4/1/2008 - April 2008 SLI Newsletter
There are people we admire. We may admire them for different reasons, but they set for us examples. Two such persons who recently come to mind are William F. Buckley, Jr. and Brett Farve. It is the actions of men like these who inspire us in our own activities.
Mr. Buckley died on February 27, 2008. More than any other person, he was the founder of the conservative movement. Beginning in the 1950's, he took positions based on faith and ethics that were contrary to established thought. He never departed from that substance and because of his intelligence, wit and sesquipedality he was able to bring conservatism to mainstream political discourse and even resulting in the election of Ronald Reagan as President of the United States. Without Mr. Buckley, it is unlikely conservatism would have reached such a zenith.
Retiring Brett Farve did not impart wit and wisdom on such a grand scale, but he did set an example of leadership that bound together the Green Bay Packers football team for many years, in losing times as well as winning times. Farve set all types of records. One of the most significant was for playing the most consecutive games, in spite of injuries and even personal loss, such as leading his team in the game the day after his father died. He was always seen as a team player, one of the boys, yet someone to whom they all looked for direction.
This month's Educational Update addresses the "double dipping" issue. Is it proper for state legislators to also hold state jobs? This issue has significant importance for Alabama.
The Umbilical Cord Blood Use Act has been reported out of the House Health Committee. We are also glad to report a good outcome on a project for which we have been working for quite sometime. We have promised to keep confidential the names of all those involved, but we are able to provide you with the facts.
Recently, an individual made a significant donation to a public authority for the construction of a public building. One of the rooms in the building, a staff meeting and conference room, would have been designated a room in the name of the donor. The donor wished to put a plaque in the room attributing his motivation to the meaning of Jesus Christ in his life. The public authority said it could not allow that, because it would violate the separation of church and state. We intervened on behalf of the donor, providing legal authorities and discussion. The public authority was not unwilling to cooperate, but as so often the case, fearful of a lawsuit. In the end, the public authority agreed the scriptural commemorative plaque would be posted. We are grateful for the opportunity to protect this free exercise of religion and speech in a public place.
Our time and resources are being significantly drained this year. The efforts we mention above, the Houston County bingo issue we mentioned last month, and our legal support on many legislative bills is taking quite a toll. Please consider a significant tax deductible financial gift to us. Thank you for your prayer and support.
Yours very truly,
A. Eric Johnston
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