Bob Riley, the governor of Alabama was sick of saying Thank God for Mississippi (that's the only state Alabama could compare with in terms of progress), so he introduced a huge tax initiative, that would have overhauled education, health-care, and public services.
I think a lot people were in favor of his ideas, but they were opposed to the way Riley conducted himself. Instead of winning over the voters, Riley used a heavy-hand, threatening that he'd cut-off public services if his tax increase did not pass.
Last week, Riley's request was voted down 68%.
Now Riley is bitter, and is causing mischief like a pissed off 8th grader. For starters he is releasing prisoners, saying the state has no funds to keep them behind bars. He is closing libraries, and firing teachers.
Riley will be wise to swallow his disappointment, and rather try again, with a slightly different perspective. If he initiates a reform first, and simultaneously asks for a tax-hike, it will definitely pass. After all, we are all tired of being the last in the race!
It was forty years ago today, they bombed a church in Birmingham, which paved way for intensification of the civil-rights movement in America.
