Freedom or oppression? That’s the question for Arizona’s SB1062

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February 27, 2014

By Eliott C. McLaughlin, CNN

(CNN) — Arizona’s SB1062 has pulled off a sort of political magic trick, in that warring sides can read the bill’s text and have not only different reactions, but completely opposite ones.
While proponents of gay rights dub the bill oppressive, those in favor of the bill becoming law say it represents freedom.
Freedom vs. oppression: That’s the polar contrast Gov. Jan Brewer must consider as she sits down to “listen to both sides” this week ahead of her decision whether to sign or veto the bill that has divided her state and drawn national and commercial interests into the fray.
Brewer has until Saturday to make her call, and her fellow Republicans in the state Legislature have suggested that a veto is likely.
In short, SB1062 would amend the existing Religious Freedom Restoration Act, allowing business owners to deny service to gay and lesbian customers so long as proprietors were acting solely on their religious beliefs.

The bill’s advocates insist that those claiming SB1062 amounts to bigotry and discrimination have hijacked and misrepresented its aims.

“The attacks on SB1062 show politics at its absolute worse. They represent precisely why so many people are sick of the modern political debate. Instead of having an honest discussion about the true meaning of religious liberty, opponents of the bill have hijacked this discussion through lies, personal attacks, and irresponsible reporting,” said Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, which lent a hand in scribing the bill.
Kellie Fiedorek, an attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom, which also helped craft the bill, called SB1062 a “balancing test” that would protect all religions and sexual orientations while prohibiting Arizonans from “coercing someone to violate their sincerely held beliefs.”
“This bill has nothing to do with discrimination. It’s protecting basic freedoms that belong to everyone,” she said, explaining that it would protect a gay photographer’s decision not to work for Westboro Baptist Church, or Muslims who don’t want to sell “pork sandwiches on a Saturday.”
Brewer has a history
A dreadnought of the conservative cause, Brewer rarely shies from controversy and, often in the face of staunch political and economic backlash, has boldly defended her stances on the economy, gun rights, regulation, taxation, immigration and even wagging her finger in the face of President Barack Obama.
“I don’t rely a whole lot on my gut because I have to look at what (the bill) says and what the law says and take that information and do the right thing,” she said from the National Governors Association’s winter meeting in Washington. “I will do the right thing for the state of Arizona.”
But since Thursday, when the state House of Representatives OK’d the bill by a 33-27 margin and sent it to Brewer’s desk, what’s right for Arizona has become somewhat amorphous.
Already, three GOP senators who voted in favor of SB1062, including a co-sponsor, Sen. Bob Worsley, have changed their minds. The bill passed the state Senate 17-13 with the “yea” votes of the three senators.
“While our sincere intent in voting for the bill was to create a shield for all citizens’ religious liberties, the bill has instead been mischaracterized by its opponents as a sword for religious intolerance. These allegations are causing our state immeasurable harm,” Worsley and Sens. Adam Driggs and Steve Pierce said in a letter sent to Brewer on Monday.
“As Arizona leaders we feel it is important to loudly proclaim that we strongly condemn discrimination in any form,” the letter said.
Backlash bubbles up
The National Football League, which has scheduled Super Bowl XLIX for the Phoenix suburb of Glendale next year, has a like stance, and league spokesman Brian McCarthy issued a Monday statement to that effect, saying, “We are following the issue in Arizona and will continue to do so should the bill be signed into law, but will decline further comment at this time.”
The state’s own Super Bowl Host Committee was more blunt in its statement, which said it strives to promote “economic vitality” and “adoption of this legislation would not only run contrary to that goal but deal a significant blow to the state’s economic growth potential. We do not support this legislation.”
A few Fortune 500 companies concur, as Marriott warned Brewer in a letter that the legislation “would have profound negative impacts on the hospitality industry,” and American Airlines CEO Doug Parker told the governor that signing the bill “would jeopardize all that has been accomplished so far.”
