—
The Anniston Star on the Sept. 18 Trust Fund vote:
Despite passing ethics reforms and pork-trimming legislation, Alabama’s current lawmakers could go down in history as members of the state’s worst Legislature — a distinction for which there are many claimants, but which these men and women are poised to deserve.
What will likely earn them the title is the way they have maneuvered the people they are supposed to represent into making what appears a Hobson’s Choice.
Hobson was a 17th-century English livery stable owner who told his customers that they were free to hire any horse they wanted so long as it was the one in the first stall. In other words, a choice that is no choice other than “take it or leave it.”
That is what Alabamians are being told to do on Sept. 18 when we go to the polls — take money from the Alabama Trust Fund, a state savings account set up to do things other than plug a hole in the General Fund budget. The other choice is to leave the hole this Legislature, through its callous disregard for the welfare of people who need government services, allowed to happen.
Without this money, a host of state agencies would be drastically cut and nearly 3,000 men and women would lose their jobs. And there is Medicaid.
If the constitutional amendment does not pass, many Alabamians on Medicaid will not be able to afford health insurance. ... Statewide, two-thirds of the people in nursing homes use the program. Without Medicaid funds, many rural hospitals will close.
This is what legislators and Gov. Robert Bentley presented to their constituents — raid the Trust Fund or cut back on services. Now it is voters’ decision, not theirs, and whatever the outcome, it will appear to be voters’ fault, not theirs. ...
Does the Legislature have a Plan B, something to fall back on if the amendment does not pass? If legislative leaders do, they aren’t saying. Let the people think all the eggs are in this basket and vote their consciences or their fears. ...
No matter what we decide, no good can come of it.
However, one thing is certain: The blame will be theirs, not ours.
Opinion
Lawmakers get blame for referendum
- Opinion
-
-
Seizure of phone records an insult to independent press
The Justice Department’s explanation that it complied with national security laws, and limited its review of last year’s April and May records to the phone numbers of the callers and not the content of the calls, is thin cover for this affront to the free press clause of the First Amendment.
-
Gun law salve that won't heal
The Tuscaloosa News on state senate's gun law:
- ‘Double-dipping’ shouldn’t be used to buy influence
- Open Meetings Act should be protected
-
State parks' funding base has eroded
Sadly, the mindset that led to the creation of the parks system has gradually given way to a strict dollars-and-cents point of view that fails to recognize the less easily measured — but no less real — benefits of a healthy, well maintained parks system.
-
Moore left UA athletics with legacy intact
UA named Bill Battle as athletics director, and we’re sure he will do a fine job. But no one will ever replace Mal Moore.
-
Celebrate 'Sunshine Week' March 10-16
Make a difference in the continuing battle against unnecessary government secrecy.
For more information, visit http://sunshineweek.rcfp.org. - Respect pledge of allegiance
-
The time for talk is over
When the political game in Washington begins to affect us at the local level, we hope the players who let it happen are sent packing come election time.
-
Fraternal Order of Police should be cheered on law
Alabama law enforcement had a problem. Under state law, second-degree burglary is committed “when a person unlawfully enters a lawfully occupied residence with intent to commit a theft or felony inside.” Well, that should be illegal.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Seizure of phone records an insult to independent press
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
