WSFA 12 News Editorials - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

  • Editorials

  • Thursday, May 16 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:20:04 GMT
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;

  • Tuesday, May 14 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-14 23:20:07 GMT
    Kudos, or perhaps, cheers to the Alabama Legislature for passing HB9, the home brewing bill. Legalized home brewing may not be up there with education reform or prison funding, but it was overdue. 
    Kudos, or perhaps, cheers to the Alabama Legislature for passing HB9, the home brewing bill. Legalized home brewing may not be up there with education reform or prison funding, but it was overdue. 

  • Thursday, May 9 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-09 23:20:06 GMT
    What was the old Pan-Am gas station at the corner of Bibb and Coosa is now no longer.  Last weekend that landmark was demolished with nothing remaining where it once stood other than the outline of a foundation. What
    What was the old Pan-Am gas station at the corner of Bibb and Coosa is now no longer.  Last weekend that landmark was demolished with nothing remaining where it once stood other than the outline of a foundation. What

  • Tuesday, May 7 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-07 23:20:08 GMT
    Our editorial last week focusing on Eastdale Mall's new Friday and Saturday night policy of not allowing those under the age of 18 into the mall without adult supervision drew almost unanimous praise.
    Our editorial last week focusing on Eastdale Mall's new Friday and Saturday night policy of not allowing those under the age of 18 into the mall without adult supervision drew almost unanimous praise.

  • Thursday, May 2 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-02 23:20:08 GMT
    Last week the Eastdale Mall took a position that if you under the age of 18 and want to come to their mall you're going to need adult supervision between the hours of 6pm and 9pm on Friday and Saturday
    Last week the Eastdale Mall took a position that if you under the age of 18 and want to come to their mall you're going to need adult supervision between the hours of 6pm and 9pm on Friday and Saturday

  • Tuesday, April 30 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-04-30 23:20:09 GMT
    A couple of weeks ago we learned that the $50 million dollars of Alabama's portion of the national tobacco settlement, which before now was tied up in court, is now destined for our state. Good news, right?
    A couple of weeks ago we learned that the $50 million dollars of Alabama's portion of the national tobacco settlement, which before now was tied up in court, is now destined for our state. Good news, right?  Well yes, but not everyone is as happy as they once thought they would be.

  • Thursday, April 25 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-04-25 23:20:08 GMT
    The Republicans in the Alabama Senate moved swiftly earlier this week to approve legislation providing for drug testing of some welfare recipients. The individuals that will be tested are those that have been
    The Republicans in the Alabama Senate moved swiftly earlier this week to approve legislation providing for drug testing of some welfare recipients.

  • April 24, 2013 08:41 AM 2013-04-25 20:25:33 GMT
    Our editorial focusing on Medicaid and the current position our Governor is taking prompted the following responses on wsfa.com and our WSFA 12 News Facebook page: Debra writes, "Since Alabama citizens,
    Our editorial focusing on Medicaid and the current position our Governor is taking prompted the following responses on wsfa.com and our WSFA 12 News Facebook page: Debra writes, "Since Alabama citizens,

  • Friday, April 19 2013 7:25 PM EDT2013-04-19 23:25:12 GMT
    Governor Bentley, we respectfully ask that you find a way to approve Medicaid Expansion in Alabama under the Affordable Healthcare Act.  We ask that you reconsider your current position on behalf of the
    Governor Bentley, we respectfully ask that you find a way to approve Medicaid Expansion in Alabama under the Affordable Healthcare Act.

