2008 National Conservative Hero: Gov. Sarah Palin

Like a bolt from the blue, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska came into the scene with charm and uncompromising principle. While not a nationally known figure, grassroots conservatives were already promoting Gov. Palin as one who could appeal to women voters and help reign in conservatives not excited about voting for Senator McCain. Dick Morris says that Sarah Palin was successful on both fronts. This editor cannot resist reminding readers that the readers of Musings from Maytown selected Gov. Palin as Senator McCain's running mate prior to McCain's announcement, when Palin was not prominently listed as a potential running mate.
Musings from Maytown is amused at liberals who just don't get it in their amazement at the grassroots enthusiasm for Gov. Palin. As a primer for my liberal friends, here are a few reasons why movement conservatives love Sarah Palin and hope to see her in the Oval Office someday.
1) Sarah Palin identifies with common citizens more than any conservative on the horizon since either Ronald Reagan or George Wallace. Her union-member husband, her large family, her Down's Syndrome Child,--yes, even the heartache of her unmarried daughter's pregnancy-- all of these characteristics are real-life situations that many of us have experienced. Scenes of Gov. Palin driving to work and hunting for elk in the Alaska snows, communicated to the average citizen that Sarah Palin is not part of the Washington elite, but is truly, one of us.
2) Sarah Palin has no stench of Washington, DC. Many conservatives lament that Stonewall Jackson did not burn down Washington, DC after the Battle of First Manassas in 1861. Washington, DC is a symbol of corruption and oppression. For the first time since Ronald Reagan, a major Party nominated someone who was not of Washington,DC but rather related to the average citizen who has to pay taxes, balance a checkbook, and worry about paying the dental bills for children.
3) Sarah Palin doesn't speak Washingtonese-- she talks like a common citizen. Palin's folksy manner was mocked by the liberal media, but her speech gave off the image of plain, common-sense.
4) Unlike many Republicans who pander to the Religious Right, Sarah Palin talks freely about her salvation and belief in the Bible.
Frankly, this editor hopes that Palin will remain in Alaska and run for re-election, serve out her term, and come back in 2016 as the GOP nominee. If so, Palin will be our first woman President. Frankly, we believe that Barack Obama will be a cult figure and likely unbeatable for re-election. This prediction is predicated on the absence of a catastrophe that would change everything.
The results of the Musings from Maytown poll are as follows:
Gov. Sarah Palin (AK) 57 (38%)
Gov Bobby Jindal (LA) 34 (23%)
Congressman Ron Paul (TX) 25 (17%)
fmr. Gov. Mike Huckabee (AR) 22 (14%)
Phyllis Schaffly Pres.of Eagle Forum 9 (6%)
Congratulations to Gov. Sarah Palin, 2008 Conservative Hero of the Year. Take three minutes and listen to this tribute to Gov. Palin

2008 Alabama Conservative Hero: Stephanie Bell

Musings from Maytown readers selected Alabama Board of Education member Stephanie Bell as Alabama Conservative Hero of the Year. Nominated by fellow School Board member Betty Peters, Stephanie Bell has been a hero on the Alabama Board of Education since her election in 1994. Pictured here with her husband and President Reagan, Stephanie Bell has worked tirelessly to support a phonics-based reading initiative, a fundamental approach to learning science and math, and the Report Card for Alabama Schools initiative. Recent years show that Alabama students have led the nation in academic progress. Mrs. Bell has worked for accountability and for school textbooks with pro-American values. Mrs. Bell has been honored with the Olive Spann Eagle Award by Alabama Eagle Forum, the highest award given by this great conservative organization. A comprehensive record of Stephanie Bell's accomplishments are available at Stephanie Bell
Other highly qualified Alabama conservatives were nominated. The results of the Musings from Maytown poll were:
Stephanie Bell 48 (36%)
Bobby Humphryes (Jefferson County Commissioner) 39 (29%)
US Senator Jeff Sessions 26 (19%)
US Senator Richard Shelby 19 (14%)

Alabama's Nick Saban: 2008 Coach of the Year

Today, at halftime of the Music City Bowl on ESPN, Coach Nick Saban of the University of Alabama was named Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year. Saban took an Alabama team which had gone 6-6 in the 2007 season to a 12-0 regular season and an opportunity to play for the SEC Championship. Heavily involved in the community, Saban is a published author with a reputation as a tough and effective coach.
Musings from Maytown linked to the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year site and contributed a great number of votes for Coach Saban. While the poll was not entirely based on popular vote, the votes from Musings from Maytown were part of an avalanche of support that gave Coach Saban recognition and an opportunity to gain this great award. Coach Saban had already received the AP Coach of the Year award.

A look ahead to the World of Politics in 2009

National
* Barack Obama will realize that Congress is not ready to go along with his progressive agenda. Many Southern and rural Midwestern Democrats were elected as pro-life conservative Democrats. Hence, his Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) will never see the light of day.
* With nervousness on the economy, Obama will not push for Nationalized Health Care. You will see some adding around the edges, but no major increases in federal programs. Obama's advisers will warn him about the effect of more spending and especially, more taxes on our fragile economy.
* Furthermore, Obama will be slow to remove troops from Iraq. Actually, one will see little difference in the foreign policy of an Obama Administration and the previous administration.
* Justice Stevens will retire from the US Supreme Court and President Obama will select a liberal, but not one that draws immediate fire. The nominee will pass the Senate overwhelmingly. Only a few staunch conservatives will vote to reject the nominee.
*The Republican National Committee will elect Saul Anuzis of Michigan as RNC Chair. This is a good move for tax-cutting conservatives and pro-lifers.
*New Jersey will re-elect Jon Corzine as Governor this November.
*Virginia will elect a Democratic Governor, but that Governor will not be former DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe.
Alabama
*Liberals will increase the volume of their ballyhoos for a new state Constitution. However, this will be rhetoric, hoping to impact the 2010 state elections. Newspapers will join the crusade to scrap the state constitution with the strongest Declaration of Rights in the entire Union.
*Governor Riley will respond to proration by advocating some tax increases, like an increase in soft drink taxes and an increase in cigarette tax. Appeals will be emotional, with references to Nursing Home patients and sick elderly citizens.
However, the legislators will be nervous about new taxes on eve of an election year. Few, if any tax increases will be passed.
*The Jefferson County Sewer debt will hang over the entire state like an dark cloud. Eventually, a plan to write off some of the debt will be agreed upon.
*Birmingham Mayor Langford's Dome will stall due to the economic crunch. Ground will be broken, but construction will not progress, due to the debt and doubt of creditors. Langford may even discuss more taxes. Republican legislators will block any gambling legislation designed to bailout Jefferson County from the sewer debt.
*The 2009 Birmingham City Council Elections will make no serious changes. Mayor Langford will not run a slate of candidates and the incumbents will run strong. District one will not re-elect Joel Montgomery, even if he runs. This long-time majority white district will elect an African-American councilor for the first time.
*Mayor Langford will NOT be convicted of the impending bribery charges. Federal prosecutors will be unable to prove intent to commit or solicit bribery.
*The Alabama Republican Party will re-elect Mike Hubbard as Chair. Hubbard will continue his fast-paced and effective effort to fund Campaign 2010 to elect a majority Republican legislature.
*The Jefferson County Republican Party will initiate a large-scale effort to register voters in GOP-friendly efforts to mount a challenge for the 2010 local elections. The past election saw a Democrat sweep, but 2009 may point to a better result for the local GOP in the 2010 election.
United Kingdom
In Scotland, Labour will regain seats previously won by the Scottish National Party. While the Conservative party will gain ground, the gains will be neglible.
In Wales, the Conservative Party will gain ground. However, an increase in Conservative vote may split the Unionist vote with Labour and allow modest gains by the Welsh nationalist Plaid Cymru.
In Northern Ireland, the new marriage between the Conservative Party and the Ulster Unionists may gain some support for the UUP. This gain, plus the entry of candidates from the new Traditionalist Unionist Party, will force a three-way split in the Unionist community. This split will hurt the major Unionist Party, the Democratic Unionist Party. The nationalist community will continue to unite behind Sinn Fein and the result could be that Sinn Fein gains ground in Northern Ireland.
In England, the Conservatives will gain seats. However, Gordon Brown is deliberately delaying the election and will call an election when conditions are best for Labour. For that reason, Musings from Maytown predicts that Gordon Brown will remain Prime Minister of Great Britain. While Brown is a good Scot, a Presbyterian layman (son of a Pastor), and a Unionist, Musings from Maytown feels that the United Kingdom will miss a grand opportunity to elect a dynamic advocate for less government and lower taxes in David Cameron, leader of the Conservative Party. Brown may have to cut deals with minor parties, such as the Greens and even the Scottish Nationalists, to obtain the Prime Minister's post again.

