Alabama

Opinion | Threat to democracy in Alabama: The tyranny of the minority

Published

2 years ago

April 15, 2024

Opinion | Threat to democracy in Alabama: The tyranny of the minority

Democracy, by its very essence, presupposes rule by the majority with due respect and safeguard for minority rights. The founding architects of the U.S. Constitution harbored deep concerns about “the tyranny of the majority,” crafting counterweights such as the Bill of Rights and an independent judiciary. These mechanisms were designed not to stifle the democratic voice but to ensure that no single faction could trample the varied mosaic of individual rights that underpin the United States.

Yet, here in Alabama, we witness an ironic and troubling inversion of this principle: a tyranny of the minority. A Republican supermajority in our state legislature is aggressively pushing agendas that roll back fundamental rights—women’s rights, parental rights in health and education decisions, and the freedoms tied to speech, diversity, and expression. These laws, often lacking widespread support, appear crafted to cater to a minority whose influence is disproportionately amplified by primary elections.

This minority governance manifests itself in how state-funded institutions are coerced into adhering to a narrowly conservative agenda. From restricting what books are available in schools and libraries to defining who gets to benefit from government financial aid, the legislative actions taken are more about control than genuine governance.

Consider the grim irony in Alabama, where female leadership does not translate to women’s autonomy. Our state, led by women in prominent roles, denies other women the most fundamental rights—those concerning their own bodies and life choices. The imposed definitions of womanhood and the legislative incursions into personal choice paint a chilling picture: women as mere vessels, their rights secondary to those of unborn or even potential lives.

Moreover, the state offers substantial financial support to wealthier families while neglecting essential programs like the Summer EBT, which offers a lifeline to poorer children when schools—often their primary source of meals—are out. The contradiction extends to the moral realm; our leaders readily spout religious virtues yet withhold compassion from those who differ in opinion or lifestyle.

This situation does not merely stem from political differences but signifies a systematic assault on the principles of democracy itself. The shift towards a government that does not reflect the diverse will of its people but rather the fears and biases of a shrinking majority cannot sustain itself without inflicting severe damage on the social and moral fabric of our society.

Progress is indeed not linear, and the battle for human rights, particularly women’s rights, is fraught with setbacks often masked as protective measures for family or tradition. These are not benign concepts when used as tools for political control and human rights violations.

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What we are experiencing is not just an erosion of democratic values but an active dismantling of democracy itself, cloaked in the garb of populism. This wave is not just a threat to the diversity and vibrancy of our state but also to the fundamental democratic promise of our nation.

The question that remains for Alabama and for America is this: How can we thrive as a diverse and democratic society if a vocal minority hijacks the liberties enshrined in our foundational documents? The answer lies in recognizing these maneuvers for what they are—a desperate grasp for control—and responding not just with outrage, but with concerted civic action to reclaim the democratic character that is meant to define us.

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Alabama

Jacob Crews scores 20 for Missouri in 85-77 win over Alabama State

Published

3 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Jacob Crews scores 20 for Missouri in 85-77 win over Alabama State

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Jacob Crews scored 20, and Anthony Robinson II added 19 in Missouri’s 85-77 win over Alabama State on Thursday night.

Crews shot 7 of 9 from the field, including 6 of 8 from the 3-point arc. Mark Mitchell added 15 points for Missouri (9-2), and Sebastian Mack added 10.

The Tigers had a 15-0 run in the first half, heading into the locker room up 52-39. Alabama State was held scoreless over a 4:19 drought in the middle of the second half to open a 9-0 run for the Tigers. The Hornets (3-8) responded with their own 10-0 run to bring the game within eight, 74-62. The Tigers regained control, though, to keep their eight-point lead the rest of the game, handing Alabama State their fourth loss in a row.

The Tigers shot 65% (33 of 51). Both teams shot 50% from the free-throw line.

Alabama State outscored Missouri in the final period, 38-33. Asjon Anderscon scored 23 for the Hornets, leading all players in scoring.

Up next

Missouri hosts Bethune-Cookman on Dec. 14.

Alabama State travels to Cincinnati to face the Bearcats on Dec. 17.