  • Tuesday, April 16 2013 9:58 PM EDT2013-04-17 01:58:44 GMT
    We've had 20 people this year murdered in Montgomery because someone else had a choice to make and they chose wrongly. There was a point in these criminals lives when they came to a fork in the road and
    We've had 20 people this year murdered in Montgomery because someone else had a choice to make and they chose wrongly. There was a point in these criminals lives when they came to a fork in the road and

  • Thursday, April 11 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-04-11 23:20:08 GMT
    According to a recent survey by AT&T provided to the USA TODAY, almost half of all adults admit to texting while driving, compared with 43% of teenagers. More than 98% of the adults admitted they knew
    According to a recent survey by AT&T provided to the USA TODAY, almost half of all adults admit to texting while driving, compared with 43% of teenagers. More than 98% of the adults admitted they knew

  • Tuesday, April 9 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-04-09 23:20:05 GMT
    The words "play ball" first rang out in Riverwalk Stadium in the spring of 2004 celebrating the first pitch and season of our beloved Montgomery Biscuits.  Hard to believe that was 9 years ago as the team
    The words "play ball" first rang out in Riverwalk Stadium in the spring of 2004 celebrating the first pitch and season of our beloved Montgomery Biscuits.

  • Thursday, April 4 2013 8:45 PM EDT2013-04-05 00:45:41 GMT
    April is designated as Child Abuse Prevention month and our opportunity to spotlight individuals and programs in all of our communities that work 365 days a year to prevent the most despicable form of
    April is designated as Child Abuse Prevention month and our opportunity to spotlight individuals and programs in all of our communities that work 365 days a year to prevent the most despicable form of

  • Tuesday, April 2 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-04-02 23:20:03 GMT
    Sometimes it seems that the people who make the headlines surrounding college athletics are the ones setting the wrong examples… a few spoiled athletes, coaches gone astray, fans behaving badly. I didn't
    Great people working behind the scenes don't often make the headlines, but they should.  Moore played a role in 10 national championships, 16 SEC championships and 39 bowl trips. 

  • Thursday, March 28 2013 7:29 PM EDT2013-03-28 23:29:29 GMT
    About a month ago we highlighted the planned reduction of the military's tuition-assistance program due to the federally mandated budget sequester.  The elimination of tuition assistance would have affected
    About a month ago we highlighted the planned reduction of the military's tuition-assistance program due to the federally mandated budget sequester.  The elimination of tuition assistance would have affected

  • Tuesday, March 26 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-03-26 23:20:05 GMT
    Last week we had a larger than life act come to town and play the historic Garrett Coliseum.  Elton John brought the house down at a location not regularly visited by global entertainers. With such events,
    Last week we had a larger than life act come to town and play the historic Garrett Coliseum.  Elton John brought the house down at a location not regularly visited by global entertainers. With such events,

  • Thursday, March 21 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-03-21 23:20:08 GMT
    Most responders  agreed with this week's editorial suggesting that the U.S. government reduce spending on foreign aid by 500 million so that we can continue the military tuition assistance program.  Here
    Most responders  agreed with this week's editorial suggesting that the U.S. government reduce spending on foreign aid by 500 million so that we can continue the military tuition assistance program.  Here are some of their comments:

  • Tuesday, March 19 2013 7:31 PM EDT2013-03-19 23:31:36 GMT
    The U.S. military's decision to suspend tuition assistance that thousands of active-duty service members rely on to pay for college classes was a blow most military men and women didn't see coming. This
    The U.S. military's decision to suspend tuition assistance that thousands of active-duty service members rely on to pay for college classes was a blow most military men and women didn't see coming. This

  • Thursday, March 14 2013 8:29 PM EDT2013-03-15 00:29:37 GMT
    In response to our editorial suggesting that the new TSA policy allowing some knives on airplanes should be reversed, we had these comments: "There's no legitimate reason to NOT allow pocket knives on
    Here are some of the comments you've given us on recent editorials.

  • Tuesday, March 12 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-03-12 23:20:05 GMT
    Many have complained about the way HB 84, the school flexibility act, was passed in the Alabama Legislature.  It was more political that statesmanlike. But, since the Republican super majority and governor
    Many have complained about the way HB 84, the school flexibility act, was passed in the Alabama Legislature.  It was more political that statesmanlike. But...

