an Alabama politician and my reply was every politician in Alabama is a Christian, at least around election time.
Please consider several principles on perceived Christianity around election time:
1) Ideally, I like to know that a prospective elected official is a believer in Christ. If one is truly a believing Christian, that individual knows the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
2) One may believe in Christ for salvation but lack instruction on the biblical principles of government. A recent Barna survey demonstrates that only 27% of church pastors think biblically in application to world events. A profession of saving faith brings no guarantee that the individual possesses a Christian worldview.
3) Many non-believers have served well in public life. Evangelical theologian Wayne Grudem gives several examples of non-believing leaders serving for the public good. In Genesis 41, we read how God used Pharaoh to raise up Joseph and exalt Joseph so that Joseph could be used of God to bless Israel. In Daniel 2, we read how Nebuchadnezzar was used of God to protect the Prophet Daniel and raise up Daniel's Jewish friends to places of leadership in Babylon. Cyrus, King of Persia, was used of God to restore Jewish exiles to their homelands (Isaiah 45:16; Ezra 1). God used Darius, King of Persia to protect the Israelites (Ezra 6), to raise up Esther as Queen, and to give Mordecai authority to speak out for the people of God.
Historically, God's people have often fared well with unsaved leaders. Consider that the Church flourished in the times of the Peace of Rome, before persecution came. Our own nation has been served well by principles of Thomas Jefferson, a Deist, but a man sound in his thinking on limited government.
4) Leadership requires a level of competence. The local Pastor may be a godly man, but personal godliness alone does not qualify that individual to serve as the local Sheriff. A godly Deacon may be a man of prayer and faith, but that alone does not qualify that man to serve in a particular position of leadership.
I appreciate that a medical doctor is a man of prayer, but I must confess that I am more concerned with his skills as a doctor. The same principle stands when considering public officials. Even sincere Christians may be undiscerning on governmental issues and may be incapable of grasping the challenges of government.
5) While I make no charge on any individuals, I am weary of candidates using their faith as a tool in soliciting votes Recently, I saw a television ad for a candidate making a claim that the individual had a Christian heart. I must confess that this claim sounds sanctimonious to me. This particular candidate appears to be a quality individual, but my initial reaction is that one parades spirituality in hopes of gaining the votes of the faithful.
This past week, Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network spotlighted the work of Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford. An evangelist friend from the West Coast contacted me with great enthusiasm about our new Mayor. Sadly, I had to report that Mayor Langford has been involved in serious ethical conflicts and has been a promoter of the expansion of gambling in our area. Yet, no one quotes Scripture and invokes God more than Mayor Langford. Frankly, I would rather have an individual in leadership with sound principles even if that person never mentioned God. What do you think?

The Boy Georges of Alabama Politics

In the 1980s, an unusual individual hit the pop music scene from England with a smooth voice, a romantic emphasis with a rock sound, and androgynous appearance. Boy George became a great hit, but probably gained most of his attention because of his gender blending clothes and facial appearance. While officially male, Boy George presented himself as possessing many female characteristics. Mind you, this was not the norm twenty years ago. Some wondered if Boy George considered himself more male or more female.
Qualifying ended this past Friday for the 2008 elections. Among those who signed up to run for office are candidates who seem to be waffling, uncertain, and blending their appearance as to their respective choice of political party. Let me give you some examples:
In Jefferson County, J.T. Smallwood won election as Tax Collector in 2002 as a Democrat. Smallwood made a real issue of the incumbent Republican receiving the support of former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington. In Spring, 2006, Smallwood switched parties in a public rally on the courthouse steps and promptly joined the Jefferson County Republican Committee. Smallwood's sister, Sunny Dawn Smallwood, ran for Probate Judge Place two as a Republican. Today, Smallwood is still listed as a member of the Jefferson County Republican Committee, District 44 Place 14
Jefferson County Republican Party. However, J.T. Smallwood qualified as a Democrat for re-election as Tax Collector. Like Boy George, J.T. seems confused as to his political orientation.
Also in Jefferson County, former Senator John Amari has qualified for District Judge Place one against Judge Norman Winston. Amari was first elected to the Alabama legislature in 1978 as a Democrat. Amari moved up to the State Senate in 1982 and remained there until 1998. In 1990, Amari switched to the Republican Party and held office as a Republican. Amari was floor leader for Republican Governor Guy Hunt and later for Republican Governor Fob James. In 1998, Amari ran for Lt. Governor as a Republican, ran again for State Senate in 2002 as a Republican, ran for Public Service Commission as a Republican in 2006.
Frankly, John Amari was my kind of Republican-- supportive of the working class and less likely to toady for big business against the common citizen. Amari's friendliness to labor and reluctance to blindly follow business interests always brought him the accusation of being a closet Democrat. Amari would tell people that he switched because of issues like abortion. Now, John Amari comes back and qualifies as a Democrat for the 2008 election. In each of his past three campaigns, I defended Amari as a good conservative Republican. Today, I find egg on my face for having supported and defended John Amari to his accusers.
Mind you, I do not criticize one for switching parties. An individual may have good reason to switch parties. However, like Boy George, Smallwood and Amari seem to have trouble deciding on which side of the fence they wish to be found standing. The Alabama Democratic Party supposedly operates according to the Radney Rule (named for the author, fmr. Senator Tom Radney from Alexander City), a rule against allowing one to run as a Democrat if he has openly supported a Republican in the previous election. Is the Alabama Democratic Party looking the other way on Amari and Smallwood?
Boy George's big hit was Karma Chameleon-- I know that a chameleon is one who can blend in to their surroundings. Karma is the ancient belief that what goes around comes around. Well, both Amari and Smallwood have been all around the scene and are back again. Certainly, like a chameleon, they are comfortable with any party that advances them personally.

