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Birmingham News Commentary

Birmingham News Commentary Opinions, Editorials and Letters to the Editor from The Birmingham News

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OUR VIEW: Alabama's reputation takes a hit over its harsh immigration law, and that could mean trouble

Alabama Immigration Bill Protest

By Birmingham News editorial board

October 18, 2011, 5:45AM
Reason did not prevail when the immigration law was enacted by the Alabama Legislature. How encouraging it would be if reason could prevail now, as the federal courts have clearly signaled that parts of Alabama's immigration are more than just troubling.  Full story »

OUR VIEW: Ruling against sewer receiver is not just a win for the county, but a chance for commissioners to prove things really have changed

Jeffcoseal.jpg

By Birmingham News editorial board

January 10, 2012, 5:45AM
Now this commission, having earned that compliment and that confidence, must prove the judge right. Or it will certainly risk losing all that it has achieved. Full story »

OUR VIEW: Birmingham Mayor William Bell wants the City Council and voters to approve a $75 million bond issue, but he's got a lot of explaining to do first

William Bell

By Birmingham News editorial board

January 10, 2012, 5:44AM
We look forward to hearing Birmingham Mayor William Bell's justification for a proposed $75 million bond issue at this time to pay for public improvements and neighborhood capital projects. Full story »

YOUR VIEWS: Better to appoint judges than vote for them blind

By Letters from our readers

January 10, 2012, 5:43AM
If anyone needed another reason for changing the way Alabama's judges are selected, News staff writer Eric Velasco's recent story, "Voters in dark on judicial choices," should supply one. Most voters have no idea whom the candidates for judgeships are, or whether they are qualified. The only ones who have a good idea of how well judges -- or... Full story »
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YOUR VIEW: Citizens must take back morals, education systems

By Letters from our readers

January 09, 2012, 5:40AM
The recent escapade on the so-called "tax reduction" by the president and Congress really points out the "dumbing down" of the Congress, the media and citizens. (If only all bills were passed for two months, you would get action from the citizens). FICA is not a tax. It was supposed to be the Social Security Trust Fund before Congress... Full story »

YOUR VIEW: Here's how to help Fairfield math team

By Letters from our readers

January 09, 2012, 5:35AM
Like a previous writer, I was moved by Vonda Dudley's efforts to take the Fairfield High School math club to a competition at Harvard University. What a great way to show young people the good things that can come from working hard in school. It is often said this community needs more young engineers and scientists for knowledge-based jobs.... Full story »

YOUR VIEW: There is no 'best politician' in Birmingham

By Letters from our readers

January 09, 2012, 5:30AM
I find it significant that when The News published its list of "Birmingham's Best" on Dec. 30 that the Best Local Politician was "none." This is interesting, enlightening, startling and a sad commentary on the state of our local political scene. If most of the 6,600 or so respondents who voted saw no politician worthy of being called the... Full story »

YOUR VIEW: Alabama Humanities Foundation had lots of help with online encyclopedia

By Letters from our readers

January 09, 2012, 5:20AM
I was pleased to read Thursday's fine article in The News regarding the online Encyclopedia of Alabama. The EOA has proved to be a remarkable resource for Alabama. Every traveler, teacher, student, legislator, journalist and economic developer should mark the website among the favorites. However, as much as I appreciate the favorable mention of the Alabama Humanities Foundation in... Full story »

OUR VIEW: No one is offering real-world answers to a General Fund that faces a shortfall next year of at least $400 million

Gov-Robert-Bentley-1110-11.jpg

By Birmingham News editorial board

January 08, 2012, 5:55AM
This could, and should, be a time of reckoning for state government. But it shouldn't be the slash-and-burn reckoning many lawmakers are talking about. Full story »

OUR VIEW: Raising taxes on cigarettes isn't best way to rescue ailing General Fund, but it's probably the tax increase most likely to pass the Legislature

Cigarette-0805.jpg

By Birmingham News editorial board

January 08, 2012, 5:45AM
Alabama Legislature is much more likely to raise taxes on cigarettes than to raise the nation's lowest property taxes or close lucrative loopholes for the wealthy and connected. Full story »

VIEWPOINTS: The sticker shock of Alabama's consumer health-care costs in 2020

MedicalSymbol.jpg

By Special to The Birmingham News

January 08, 2012, 5:35AM
Nationally, about 20 cents out of every U.S. dollar will be spent on health care in 2020. Full story »
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VIEWPOINTS: Remembering compassion after the holidays are gone

Community-Action-Partnership-logo.JPG

By Special to The Birmingham News

January 08, 2012, 5:30AM
Alabama's Community Action Agencies served more than 330,000 Alabamians in fiscal year 2010. And we did that with the help of almost 700,000 volunteer hours by members of our communities. Full story »
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VIEWPOINTS: Regulatory Accountability Act of 2011 will hurt small, medium businesses

Eric-Cantor-1202-11.jpg

By Special to The Birmingham News

January 08, 2012, 5:20AM
Every aspect of the RAA is geared toward encouraging special interests to legally challenge every regulation of an agency. Even frivolous lawsuits are protected because it defines 'substantial evidence' for a lawsuit to be anything the special interest thinks is 'reasonable.' Full story »
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MY VIEW, Congressman Spencer Bachus: My reputation important to me and you

Spencer Bachus.jpg

By Special to The Birmingham News

January 08, 2012, 5:15AM
The public rightly demands that elected officials conduct themselves honorably. Financial disclosure has long been considered the best safeguard. But it may be that the only way to completely address even the perception of a conflict of interest and false allegations is for members of Congress not to trade or to place their holdings in a blind trust. Full story »
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YOUR VIEW: Mentoring can change a child's life

By Letters from our readers

January 08, 2012, 5:12AM
January is traditionally a time of renewed hope for our future, rejuvenation of our spirit and celebration of our successes. I can think of no better month than January for National Mentoring Month. It's the perfect time for changing the life of a child by giving your time and friendship as a mentor. There are children all over the... Full story »
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