Opinion
TIMES EDITORIAL: A voting milestone
America’s presidential race has drawn attention to a lot of important issues, from the economy to foreign policy to education and health care.
It also highlights another meaning of race. Barack Obama, a frontrunner on the Democrat ticket, has a real possibility of becoming our nation’s first African-American president. The fact that he’s remained a viable candidate this long into the weeding-out process of state-by-state primaries shows how far American voters have come in their acceptance of minorities. They realize race is no indicator of capability.
Thankfully, local voters seem to follow that same mentality. For the first time in Cullman County history, a black man won the local primary for a state-level office to represent this area. As an African-American, James Fields’ success on the Democrat ticket is a sign that voters here — a place that’s certainly not known for its racial diversity — is home to many people who are able to look past skin color.
We want to make it clear that the newspaper isn’t endorsing any candidate for office. Both Fields and his Republican opponent, Wayne Willingham, have strengths and weaknesses, and we think our readers are smart enough to make up their own minds without us pontificating on the subject.
But we do think Fields’ place on the ballot is worth celebrating. Not only does it represent a milestone for him as an individual, but it’s also a milestone for Cullman County as a whole. This is the point where we can say — evidencing Fields’ wide margin of victory over his challengers in the Democrat primary — that race was clearly a non-factor in the minds of voters.
We hope it stays that way. Neither Willingham nor Fields said a single word about ethnicity during the political forums and discussions with reporters as they conducted their campaigns — at least none that we’re aware of. They focused strictly on the real issues, as they should have.
Voters should do the same thing. There are some considerable differences between Fields and Willingham that must be weighed, from their viewpoints on social and political issues to the background and experience that may or may not have prepared them to be successful at the state level. Those differences actually matter.
We encourage all registered voters to first inform themselves about the issues and then vote in Tuesday’s special election. And we hope when you look at the candidates you see only their level of competence, not their color.
- Opinion
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TIMES EDITORIAL: Steady hand needed on water supply
When two county commissioners showed up at The Cullman Times office Monday to propose a new long-term water plan for the county — taking water from Smith Lake instead of putting a dam on the Duck River — it came as a shock to us.
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Government doesn’t create jobs
On Friday, the Obama administration released its figures on jobs “saved or created” by the government’s stimulus package. They came up with the number 650,000, but what’s it matter? We’re talking about a completely fictitious calculation.
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We’re all Americans
My dad was a Democrat and my mom was a Republican. In the past, I have voted as follows: 1960-J.F. Kennedy, 1972-Richard Nixon, 1976-Jimmy Carter, 1980-Ronald Reagan. There were and are different issues facing our nation at different times. Why so much flip flop?
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We’re responsible for what happens in war
We all know someone who has fought for our country. They come from us. They are our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, and friends. They are fighting right now. They do their job. They do not have a say in where or whom they fight. They follow orders with courage and love of country. They try to get home again.
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Thanks for a successful event
We thank and appreciate all of the wonderful volunteers and demonstrators who made our 2009 Farm Day a big success.
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Concerns about water regulations
I would like to recommend to those in charge of the proposed new water system that they adopt strong and enforceable rules and regulations for the protection of the water supply.
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Fight for freedom
The late Paul Harvey wrote in 1952, “But free men, free to do anything, are also free to do nothing. Apparently that is our choice. We said we no longer wanted “opportunity.” We wanted “security.” And they gave us chains.
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A broken PACT
State Treasurer Kay Ivey has notified families who purchased Alabama Pre-Paid Affordable College Tuition Contracts (PACT) that the fund is in financial trouble.
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Obama spreading socialist agenda
A majority elected Obama, the lifelong Socialist. Some didn't know. Some didn't care. Some still don't care but most now know. He has governed from the left, with massive government spending and borrowing, more control of banks, lending and even car companies, a so far failed attempt to cap and trade energy, a so far failed attempt to nationalize health care and a far left Supreme Court appointment.
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More applause
Concerning the article on “Applause to Local Business,” I appreciate hearing about good deeds and good businesses — we still have good people in business that have heart and know how to treat their fellow man.
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TIMES EDITORIAL: Steady hand needed on water supply
