After same-sex marriage ruling, a question: Are we American? Or just Alabamian?

[n2doc]

By John Archibald | [e-mail]

The question is simple.

Are we Americans? Or are we Alabamians?

Are we Americans, loyal above all else to the notion of liberty and justice for all? Or are we Alabamians, steadfast in the belief that our way is ...

The way?

It is not a new question, but it's hard not to ask it these days, as righteous indignation drips from the lips of Gov. Robert Bentley, of Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, Attorney General Luther Strange, House Speaker Mike Hubbard and every angry Alabama politician with a fist to shake at change.

It sounded like a prelude to secession this week. Again. Because it appeared a group of people who have long been denied a right to marry would get that right after all.

"The people of Alabama elected me to uphold our state Constitution, and when I took the oath of office last week, that is what I promised to do," the governor said after a federal court struck down Alabama's same-sex marriage ban.

The U.S. Constitution was not a consideration. Just an annoyance.

more

http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/01/after_same-sex_marriage_ruling.html#incart_m-rpt-2

[Frances]

1. Alabama's state constitution was written in 1901

if I recall correctly

It is a mess

But every time some group tries to get a new one, nothing happens

I think a lot of people like the fact that the constitution and its amendments are so confusing because then they can use the constitution to support any position they want

I am pretty sure that the original constitution tried to limit white votes as well as black votes

Any Alabama constitution expert out there?

[eppur_se_muova]

2. Alabama, the "Make Me" state.

Loved that comment from Rachel's guest the other night.