Speak Out

Speak Out ... On Alabama's constitution

By our readers
03-22-2003

First, let me say I’m not a Bob Riley supporter. But, Mr. Riley took office knowing the state of Alabama was in dire financial straights. Some of it can be blamed on former Gov. Don Siegelman, some on former Gov. Fob James, and a lot of it can be blamed on a 100-year-old state constitution that ties the financial hands of the state. This is not a Republican problem, nor is it a Democratic problem. This is a problem that can’t be blamed entirely on either party. Alabama, 100 years ago, wrote a constitution that said we want good roads, a good education for our children, prisons and law enforcement, among other things. But, the constitution also said we want all these things but we’re not willing to pay for them. The constitution sets limits on property taxes and dictates an income tax system that bleeds those who can least afford it. In short, it hamstrings every governor and every legislator. The state is facing a $500 million revenue shortage. That kind of money does not grow on trees. And if it did, the constitution wouldn’t allow us to tax it. Mr. Riley is facing an almost impossible task: Come up with $500 million or cut $500 million from existing programs, and regardless of which route he takes, this is only a stopgap measure. Next year we’ll face the same problem if something permanent isn’t done. The best option is to rewrite the constitution or at least change the tax system so more money is collected to fund the things Alabamians demand and deserve. But, taxes alone won’t solve the problem. We also must cut waste in Montgomery. Unfortunately, these are two issues voters and politicians don’t like to talk about. Casey Georg Heflin Incineration and war Isn’t it refreshing to know that Eli Henderson is relieved that he will soon have a protective mask in — of all places — his car? Let’s hope there are not 3,000 people at a Wellborn football game between him and his car when a chemical alert sounds. What provisions have been made for providing protective clothing for all of the tourists and industrial prospects that we hope to attract? Will there be one set in each hotel room along with a Gideon Bible? With respect to the anti-incineration doomsayers, they remind me of the people who proclaimed doom and destruction when electrical utilities started their nuclear power programs. In spite of their dire warnings not one person has died as the result of a nuclear accident in the United States. Unfortunately, dozens have died in coal mining tragedies. “How come” the anti-war group continues to talk about our unilateral action against Iraq when there are at least two dozen nations that have sided with us? Finally, have we never launched military action before we ourselves were attacked? If so, how did we wind up in Korea, Panama, Granada, Haiti, Desert Storm or Bosnia? William M. Falkenberry Anniston

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