A Look Ahead to the World of Sports in 2009

Last year, Musings from Maytown made a slew of predictions. Frankly, our predictions went awry. We predicted a Presidential race between Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton with Clinton elected President. We predicted a so-so year for the Alabama Crimson Tide. You get the drift. After last year's dismal results, we are displaying insanity to submit predictions for the new year for all the world to see. Nonetheless, since insanity is trying the same effort,even when it fails, we are displaying our insanity for the world to see.
*Florida will soundly defeat Oklahoma for the BCS Championship on January 8. Florida Tim Tebow will leave the Gators to become the finest Quarterback in the NFL.
*The New York Giants will win the Super Bowl, with observers comparing Giants' Quarterback Eli Manning to his brother, Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts.
*The Tampa Bay Rays will win the World Series.
*The LA Lakers will defeat the Boston Celtics for the NBA Championship.
British Football
*The Chelsea Blues will win the English Premier League.
*The Glasgow Rangers will charge ahead near the end of the season to win the Scottish Premier League Championship.
*The Linfield Blues will win the Irish Premier League to make a sweep by all three of the Blues Brothers.
University of Alabama
*The Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team will languish in mediocrity, in spite of abundant talent on the team. Failure to make the NCAA tournament could be the straw that breaks the camel's back and sends Coach Gottfried packing. Musings from Maytown wants to be sympathetic with Gottfried, but a highly touted team with poor execution of the fundamentals of basketball is a reflection on coaching.
*Coach Nick Saban will lead the Alabama Crimson Tide to a national title, making this the thirteenth time in history that Alabama has been National Championships. Saban will be recognized as the man who led Alabama to a return to glory. Alabama fans believe that competing for a national championship is a birthright.
* Auburn's new Coach will demonstrate commitment and begin winning over alumni and supporters of the Auburn football program.

Musings from Maytown Readers Pick Tide over Utah

Musings from Maytown overwhelmingly predicted, by a 65-10 margin, a Crimson Tide victory over the Utah Utes in the Allstate Sugar Bowl this Friday in New Orleans. Alabama comes into New Orleans with a 12-1 record, losing only to #1 Florida. Utah is undefeated and hoping to gain attention in the polls with a defeat over the SEC powerhouse.
Musings from Maytown concurs with the prediction of an Alabama win. However, news of the loss of Outland Trophy winner Andre Smith causes concern for Tide fans. Smith was immediately suspended by Coach Nick Saban after finding that Smith had already dealt with a pro agent in anticipation of the NFL draft. Experts predict that Smith would be a top five pick in this year's professional draft. Musings from Maytown also hoes that the Tide does not take lightly this undefeated team, fighting for glory in a major bowl. But this editor has confidence in Coach Saban to bounce back from the loss of Smith and to have his team prepared for a Sugar Bowl victory.
On a side note for Tide fans: if Alabama wins convincingly, and Florida defeats Oklahoma convincingly for the BCS title, and Ohio State upsets Texas in the Fiesta Bowl, the Alabama could end up #2 in the nation.

Don't Raise Taxes in a Recession!

In the last two weeks, Alabama State Government has been severely curtailed by the forced nine percent cuts in spending due to proration. Remember, proration is required because the Alabama Constitution (yes, the 1901 version that liberals constantly claim is outdated) requires a balanced budget. Hence, when revenues fall below expectations, then proration is automatically ordered so that funds are not spent until the monies are available.
The great temptation for government is to call for new taxes to make up the difference in the lost revenues. Such thinking was in place in 2003, when the newly-installed Riley Administration bit the bait put forth by liberal special interests and asked for a huge tax increase to supply for state government. The tax increase came in the form of a Constitutional Amendment, because our archaic, old, worn-out, state constitution makes it so hard to raise taxes. (Please read sarcasm into the previous statement). The Amendment failed miserably as Alabama voters said No to the Riley-sponsored tax increase.
Now, with revenues down, one might expect another call for increased taxes. Just today, a political activist contacted Musings from Maytown asking support for a tax increase on a certain item. Before raising taxes, please consider:
1) Tax increases take capital from investment and consumer spending that would spur the private sector. A tax increase leaves less money in the hands of investors and consumers. Hence, a tax increase actually slows economic recovery.
2) Higher taxes cut incentive for investment and spending, thus, higher taxes will bring about an atmosphere of less spending in the private sector. The result is less revenue brought into the public treasury. So, ultimately, higher taxes do not bring in more revenue.
3) During Governor Riley's first term, the Governor signed an executive order requiring annual reappraisals on property tax. This brought an acceleration of property tax increases. This move brought about increased revenues on a short-term basis. One might wonder why we are seeing such a shortfall with increased property tax revenues. Could it be that the increase in property taxes has brought about a decrease in investment and spending in the private sector, creating less wealth so that fewer dollars are available in taxation?
One might note that in 2006, Democratic candidate for Governor Lucy Baxley attacked Governor Riley on the property tax reappraisals. Governor Riley campaigned on a platform of ending annual reappraisals and returning to reappraisals every four years. This plank in the Riley re-election platform has been strangely missing from the agenda of the Riley Administration in the second term.
One fact is certain--tax increases are not a long-term solution for revenue shortfalls.

Blog Net News Recognizes Musings from Maytown as Alabama's Most Influential Blog

Blog Net News released their weekly report on blogs in the state of Alabama and rated Musings from Maytown as the most influential blog in the state of Alabama for the week ending today. Blog Net News examines websites from across the county, focusing on the Blog phenomenon.
The term blog is short for web-log and represents the move of independent voices to comment on all matters political, theological, social, musical, and athletic. Musings from Maytown operates with the intention of commenting on the culture and preserving the best of our Southern American culture. For that reason, Musings from Maytown comments on all of the above issues, striving to express a worldview of biblical faith.
One might wonder about our comments on British politics and even Scottish football. The common thread in our discussions is the thread of the culture in which we live. Special thanks to our readers and those who have urged others to tune in to Musings from Maytown. Special thanks is also due to Blog Net News for their efforts to survey the blog scene nationally. Each state is surveyed and covered as to the blogs who participate. But to the readers, responders, and supporters of Musings from Maytown, thank you for making us Alabama's Most Influential Blog at this time.

