CULLMAN —
Drama is mounting as election day draws near. The presidential candidates have battled over the death of an American diplomat in Libya, taxes, the economy and the future of the United States as a world leader.
Amid the campaign shoutouts, the nation is watching a major weather front dubbed “Frankenstorm” thrashing its way up the east coast, courting a possible date with Washington D.C. and as far as New York City and Boston. Forecasters fear this storm will wreak havoc through massive flooding long after its wind power dies down.
Whatever this storm brings, be certain that it will get tied to the political race for the nation’s highest seat.
Voters will watch President Obama’s reaction to the storm as it makes landfall and churns inland, debating whether he reacts compassionately or continues campaigning for votes instead of a disaster declaration.
Challenger Mitt Romney will also be tossed under the microscope as critics will say he turned the looming disaster into a political opportunity. Others will say he reacted in a more presidential manner than the president.
Alas, no matter what Frankenstorm unleashes on the nation the issues thrashing at the American way of life are not subsiding. The cost of living is on the rise while wages remain stagnant. Unemployment, while down a little, remains abnormally high for a country with so many resources and capabilities.
The candidates have said a lot about taxes, jobs, the middle class, the wealthy and so forth, but what have we learned?
Voters are facing a tough decision Nov. 6. Is the economy on the way back? Or is there more that could be done from a policy standpoint to push economic resurgence forward?
Each candidate would tell you they have the answer, that they know the direction best for the country. But look carefully at what you are told. Ask the tough questions.
This election should not be about political party affiliation, race, religion or any other distraction. The nation is faced with deepening issues and challenges, both domestically and abroad. Leadership — statesmanship — is needed to keep the United States an economically viable nation.
Make your choice on Nov. 6, but consider carefully what you think is necessary to keep your country strong. This election deserves to have a record turnout of voters, because ultimately the people are charged with making the most important decisions. And at this point, nothing is more important than participating in your government by voting.
Editorials
Voting: An act of power
- Editorials
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Taking the lead in education
The once-heralded ‘No Child Left Behind” education initiative from the federal level has just about run out of gas.
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Moving into the future
Hundreds of local high school seniors are accepting their diplomas and preparing to turn the page in the next chapter of their lives.
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Editorial: Seizure of AP phone records insult to independent press
This amounts to spying on an American news organization -- common practice in dictatorships but scary conduct in a democratic system that prizes the public value of an independent watchdog press.
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EDITORIAL: The IRS' Turn to Answer Questions
Washington is now sinking its teeth into a real scandal: the Internal Revenue Service using ideological criteria to choose the targets of its attention.
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Editorial: The house of death
The grisly details emerging from the murder trial of a Philadelphia abortion doctor place a glaring spotlight on a national disgrace.
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Editorial: Murder, insanity and guns
James Holmes, the accused movie theater shooter in Colorado, would like for the public to believe he killed a dozen people because he was insane.
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Lasting partnerships
Economic development officials have long noted the importance of expansions by existing industries and businesses in a community to lead growth.
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COMMENTARY: Why does young adult fiction keep giving its heroines makeovers?
Over at This Ain't Living, s.e. smith (who, full disclosure, has guest-blogged for me at ThinkProgress) has an excellent post about one of the most pernicious trends in young adult fiction.
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A spirit for moving forward
This weekend marked the two-year anniversary of a deadly day of tornadoes that streaked across Alabama, claiming lives and property and changing the landscape of many communities.
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Faith and bombs
The investigation of the Boston Marathon bombing is pointing to the all-too-familiar theme of religious faith playing a major role in violence.
- More Editorials Headlines
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Taking the lead in education
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
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
