Thursday, November 6, 2008

A thank you note . . .

A thank you note . . .

As an Alabamian, I have an affinity toward North Alabama as I do to the rest of the state. It all began in Montgomery; it’s in my genes, my heritage, my lineage extending many, many generations.

In a way, my generation could be called of the “New South”, of throwing off the shackles of that part of the South that was intolerant and oppressive toward the black race. Not all of that earlier culture was so inclined, myself included.

I happen to believe in equality in every aspect but preferential treatment is abhorrent to me. The entire basis of the successful market-driven entrepreneurial society we call America is opportunity, not handouts.

Of course, there are some, very few, whom we should and must assist due to no fault of their own. The rest are free to take advantage of all of the opportunities this great nation offers.

Some will succeed (according to one’s own definition of success) and some will fall because of their own accord. It is these we must give a hand, to “bootstrap” back up so they may re-enter society as happy, productive members.

America cannot tolerate a permanent underclass, of one able but unwilling to participate. Simply put, it is because it is anathema to the great American experiment. Unfortunately, our prisons are filled with a fraction of those who do not agree with the basic standards of American civility.

North Alabama is different, as is Birmingham, Montgomery or Mobile. Anchored by a river that runs through it, it has not been able to realize some opportunities found in other parts of the state.

Sadly, the dominance of the federal government in North Alabama has so skewed its economy with its fits and starts that there is no solid base to build upon. When, for example, the TVA decided to locate its main operations in another state, it did not leave a viable, energetic populace with marketable skills to cope with changing circumstances.

As you know, I have written much about the TVA and I have posted many times on the Times Daily forum. Unfortunately, one of my latest posts was arbitrarily removed, I believe, because of a difference in political positions. And not for any of the reasons listed in its disclaimer.

I am well aware that the Times Daily newspaper is owned by the New York Times. And I am supposing someone at the TD or the NYT who disagreed with my politics decided to “disappear” my post. I’m not quibbling with their decision (it’s their nickel) only to the extent that if a “free press” cannot tolerate opposing views, it is a misnomer.

I have enjoyed your pummeling me, really, and I hope we both have gained something from our discourse. I know I have.

I still will be publishing my comments on the TVA on my website, Norsworthy Opinion (http://norsworthyopinion.com )
And occasionally on Norsworthy at the Shoals (http://norsworthyattheshoals.blogspot.com )

My next article will be a call for the two congressional oversight committees for the TVA to investigate the recent huge pay raise for the TVA CEO and the huge October rate increase, among several other items.

Sincerely,
Ernest Norsworthy
emnorsworthy@earthlink.net