I was filling out a survey about our state today and had to stop and really think about one particular question: What is the most important issue facing Alabama today?
At first, I thought it was the economy. Yes, but that’s not all.
Then I thought it was education. Yes, but that, too, is a byproduct of a deeper problem. The real issue is leadership.
Alabama has a reputation for being conservative, but we do not consistently have conservative leadership. You can see this in every aspect of our lives.
Alabama’s economy is stagnant at best. Even when people work as hard as they can, ends do not meet. For those just starting out or in retirement, it is even harder. Young people struggle to access benefits, even when employed, and many cannot afford healthcare out of pocket. Our seniors on a fixed income find themselves deciding between buying gas, groceries or medication, but not all three, and all this on a budget that had some wiggle room just five years ago. Our margin has disappeared.
Gambling seems attractive to some, but often that is because their wallets are already empty. Meanwhile, many have not been taught the critical-thinking skills needed to fully understand the social costs of gambling – costs that can include the destruction of families and lives.
Our education system has failed generations, and those in charge seem determined to keep us at the bottom while opposing meaningful innovation and efforts to return control to parents, where it belongs.
Our prison system is a disgrace, and many police forces operate understaffed and struggle to recruit new officers because they feel unsupported by city leadership.
We have a supermajority in the Alabama Legislature, yet progress on common-sense laws can take years. Too often, valuable time is lost to filibuster and meaningless debate over changes that all Alabamians should support. Legislation that should receive bipartisan support stalls, then dies. If our leaders truly placed the good of families and the state above political careers and interests, we could accomplish far more.
Some legislators who claim to be conservative behave as though tax dollars belong to them rather than the people, refusing to lower taxes even when the state experiences historic budget surpluses.
Growth appears concentrated in places like Huntsville, while much of the state remains stagnant. Meanwhile, leadership challenges extend to the local level. Communities struggle to address concerns in schools and public spaces, and many citizens feel their voices are not being heard.
And where are our church leaders? There is often a deafening silence from many pulpits regarding the cultural and moral challenges facing our communities. It is rare to see pastors engaged in public efforts to address these concerns or to advocate for family-centered community standards.
If we do not right the ship in this election, it may take generations to recover what has been lost through apathy.
I urge you to research the candidates and attend forums. Before going to the polls, make informed decisions by asking important questions and getting candidates on record with their answers. Then stay engaged and hold elected officials accountable during legislative sessions. Let the governor and legislators know what matters to you – and thank them when they make decisions that benefit Alabama families.
Alabama, wake up.
We cannot preserve our liberties, values, and God-given rights for future generations if we remove ourselves from the responsibility of self-governance. We do not have to surrender the ideals upon which our country and state were founded.
Turn away from apathy. Stand up. Be counted. Be part of the solution for Alabama.
Lori Herring is a follower of Jesus, a wife, a retired RN, retired homeschool mom to four grown sons and three grandchildren. She serves on the Board of Eagle Forum of Alabama.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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