Birmingham City Council Fills Vacancy with Controversial Choice

This past Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council selected Jonathan F. Austin to fill the vacancy left by William Bell when Bell was elected to the Jefferson County Commission. Austin now represents District Five which includes Downtown, Northside, the Legion Field area, and part of Southside.
Austin is twenty-nine years old and has worked as a Community Organizer (no, I'm not kidding.) After Austin was approved by a 6-1-1 vote, the Birmingham News reported that Austin had a misdemeanor conviction for possession of marijuana from 2003. Austin's father is Rev. Gerald Austin, Pastor and Founder of the New City Church.
One must honestly question a process when a drug conviction was not found in individual's background. Officials were upset at finding the information, but had not unearthed the information themselves.
On the other hand, is a misdemeanor charge of five years ago a determining factor in young Austin's service? One matter is certain: this Council chose the youngest member ever to serve on the Birmingham City Council over one former Councilman, a local Constable, and several neighborhood leaders. This is the same City Council who passed Mayor Langford's sales tax proposal without a dissenting vote. This is the same City Council that seems to act in disorganized confusion weekly.
Voters have the possibility of making serious changes this coming October when all nine council members will be up for re-election.

Who are the Real Bigots?

Musings from Maytown has shifted between anger and humor at the recent outcry from liberals concerning the invitation issued by President-elect Obama to Pastor Rick Warren to lead in prayer at the Obama inauguration. Consider that Presidents of both parties traditionally asked Evangelist Billy Graham to lead in prayer at their respective inaugurations. Graham was long considered America's Pastor and one might wonder if Rick Warren might be assuming that same role.
The issue of Pastor Warren leading in prayer has risen due to Warren's support of Proposition Eight in the recent California election. Proposition Eight (which passed by a 52-48 % margin) would have limited state recognition of marriage to a union of one man and one woman. Intolerant homosexual activists have loudly objected to Warren's presence on the Inaugural program.
Musings from Maytown finds humor in this matter because we have heard numerous discussions that question Pastor Warren's conservatism. Already, Joseph Farah of World Net Daily in his Open Letter to Rick Warren has challenged Warren for going to bless Obama and his evil philosophies. Farah compared Warren's appearance to a German minister in pre-WW II Germany praying at the inauguration of Adolph Hitler. David Cloud of Fundamental Baptist Information Service used Warren's appearance on a platform with Obama as example of Warren's compromise.
Conservative critics of Warren's appearance need to remember Paul's admonition to pray for those in authority ( I Timothy 2). Frankly, Warren is bearing witness to the sovereignty of God as he appears in a public venue to pray for wisdom and to close the prayer in Jesus' Name. This editor has often prayed before gatherings of officials, some of whom have been convicted for bribery. These officials need prayer and I am glad that an evangelical preacher like Rick Warren is able to keep a relationship with Barack Obama. Prayer, public and private, is in order for our new President.
However, the left-wing charges anger me. Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! calls Rick Warren a Christian Radical for his views on abortion and gay marriage. Atthe outset of this defense, keep in mind that Musings from Maytown is not blindly supportive of Rick Warren's philosophy on every subject. However, in observing Rick Warren, the only point at which Rick Warren is a radical is Warren's radical interest in evangelism. While a student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Warren read every book in the library on Evangelism and was a protege of Dr. Roy Fish, long recognized as the academic authority on evangelism. Fish has always been noted as a scholar with a fire to win souls to Christ. Fish mentored Warren, who has used every means possible to win people to Christ there in Saddleback, CA. Mind you, we are not offering a defense of every position taken by Rick Warren. Nonetheless, Warren is not a James Dobson or a Jerry Falwell on the issues, but an evangelist who is determined to win people to Christ. Rick Warren could never justly be called an anti-gay crusader. One might note that four years ago, George W. Bush scheduled Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, to pray at his inaugural. Franklin Graham has been quite outspoken on the moral issues of the day. One might expect that Franklin Graham might continue the pattern of Billy Graham praying at inaugurals. This editor surmises that Franklin Graham was too controversial and that the Obama planners likely considered Warren a kinder and gentler version of evangelical. However, even a nicer version of Bible-believer is not good enough for the militant humanists.
Goodman even attacked Warren's AIDS initiative in Africa, saying that Warren used this effort to win converts to Christ and establish churches. Yes??? Help people with AIDS medically, showing the love of God and leading them to faith in Christ---are you actually surprised that this is what an evangelical minister does?
Warren is not a moral crusader and has demonstrated kindness to AIDS patients, including many homosexuals. No honest person could accuse Rick Warren of promoting hate.
For years, liberals have enjoyed tagging conservatives as bigots. I simply ask, who are the real bigots?

Conservative Hero of the Year Polls

As the nominations began to roll in to Musings from Maytown, one fact became obvious: we could not include everyone in one poll. So, Musings from Maytown has established two polls for Conservative Hero of the Year-- one to encompass national figures and one poll specifically for Alabama conservatives.
Readers may object to one or more of these nominees. However, every one of these nominees came from the readers and some of the nominees had multiple nominations. The Editor did not delete any nominee put forth with multiple nominations.
Please consider your vote in each of these polls. Lord willing, at the year's end, we will recognize the choice of the readers of Musings from Maytown as the conservative heroes of the year.

2008 National Conservative Hero

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee served as Governor of Arkansas from 1996-2007, taking office when the then-Governor was forced to leave office when his predecessor resigned. In 2008, Huckabee ran a surprisingly strong race for President, finishing consistently among the top three in the GOP primaries. Huckabee was credited with raising the pro-life banner in every debate. Huckabee's humor and powerful speaking ability always won him points. Prior to entering electoral politics, Huckabee was a Baptist Pastor and was the youngest person ever elected President of the Arkansas Baptist Convention.
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal was elected Governor of Louisiana in 2007. Jindal is exciting young conservatives with his hopeful, Reaganesque message of limited government and low taxes. Jindal served three years in Congress where he earned a reputation as an enemy of big government. A solid pro-lifer, Jindal has a strong record of social conservatism. While a native of Louisiana, Jindal's family came from India, breaking new ground in Louisiana politics. In the days since the 2008 election disaster, conservatives have rallied to the positive message of Bobby Jindal.
Phyllis Schafly has led Eagle Forum since the inception of the organization. Long outspoken on issues of family and country, Schafly has served as the conscience of the conservative movement. Schafly has organized efforts nationally to oppose any surrender of American sovereignty to international bodies. Schafly is credited with defeat of the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s. Whether free enterprise economics, a strong national posture in international affairs, pro-family initiatives, or a return to basics in education, Schafly's research is matchless.
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was Vice Presidential nominee for the Republican Party and the one bright spot on the ticket for conservatives. Campaigning on a low-tax, limited government platform, Gov. Palin never wavered on her pro-life position. Sarah Palin excited Second Amendment advocates with her outspoken support for the right to keep and bear arms. Compared to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and President Ronald Reagan, Gov. Palin gave hope to the American people. Already, polls show Palin as the leading Republican mentioned for President in 2012. As Governor of Alaska, Palin has a sterling record of fighting corruption.
Congressman Ron Paul began the 2008 presidential campaign as an asterisk in the polls. However, Paul's ability to mobilize young voters with his emphasis on limited government and opposition to international intervention, caused the public to take note of Ron Paul. A consistent opponent in Congress to big government, Ron Paul is a hero to liberty-loving conservatives. A solid pro-lifer, Ron Paul won re-election to his House seat in Texas with over 70% of the vote. Since the election, Ron Paul is working hard to mobilize these same voters to impact the electoral process for liberty. In Congress, Paul has never voted for an unbalanced budget, never voted for a tax increase, never voted to limit gun rights, and never voted to surrender American authority to an international body. One notable accomplishment of the Ron Paul campaign was the success in raising small donations from thousands of contributors through money bombs. With virtually no support from the establishment, Ron Paul was the voice for liberty and limited government in the presidential debates, where candidates sought to out-promise each other at the expense of the taxpayer.

