Republican Rep. Jim Barton resigns from Alabama State House

Another Republican is leaving office to take another lobbying job. And guess what – it’s costing you the taxpayers more money.  State Rep. Jim Barton, R-Mobile, said Wednesday that he is resigning from his Alabama House seat effective immediately to take a lobbying job with a Montgomery-based governmental affairs firm.

Rep. Jim Barton - Mobile

This is what he had to say about leaving. “Representing the citizens of District 104 for the past 13 years has been a great honor, and I am proud of the many legislative accomplishments my Republican colleagues and I have been able to realize since taking over the majority,” Barton said. “But as a father and husband, I have to put the needs of my family ahead of my own political ambitions, and the business opportunity that has been offered to me is one that I must pursue.”

Barton said he will be joining the Kinney Capitol Group, a lobbying and consulting firm that represents the Alabama Retail Association, among other business interests.  Barton, who serves as chairman of the influential House Ways and Means General Fund Committee, has held the House District 104 seat in south Mobile County since 2000. You tell me he worked hard to cut the State General Fund budget to and then turn around and post a bill for a special election that the citizens now have to pay for.

“Drafting a state budget with too many needs and too few resources is one of the most challenging and difficult jobs I’ve ever been given, but it has also been one of the most fulfilling,” Barton said. Really!

He ran unsuccessfully earlier this year in a special election for the state Senate District 35 seat, losing to Republican Bill Hightower of Mobile.

Are Republicans the Christians they portray to be?

In today’s generation and society we are seeing the true light of representation from Republicans, and the road that is de-touring our lives back to the civil rights era of this country. Sometimes it makes us as ordinary average citizens wonder is there a way forward and if so are we moving forward?

Over the last decade there is no secret in the beliefs of certain politicians namely Republicans or the Tea Party that is seeking to take over the Republican establishment and the political system of this country. We know by now that Republicans seek to deprive the average American that have not and can’t afford to have the right to fairness and equal justice. There is no doubt that Republicans interest and heart is with those that have and can afford to have.

Today when we look at the actions of the Republican party and its politicians, even the laws and legislation that they put forth and pass in congress and states legislatures , it don’t represent biblical beliefs and I don’t believe God is happy or agree with their actions. Republicans portray to be Christians that is symbolic to Christ, but that not so and don’t you as an average American be fooled by the propaganda that they put forth and portray.  They can afford to spread that message and brain wash you with that type of message, because they have the resources to do so; and the Republicans believe they can brain wash you just as they have did many others over decades with lies and untruth.

It’s not a secret that Republicans have turned their backs on the American people. It’s no secret that Republicans belief is that if you are not one of us, not in name of the party but the color of the skin, they are not concerned about you. That evidence is proven itself daily.

When the average citizen, Democrat, or Politician began to have a discussion about race, the Republicans run and they run fast. They do not want a real conversation about race, because the issue is against them and not for them. Remember who the Republican is made of. Wealthy White Americans, White Americans that’s a Republican because they don’t believe their American resources should go to poor, black or minority citizens. A majority of white citizens of this country vote Republican because of the same idea, and their policies reflect the same.   

There is a difference between the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. You may ask how? Well if you look at the makeup of the Republican, it is made up of 90% or more of white Americans. And the small percentage of blacks that join the group is just lost souls that seek to be friends with enemy.  They say and do whatever they are told to get by and be what they want.

Don’t be fooled by the words and talking points of the Republican Party, that they represent America; because in reality they don’t. The last time I check, America is made up of all colors and lifestyles and not a select few. They want you to believe that they represent all of you when they only represent a few.

Since the verdict of George Zimmerman, Republicans have come out in support of the verdict. But I’m not surprised because they support Zimmerman all along. It shows that Republicans believe in killing innocent people, when the bible tells us not to kill. That is one of the Ten Commandments isn’t it? Oh maybe they forgot and took it out. But these are the Christians that represent you in public office. How can you be a Christian when you believe in killing people?  Protesters who set up camp in the state Capitol building earlier this week finally got to meet with Gov. Rick Scott late Thursday, and they urged him to push for the repeal of Florida's "stand-your-ground" law and to take steps to combat racial profiling. A Lord behold Republican Gov. Rick Scott reject them, and agreed with sin once again that killing innocent people is right. What happen to those Christian values Gov. Scott? Maybe you didn’t have any all along.

Joining Gov. Rick Scott agreeing that it is okay to kill is Republican Congressman Andy Harris of Maryland along with many others. Republicans are fighting hard to protect the rights of gun owners that unlawfully use them. When we need gun control to end senseless gun violence, Republicans stands in the way and says no.  Republican controlled legislatures and Governors in over 30 states has passed legislation on stand your ground, basically giving their citizens the right to kill for anything. Only a few is going to get away with it, but if you are black you will be justified in court and sentenced to life or maybe death.

