JJG's-What's up, America? (Alabama): The 50 Thread Series (Birmingham, York: property taxes, jobs)

[JJG]

I'm doing a 50 thread series on all 50 states in America to learn more about them. I'll go in order, so your up first 'Bama. If you don't mind could you answer these (general and exclusive) questions?

General
What do you like most about your state?
What do you hate most about your state?
How would you rate your state's impact on this country (if any)?
Are you proud to be from here and if so, why?
What set's your state apart from any other?

for 'Bama
The civil rights movement had a great impact on this country. Do you feel that Alabama was a major part of that movement?

Next up: Alaska

[writergirl]

Okay Alabama, are you shy or just not that proud of your state? It's too bad, because I was looking forward to learning a little about it from a first hand point of view.

The only thing I know about Alabama is that it's the name of a singing group. (And I don't really even know all that much about them. I think 'Angels Among Us' is theirs?) Someone please enlighten me! (About the state, not the group. Although I guess I'll take what I can get! )

[JJG]

Thanks for the help, but there's another question I have to ask:

Can I even continue this series?
I have to ask the heads of this forum or something.

I know everyone of these threads won't be answered a.s.a.p.. But it's ok. I still want to learn about the rest of the states, even if I just get one reply.

[Southlander]

If you would take a minute and look through the pages, there is a thread about "what you like best about Alabama." You can also go to the library and look up "Alabama" in encyclopedias and check out and read books about the state. Most of us have jobs that take up our time...we don't have time to post the same info here.

[harry chickpea]

I suspect that replies are slow because it appears that you are churning the forums, without any serious need or intent, other than gaining points on your scores.

People are willing to help others if they perceive a payoff of some sort, even if they themselves don't benefit. Your questions impress me as more like what would be asked in a fourth grade history class. I fnd them mildly offensive, and think they have the potential to be more devisive than edifying.

"The civil rights movement had a great impact on this country. Do you feel that Alabama was a major part of that movement?" What a silly question. No. Alabama had no part in that. Bull Conner never existed. There are no fire hoses in Birmingham. Segregation was a myth. Thanks for bringing it up.

If you would care to share the name of your favorite state, perhaps we could find a appropriate question for you and its citizens. "Was the unibomber just misunderstood?" "Did Jerrery Dahmer use Hunts Or Heinz?" "How many native americans were killed in your state to make it possible for it to be civilized?"

You can do better. Your first question might have a use, and help others:

What do you like most about Alabama?

My answer: It doesn't try to over-regulate and overtax like most other states. It supports the radical concept that the country was founded on - people have a right to self-determination with minimal government interference. Peer pressure among civilized decent people is much more effective than making everyone live under laws so all-encompassing that everyone is a criminal just by living.

I've also lived in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, and Vermont. All of them have strong points, but they have all forgotton the roots of the nation, in favor of limiting the rights of landowners, in favor of high taxes for overreaching government, in favor of a living with micro-managing legal restrictions pushed through by special interest groups.

"Gee officer, I didn't know it was illegal to paint my house that color or park on my own lawn that I pay taxes on." "What do you mean I can't smoke in my own car if I have a kid?" "Golly, I feel so nasty that my sprinkler came on 30 minutes before the time allotted for such lawn watering. I'll happily pay that $100 fine." "A fine for parking on the street on a snow day? Sure! Now who gets fined for blocking my drive with city snow and ruining my 14th mailbox?"

I have a choice, and Alabama is where I am moving by intent, without respect to job pressures. (The low property taxes don't hurt either.)

[JJG]

Well I'm canceling this. I just couln't come up with better questions at the moment. And I really don't care about points, I just do this for in my spare time. I still intend to do a series, but I guess I'll just have to cancel this one.
I'm not trying to waste anyone's time here and it's not like I'm begging for you to respond. I just wanted to know what you thought.

Oh well......