2008 Alabama Conservative Hero

Four conservative heroes were nominated from within Alabama:
Stephanie Bell has served on the Alabama State Board of Education since her election in 1994. Mrs. Bell is a committed Christian and an outspoken conservative. Stephanie Bell has long worked to implement strong values in the Alabama public schools, worked against tax increases, and has pushed hard for accountability in the two-year college system.Confederate heritage groups have honored Stephanie Bell for her efforts to celebrate Confederate Heritage Month in the Alabama school system. While working in the public school system, Stephanie Bell has been a friend to Christian Schools and the Home School Movement, working to restrict government from interfering with private operations. Targeted for defeat by liberal interests in the last two elections, Stephanie Bell has won the last two elections with seventy percent of the vote.
Jefferson County Commissioner Bobby Humphryes, is serving his first term on the Jefferson County Commission. As a Commissioner Humphryes has worked to cut waste in government and has steadfastly opposed new taxes. Prior to serving as Commissioner, Humphryes served eight years in the Alabama legislator where he left a sterling conservative record. Always a co-sponsor of pro-life legislation, pro-family efforts, and perhaps the leading opponent of tax increases. A steady rock on the conservative side on social and fiscal issues, Humphryes has never lost his touch with common citizens, earning him the endorsement of organized Labor.
US Senator Jeff Sessions is known as the leading opponent of illegal immigration in the entire US Senate. A fiscal conservative, a solid pro-life vote in the Senate, Sessions recently won re-election with 63% of the vote. Initially elected in 1996, Sessions had won fame when nominated by President George H.W. Bush to a federal judgeship, only to see that nomination blocked by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA). Sessions is a reliable conservative vote and a leader on specific conservative issues.
US Senator Richard Shelby was initially elected to the US Senate as a Democrat in 1986. In time, Shelby's voting record moved him away from the Democratic Party and in 1994, Shelby made the switch to the GOP. Shelby's nominator mentioned his role in defeat of the Auto Bailout. Musings from Maytown appreciates Shelby's opposition to the Housing Industry Bailout, recognizing his arguments on sound idealogical grounds. A solid pro-life vote, Shelby won re-election in 2004 with 68 % of the vote.

Nominate your Choice for Conservative Hero of the Year

Readers of Musings from Maytown have demonstrated that they are among the most perceptive citizens of these United States and the United Kingdom. Musings from Maytown takes an explicit conservative stand on all matters politically, economically, and theologically.
As 2008 ends, Musings from Maytown asks your help in selecting the Conservative Hero of the Year. Our intention is to post a poll from Christmas Eve until New Year's Eve. So, we need your nominees NOW.
Please email nominees for 2008 Conservative Hero of the Year to johnhkillian@charter.net
We make no guarantee that all nominees will be on the Musings from Maytown ballot, but we will seek to honor anyone with substantial support. Again, send your nominees to johnhkillian@charter.net no later than Wednesday morning, December 24 at 6 AM The poll will then be placed at Musings from Maytown for a public vote.

Barack Obama, Rick Warren, and Intolerant Homosexual Activists

This week, President-elect Barack Obama announced which ministers would pray at his inaugural. One minister is Reverend Joseph Lowery, current leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and a veteran of the Civil Rights Movement. But the other praying minister announced was Rick Warren of the Saddleback Community Church in California. Warren is best known for his seeker-friendly approach to ministry and an approach of planting a church indigenous to the local culture. The Saddleback Church now averages thousands of attendees in regular worship each weekend. This article is neither a critique nor an advertisement for Warren's methods in church building.
This editor is one of few in my circle of friends who has never read Warren's Purpose Driven Church or the more recent Purpose Driven Life. The latter achieved best-seller status and has been utilized in local churches across the world. This writer has heard Rick Warren preach twice on nationally televised broadcasts and in both sermons Warren made clear the Gospel of Christ.
Just over a year ago, Warren caught criticism for inviting Barack Obama to speak to a conference on AIDS at the Saddleback Church. While inviting leading officials from both major political parties, Warren has steadfastly refused to endorse political candidates. In August, 2008 Rick Warren invitited both John McCain and Barack Obama to accept questions on moral values. Warren remained non-partisan and acted simply as a witness to biblical truth.
However, when Proposition Eight, a ban on same-sex marriages, was proposed to California voters, Rick Warren spoke favorably on Proposition Eight to the Saddleback congregation.
Now, President-elect Obama has asked Pastor Rick Warren to pray at the inauguration. Homosexual rights activists are livid with opposition to Warren's invitation to pray.
Please note the irony of the opposition to Warren. Perhaps no evangelical minister has been as active in ministering to AIDS patients as Rick Warren. Warren is known for avoiding inflammatory language on the issue of homosexuality. Warren's fault, according to the homosexual activists, is that he does not approve of same-sex marriage. While Warren has advocated compassion for AIDS patients, regardless of their sexual practices, this is not enough. One's prayer is not even accepted, unless that individual can sign on to one-hundred-percent support of the homosexual rights agenda. The same tolerance demanded by these activists is not shown a man of God who sees Scriptural teaching that marriage is legitimate only between one man and one woman.
If it matters, the other minister praying at the inaugural is Rev. Joseph Lowery, who supports the right of same-sex couples to marry.

Republicans Still Don't Get it on Bailouts!

Musings from Maytown supposes that credit should be due to Senate Republicans who made the difference in defeating the Auto Bailout. We also believe that President Bush's brazen act of shifting money to the automakers is shameful operation.
But then Senate Republicans release a letter pleading with President Bush not to usurp the decision of Congress on the automakers bailout. So far, so good. But then these Senate Republicans gave their reason for opposing the bailout as the refusal of the United Auto Workers to agree to a cut in wages. These folks still don't get it!
The issue is neither corporate salaries nor worker's wages. The issue is that government would be running a private enterprise at the cost of taxpayers and then managing this private enterprise. For years, liberty-minded conservatives have warned of creeping socialism, but the recent bailouts, with the infusion debt-based money and more government control over private corporations is not just creeping socialism, but leaping socialism.
By going so public with concerns over the hourly wages of workers, the Republicans feed the image of a Party representing big business, and not the common laboring worker. Many of us, who vote Republican, are frustrated when the typical coal miner and steel worker will vote against his values by voting for a liberal Democrat. But then when Republican leaders in Congress show disregard for the interests of workers on the bailout issue, one can see the reluctance to vote Republican.
Rather than oppose the bailout on principle, these GOP Senators wanted to use this legislation as a means to lower wages, thus, feeding the idea that the Republican Party is the party of corporate greed.
In 1980, millions of Americans rallied to the mantra of Ronald Reagan who wanted to get big government off of your back and out of your pocket. Today's GOP seems to have forgotten that government spending is the great long-term hindrance to economic growth. If these bailouts are positive, then why not nationalize all of the corporations? Remember, the overwhelming number of Republicans actually opposed these bailouts. I just hope these Republicans learn that the answer is less government, lower taxes, and more individual responsibility. Reaganism is what built the modern GOP, a coalition which included millions of hard working men and women of the laboring class. Bailouts are a big part of the dismantling of that Reagan coalition.
Ronald Reagan gave America hope, and made us believe that we could produce our way out our problems. God help us.

