PAGE 3 August 2022
PUBLISHER'S CORNER Column By Brandon K. Pierce America Should Come First Several years ago, as Publisher of The DeKalb Advertiser in Fort Payne, I wrote various columns and opinions titled “From Second Street.” I coined this title after reading numerous “From First Street” columns written by the newspaper’s former publisher Jerry Whittle. While Jerry and I wrote about numerous topics and events, one thing I never really commented on was politics. However, it is a topic that many other media outlets and news anchors can’t seem to get enough of. For anyone who watches television, just about every news channel and commentator has a political opinion. Many of their comments make some of them seem like they are off in outer space somewhere or maybe their light’s on, but no one’s home! Some of you may even think my following comments may be out there or you might think I am out to lunch somewhere, but that’s okay because it is my opinion. Over the past couple of years, I have made a few personal comments on social media about items ranging from COVID masking to the 2020 Presidential election, which is still one of the biggest political scams in American History. Although there is still much to be said about the topics mentioned above, as well as many others, the issue I wanted to address in this column is that of political waste. Mr. Biden, yes I still refuse to call him President, has said he wants to build back better. Well, have you honestly seen anything better during his administration? Some could say that repealing ROE v. WADE is a positive thing for Americans? You would be correct, but that was the Supreme Court that made this historic change, not Biden. According to a recent press release from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the United States is continuing to support the Ukraine after more than “five months into Russia’s brutal and unprovoked assault on the people of Ukraine.” Well, I am all for helping people, but how much is too much? Maybe the following is too much? The United States has made seventeen drawdowns since August 2021 of up to $550 million in arms and equipment from U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) inventories for Ukraine’s self-defense. Do we have any left to defend America in case China follows through with threats after Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to Tiawan? Blinken added that the most recent drawdown brought the total U.S. military assistance to Ukraine to approximately $8.7 billion. Did you get that astronomical figure? If not, it was $8.7 billion. According to Blinken these funds have helped to provide ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and 155mm artillery systems that Ukraine’s forces are using to defend their country. Again, I am glad that America can help others. However, really think about that $8.7 billion figure again and how much good just part of that would do around the United States and even here in Alabama. In DeKalb County, and other counties, we have roads that are falling apart and need to be paved. There are countless people, locally and across America, who need help paying medical and drug bills and even putting food on the table. I think everyone needs helps with food, especially with the cost of eggs over $3 per dozen. Some folks don’t even have a roof over their head or warm clothes to wear in winter. These are just a few examples of things that could be helped with just a part of the money we are sending to the Ukraine. The Biden administration needs a lesson in economics and finance and to learn to spend money wisely. On second thought, until the administration learns to put America First none of these problems are going to get better any time soon!
Photo Courtesy of Pierce Photography
The members of the Crossville High School Class of 1961 met for the annual Class Reunion at Dallas' Place on July 23, 2022. Some of those attending the event were: (Standing L-R) Keith Bruce, James Cook, Paul Talley, Lyndon Walker, Lamar Clayton, Mancel Norris, Lamar Williams, Maxdell Davis, Ray Liverett, and Jackie Smith. (Seated L-R) Donna Milwee, Linda Gorham, Blenda Bruce, Patsy Brock, Glenda Wilson, Janet O'Dell, Jo Nelson, and Linda Milner. Crossville Class of 1961 Holds Reunion Marching Madness Many sports fans look forward to each spring and to "March Madness" in college basketball. However, the fall is a time for what some might call "Marching Madness." It's the time of year where high school, and college, marching band members begin learning to play news songs and new drills for the upcoming football season. These students, as well as band directors, participate in late summer band camps and spend countless hours getting ready to march on the gridiron. The Alabama Ledger recently caught up with a few area bands. Their 2022 group photos are below. If you have an event that you would like to see featured in a future Traveling Alabama section of the Alabama Ledger please contact us at 256-506-7368.
2022 Geraldine Marching Band
2022 Fyffe Marching Band
How to contact The Sports Ledger, LLC & Alabama Ledger EMAILS 2022 Ider High School Marching Band Photos by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger
The Sports Ledger, LLC Established in 2006 MAILING ADDRESS PO BOX 175 Albertville, AL 35950
Alabama Ledger - Established in 2020 Home Owned, Operated, and Published by The Sports Ledger, LLC. Not affiliated with any other sports or news publication.
TheSportsLedger@gmail.com AlabamaLedger@gmail.com READ FREE ONLINE AT www.thesportsledger.com www.alabamaledger.com God Bless America!
PUBLISHER Brandon K. Pierce MANAGING EDITOR Myra W. Pierce
TELEPHONE 256-506-7368
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