Alabama Flag in Northern Ireland

Photo contributed by Roger Bradley of Orangenet Orangenet.
Here is another Alabama Flag also known as the historic flag of Ireland, while part of the United Kingdom. The flag seen in the above photograph is flying atop the Armagh City Orange Hall in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, UK. The Alabama Flag features the Cross of St Patrick, the missionary who brought Bible-based Christianity to the Emerald Isle.
Check back on Musings from Maytown and you will find another featured Alabama flag in Northern Ireland Saluting Alabama's Heritage as well as important information on Patrick, the Evangelist Who Was St Patrick?
By the way,while on Roger's website, check out the newsletter for the dynamic Cross of St Patrick Orange Lodge Cross of St Patrick

Alabama Republican Primary for June 3 Statewide Primary

Qualifying with the Alabama Republican Party for nomination to office in the 2008 election, ended on Friday, April 4 at 5 PM. Listed below are the statewide contested races in the Tuesday, June 3 Republican Primary.
US Senator:
Earl Mack Gavin from Lee County--ran as Democrat for Governor in 2006 using name Choo-Choo Gavin.
Jeff Sessions-- Incumbent US Senator, originally elected to the US Senate in 1995

Congressional primary candidates will appear in Districts 2 and 5.

Court of Criminal Appeals, Place One:
Peggy Givhan--former District Judge from Montgomery. Lost bid for Supreme Court in 2004 and lost re-election for District Judge in Montgomery County in 2006.
Beth Kellum-- from Montgomery, Staff Attorney for Judge Kelli Wise on the Court of Criminal Appeals/ Served as Asst. in Attorney General's office.
Lucie McLemore--served as District Judge in Montgomery County, elected in 2000, defeated for re-election in 2006.
Teresa Bearden Petelos--Presiding Circuit Judge in Bessemer Division of Jefferson County--elected Circuit Judge in 1994. Husband is Mayor Tony Petelos of Hoover, former head of Department of Human Resources.

Court of Criminal Appeals, Place Two:
Duncan Crow--Mobile Attorney
Chris Mixon--Birmingham Attorney, former staff for Alabama Supreme Court.
Mary Windom--wife of former Lt Gov Steve Windom, who now serves as lobbyist in Montgomery.

Public Service Commission President:
Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh-- from Montgomery, past Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, worked in Riley Administration.
Matthew Chancey from Shelby County--conservative leader, managed campaign for Justice Tom Parker, worked for Home School Legal Defense Association.
Jack Hornaday of Montgomery, retired analyst for the Public Service Commission.

As with the Democratic primary, only the candidates who appear statewide in the June 3 Republican Primary are listed.

Alabama Democratic Primary for June 3 Statewide Primary

Qualifying with the Alabama Democratic Party for nomination to office in the 2008 election, ended on Friday, April 4 at 5 PM. Listed below are the statewide contested races in the Tuesday, June 3 Democratic Primary.

US Senator:
Vivian Davis Figures-- State Senator from Mobile
Johnny Swanson III-- Birmingham Businessman
Mark "No NCAA" Townsend-- from Haleyville, ran for Governor in Democratic primary in 2006 as Mark "Rodeo Clown" Townsend. Musings from Maytown much prefers Townsend's platform this year.