Alabama Baptists Call for Defeat of Freedom of Choice Act

In July, 2007, then-candidate Barack Obama spoke to a Planned Parenthood meeting and declared that he wanted to sign the Freedom of Choice Act into law as the first piece of legislation that he would sign. Now, we are no longer listening to campaign rhetoric, but waiting until January 20 when President Barack Obama will take office with both houses of Congress controlled by Democrats. How soon will we see the Freedom of Choice Act? What does the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) entail?
FOCA would repeal every ruling, every state law, and enforce federal mandates on an absolutist position on the freedom to choose abortion. This legislation would proscribe federal funding for abortion as a part of health care.
Alabama has two new Congressmen, both Democrats, who ran as pro-life Democrats: Bobby Bright in District Two and Parker Griffith in District Five. Four of the five incumbents have solid pro-life voting records: Jo Bonner in District One, Mike Rogers in District Three, Robert Aderholt in District Four, and Spencer Bachus in District Six.All four are Republican. Democrat Artur Davis (District Seven) has a mixed record on abortion issues..
In Alabama, the largest religious group is the Alabama Baptist State Convention with over one million members in over 3,000 churches. This November, the Alabama Baptist State Convention passed a strong resolution against FOCA. If Alabama Baptists mobilize against FOCA, I would doubt that any one of Alabama's seven Congressmen will vote for FOCA. One side note. While mainstream denominations are moving left-ward, I am proud that Alabama Baptists are on the cutting edge on moral issues. Alabama Baptists, led by Christian Life Director Joe Bob Mizzell, are on the curtting edge on moral concerns in the state of Alabama. Here is the Alabama Baptist resolution on FOCA that passed unanimously.
WHEREAS, during his campaign for President,
President-elect Barack Obama promised the
Planned Parenthood Federation of America that
he would sign the Freedom of Choice Act ("FOCA")
as a first order of business; and
WHEREAS, the leadership of the United States
Senate and House of Representatives are expected
to support FOCA; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of FOCA is to federalize all
abortion law; and
WHEREAS, FOCA would repeal all gains made by
pro-life legislation on both state and federal levels
since 1973; and
WHEREAS, FOCA would permit federal funding for
abortions and invalidate extant federal laws that
would be in conflict with FOCA; and
WHEREAS, FOCA would invalidate all state
regulatory laws of every description, which would
include parental notification or consent for minors,
informed consent for women, and post-viability
abortion bans; and
WHEREAS, FOCA would be a preemptive federal
statute that would not permit any state regulatory law
in conflict therewith; and
WHEREAS, there would be no authority by state
legislative or judicial bodies to regulate abortion in
any way whatever; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama Baptist State Convention
went on record in 1992 opposing FOCA.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, we the messengers
to the Alabama Baptist State Convention meeting in
Montgomery, Alabama, November 18-19, 2008,
reaffirm our opposition to the Freedom of Choice
Act; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, we support the rights
of states to regulate and prohibit abortion; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, we oppose the
United States Congress imposing federal unlimited
rights of abortion on the State of Alabama and the
citizens thereof; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, we request all
members of the Alabama Congressional delegation
to oppose FOCA and to do everything in their power
to stop its passage; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this
resolution be sent to each member of the Alabama
Congressional delegation.

Proration Hits Alabama

Yesterday, Alabama Governor Bob Riley ordered that state budgets operate under proration. While this announcement hit state schools and state employees like a ton of bricks, what does this mean?
Due to a lagging economy, tax receipts have slowed considerably. For this reason, the state of Alabama is receiving less revenue than anticipated in the current fiscal year. Musings from Maytown fears that the public will not understand the impact of this decision. The average citizen will see shortage in state funds and will wonder why such a drastic cut. Consider some facts about this decision.
1) Proration is not a unilateral decision by the Governor. In all fairness, Governor Riley is required to declare proration by the state Constitution. While Musings from Maytown differed from the Governor on Amendment One, we still appreciate his desire to plan for difficult times. One can never predict the impact of international affairs, natural disasters, and the fear of investors on the economy. Gov. Riley is to be congratulated for his plan to deal with state deficits.
2) Proration is temporary. As the economy improves, the funds will replenish state coffers.
3) In 2006, then-Lt. Gov. candidate Mo Brooks proposed that state budgets be based on last year's revenues. In the long haul, such a proposal would seem restrictive, but would be a positive step toward preventing the needs of sudden cuts through proration. The Mo Brooks plan would force the Governor and the Legislature to cut the size of government, but would provide a closer picture of the fiscal condition of the state.
4) The Federal Government needs the restriction of proration. Our economy is presently suffering due to the barrels of red ink in our economy from the federal debt. While Alabama operates under a constitutional mandate to balance the books annually, our federal deficit is now a major component of our national economy. While Alabama law forces the legislature to refuse special interests and then financing that spending by borrowing, the Federal Government continues to spend without slowing down.
So, while the economy slows and then grows, proration is expected. However, the Brooks Plan would be a more sound manner of operation over the long haul. Even with that sound plan, the state could face slowdowns, hence proration. But the impact would be much less severe.

Lessons from the Auto Bailout Controversy

This past week, the US Senate failed to concur with the House of Representatives in passing a bailout package for the nation's large domestic automakers. This bailout had the support of the Democratic leadership in Congress as well as the Bush White House. Already, doomsayers are bemoaning this lack of financial infusion from an already depleted federal budget. However, Musings from Maytown applauds this decision as a victory for principle over pragmatism. Hoping that conservatives will learn from this effort to continue enlarging government, consider some lessons from the bailout controversy.
1) Vox Populi! The people have spoken. Calls and emails bombarded Capitol Hill in opposition to using taxpayer funds to underwrite the failure of the big three automakers to operate productively. Newt Gingrich reported that a poll of supporters of his political organization voted 91% against the bailout. The usually reliable Musings from Maytown survey was 53-10 (85%)against this bailout.
My own Congressman Spencer T. Bachus, III voted and lobbied for the outrageous bailout of the housing industry.However, Bachus saw the light and voted against the automakers bailout.
2) Ideological arguments make sense! As an Alabamian, I was proud to see Senator Richard Shelby sounding like a born-again free marketer in his arguments against big government and increased federal control over private enterprise. Ron Paul and Mike Pence carried the debate in the House. The debate slipped away from the temporary advantages to the long-term disadvantages and the morality of taxing citizens to bail out a protected industry. Thomas Jefferson and John C. Calhoun would have been proud.
3) Republicans are still stupid! In the final negotiations, many Senate Republicans were offering to switch sides to support the auto bailout, but only if restrictions were placed on the hourly wages of the workers in the auto plants. Protect the corporations, but forget the working individual. While I agree that auto wages may be too high, that decision should be made by the market and in negotiations with industry. Again, the Republicans allow themselves to be painted as the protector of the rich and less than sympathetic with labor. Mind you, I am not defending the $70 per hour wages for the auto workers, but I don't want government making the decisions on wages. These Republicans, involved in the dispute over Union wages, lose the high ground of defending the free market when they want government interjection in wage disputes.
4) The Auto Industry does have my sympathy. A spokesman for the United Auto Workers made the argument that most automakers, based in foreign countries, but with plants in the US, located in the various states due to millions or billions in incentives from these various states. The State of Alabama has offered huge amounts to Honda and Mercedes, hoping to sweeten the pot and persuade these plants to locate here. States find themselves in bidding wars, asking taxpayers to fund the locating of these corporations in their respective state. As a result of the granting of taxpayer funds, no private initiative operates on a level playing field.
The taxpayer is bled to fund government initiatives to, supposedly, help the public. Take away this corporate welfare, the free market will decide the real value of automobiles and every other good and service.
Obviously, automakers, and other industries are not finding the US market profitable. May God grant us a new generation of statesmen who will work to remove the shackles of big government from commerce and entrepreneurship.