There is no doubt that race is not a factor in this country. African Americans are still being judged by the color of our skin and the content of our character. African Americans are being profiled by the color of their skin and the content of their character. When will it end? Are we in the 21^st Century are still in 50’s.  Republicans have also voted to take away the key part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, why would they want to do this if they say we are past the 50’s. Are we really Chief Justice Roberts? Republicans don’t want citizens of color to cast a vote or be heard in America.

Just another note on is Republicans really Christians. Over the past week or so, did you know that Republicans voted in congress to remove Food Stamps from the farm bill for the first time in history? Republicans want to destroy and take away food stamps from needy families in America.  Last time I recalled and I don’t think it changed in the Bible when it tells us to feed the poor. Maybe the Republicans haven’t read their bibles, and just continue to portray themselves as Christians.  Another Ten Commandment says thou shall not steal, Republicans you are stilling from the poor. Did Republicans overlook that Commandment?

I could go on and on, about the incompetence of Republicans when it comes to legislating and governing. Their wisdom and understanding is below the basic belief of themselves, and don’t deserve to represent the American people. They are continuing to destroy America, seeking to provide for the wealthy that already have and continue to be in agreement of sin. 

Now is the time for the poor, black and minorities in this country to stand up and take a stand and fight back for what’s right. This broken and un-repaired highway will never change until you repair it. It’s time to lay a new foundation that reflects America and what our fore-fathers founded it to be.

When will be unite as one America and come together in peace and provide fair and equal justice? When will real leaders come forward and take a stand for the American people? When will the Republican party come to their right mind and know that killing, stealing and lying is a sin? Don’t be fooled by these crooked politicians; stand up and fight for what’s right, because it’s your right.

Alabama GOP Chairman send a message back to Sen. Vivian Figures

Chairman Armistead says "We don't vote for our elected officials based on race."

Ala. Sen. Vivian Figures - D

The fuel between Sen. Vivian Figures of Mobile and the Alabama Republican Party has gotten a little hot between the two. State Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead is calling on Democratic Sen. Vivian Davis Figures to apologize for remarks made Tuesday in which she said she believed racism has played a role in the rise to dominance of the

state GOP.

Sen.  Figures spoke to a crowd at Over the Mountain Democrats at a Homewood Library just outside of Birmingham. Sen. Figures stated that the election and subsequent re-election of President Barack Obama triggered a backlash by white Alabamians that allowed the state's Republican Party to capture overwhelming control of the Alabama Legislature in 2010 in addition to defeating the last Democrat to hold a statewide office that same year, Lucy Baxley, then president of the Alabama Public Service Commission.

Sen. Figures continue on with "It seems to me that once Obama was elected we started hearing the Republicans attack him on almost everything he tried to do, especially in health care," said Figures. "We started hearing Republicans in office and Republicans running for office attacking the federal government, charging the federal government had suddenly become intrusive in our lives, that it was overreaching into our places of business and into our homes. And with every charge they made they used Obama's name."

But here is what the fuel is all about "I think it's racism. At its core I just do," said Figures. The question I have is whether Sen. Figures were telling the truth. Well the answer is yes, I agree because Republicans came out like wild hogs on the loose in 2010, proclaiming their mission is to take it all back for the people; speaking to their core constituents. They used every issue on a national level to get what they wanted on a local level and to this day doing the same thing.  

AL GOP - Chairman Bill Armistead

Well Alabama Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead believes the State Senator who is now the minority leader in the Senate owes them a apology. "Sen. Figures owes Alabama Republicans an apology for her offensive remarks accusing us of racism," said Armistead on Wednesday.  Chairman Armistead confirmed what Figures stated to the Over the Mountain Democrats.  "Alabama opposes the liberal policies being put in place by Obama's administration, especially the so-called Affordable Care Act. ” Armistead is referring to what they call OBAMACARE – yeah! Only majority of the conservatives and republican constituents opposes the legislation not the entire state.  

On Wednesday Alabama Republican Chairman Bill Armistead stated in his statement he released "We don't vote for our elected officials based on race, but based on their policies," said Armistead. Well Mr. GOP Chairman, the policies that liberals and Democrats represent are the policies that will help the average citizens, small businesses, education, healthcare for all, and reject special interest. It’s clear that Republicans don’t have the interest of the average citizens in mind, they only represent those that have and not needing and wants those that have not to continue to suffer and slave.  It’s clear that Republican don’t want to talk about race – period. They try and avoid it at all cost. 

