What Does Postmodern Alabama Have in Common with Paris and Berlin of Yesteryear?

Robespierre

A reader from Headland, Alabama, sent me an e-mail last week, and I think it deserves to be seen by more than just my eyes.

The reader asked to remain anonymous, and I will respect that request. He makes several profound points about life in postmodern America, especially here in the Deep South.

I will highlight a couple of passages that jump out at me. But other than that, no comment from me. Here is a Legal Schnauzer letter to the editor that says a lot on its own:

I am an avid reader of your blog, and I think that both you and I can easily see the decay in the Alabama political arena that will ultimately be the downfall of the state. To prove my point, all I really have to cite is the rumor that Bob Riley intends to run for Governor yet again and voice my opinion that he would be re-elected. He shouldn't have too much of a problem, with the funds already in place in the "Governor's Circle PAC," controlled by his daughter, Minda; Mike Hubbard and Del Marsh; reinforced with the sound backing of the likes of Mo Brooks. 

I consider myself to be more of a middle of the road person, leaning somewhat, perhaps, toward fiscal responsibility in government. But conversely, I also am proud to live in a country that will give a helping hand to those in need with the realization that, in many instances, those funds will never be recouped.

I live in Headland, which I thought to be a simple little town with good people who enjoyed going to the park in the center of town to listen to locals play music at the bandstand. Then I found out that this little burg is essentially the headquarters for the KKK (per the Southern Poverty Law Center website) in this area of the state, and probably North Florida and Southwestern Georgia. 

I guess what I am trying to say is that I, like you, have been condemned by acquaintances and others for my views that the Constitution remains the law of the land, and that there is more to it than just the Second Amendment. The First and Fourth Amendments are being assailed (or simply taken away) on a daily basis in Alabama, and yet, most of the residents continue with their Nero-like fiddling, never realizing that they may be next. I liken the current political atmosphere in Alabama to Berlin in 1938, or Paris in approximately 1782. 

All three have taken ultra conservative paths to create new "democracies" under which conformity with the regime was and is paramount. Berlin and Paris blamed the Jews; Alabama blames Hispanics. Everything in Alabama, Berlin and Paris is/was being done to "improve" the state, and assure that everyone works/worked toward the stated goal of "equality." And that equality seems to be a willingness to work for minimum wage. It is just that some people are more equal than others (such as the current crop of legislators) and those according to our current governor, who are members of the Baptist Church. 

The current attorney general can enter private businesses and seize property without a valid warrant; it was improperly issued by a judge who lives approximately 150 miles distant. The news media only reports "approved" dispatches, while failing to take note of violations of law. And, as I am sure you are aware, most persons in this state are ready and willing to do what I call a "Presentencing Report for God" on everyone but themselves as a part of their daily ritual. 

I too, deplore how so many persons in Alabama want the 14th Amendment to apply only to themselves and no one else. I can only wince at the number of persons who believe that citizenship should not automatically attach to any newborn whose parents are not current U. S. citizens. All I can say is that using that criteria would disenfranchise many of the founders of this country, including, but not limited to, Alexander Hamilton, Ben Franklin, Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine. And with regard to the virtuous theory of equal protection under the law guaranteed by the 14th Amendment, well, all I can really say is that one must remember that this is Alabama. The 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments are generally termed the "Reconstruction Amendments," and hence their inherent and historical unpopularity in this particular region of the United States. Again, this just proves that some people actually believe that they are "more" equal than others. 

As personal freedoms are usurped by the the state, those not affected continue to blindly cheer the new laws and trains of thought. About the only bright spot on the horizon is the realization that the regimes of both Hitler and Robespierre (along with their respective lackeys) ended in 10 to 15 years.