Keeing Christmas Alive in Huntsville

When my fellow believers complain about the secularization of American culture, I wonder why we are surprised. How many family heads complain about prayer being removed from public schools, but who never pray with their families? How many folks are offended that our President recognizes Islam as a legitimate faith, but who never witness of their faith to a co-worker?
Frankly, our increasingly secular culture reflects where our people are in their lives as we interact with those within our social reach.
During this time of the year, we are inundated with references to holidays, rather than an explicit Christmas greeting. Like a bystander on the shore, we are watching as the identity of this season as a celebration of Christ's birth is drifting past us.
A few years ago, Brice F. Marsh of Huntsville was vacationing in Branson, MO and attended a Christmas celebration. Brice is a computer specialist, a long-time conservative activist, and a get-something-done man who was determined to bring a celebration of this type to his home city of Huntsville. The result is the annual Festival of Sacred Christmas Music which takes place each December at the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville. Last year, Musings from Maytown covered this event and found a great time of quality music, happy celebration, and a focus on the reason for the season. Music for the program ranges from classical to contempoary, all in good taste with a focus on honoring Christ in this season.
This editor is troubled by the attitudes of those who want to force someone to abandon the recognition of Christ's coming. Likewise, we would oppose forcing anyone to recognize Christ. But we can take steps to make certain that Christ is honored in this season. Longtime conservative leader Ferris Stephens is working to start an effort to have families pose around a manger scene for Christmas cards. Stephens has no motive to make money, simply to urge families to remind families of the true purpose of Christmas celebration. Yes, this is a small step, but a good step in reminding our culture of the roots of Christmas celebration.
Rather than take a harsh approach, we can spread the light of a joyous Christmas through celebrations like the Festival of Sacred Christmas Music. Last year, my wife and I attended, enjoyed, and left with a challenged heart. This year, we are returning with a bus load who, hopefully, will re-focus this season on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Vote Nick Saban Coach of the Year

Coach Nick Saban came to Tuscaloosa, just under two years ago. Upon arriving, Coach Saban found a demoralized program with a withering reputation. In two years, Coach Saban has placed the Alabama Crimson Tide football program at the top of the recruiting class and has made the Crimson Tide a team worthy of a BCS bowl at the end of the season. Alabama is just two or three plays shy of playing for the National Championship.
Liberty Mutual is hosting a Coach of the Year Poll and Coach Saban is one of the ten finalists. Readers of Musings from Maytown can look to the left sidebar and vote in the Coach of the Year poll. Musings from Maytown openly endorses Coach Nick Saban for this award. Coach Saban has already been named as the Home Depot National Coach of the Year and the Associated Press SEC Coach of the Year.Let the people speak! Vote in the poll for Coach Nick Saban in Division I.
While at it, let me encourage you to vote for Coach Danny Rocco of Liberty University in the Division I-AA poll for Coach of the Year.
Remember, you may vote once a day on this poll. Please urge all sound thinking people to come to this website and vote NICK SABAN for Coach of the Year.

Nick Saban

University of Alabama DIVISION I-A

Cherryholmes Family Nominated for Two Grammy Awards

Regular Musings from Maytown readers know of our affection for the Cherryholmes Family Band. For the past few years, this Christian family band has taken the Bluegrass Music world by storm and this year is no different as Cherryholmes has been nominated for two Grammy Awards: one for Bluegrass Album of the Year with their new Album Cherryholmes III: Don't Believe and one nomination for Bluegrass Instrumental of the Year for Sumatra, an instrumental number from the Don't Believe Album. Cherryholmes' innovative style has raised some eyebrows among those traditional bluegrass musicians, but this style has gained a tremendous following. This past Summer, Cherryholmes was, for the first time, featured during one night of the Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman.
Musings from Maytown challenges readers to consider this new album for a Christmas gift. This family gives bold testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ, while displaying a high-energy brand of Bluegrass, tagged as Bluegrass on Steroids by founder, husband, and father of the band Jere Cherryholmes.
Check out the video above, the title song off their latest album, Don't Believe. Also, if you still need a quality Christmas gift, check out Cherryholmes.

The Craziness of the Auto Bailout

Tonight, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 237-170 to use taxpayers funds for a downpayment on a recovery program for the failing auto industry. Alabama's US Senator Richard Shelby is leading the opposition to the bailout. Shelby declares that the total cost of the bailout will easily exceed $100 billion. The late Samuel Francis often quipped that the United States has two political parties: the Evil Party and the Stupid Party. Occasionally, you see a true bi-partisan effort and you can count on that bi-partisanship involving both evil and stupidity.
This bailout package was passed with pressure from the Democratic leadership in the House and the influence of the Bush White House. While Democrats supported the package by a 205-20 margin while Republicans actually opposed this corporate welfare program by a 150-32 margin. Among Alabama Congressmen, all Republicans (Bonner, Rogers, Aderholt, and Bachus) voted No except the retiring Terry Everett who was not present for the vote. Democrat Artur Davis voted No while retiring Democrat Bud Cramer voted Yes.
This vote is a clear-cut example of pragmatism winning over principle. The United States became the wealthiest nation in the history of humanity by freeing enterprise to take risks and make investments. But the bottom line is that investment is made by those who obtain capital. The reward of earnings comes from those who either work to provide a good or service, or those who invest in that good or service, so that another can work. Investment creates wealth, hence creates jobs.
When a government entity subsidizes failure, then that failing industry is rewarded for failure. That industry can continue to fail, and the advantage that industry gains by the subsidy gives a disadvantage to those who have produced successfully.
By this subsidy, we reward a poor job. Eventually, this action will drive up prices and drive down quality.
But the pragmatic approach is to offer the temporary band-aid of federal subsidy. This approach wins temporary cheers from the special interests connected to the automobile industry.
American economists need to consider why the US Big Three Automakers are not competing on the international market. Is our tax structure negative toward investment? Are regulations making productivity difficult? The answer to the auto dilemma is not more government subsidies, but less government involvement in the free market. Back in 1958, Robert Welch said that under free enterprise, you always have to hire more salesmen to sell off the surplus, but in socialism, you hire more bureaucrats to divide up the shortage. Now, we are talking about a Car Czar to regulate the use of the bailout funds. The free market is the best measure of that which will fail or succeed in our economy. Selective subsidy is propping up failure and penalizing success.
Readers of Musings from Maytown are urged to call the local offices of their respective US Senators and urge them to vote NO on this ridiculous bailout plan.