___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

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Alabama

Katie Windham Highlights Alabama Areas of Improvement on The Joe Gaither Show

Published

15 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

Katie Windham Highlights Alabama Areas of Improvement on The Joe Gaither Show

Let’s crank up a Thursday edition of “The Joe Gaither Show on BamaCentral” with Mason Woods and Katie Windham as we start getting ready for next week’s College Football Playoff game between Alabama and Oklahoma. Windham detailed how the Crimson Tide can improve over the next few weeks, we discuss the team’s health and look back at our last road trip to Norman. The show then discusses the Heisman Trophy finalists before addressing a Kalen DeBoer coaching rumor.

The program opens by power ranking the holidays before discussing Windham’s three areas the Crimson Tide can improve over the next week. Our trio picks the easiest area the team can improve and how Alabama must perform in Norman. Windham details our last trip to Oklahoma as we go down memory lane to the Sooners’ 24-3 victory last season.

The show continues on by getting Windham’s thoughts on Alabama’a College Football Playoff selection and if the Crimson Tide actually deserved its place in the field. She brings up a unique aspect of Alabama’s blowout loss in the SEC Championship and how it played into the program’s inclusion in the College Football Playoffs.

We move from next week’s game into a small discussion on Notre Dame’s reaction of being left out of the field and how it relates to Alabama’s future home-and-home dates with the Fighting Irish. Will the two esteemed programs still face off in a few years?

The show heads into the only college football action of the weekend by highlighting the strong Heisman Trophy finalist field. Who brings home the bronze statue?

Lastly, we spend the final bit of the show talking about Michigan firing Sherrone Moore and the reports of the Wolverines considering persuing Kalen DeBeor for their next head coach. Will DeBoer leave Tuscaloosa for Ann Arbor?

We’re so appreciative of our sponsors who make the show possible. Check out Derek Daniel State Farm in Alabama for your insurance needs. We’re also proud to partner with Purple Turtle Roofing on the program. From your first call to the final nail, our mission is to make sure you feel confident, cared for, and covered, literally.

Call (205) 462-7340 Extension 800 to leave your thoughts in a voicemail, and you’ll be featured on the show. You can also join us live in the comment sections Monday through Friday at 8:15 a.m. CT.

The show can be seen on the BamaCentral YouTube channel. Keep up with each show on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. Shows can also be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon.

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Alabama

New Alabama law raises penalties for porch piracy

Published

1 day ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

New Alabama law raises penalties for porch piracy

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – As holiday deliveries ramp up, a new Alabama law aims to deter package theft by raising penalties for so-called “porch piracy.” The law, which went into effect on October 1, 2025, makes repeated package theft a felony and can carry prison sentences of up to 10 years in the most serious cases.

What changed

Previously, many package thefts in Alabama were charged as misdemeanor theft because the value of individual stolen packages often fell below felony thresholds. Under the new law however, lawmakers established penalties that focus on the number of homes targeted rather than the dollar value of items stolen:

Stealing from 1 to 9 homes: most serious misdemeanor
Stealing from 10 to 29 homes: felony
Stealing from 30 or more homes: can result in up to 10 years in prison

The law also increases penalties if stolen packages are used to commit identity theft or fraud. In addition, anyone who knowingly receives packages stolen by a porch pirate can be charged under the new rules.

Lawmakers weigh in

Senator April Weaver, one of the bill’s sponsors, said the change was meant to protect Alabama families during the holidays.

“It was really important to protect the people not only in my district but throughout the state of Alabama and to make sure their hard-earned money is going to their children’s Christmas,” she said.

On camera, Senator Weaver added with holiday humor, “It means the Grinch may have stolen Christmas in Whoville, but if he does it in Alabama, he’ll have plenty of time in state prison for his heart to grow three sizes.”

What police recommend if your package is stolen

If you discover a stolen package, law enforcement recommends:

Report the theft to police immediately.
Preserve any doorbell or surveillance footage that may show the theft.
Contact the delivery company right away to report the missing item.
Consider requiring a signature on delivery to reduce the risk of theft.

The law went into effect on October 1, 2025; this December marks the first holiday season it is in effect. Alabama is now one of more than a dozen states that have passed laws specifically targeting package theft. Supporters say the law sends a stronger message that porch piracy will no longer be treated as a minor offense.

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