So, Tuesday night was crazy across Alabama. First, we got to see Governor Bentley deliver the State of the State Address. And, well let’s talk about that first. Come on governor, do you really think the legislature will agree to those tax hikes on tobacco products and car sales. The chances those tax hikes get through are the same chances Republicans and Democrats come together and quit fighting each other.
He said revenues must be increased, but doing things like reforming our prisons will add even more to our general fund deficit. So, why are you mostly raising taxes on people who will feel it the most? Most of the tax increases are coming in the forms in taxes on tobacco and car sales. Who is going to feel that the most? Not the rich people! Sure, there are some other revenue ideas like removing tax loopholes which will not mean much for the people who has a lot of money. The poor are getting screwed on this budget plan!
Then, the governor wanted to increase spending on education? Yes, increasing spending on education by $250-300 million is good, but where is the money going to come from? Unearmarking some money in the budgets is not going to solve the budget mess Alabama is in. And the state has already cut so much out of state government that cutting more would mean hardships on its citizens. So, why was a lottery not mentioned last night? Or legalizing marijuana and taxing it? Those two things right there would solve a ton of the state’s budget issues!
It also sounded like the governor was looking at expanding Medicaid last night during the speech. I mean, if the Obamacare tax credits are struck down by SCOTUS this Summer, it will be a bloodbath for many hospitals and insurance companies. It won’t be good. So maybe expanding Medicaid might have to be the thing Alabama must do, it’s time to put on your big boy pants! Bentley also wanted to see the Accelerate Alabama Economic Incentive Package pass. Heck, Alabama is almost dead last in job growth, it would not hurt us to be 48th!
So overall, the address was lackluster! And I did not see anything in there that got me excited. Then, later in the night the Alabama Supreme Court delivered a shot heard around the world! They ordered all probate judges to stop issuing same-sex marriage licenses. Even with Roy Moore not a part of this ruling. And come on, you know that Roy Moore was lobbying the other justices to make this ruling for him. The justices said “As it has done for approximately two centuries, Alabama law allows for ‘marriage’ between only one man and one woman.”
The order also said that “Alabama probate judges have a ministerial duty not to issue any marriage license contrary to this law. Nothing in the United States Constitution alters or overrides this duty.” First thought, did Roy Moore and the other justices go to the right law school? I mean, every law school teaches that ANY court order from a federal court overrides a state law or ruling, it’s in the US constitution! And you know, this whole thing will be a huge a humongous black eye for Alabama!
I mean, this ruling will now mean The Daily Show will poke fun of Alabama once again. It will mean every late night comic including Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon will make fun of Alabama. And it will also mean that John Oliver will make fun of Alabama, again. Guess what, he has already made fun of Roy Moore. I am so waiting for that long form segment about Alabama!
This ruling will also mean the people living in the state will suffer. Companies who thought about moving to the state will stay away. People who are needing jobs will continue to be jobless. And people on the internet will make fun of Alabama again. I wanted to share this because I got into a Twitter fight with someone running the account @RoyMoore4POTUS. Man, Roy Moore being president would ruin America. I first posted this tweet.
I will be slamming Roy Moore once again on @geekalabama on Wed. Supreme Court orders halt to same-sex marriages. http://t.co/373GrY4lxG
— Nathan Young ❄️☮️💜💙🧡 (@nvyoung) March 4, 2015
Then the person from this account said this.
https://twitter.com/RoyMoore4POTUS/status/572951099658932224
Then I responded.
@RoyMoore4POTUS Well, he is defying a federal court order, and he even has said we would ignore the SCOTUS gay marriage decision.
— Nathan Young ❄️☮️💜💙🧡 (@nvyoung) March 4, 2015
And then it goes back and fourth.
https://twitter.com/RoyMoore4POTUS/status/572952489571577856
@RoyMoore4POTUS So, have you read the US constitution? Federal judge rulings ALWAYS overrides state laws and rulings.
— Nathan Young ❄️☮️💜💙🧡 (@nvyoung) March 4, 2015
https://twitter.com/RoyMoore4POTUS/status/572953512394555392
@RoyMoore4POTUS Fed. judges have always overturned certain laws that are unconstitutional. It has happened in every state.
— Nathan Young ❄️☮️💜💙🧡 (@nvyoung) March 4, 2015
@RoyMoore4POTUS Even if the people have voted for the amendment, which they did, you can't stick your nose to fed. judges.
— Nathan Young ❄️☮️💜💙🧡 (@nvyoung) March 4, 2015
@RoyMoore4POTUS Roy Moore did this with the 10 commandants monument, well you know what happened next.
— Nathan Young ❄️☮️💜💙🧡 (@nvyoung) March 4, 2015
https://twitter.com/RoyMoore4POTUS/status/572954122900647936
@RoyMoore4POTUS People did vote no, you are correct, but what if SCOTUS overturns all gay marriage bans? Would Moore just ignore them?
— Nathan Young ❄️☮️💜💙🧡 (@nvyoung) March 4, 2015
https://twitter.com/RoyMoore4POTUS/status/572955656866672640
@RoyMoore4POTUS Yeah, continue fighting, it will just get him kicked out of the Alabama Supreme Court again. #irony
— Nathan Young ❄️☮️💜💙🧡 (@nvyoung) March 4, 2015
https://twitter.com/RoyMoore4POTUS/status/572957124252340224
https://twitter.com/RoyMoore4POTUS/status/572957389965660160
Man, I wonder if I have any hope for Alabama anymore? So, I joined George Takei in showing my “wedding finger” to the Alabama Supreme Court and for marriage equality in Alabama. To join in, post a photo of you showing your wedding finger and use the hashtag #LuvUAlabama. Let’s make this trend!
I show my wedding finger in support of marriage equality in Alabama. #LuvUAlabama pic.twitter.com/7K4YgAPcrY
— Nathan Young ❄️☮️💜💙🧡 (@nvyoung) March 4, 2015