Apple, which is building a glass plant in Mesa that’s slated to create hundreds of jobs, said Monday that it, too, was urging Brewer to veto SB1062.
The state Chamber of Commerce and Greater Phoenix Economic Council have come out against the bill as well, and local businesses in Tucson and Phoenix have also taken strong stances.
Scott Koehler of Phoenix FASTSIGNS has printed off dozens of signs saying “Open for business to everyone,” which he’s giving away to businesses. In Tucson, Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria took to its Facebook page to post a photo of a sign reading, “We reserve the right to refuse service to Arizona legislators.”
Arizona bill: Discrimination or freedom?
But while opposition to the bill has been loud — and has included the condemnations of John McCain and Jeff Flake, the state’s Republican U.S. senators — there are those who say the bill is vital in a nation that has increasingly turned hostile toward religion.
Whom does it protect?
Said the Center for Arizona Policy’s Herrod, “Simply put, the fear-mongering from opponents is unrelated to the language of the bill, and proves that hostility towards people of faith is very real. It’s a shame we even need a bill like this in America. But growing hostility against freedom in our nation, and the increasing use of government to threaten and punish its own citizens, has made it necessary.”
State Sen. Al Melvin, a hopeful to succeed Brewer, told CNN’s Anderson Cooper that Arizona was a “people friendly” state and that SB1062 was merely a “pre-emptive” measure that would prevent attacks on religion in the future.
“All of the pillars of society are under attack in the United States: the family, the traditional family, traditional marriage, mainline churches, the Boy Scouts, you name it,” he said.
Asked if he could cite specific examples of attacks on Arizonans’ freedom of religion, Melvin replied, “Not now, no, but what about tomorrow?”
Pressed further about whether the bill could be used to deny service to divorcees or unwed mothers on religious grounds, he scoffed.
“I think you’re being farfetched,” he told Cooper. “Who would discriminate against them? I’ve never heard of discrimination against people like that. … I don’t know of anybody in Arizona that would discriminate against a fellow human being.”
Arizona constitutionally outlawed same-sex marriages in 2008, and legal experts say nothing in present Arizona law would prevent a business owner from discriminating against gays and lesbians, making SB1062 unnecessary.
Brewer alluded to these provisions in an interview after SB1062 was passed last week.
“I think anybody that owns a business can choose who they work with or who they don’t work with,” she said.
While Arizonans on both sides of the issue, as well as the nation at large, keep keen eyes on Phoenix as Brewer ponders her decision, the governor has hinted that the issue, for her, may come down to whether the ban or protection of freedom — depending on how you view it — needs to be enshrined in state law.
“I don’t know that it needs to be statutory. In my life and in my businesses, if I don’t want to do business or if I don’t want to deal with a particular company or person or whatever, I’m not interested. That’s America. That’s freedom.”
fic examples of attacks on Arizonans’ freedom of religion, Melvin replied, “Not now, no, but what about tomorrow?”
Pressed further about whether the bill could be used to deny service to divorcees or unwed mothers on religious grounds, he scoffed.
“I think you’re being farfetched,” he told Cooper. “Who would discriminate against them? I’ve never heard of discrimination against people like that. … I don’t know of anybody in Arizona that would discriminate against a fellow human being.”
Arizona constitutionally outlawed same-sex marriages in 2008, and legal experts say nothing in present Arizona law would prevent a business owner from discriminating against gays and lesbians, making SB1062 unnecessary.
Brewer alluded to these provisions in an interview after SB1062 was passed last week.
“I think anybody that owns a business can choose who they work with or who they don’t work with,” she said.
While Arizonans on both sides of the issue, as well as the nation at large, keep keen eyes on Phoenix as Brewer ponders her decision, the governor has hinted that the issue, for her, may come down to whether the ban or protection of freedom — depending on how you view it — needs to be enshrined in state law.
“I don’t know that it needs to be statutory. In my life and in my businesses, if I don’t want to do business or if I don’t want to deal with a particular company or person or whatever, I’m not interested. That’s America. That’s freedom.”