NOTE: Congressional Races will appear on ballot in Districts 2, 4, and 5.

Court of Criminal Appeals Place One:
Steve Dodd--Assistant Attorney General.
Clyde Jones--Circuit Judge from Birmingham.

Court of Criminal Appeals Place Two:
Jeff Duffey--Montgomery Attorney
Jon Hayden--Assistant Attorney General
Aimee Cobb Smith--Montgomery Attorney

Numerous court positions and county government posts will appear in the respective counties. The races listed above are the only statewide races for the June 3 Democratic Primary.

Prince Madoc of Wales --a Forgotten Alabama Hero

In 1953, the Daughters of the American Revolution placed a plaque at Fort Morgan, near Mobile, commemorating the landing of Prince Madoc of Wales on Alabama soil in the twelfth century. Evidence of this landing is plenteous and has been supported by many findings. Some claims of made of the Cymru language being found in Indian tribes, a result of association with Prince Madoc.
However, this plaque has been placed in storage by the Parks Department of the state of Alabama. Sadly, this is a missed opportunity to capitalize on Welsh heritage. Rather than hide this plaque, this plaque would add to the historicity of Mobile Bay. The Alabama Welsh Association has initiated an online petition to urge restoration of the Prince Madoc plaque. The petition may be found here: Restore Prince Madoc Plaque to Fort Morgan Since this initiation, Welsh Heritage societies worldwide have joined in to support the effort of restoring the plaques.
Also, the Prince Madoc plaque controversy has been covered by the British Broadcasting Company Prince Madoc Plaque This article gives a more complete story of Prince Madoc.

Put Hank Back in the Opry!

Hank Williams Sr. was to country music what Muhammad Ali was to boxing. Hank's popularity raised the level of public interest in the genre of country music. Hank William's unique style changed country music and was the bridge between traditional country and new country, as Hank incorporated the bluesy style into country.
One of Hank's best selling albums, to this day, is his album of music recorded live at the Grand Ol' Opry. Hank did much to make the Opry the institution of country music, a standard that remains today.
However, in 1952, Hank Williams was suspended from membership in the Opry, due to his problem with alcohol. I do not justify Hank in this matter, but I do note that the only other person suspended from the Opry was Johnny Cash, who was later reinstated. Hank died only months after his suspension from the Opry. By the way, the CMT network ranks Johnny Cash the number one male country act of all time, followed by Hank Williams at number two.
An online petition calls for Hank to be posthumously reinstated to the Grand Ol' Opry. Many thousands have signed this petition. I hope you will do so today. Click on the link below to sign the petition to reinstate Hank Williams to the Grand Ol' Opry.
Reinstate Hank Williams to the Opry

Saluting Alabama's Heritage

Photo contributed by Mark Thompson of the famous Ulster-Scots Gospel Music group the Low Country Boys . Low Country Boys
Located nineteen miles from Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK is the small village of Greyabbey. The above photograph pictures the front of the Greyabbey Orange Hall, home of Greyabbey Loyal Orange Lodge 1592. The Loyal Orange Order is a Protestant Men's Organization who defend the Reformation faith and uphold loyalty to the Crown.
Please notice the two flags flying in front of this lodge--one flag is the Orange Standard, the flag of the Orange Order. But the second flag is the flag we will discuss in this article.
Alabamians may know this as the Alabama state flag, but you may not realize that this flag is the flag of St. Patrick, the flag of Ireland when Ireland joined the United Kingdom. To those in Northern Ireland who are loyal to the United Kingdom, this flag represents Ireland. In the diagram below,you see the merging of the English cross of St. George, the Scottish Cross of St.Andrew and the Irish cross of St.Patrick to make the British Union Jack.
Remember that the Deep South was settled primarily by the ethnic group commonly known as Scotch-Irish or Scots-Irish, those Scots who had come to settle Northern Ireland in the Ulster Plantation but who came on to the United States. General Robert E. Lee declared that his greatest fighters were the Scots who came by way of Ireland.
During the War Between the States, Co. F 7th AL Cavalry used this flag as the standard for their unit which served as part of Colonel Edmund Rucker. In February, 1895, this flag was adopted as the state flag of Alabama by legislation introduced by Col. Rucker's son, then serving in the Alabama legislature.
Last Summer, my son and I visited Northern Ireland and we saw St Patrick's cross everywhere and felt at home. As Alabamians, when we see our state flag, I hope that we will think of our heritage from Northern Ireland, the Scots-Irish who have loved freedom and who imported that love to the Southern United States