Editorials
Verdicts send a message
Former Gov. Don Siegelman and former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy both claim they are innocent of the bribery and mail fraud charges they were convicted of in a Montgomery trial that drew to a close a little more than a week ago.
They will both seek to have those convictions overturned through the appeals process.
Their convictions surprised even those on the other side of the political aisle from Siegelman.
Whether are not they are guilty will likely be debated by their supporters and opponents for a long time.
Their convictions should send a clear message that political appointments and decisions should not be for sale.
But that has not been how the system has worked for decades.
People, corporations and special interest groups contribute millions of dollars each year to candidates hoping to sway their votes, or get a political appointment or a project completed.
There was even a published report this week about an Alabama congressman who has contributed thousands of dollars to some of his colleagues campaigns, with speculation centering around his hopes of getting appointed to the chairmanship of a powerful committee.
If true, would he not be guilty of the same crime Scrushy was in allegedly seeking a seat on a state medical board?
We hope the convictions send a message to both the office seeker and those making the contributions.
Decisions made by those who hold public office should be made on what is best for the people they represent. People who make contributions should do so based on who they feel would do the best job and not expect anything in return for that contribution.
They may not be entirely realistic.
But at least the verdicts will make some politicians think twice before making a decision based on how much money they received from a particular person or group seeking influence.
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Business Casual: Football season is here
Today brings one of my favorite seasons of the year, with the kickoff of college football season (Roll Tide, by the way) set to begin tonight with a few games on ESPN, leading up to the big kickoff Saturday.
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Business Casual: Football season is here
Today brings one of my favorite seasons of the year, with the kickoff of college football season (Roll Tide, by the way) set to begin tonight with a few games on ESPN, leading up to the big kickoff Saturday.
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Fourth of July is finally here
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Pets to packs
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Recent events have brought to light a problem that is seemingly less and less unusual: The hoarding of animals.
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Cullman has a rich German history. Her residents pride themselves on strong Christian values, a strong work ethic and willingness to come together for the better good.
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Avert a new health crisis
In the Cullman city or county school systems, if a student is determined to have head lice, they will not be allowed to return to school until a health care provider determines the student in question is clear of head lice.
The reason is simple, if not obvious. It is in the best interest of those in the school system to contain an outbreak.
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Give all a raise
Cullman’s police officers make a good point when they say they’re underpaid.
We agree. Working on a police force is a difficult, stressful and potentially dangerous job, and we believe police officers need to be reasonably compensated for the risks they take and the vital role they serve in protecting Cullman’s citizens.
But they aren’t the only ones who tackle a tough-but-rewarding job with low pay. Teachers fall into the same category. So do social workers and journalists (we have to throw ourselves into the mix, don’t we?)
- One vote can make a difference
- Verdicts send a message
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Business Casual: Football season is here