Pelosi Joins Spelman College President Tatum for Conversation on Public Service and Leadership

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Birmingham Times

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February 27, 2014

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ATLANTA, Ga. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi joined Spelman College President Beverly Tatum at the 2014 Spelman Convocation for a conversation on leadership, service and the role of women in public life. At Spelman, the nation’s oldest historically Black college for women, Leader Pelosi encouraged students to take on an active role in combatting injustice and moving the country forward. Acknowledging the many obstacles facing women in America, Leader Pelosi challenged students to believe in their power to make a unique contribution to the common good. “Indifference,” said Pelosi, “is the greatest opponent of all.”
Leader Pelosi, the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives, also urged the audience to develop a vision and a strategic plan for progress, calling on all women to engage in the crafting of public policy. Indeed, Leader Pelosi advocated for common-sense policies that will unleash the power of women and grow the economy. Specifically, she highlighted House Democrats’ When Women Succeed, America Succeeds, which includes policy to ensure equal pay for women, access to paid sick leave and affordable child care.
Speaking before a vibrant and energized crowd at Spelman’s Sisters Chapel, Leader Pelosi reminded students of a truth that President Obama reiterated in his State of the Union Address: when women succeed, America succeeds. Spelman students responded to the Leader’s call to action with optimism and enthusiasm, recognizing, as the Leader said today, that “women are the answer.”

Community wrestles with unhealed wounds 2 years after death of Trayvon Martin

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Birmingham Times

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February 27, 2014

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Last summer, as the nation awaited a verdict in the murder trial of George Zimmerman for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, msnbc reporter Trymaine Lee and award-winning photographer Wayne Lawrence spent time in the historic African-American community of Goldsboro, not far from where Martin was killed, to examine the social and economic state of the neighborhood before and after the teen’s death.
In interviews and images, the people of Goldsboro tell their stories of struggle, resilience and what’s it’s like to be Black in Sanford.
It’s been two years this week since 17-year-old high school student Trayvon Martin was shot to death in Sanford, Fla. And just about seven months since his killer, George Zimmerman, was acquitted of murder charges in Martin’s death.
Zimmerman claimed he killed the unarmed teen in self-defense. Over the summer, a jury of six believed him, clearing him of any wrongdoing in Martin’s death. While the criminal case against Zimmerman was put to bed with the verdict, the broader social implications of the case continue to ripple from Sanford and beyond.
But long before Martin’s killing sparked anger and protests across the country and drew thousands to this central Florida city once known as the “Celery Capital of the World,” Sanford’s Black communities had been wrestling with racial strife and economic inequality.
Like so many other American towns, Sanford is two largely distinct worlds: one white and one Black. Most of Sanford’s African-American residents live in a handful of neighborhoods like Goldsboro and Midway, where employment opportunities are few and poverty and hopelessness run high. Violence, including gunfire, is common. And many Black residents complain of harsh, unfair treatment by the police.
It was in Goldsboro, a community haunted by generations of segregation and oppression, that the first protests after Martin’s killing began.
Income and achievement gaps in Sanford have widened in the decades since Civil Rights era victories had theoretically thinned the boundaries between the races. And more recent efforts to highlight and celebrate the vast contributions of Sanford’s Black community have been a welcomed respite from a history fraught with as much pain as hope.
MSNBC Trymaine Lee, Amy Pereira and Maria Lokke, contributed to this story.

Travel Around the World – Right Here in Chattanooga

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Birmingham Times

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February 27, 2014

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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Spring Break is just around the corner and that means nine days of vacation! Chattanooga’s Spring Break Safari offers a great way to get out of the house, recharge and spend some quality family time together.
The special, inclusive Spring Break Safari is anything but ordinary. The city has been transformed into a place where kids rule and adventure is everywhere. Kids can’t resist exploring the world with lots of hands-on activities designed just for them.
What if kids could be… a Keeper Kid and feed and mingle with sharks and sea turtles; Spelunker deep in a cavern; Sword Fighter on an enchanted trail; Pirate and navigate the Tennessee River; Art Explorer and uncover hidden treasures; Conductor aboard a traincar; Zoologist encountering chimpanzees, jaguars, reptiles and camels; indoor Fort Builder in a giant living room; Engineer on a trolley; or a Culinary Creator whipping up sweets?
Families can also explore Chattanooga on the 13-site Scavenger Hunt, an exciting way to learn more about each attraction and different areas throughout the city. There are a series of clues – both outside and inside the attractions as well as around the city – that need to be answered and then documented by taking pictures. The Scavenger Hunt can be accessed on the mobile site or viewed in the official Spring Break Safari Guide located at any of the participating attractions. The Guide can also be downloaded online.
Take advantage of exclusive Spring Break Safari Packages that include overnight accommodations and a variety of the Spring Break Safari adventures.  Get the full scoop on Chattanooga’s Spring Break Safari.
For a complete listing of events in Chattanooga, view the Events Calendar.