Citizens take their harassment complaint against Mount Vernon police officer to Mobile County Personnel Board

A group name Concerned Citizens of Mount Vernon is tired of being ignored and appeared before the Mobile County Personnel Board on Tuesday for answers.

The Concerned Citizens of Mount Vernon has filed a complaint with the Mobile County Personnel Board alleging Officer Mario Mendiola of targeting and harassing African American males and females in the Mount Vernon community and jurisdiction.  In April, Tamara Davis who is heading this group has also filed complaints with the Town of Mount Vernon, its mayor James Adams, Council Members and Police Chief.

Tamara Davis - Mount Vernon Resident 

“We are just tired of the harassment by this officer” said Davis. Davis alleges that Officer Mendiola is targeting African Americans for no reason at all and finding no criminal actions. Davis and others in the community of Mount Vernon alleges that Officer Mediola a Hispanic K-9 officer of cursing them out on their own property and being very disrespectful. Mendiola, who took the stand at the Personnel Board hearing on Tuesday and disputed all the claims.

What struck me in this case was when Davis addressed Mayor James Adams and Chief  Steve Reed, who took the witness stand during the proceeding and stated they investigated the claims against Mendiola and believed he had not broken any rules or laws that would require discipline. Really Mayor Adams, the night before the hearing you appeared on the local news and stated to the reporter that when you receive all the facts you will investigate and make a decision. So my question is how have you already done an investigation if you don’t have all the facts?

Davis then asked Chief Reed if using profanity an acceptable practice by Mount Vernon officers, to which he said, “It’s unacceptable by any officer, and they know it is.” At the end, Davis asked the personnel board to consider the notarized statements and testimony of her friends, family and fellow citizens of Mount Vernon which stats the actions of Officer Mendiola.

Tamara Davis said it’s not over if they Personnel Board don’t act. They will either take it to the Circuit Court of Appeal or bring other actions. They want action.

Alabama 1st congressional candidates money race off to a good start; Maybe?

Have the big elephant belly dried up?

There are so many Republican candidates running for the 1^st congressional seat in Alabama, and it’s hard to keep up with who is really running.

Several Republican candidates have filed with the FEC to make a run for the soon to be vacant seat in South Alabama. The congressional seat is being vacated by Republican Congressman Jo Bonner, who is resigning in August to take a job in Tuscaloosa at the University of Alabama where his sister is in charge.  Many of the candidates have great ties to the Republican establishment and party. Not sure which candidate is the true Tea Party favorite, if any is? But this race is getting crowded even the more and the money is beginning to come in.

The early campaign fundraising totals is in and some may say that it’s off to a fast start and some may say it’s too early. Well I have a different view of all that, I say the Republican fundraising is off to a slow start; and I wonder why?

In early campaign finance reports, Republican Dean Young leads the Republican candidates and Bradley Byrne follows. Dean Young's brought in $141,943 for his campaign so far, which gave him the lead out of the five candidates who submitted campaign finance reports to the Federal Election Commission.  However, Young did not raise a total of $141,943, a $129,500 of that report he loaned himself and not from fundraising. Dean Young only raised a total of $12,443 for his congressional campaign.  This Orange Beach businessman maybe leading in campaign finance reports, but he is not leading in getting money from his republican supporters.

Second to Dean Young is Republican Bradley Byrne; Byrne led the field in terms of raising money from outside contributions with a total of $75,882. Following Byrne is Quin Hillyer bring in $62,779.00 and Chad Fincher with a showing of $45,890, which Fincher also loaned himself $10,000.00. Jessica James a former State School Board Candidate says he brought in $2,750.00. The other Republican candidates and independents have not filed a report to show they have reached the threshold required to report finances. Candidates are not required to register with the FEC until they receive contributions or expenditures in excess of $5,000.

It is clear that all the Republican candidates have not raised much money, and could that be because donors and friends are waiting to see who jumps in the race when qualifying ends and the real race is one. Or maybe donors and friends are not ready to give to a Republican candidate. Many are boosting the fundraising for the Republicans, but it’s not a boosting moment because it’s not all that great at the moment. With such a negative image on the Republicans and Washington, voters, donors and friends maybe looking for something different, such as a new candidate or a Democrat to run and support.

When the next campaign report comes out we should be able to get a better look on the fundraising for this race, but as of today the numbers are low and questionable on where is the support and donors for the Republicans. Have the elephant belly dried up?

A special will soon be set once the seat become vacant by Rep. Jo Bonner a Republican from Mobile. Bonner has announced that he will resign on or about August 15th. Once he resigns Gov. Robert Bentley will call a special election to fill the seat.