The main characters in Alabama’s political structure have failed their state’s people. Former Speaker of the State House, Michael G. Hubbard, was recently convicted of ethics violations. The Chief Justice of Alabama’s State Supreme Court, Roy S. Moore, has been accused of judicial misconduct, and could be removed from the bench. The Governor, Robert Bentley, may be impeached and charged with sexual misconduct.
Bentley is under fire for more than his philandering; he has frequently lied to the people of Alabama, and continues to renege on his promises. In 2010, running for office, Bentley said the following:
“Taxing gambling is not the answer. There is not a single state in the country that has benefited from gambling.”
When he was trying to push a $700 million tax hike plan last year, he added this:
“We cannot depend on gambling for the 2016 budget, or really for future budgets.”
And now he is telling us this:
“(The lottery) is our best chance to solve this problem.”
Bentley has proposed the largest tax increase in Alabama’s history, while his website continues to have the slogan “No New Taxes.”
Is Bentley a role model for a Donald Trump presidency. Very likely.
Just as Bentley, Trump knows nothing about effectively governing our nation’s people. He lacks complete understanding of our nation’s problems, and would be a complete disaster.
Bentley was an ‘outsider;’ a ‘longshot’ in 2010, just as Trump was before the convention. Both have proven that Republican voters have little concern for their own future or the future of our nation; their only concern is having an “R” next to their name on the ballot.
Trump controls his supporters with slogans, attacks, and lies; there is no substance. If the American people fail their nation, will Trump be the first U.S. President to be impeached for being unable to perform the job for which he was elected?
Hopefully the Alabama courts will be fair, and the state’s people will be relieved of not only Hubbard, but Moore and Bentley as well. I doubt that will be the case; judicial systems across the nation protect the rich and powerful. Most receive a ‘slap on the wrist’ for their crimes against the people.
Of course my greatest hope is that Trump goes down in flames in November. A crushing defeat would not only serve the people of our nation, but would also set an example for future politicians who believe that they can be successful by spreading fear and hatred; racism and bigotry; while failing to possess any qualifications for the life of power and privilege they are seeking.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of Jay Inslee
The Truth With No Restrictions 