  • Thursday, March 7 2013 7:20 PM EST2013-03-08 00:20:06 GMT
    We recently had one of those "who thought this was a good idea" moments. That moment was when I heard about the announcement by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that they are revising their
    We recently had one of those "who thought this was a good idea" moments. That moment was when I heard about the announcement by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that they are revising their

  • Tuesday, March 5 2013 7:20 PM EST2013-03-06 00:20:04 GMT
    There's been a whole lot of flexing going on over the past week. The first flex came from the Republican supermajority as they pushed through HB 84 "The Alabama Accountability Act of 2013" which authorizes
    There's been a whole lot of flexing going on over the past week. The first flex came from the Republican supermajority as they pushed through HB 84 "The Alabama Accountability Act of 2013" which authorizes

  • Thursday, February 28 2013 10:12 PM EST2013-03-01 03:12:59 GMT
    The Voting Rights Act and Alabama is front and center at the U.S. Supreme Court this week as the Shelby County v. Holder case is heard.  A primary focus of the arguments is Section 5 with debate centering
    The Voting Rights Act and Alabama is front and center at the U.S. Supreme Court this week as the Shelby County v. Holder case is heard.  A primary focus of the arguments is Section 5 with debate centering

  • Tuesday, February 26 2013 7:20 PM EST2013-02-27 00:20:07 GMT
    A recent Washington Post-Pew poll delivered findings that "just one in four Americans are following closely the debate over the $1.2 trillion in automatic spending cuts set to kick in on Friday." Assuming
    A recent Washington Post-Pew poll delivered findings that "just one in four Americans are following closely the debate over the $1.2 trillion in automatic spending cuts set to kick in on Friday." Assuming

  • Thursday, February 21 2013 7:20 PM EST2013-02-22 00:20:05 GMT
    We spend a lifetime engaged in preparedness; preparing for tests, children, adulthood, aging, just life in general. This week Governor Robert Bentley, the Alabama EMA, the National Weather Service, the
    We spend a lifetime engaged in preparedness; preparing for tests, children, adulthood, aging, just life in general. This week Governor Robert Bentley, the Alabama EMA, the National Weather Service, the

  • Tuesday, February 19 2013 7:20 PM EST2013-02-20 00:20:08 GMT
    Electronic bingo has again taken center stage this week as Alabama's Attorney General's office has raided and shut down Victoryland, while at the same time, filing a lawsuit to stop the operation of slot
    Electronic bingo has again taken center stage this week as Alabama's Attorney General's office has raided and shut down Victoryland, while at the same time, filing a lawsuit to stop the operation of slot

  • Thursday, February 14 2013 7:20 PM EST2013-02-15 00:20:04 GMT
    Our editorial focusing on the desire by some to legalize the use of medical marijuana in Alabama elicited a large number of passionate responses on wsfa.com: Here's a sample, "While it might be a little
    Our editorial focusing on the desire by some to legalize the use of medical marijuana in Alabama elicited a large number of passionate responses on wsfa.com: Here's a sample, "While it might be a little

  • Tuesday, February 12 2013 7:20 PM EST2013-02-13 00:20:07 GMT
    I think most of us take for granted that when we walk into a grocery store that it will be fully stocked with fresh meat and produce, very rarely, if ever, thinking or appreciating the men and women who
    I think most of us take for granted that when we walk into a grocery store that it will be fully stocked with fresh meat and produce, very rarely, if ever, thinking or appreciating the men and women who

  • Thursday, February 7 2013 7:20 PM EST2013-02-08 00:20:03 GMT
    As of last week, 10 states had pending Legislation to legalize medical marijuana, Alabama was one of them. On Wednesday, the Alabama House Health Committee voted 12 to 2 in opposition of the bill thus
    As of last week, 10 states had pending Legislation to legalize medical marijuana, Alabama was one of them. On Wednesday, the Alabama House Health Committee voted 12 to 2 in opposition of the bill thus