The Jim Allen Test

In the lifetime of this editor, several individuals have displayed a quality in public life that sets those individuals apart as giants. Few have epitomized character and principle in public life as did US Senator James B. Jim Allen.
Born in Gadsden, AL in 1912, Allen graduated from the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama Law School. Elected to the Alabama Legislature, Jim Allen left the State House to serve in the United States Naval Reserve during World War II. Upon his return home, Allen was elected to the State Senate and in 1950 progressed to serve as Lt. Governor of the State of Alabama. Allen served a second term as Lt. Governor from 1963-67 and was elected to the US Senate in 1968.
Allen was a Democrat, a Southern Democrat in the tradition of men like Thomas Jefferson and John C. Calhoun. Allen was a true conservative, yet remained a part of the Democratic Party. Whenever challenged, Allen reminded folks that he was an Alabama Democrat.
Allen was a master of parliamentary maneuvering, a scholar on American history, and a diligent leader who often marshaled forces to oppose the liberal legislation proposed in Congress. Seantor Allen was a master of the filibuster, often tying the presiding officer of the Senate into proverbial knots over an issue. A year after Allen died, conservative Republican US Senator Jesse Helms of North Carolina remarked Oh, how we miss Jim Allen! The fact that Allen was a Democrat had one powerful advantage over his Republican friends. When Presidents Nixon and Ford would propose some scheme to increase the size of government, Jim Allen was not beholden by party loyalty to advance a liberal agenda, due to loyalty to the GOP. On the other hand, Allen's Democratic affiliation never meant that the Senator would bow to party pressure to pass liberal legislation. In those days, conservative Democrats like Jim Allen of Alabama, James Eastland of Mississippi, John McClellan of Arkansas, Sam Ervin of North Carolina, and Richard B. Russell of Georgia were the swing votes in the US Senate. Republican Presidents had to win the votes of these Senators to pass important legislation. This meant that conservatives, and in particular, Southerners always had a voice. These conservative Democrats gave Republican courage to stand against liberal policies of a Republican President.
Today, the South is predominantly Republican in Washington representation. We have weak-sisters like Lindsay Graham of South Carolina who could, just as well, represent a New England state. Frankly, when Congress had a block of conservative Democrats, the conservative movement and the South were better off. Both parties had to satisfy the concerns of these patriots who loved the Constitution and were motivated by principle.
In recent years, the Democratic Party has sought to win back their Southern base by running candidates for the House and Senate as conservatives. Heath Shuler of North Carolina is a committed Christian and outspoken pro-lifer who won his seat in Congress as a Democrat. Gene Taylor of Mississippi, Lincoln Davis of Tennessee, Travis Childers of Mississippi, and Charlie Melancon of Louisiana all won office as pro-life, pro-second amendment, conservative Democrats who support tightening border security and a balanced federal budget. These Congressmen are part of a coalition of Blue Dog Conservative Democrats.
This year, Alabama's two open Congressional seats were won by Democrats who campaigned as pro-life, pro-second amendment, and proposed tightening our border. In the Second District, Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright won a seat that had been held by Republicans since 1964. Bright claimed that he actually voted for Gov. Mike Huckabee in this year's GOP Presidential Primary (which means he violated the Democratic Party's Radney Rule). Bright is a Deacon at Montgomery's First Baptist Church, where he regularly hears strong Bible preaching from Pastor Jay Wolf, an outspoken evangelical Southern Baptist. Bright has been an outspoken Christian in public life.
In the Fifth District, Democrat Parker Griffith ran as a conservative. In his tenure in the State Senate, Griffith helped derail legislation to curtail illegal immigration and never sponsored pro-life legislation. Yet, Griffith won in a district carried heavily by the McCain-Palin ticket.
My question for these conservative Democrats is this: how will you fare in the Jim Allen Test? Jim Allen never blinked when President Jimmy Carter asked for his support. Allen had no trouble telling him NO. In fact, Allen's last days were spent fighting Carter's giveaway of the Panama Canal. Allen never cut deals to support liberal legislation. Allen was fond of saying that he drew strength from the people of Alabama and that the people of Alabama reminded him of that which was right. Allen often said that Washington needed more Alabama thinking.
Will these Democrats, elected as conservatives, be able to look Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the face and say no, even when she reminds them of the oodles of money delivered to help them from liberal sources? Will these Democratic Congressmen remind a liberal Democratic President that they represent Alabama first? The coming months will tell us how Congressmen like Bright and Griffith fare on the Jim Allen Test.

Florida defeats Bama for SEC Title: Why Football is Important

Musings from Maytown wishes to congratulate Coach Urban Meyer and the Florida Gators for their 31-20 defeat of the Alabama Crimson Tide. This win earned the 2008 SEC Championship for Florida and a shot at the national title in a face-off with the Oklahoma Sooners. Musings from Maytown believes that the Gators are the best college team in the nation and Quarterback Tim Tebow is the best athlete in college football. Yes, we used superlatives, but Florida is a classy team.
While Musings from Maytown predicted an Alabama victory, and readers predicted, by a margin of 52-16, a Tide win, any football fan sees that Alabama did well to stay in the game with a team with the depth and ability of the Gators. Coach Nick Saban is certainly a classy and able coach who has led Alabama much farther than reasonable prognosticators expected Alabama to go in 2008.
Why is football, and in particular, college football important? Consider several reasons:
1) College football is a celebration of culture. Football appears to have roots in the old Ulster-Scots game of Rough and Tumble. Perhaps, this is why football is such a force in the Deep South and in areas populated by those who descend from Ulster and Scotland.
2) College football is a great display of state loyalty. This past Saturday, I walked into the Georgia World Congress Center, as a guest of Supreme Court Justice Tom Parker, and thrilled to see people of all ages celebrating their team. As a Southerner, I was proud to see young people calling out the names of their respective states, names of the Universities who were in competition for the SEC Title.
In our day, state loyalty is derided. In the push to urge us to think as world citizens, regional and state pride is a hindrance toward one-world thinking. College football moves in opposition to that trend.
3) As trite as this sounds, college football really does present a grand opportunity to display class in winning and in losing. I saw Alabama and Florida fans, yelling for their teams moments earlier, walking peacefully after the game. The Florida fans, overwhelmingly, were gracious in victory. Alabama fans learned to live with disapointment, but with hope for next year.
So, college football matters as a component of our culture. Cheer on your team, and learn to be respectful when the game ends.

Alabama's Senator Shelby Stands Tall Against the Bailout

Displaying both passion and courage, GOP Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama has been leading the charge against a taxpayer bailout of the automobile industry. With pressure from both corporate interests and the White House, Senator Shelby is standing firm and leading the opposition to this big-government bailout.
Shelby won his seat in the US Senate in 1986 as a Democrat, defeating Republican incumbent Jeremiah Denton. In his initial Senate campaign, Shelby had maximum support from organized labor, groups now clamoring for attention in the bailout legislation. Shelby's home state of Alabama is the home to major Toyota, Honda, and Mercedes plants. Yet, this Senator has chosen to face the special interests and stand for principle in opposing a giant step toward socialism.
As an Alabamian, this editor was proud to see Senator Shelby display his anger at the seeming unconcern of the Auto Company Executives. Shelby, who switched to the GOP in 1994, is Ranking Republican on the Banking Committee. But just as Shelby fiercely opposed the housing bailout, the brave Alabamian is now working to derail this latest big government boondoggle.
Ever the conservative populist, Senator Shelby grilled Detroit executives, telling the Banking Committee the firms continue to trail their major competitors in almost every category necessary to compete. Shelby's comments cut to the heart of the issue of an inefficient private concern seeking to suck taxpayer blood to continue that which has been deemed a failure on the free market.
When automobile executives made a display of driving their most fuel-efficient vehicles to Capitol Hill, Shelby made light of that stunt, asking them if they drove or had a driver to deliver them. Obviously, the corporate elite believe that taxpayers should subsidize their luxury and inability to compete on the open market.
In the 2004 election, Senator Shelby won 68 % of the vote in his bid for re-election to the US Senate, carrying 59 of 67 counties. With this performance, Shelby may accumulate some enemies, but Musings from Maytown predicts a landslide re-election in 2010, as the common voters appreciate Senator Shelby representing Alabama values in the halls of Congress.

Six Reasons Why the Alabama Crimson Tide Can Defeat the Florida Gators

Sports pundits have already declared Florida a ten-point favorite in Saturday's SEC Championship Game. Musings from Maytown has been reluctant to tout Alabama beyond reasonable expectations. However, this web newsletter believes that predictions of Alabama's defeat are premature. Please consider the following reasons why Alabama is capable of defeating Florida this Saturday.
1) Alabama's defense has been effective in stopping aggressive offenses, in the style of Florida's offense
2) Alabama has speed on offense, unlike that which Florida has seen all year. Quick running backs and speedy receivers can break open a game.
3) Alabama's offensive line is capable of establishing an effective running game, the type that could monopolize game time and keep Florida QB Tim Tebow off the field.
4) Alabama has demonstrated comeback ability.
5) Alabama has developed a depth of experience that provides ability in the fourth quarter of the game..
6) Coach Nick Saban is perhaps, the best strategician in college football and will devise plays to score on Florida.
The game will not be a low scoring game. Tim Tebow is a tremendous young man with great ability. Florida Coach Urban Meyer is capable to lead his team to victory.
But this Alabama team is a team of destiny. Musings from Maytown predicts Alabama 31-Florida 27.

Chambliss Wins in Georgia: What Does this mean for Conservatives?

