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April 24, 2003

In this issue:

• Corts outlines ACCR positions in papers across state
• Governor's constitutional commission report now online
• Legislative update
• Sermon on constitutional reform at the National Cathedral
• ACCR Field Director moves on
• Upcoming constitutional reform events

Corts outlines ACCR positions in papers across state

Out of fairness, Alabama deserves a new constitution

Commentary
Thomas E. Corts
April 13, 2003

   No person living today voted for Alabama's 1901 Constitution, so we bear no blame. But, if we cannot marshal the will to update that constitution, the shame is all ours. As proposed by Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform, key benefits could result from constitutional revision. [Continued] .

Click here for the entire commentary


Governor’s constitutional commission report now online

   The Governor's constitutional commission report is now available for viewing online. ACCR acquired a copy to put on our website for the convenience of our members since it is not posted online anywhere else. A link below will take you to the report.

Click here for the Governor's commission report


Legislative update

• A bill (Senate Bill 442) has been introduced in the Senate that would remove references to segregated schools and the poll tax. Both have been struck down by the courts long ago, but the offensive language still remains in our constitution. More information on the bill's content and progress may be found at the ALISON website: alisdb.legislature.state.al.us/acas.

• A bill to recompile the constitution is set to be introduced to the Senate in the coming days by Sen. Wendell Mitchell. ACCR will provide more information on this as it develops.

• Two similar home rule bills are set to be introduced in the Senate in the coming days. One will be sponsored by Sen. Gary Tanner (D-Mobile) and the other by Sen. Del Marsh (R-Anniston). ACCR does not have much information on either one at this point but will keep you informed of their content and progress. For more information on the bills, please click below for an article on them.

Click here for the article on the home rule bills


Sermon on constitutional reform at the National Cathedral

 [Excerpt]
Mary Orndorff
Birmingham News
March 17, 2003
 
   WASHINGTON -- Alabama preachers and politicians co-mingled Sunday in the religious heart of the nation's capital to hear a sermon that put Alabama's constitutional crisis before an international audience. It was Alabama Day at the Washington National Cathedral, where worshipers of any denomination congregate for an Episcopal service by and for Alabamians. U.S. senators read Scripture and a congressman made the offertory, but the most prominent Alabama feature of the nearly two-hour service was the sermon by the Rev. James Evans of Pelham.

   Standing at the Canterbury pulpit where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his last Sunday sermon, Evans wove the week's biblical message about sacrifice into one about Alabama's 102-year-old state constitution. Building on the story in the Book of Genesis about Abraham's willingness to give up his son, Isaac, Evans said the document was originally written to the disadvantage of blacks and poor whites, and to the advantage of the few and the wealthy. Those effects linger today, even after more than 740 amendments, he said.

   "Jesus is our teacher here, and Abraham is our model. In order to achieve the sort of environment we want in our state, we must climb that lonely mountain and let go of our vested interests. The more we try to save ourselves, our standing, our economic advantage, our place of privilege, the more of our soul we will lose," Evans said.

Click here for the text of the sermon


ACCR Field Director moves on

A letter from David Perry:

   It is with both joy and regret that I share this news with you. Recently I was offered a position by Drayton Nabers as a fiscal analyst for the Finance Director’s Office, which I accepted. It was by no means an easy choice, but I feel that it is the best decision for me at this time. Kevin Garrison has taken over many of my duties and I have full confidence in his abilities to move ACCR forward at this critical juncture for reform.

   It has truly been a pleasure to work with you, and I will always be grateful for this opportunity. ACCR has come a long way in the last three years, and your dedication and persistence during that time, in conjunction with similar efforts of like-minded activists throughout the state, have been and continue to be the driving force behind the success of the constitutional reform movement. I remain as committed to this cause today as I was when I first started last spring, and I am excited to have made the transition from ACCR employee to ACCR volunteer. Thank you again for all of your tremendous work.

Sincerely,
David Perry
david.perry@alumni.duke.edu


Upcoming constitutional reform events

Although not all of these may be ACCR events, you may call us at 334-834-5495 or reply to this email for more information on them.

1) April 30, AUBURN: Auburn Students for Constitutional Reform Lecture Series, Dr Joe Sumners, Draughon Library Auditorium, 7:30 PM.

2) May 1, BIRMINGHAM: Metro Chapter meeting at the Chamber of Commerce from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. The Chamber is located at the corner of 21st St and 5th Ave North on the 5th floor.

3) May 12, HUNTSVILLE: Chapter meeting at the Chamber of Commerce from Noon to 1:00 PM.

4) May 15, GROVE HILL (Bus Tour): Community meeting at Grove Hill United Methodist, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

5) May 15, THOMASVILLE & JACKSON (Bus Tour): High school presentations during the day.

6) May 15, MONROEVILLE (Bus Tour): Bus stop at the historic Monroe County Courthouse square prior to the "To Kill A Mockingbird" play. "Reform One" will arrive at approximately 4:00 PM.

7) May 27, MONTGOMERY: Chapter meeting at ACCR's office on 434 N. McDonough Street, Noon - 1:00 PM.

8) May 31, HUNTSVILLE: Speaker training session. Details to be announced.

Join or renew your membership online!