Classifieds

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Birmingham Times

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February 27, 2014

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Employment

Position: Sales Representative (2)
Resume Deadline: March 8, 2014

SummitMedia WAGG-AM Birmingham and WALJ-FM Tuscaloosa are looking for Full Time Sales Professionals. This is a position that involves the sale of advertising on air, on line and on site through sponsorship opportunities offered throughout the year. The candidate will be expected to establish relationships with clients that are strong enough for the clients to converse comfortably with the seller and share their most pressing challenges with the seller so that the seller will be able to bring back a well thought out solution for the client. Other responsibilities include: finding and acquiring new business opportunities, attending networking events and generally presenting a professional and polished image of the company they represent. Candidate will also work closely with internal departments (ie: programming, promotions, business and traffic) to help fulfill the client’s expectation with regard to all areas of their business relationship with the company.

The successful candidate must be flexible, personable and able to orchestrate sales and promotional plans developed for clients successfully. The successful candidate must also be organized, dependable, self-motivated and project a professional appearance and friendly demeanor. A valid driver’s license and background check are required.
If interested in applying for this position, please forward a resume to SummitMedia Sales Department, Attention Linda McNeal, 2700 Corporate Drive, Suite 115, Birmingham, Alabama 35242, or forward electronically to Linda.McNeal@summitmediacorp.com.

It is the policy of SummitMedia, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to all
qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age or sex
in all personnel actions including recruitment, evaluation, selection, promotion,
compensation, training and termination.

Discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, age or sex is prohibited. If you believe you have been the victim of discrimination, you may notify the Federal Communications Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other appropriate agency.
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Director, Malone Center for Excellence in Teaching – FT, 12 mos. professional staff; plan & deliver faculty development; oversee campus teaching center; coordinate selection & funding for faculty development grants, awards, sabbaticals; teach classes in instructional technology; earned doctorate required; experience working with faculty across all disciplines required; budget & personnel management experience required. Apply to:
https://jobs.montevallo.edu
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CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Royal Cup Coffee, the leading coffee roaster and nationwide provider of gourmet coffees, teas and allied products offers an excellent opportunity for highly motivated and skilled individuals. We are currently accepting applications for an immediate opening for a Chief Financial Officer.

The CFO will supervise, control, interpret and communicate the results of operations of the organization to provide information and guidance to the business operators and management, corporate officers, Board of Directors and financial institutions.
Royal Cup offers competitive wages and an opportunity to grow your career. Royal Cup Coffee is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Minority/Female/Disability/Veterans. To apply please visit online at
www.royalcupcoffee.com
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(logo)
CSD SALES SUPPORT
Royal Cup Coffee, the leading coffee roaster and nationwide provider of gourmet coffees, teas and allied products offers an excellent opportunity for highly motivated and skilled individuals. We are currently accepting applications for an immediate opening for a full time, CSD Sales Support.
Sales Support will assist our Convenience Store Division with all aspects of selling new accounts as well as provide administrative support to our existing accounts.
Royal Cup offers competitive wages and an opportunity to grow your career. Royal Cup Coffee is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minority/Female/Disability/Veterans. To apply please visit online at
www.royalcupcoffee.com/.
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Systems Analyst: Analysis, design, implement,
optimize and enhance of wireless networks
in supply chain planning.. Proficient in SAP SCM Functional
Consulting. Associate’s Degree plus 4 yrs exp. Certified in SAP.
Travel required nationally. My Supply Chain Group,
Birmingham Alabama. Send resumes to:
resume@mysupplychaingroup.com
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DRIVERS

Drivers: $10,000.00 Bonus to Teams with Hazmat!
Dedicated Run get home weekly, 4500 to 5600 miles
a week, great benefits, equipment!
Teams Call Transco Lines Today: 1-866-423-4367
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AUTOMOBILE