  • Tuesday, February 5 2013 9:45 PM EST2013-02-06 02:45:38 GMT
    All last year we heard the "good news" about Alabama's unemployment numbers dropping and new jobs being created all over our fair state. And while it's true that unemployment has dropped, that is far
    All last year we heard the "good news" about Alabama's unemployment numbers dropping and new jobs being created all over our fair state. And while it's true that unemployment has dropped, that is far

  • Thursday, January 31 2013 8:41 PM EST2013-02-01 01:41:26 GMT
    In our editorial entitled "Valor Know No Gender" we said, "…we support putting the best qualified and most capable people on the field of battle, whether you are a man or woman." In response Marc wrote:
    In our editorial entitled "Valor Know No Gender" we said, "…we support putting the best qualified and most capable people on the field of battle, whether you are a man or woman." In response Marc wrote:

  • Wednesday, January 30 2013 1:54 AM EST2013-01-30 06:54:19 GMT
    Right is right and wrong is wrong as the saying goes. By now, most everyone has heard about the sexual misconduct perpetuated against female inmates at the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women; a deeply disturbing
    Right is right and wrong is wrong as the saying goes. By now, most everyone has heard about the sexual misconduct perpetuated against female inmates at the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women; a deeply disturbing

  • Thursday, January 24 2013 8:34 PM EST2013-01-25 01:34:18 GMT
    Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced a lifting of the ban on women serving in ground combat, saying he believes women have become an integral part of the military's ability to succeed. Panetta said
    Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced a lifting of the ban on women serving in ground combat, saying he believes women have become an integral part of the military's ability to succeed. Panetta said

  • Tuesday, January 22 2013 7:20 PM EST2013-01-23 00:20:05 GMT
    Volunteering to Coach is both challenging and rewarding. It gives you the opportunity to teach a sport and emphasize education and character building. Being a volunteer Coach shows that you have a
    Volunteering to Coach is both challenging and rewarding. It gives you the opportunity to teach a sport and emphasize education and character building. Being a volunteer Coach shows that you have a

  • Friday, January 18 2013 11:46 AM EST2013-01-18 16:46:46 GMT
    As the conversation around our city, state and country focusing on gun control gets louder and louder following each tragic event it's obvious to us that those holding these weapons were in dire need of
    As the conversation around our city, state and country focusing on gun control gets louder and louder following each tragic event it's obvious to us that those holding these weapons were in dire need of

  • Tuesday, January 15 2013 7:20 PM EST2013-01-16 00:20:02 GMT
    There has been much talk lately about how to protect innocent people from firearm violence. Suggestions have been made ranging from some form of gun control to better mental health screening to arming
    There has been much talk lately about how to protect innocent people from firearm violence. Suggestions have been made ranging from some form of gun control to better mental health screening to arming

  • Thursday, January 10 2013 7:20 PM EST2013-01-11 00:20:02 GMT
    The last four years have been tough all around. The housing bubble burst, the economy entered a recession, our government hit the debt ceiling, and jobs were cut causing businesses and families to make
    The last four years have been tough all around. The housing bubble burst, the economy entered a recession, our government hit the debt ceiling, and jobs were cut causing businesses and families to make

  • Tuesday, January 8 2013 9:40 PM EST2013-01-09 02:40:58 GMT
    Alabama State University has been the subject of controversy lately over unproven allegations surrounding unnamed contracts. Recent unfounded rumors have clouded the focus on all the great things accomplished
    Alabama State University has been the subject of controversy lately over unproven allegations surrounding unnamed contracts. Recent unfounded rumors have clouded the focus on all the great things accomplished

  • Wednesday, January 2 2013 10:57 PM EST2013-01-03 03:57:19 GMT
    Tuesday evening our President addressed the nation and informed us that a deal had indeed been cut. Following this address, there will certainly be some that think the fiscal storm for our country has
    Tuesday evening our President addressed the nation and informed us that a deal had indeed been cut. Following this address, there will certainly be some that think the fiscal storm for our country has