After completing four half-hour documentaries on the subject of nonviolent activism, I was actually considering the idea of leaving America’s shores on the USS Audacity of Hope. With oligarchy imploding in Tunisia and Israel facing the “threat” of organized non-violent resistance simultaneously, it might have made for epic video. In fact, I even asked the organizers for an email application to join the crew; but in reading it, I realized the price tag was simply too high. I can cover the Alabama legislative session for less than half the price; I can’t do both. While disappointed to miss out on what is sure to be a newsworthy international event, there is plenty of important news about to unfold in Montgomery.
On March 1st, Republicans will take charge of the Alabama legislature for the first time in 136 years. Alabama Democrats are rallying this week in Birmingham; how will Democrats in the legislature work in the new reality? How will a new Republican governor and legislative majority fill the hole in the education budget? Just how serious are they about rejecting Obamacare?
I’ll be in Montgomery for thirty days over a roughly three-month period. To make this happen, I am leveraging the power of the #1sAL and drawing closer to the folks at Left In Alabama to raise $2,000 for acts of journalism. Half that amount or more must come from people in Alabama. Not only will I cover every day of the session for LiA, but I’ll be starting a regular feature there on Thursdays.
I’m starting the fundraising period now and ending it February 14. If the goal is mostly met, I will do my best to cover as much of the session as I can. Every dollar helps — almost half the $1200 semiannual fundraiser came in amounts of five and ten dollars. Please click the big button below to pitch in — or better yet, share this post with the network of your choice. You might also check out the new #1stAL Facebook page; I’ll be keeping the widget on the FACTION page.