Tuesday night, what had been a close election became a blow-out as incumbent US Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) defeated Democratic State Representative Jim Martin by a 57% to 43 % margin. What made the difference in a race just four weeks earlier when the race was close enough that Georgia law required a runoff, since Chambliss received slightly less than a majority of the vote?
First of all, Chambliss emphasized his conservative credentials. Remember, Georgia has voted Republican in the past four presidential elections, has a Republican Governor, a majority Republican State Senate, a majority Republican Congressional delegation, and two Republican US Senators. Senator Chambliss should have won handily in this conservative state against a pro-abortion, pro-gay rights, pro-big government liberal like Jim Martin.
So, in the runoff, Chambliss hit hard on red meat issues. Chambliss emphasized his opposition to expanding gun control laws. Chambliss hit hard opposing tax increases. National Right to Life became highly involved in turning out the pro-life vote for Chambliss. Senator Chambliss became a born-again advocate for limited government.
Secondly, Chambliss tied his opponent to President-elect Obama. In conservatives states, President Obama is anathema and will be a drag on the ticket in conservative areas. Frankly, I predict that Republicans will solidify gains in conservative states in the 2010 election.
Thirdly, Chambliss used the atomic bomb to close out his campaign-- he brought in Sarah Palin to barnstorm the state on the last day of the campaign. No leader energizes the conservative base like Governor Sarah Palin. Other contenders had come into the state, but when real energy was needed, we saw Sarah Palin next to Saxby Chambliss.
While Saxby Chambliss is not the type conservative advocated by Musings from Maytown, this editor believes that this election was a positive step toward curtailing lurches to the left by a liberal President and Democratic leaders in both houses of Congress.

The Langford Indictment

Today, no one should have been surprised to see that Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford was arrested by federal agents and charged with multiple counts of bribery involving bonds for the Jefferson County sewer system. If interested, you can read the indictment here.
Musings from Maytown has been severely critical of Langford, even describing Langford as a con man. As Mayor of Fairfield, Langford plunged that city into unfathomable debt. As the founder of Visionland Theme Park, Langford managed that enterprise into bankruptcy. As President of the Jefferson County Commission, Langford led the County into debt that seemingly cannot be paid. Langford is a favorite among Baptists and Pentecostals, for his quoting of Scripture, all the while working for Budweiser and using unseemly language to all who know him. The Mayor's religiousity has even won accolades from Pat Robertson of the 700 Club who provided Bibles for a Langford-initiated Men's Rally. On this note, let me urge you to watch this video and note that Langford was already under open investigation at this time. With all the persona of a street corner huckster, Larry Langford used his bluster and brag to win a landslide in the 2007 Birmingham mayoral election. Langford's first acts as Birmingham Mayor involved massive tax increases and ridiculous spending proposals that could break Birmingham financially as Langford's leadership has broken Fairfield, Visionland, and Jefferson County.
Musings from Maytown wishes to remind readers of the following, when considering the Langford indictment;
1) The issue is right and wrong, not black and white. Abraham Woods has gone on to eternity, but I can promise that some urban minister will pick up the challenge to preach loud and long that this is just Joseph persecuted by Pharaoh, with Langford as godly Joseph and Pharaoh as the evil Republican Alice Martin, US Attorney who brought the charges. I pray that wise citizens, both black and white, will resist playing the race card in this matter.
2) Remember, Mayor Langford is innocent until proven guilty. Alice Martin has appeared partisan in past dealings. Musings from Maytown would trust Attorney Martin's intentions over that of Langford, but that is why I would be disqualified by a jury in the case.
3) Temptation is strong, when big money is passed around. This applies to Mayor Langford, Commissioner Buckelew, or any others involved in the sewer case.
4) One must guard his actions, so that smoke is not created, for great billows of smoke normally lead one to believe that fire exists. Mayor Langford appears crooked, but we don't know yet.
5) Always watch out for politicians who seek your vote using religion. Musings from Maytown would rather see a skeptic with good principles in leadership, like Thomas Jefferson, than a Langford-type who can quote Scripture and sound like a preacher, but govern in opposition to those principles.
6) Yes, I told you so.... for twenty years we had repeated scandals in Birmingham government with the Arrington Administration. But sandwiched between Arrington and Langford, we had eight years without a hint of a scandal under the wise and honest leadership of Mayor Bernard Kincaid. History will prove that Birmingham was served well by the leadership of Mayor Kincaid.
Readers of Musings from Maytown are urged to be wise and prayerful. But, let's hope that Birmingham voters wise up before the next election.

Chambliss vs. Martin in Georgia "This is the Big One"

On Tuesday, December 2, Georgia voters will determine what could be a definitive vote in the US Senate. Former Democratic US Senator Zell Miller is crossing party lines to endorse incumbent Saxby Chambliss, Republican US Senator from Georgia.
Georgia is the one state in the Union that requires a majority vote to seat a US Senator. Senator Zell Miller said, of the importance of this election, this is the big one. In this case, Chambliss won 49.6% of the vote, just short of a majority. The Democrat, Jim Martin is a liberal State Representative who's vote was bolstered by a large black turnout for Barack Obama. However, the wild card that forced the runoff was the 5%+ of the vote garnered by Libertarian candidate Alan Buckley.
Consider that in the neighboring states of Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina, the incumbent Republican US Senators won without serious challenge. What brought about this close race for Senator Chambliss?
First, Chambliss had obviously drunk deeply from well of the establishment, and had forgotten Georgia values. Unlike Alabama Senators Shelby and Sessions, Saxby Chambliss went along with President Bush, Senator McCain, and Senator Ted Kennedy in voting for amnesty for illegal aliens. Those who objected to amnesty were offered the ultimate criticism by Chambliss who used the "r" word (racist) to describe amnesty opponents.
Secondly, Chambliss ignored the will of Georgia voters by supporting the huge $700 billion bailout of the housing industry. This gave Martin opportunity to sound like a populist and oppose the bailout of the rich.
Thirdly, the Libertarian Alan Buckley spoke like a real conservative, advocating less government and a non-interventionist approach to international affairs.
The effect?
*Almost 200,000 voters who voted in the Presidential election abstained in the US Senate race. Chambliss received almost 180,000 less votes than John McCain did in the presidential race.
*While Libertarian Presidential candidate Bob Barr, well-known as a former Georgia Congressman, received over 28,000 but the Libertarian US Senate candidate Buckley, much less known, received 128,000.
Obviously, conservative voters were disillusioned with Chambliss and grassroots Georgians were reluctant to support a country-club Republican who vote the interests of corporate moguls with an internationalist mindset.
Well, now conservatives are faced with a runoff between Country Club Chambliss and a liberal Democrat with all-out support of President-elect Barack Obama. Obama's field staff remained in Georgia to turn out the vote for Martin in tomorrow's runoff.
And what is Chambliss doing? He has turned to the limited government conservatives whom he has ignored for six years. While Chambliss has been reluctant to support a Human Life Amendment to the Constitution, the National Right to Life Committee is putting maximum effort into the Chambliss election. In the Georgia House of Representatives, Democrat Jim Martin voted against the ban on partial-birth abortion. Martin would certainly support the pro-choice absolutist Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), which President-elect Obama has pledged to sign.
When the chips were down, Chambliss brought in the current heroine of conservatives, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to barnstorm the state at the last minute. Interesting that while Chambliss sought help by a Palin visit, Martin brought in rap star Ludacris to campaign for the Democratic candidate.
If Chambliss loses to Martin, the Democrats are one vote closer to sixty votes in the US Senate and would have ability to block any filibuster by the GOP minority.
Musings from Maytown's advice? This weekend I talked with two relatives in Georgia and pleaded with them to hold their noses and vote for Chambliss. An absolute liberal majority in both houses would certainly enable drastic increases in the size of government and would likely place nails in the coffin of the pro-life movement.