2006 B.M.W. 325-I Loaded Call Ivory 205-821-0491
2007 Chevy Avalanche Bose stereo Fully loaded Call Floyd Morris 205-587-4313
2009 Kia Optima LX Black
Call Sammy 205-814-8454
2010 Chevrolet Camaro Yellow Hard to Find Call Ivory 205-821-0491
2006 Chevy Silverado Extended cab Real Work Truck Call Floyd Morris 205-587-4313
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RESIDENT MANAGER

Resident Manager. Hueytown, live in 2 bedroom, 40 unit complex. Approximate salary $1,000.00 per month. Need paint, sheetrock, plumbing, heat & air skills. Provide your own tools. Must pass background check. Call 205-879-2177 ext. 213. Apply in person at 2710 20th Street South, Homewood AL 35209.
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APARTMENT FOR RENT

Hueytown. 2 weeks Free Rent! Pay 1 month rent, plus $300.00 deposit. Edenberry Apartments. Total electric, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, central a/c. Residence private on-site laundry. No washer/dryer hook-ups. 1 bedroom $495 water furnished. 2 & 3 bedroom starting at $550, tenant pay water on 2 & 3 bedrooms. 425 Oakwood Avenue, Hueytown 35023. Call 205-879-2177 ext. 200 or 213.
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LEGALS

PUBLIC NOTICE
The Jefferson County Housing Authority will distribute Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher applications:

Date: Thursday, March 6, 2014
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location:
Jefferson County Housing Authority
3700 Industrial Parkway
Birmingham, Alabama 35217

Completed applications must be returned to the address below and postmarked no later than March 18, 2014 (closing date). Persons with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation in picking up an application may call the Jefferson County Housing Authority at 205-244-1321 to make special arrangements to complete their application.

The JCHA will have a lottery drawing for 300 applicants to be placed on the waiting list. The applicants drawn will be notified in writing.

DUPLICATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

Mail applications to:
Jefferson County Housing Authority
Section 8 Department
3700 Industrial Parkway
Birmingham, Alabama 35217
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TO:
Prospective Bidders

INVITATION FOR BID NUMBER:
14-05

SEPARATE SEALED BIDS FOR:
Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Services

BIDS WILL BE RECEIVED AT:
HABD Central Office

Procurement Administrator

1826 Third Avenue South

Birmingham, AL 35233-1905

BID OPENING:

DATE:
March 14, 2014

TIME:
10:00 a.m. CST

LOCATION:
HABD Central Office
1826 Third Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233-1905

By submission of a bid, the bidder agrees, that if the bid is accepted, to enter into a contract with the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD), to complete all work as specified or indicated in the bid documents, for the contract price and within the contract time indicated in the attached IFB. The bidder further accepts all of the terms and conditions of the IFB.

The bid will remain open for the period specified in the IFB, must be independently arrived at, and be prepared in accordance with the instructions to bidders (form HUD-5369). In addition, the HUD-required certifications must be completed and submitted as part of the bid (see form HUD-5369).

A pre-bid conference will be held in accordance with the terms listed above. All bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid conference.

The bid price(s) will be included as provided in the attached IFB. Unless otherwise specified in the IFB, all prices will be on a firm-fixed-price basis and are not subject to adjustments based on costs incurred.

Bidders should be advised that, prior to award of any contract, the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District reserves the right to conduct a pre-award survey for the purpose of determining the bidder’s responsibility and capacity to perform the contract. This survey may include review of subcontracting agreements, financial capacity, and the quality of work performed on other contracts.

All bids must be signed and dated. If a joint venture is submitting the bid, each joint venture must sign the bid. Late bids will be handled in accordance with the form HUD-5369.

A copy of this solicitation is available at www.habd.org under the Purchasing and Procurement Section. Questions regarding the attached IFB should be directed to the Procurement Administrator, in writing within ten days prior to the date and time set for the bid opening. Questions received after the deadline will not be answered.

Contracting Officer:
Naomi H. Truman, Executive Director
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TO:

Prospective Bidders
DATE:
February 5, 2014

INVITATION FOR BID NUMBER:
14-06

SEPARATE SEALED BIDS FOR:
Waste Removal Services

PRE-BID CONFERENCE DATE/TIME:
February 18, 2014 / 10:00 A.M. CST

LOCATION:
HABD Central Office
1826 Third Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233-1905

BID OPENING:

DATE:
March 4, 2014