Under the Georgia Dome
by Dwayne Hood

Sarah Palin declared her independence from the people of Alaska by quitting her job as governor on our nation’s birthday, the Fourth of July. She claimed to answer a “higher calling” to conservative activism in the private sector so she could fight for “truth and justice” for the American people.

Of course her higher calling has nothing to do with book deals, speaking tours or Fox News talk shows that will make her an instant millionaire and cement her place in history as the first major female voice of the Republican Party.

No, she’s doing it all for us.

Meanwhile, GOP stalwarts wish that South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford would answer a higher calling and resign following his bizarre South America love fest with his Argentine “soul mate.” Although his wife and sons have moved out and state residents from both political parties call for his removal, Sanford pledges to stay in office by comparing himself to the biblical King David who also cheated with another man’s wife.

Conservatives have mastered the art of using God and religion to get or keep what they want.

But little piety is now on display in town hall meetings nationwide as hordes of angry screamers shout down questions or debate on health care reform. These are the white, middle class self professed Christians and culture warriors who stoke rage and hysteria to prevent universal health care. It shows a raw ugliness in a struggle between the haves and the have nots. Those with health care want no change that may provide the same care for others.

More than 40 million people, 15 percent of our population, have no access to health care and skyrocketing costs are eroding our economy and driving millions of jobs overseas. For the past 50 years, Americans have griped, whined, complained and worried over health care costs and availability. Now, we have a president who wants to confront the problem and he’s vilified by the GOP.

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Glynn Wilson

I meant to get this shot last year, but missed it because it only lasts about three days. The point being that in these climes, Alabama’s native hydrangeas provide the first visual hint of fall. The dogwood leaves are already turning a light, faded gold and in some cases bright red too. As the season begins to change, so does our mood and our content. We always chase the Autumn color and cover the fall bird migration, so get ready for some fantastic images in the weeks ahead. [Click on the image for a larger view]

The SweetWater Brewing Company is launching its 2nd annual month-long “Save the Black Warrior” program to raise funds and awareness for Black Warrior Riverkeeper, a non-profit environmental advocacy organization.

Throughout September 2009, select restaurants and bars in the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa areas will sell paper fish, T-shirts, and pint glasses to benefit Riverkeeper. Mountain High Outfitters will donate prizes for the servers and bartenders who raise the most money for Riverkeeper’s anti-pollution efforts.

Participating venues are now listed at SavetheBlackWarrior.com. This new website also contains information about the collaboration, including opportunities to learn about water conservation, report pollution, donate, purchase merchandise, and enter a contest to win a Vespa LX150 donated by Bogart’s Motorsports.

Save the Black Warrior’s 2009 program includes 3 events co-sponsored by SweetWater. Rollin in the Hay plays Thursday, August 27 at 10 p.m. at Tuscaloosa’s Jupiter Bar and Grill, and on Thursday, September 3 Earthbound plays at 8 p.m. at Birmingham’s Rogue Tavern. A $10 door charge at both concerts benefits the Riverkeeper.

(We plan to be at the Rogue Tavern event and will provide some coverage, at least a photo or two worthy of Facebook).

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