my email actually defending a conservative

[Syrinx]

Riley, governor of Alabama, against a cousin of mine.

>I can't believe you still consider that a viable tax plan. The SOB rates
>right in the toilet with Fob James. He makes Guy Hunt look like a savvy
>politician. Think about it. A few short months ago when Seigleman left
>office, everything was..well...normal. He comes in, now we are shutting

It certainly was revealed to be non-viable politically. That's because
so many of the people in this state are knuckle-dragging, bible-thumping
Neanderthals.

But the plan would have went a long way towards bringing this state
into, at least, the twentieth century. The state can't fund social
programs without funds. As I'm sure you know, the state is required to
have a balanced budget. So without money, programs have to be slashed.
There is no way around it. At all.

Alabama has the most regressive tax structure in the entire country. It
is a pitiful embarassment, and the Riley plan would have gone a long way
towards correcting that.

I voted against Riley, and probably will again, if he runs for
re-election. But at this point, to put him in the same category as Fob
James and Guy Hunt I think is terribly unfair. For once, we have a
professed Christian actually saying things I can believe Jesus might
have said. Riley has said that the state budget should not come at the
expense of the poorest people. I think Jesus would endorse that
statement. When he turns around and uses his religious beliefs to
oppress or become divisive (and I think he probably will at some point),
I will not hesitate to blast him. But less than a year in, I think he
has been the compassionate conservative that Bush will never in a
million years be.

I'm NOT a conservative. I believe that government can actually help
people, and that there is a moral imperative for it to do so. But the
best intentions in the world are not worthy of the neurons that conceive
of them if there is no money to fund the programs.

I would prefer a liberal governor, but we have little chance of having
one anytime soon. So we need to find the best, most honest and kind
conservative that we can. And for now, Riley will do. But like I've
said, I'm sure he'll piss me off anyday now...

[Langis]

1. That was great!

N/T

[Syrinx]

2. Thanks!

I was beginning to wonder if the post even propagated! :)

[Melsky]

3. You're right

it is wonderfully refreshing to hear a Christian say stuff in favor of helping the poor - something I thought was a halmark of Christianity. Far to often it seems like these conservatives are worshiping the bizzaro Jesus!

[Syrinx]

4. yeah, most Christian politicians are all into revenge

Strangely, revenge wasn't big with Jesus.