New book by Larry Connors Click here Improve your trading - See how
We're not accustomed to such prosperity and positive publicity.
Alas, the state that's produced so many items of note -- the bravery of Rosa Parks, the brilliance of Hugo Black, the legacy of Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver and the Tuskeegee Airmen, the prowess of Hank Aaron and Willie Mays and Satchel Paige -- still isn't used to being told it's really, really good at many things.
Each month, statistics from reliable studies tell sad tales about Alabama's standing in providing social safety nets, in assisting the needy, in educating its children, in ensuring fair government and elections.
And each year, despite prodding from countless advocacy groups, informed residents and brave politicians, the Legislature often does the minimal in its efforts to fund programs and enact legislation that could make a real difference for those who call Alabama home. To wit:
Alabama's 45th in the number of infant deaths per 1,000.
Alabama's 47th in the number of teenage deaths per 100,000.
Alabama's 41st in U.S. child poverty rankings.
Alabama's 48th in the reputable Kids Count report that judges states on child-welfare issues.
Alabama's 48th in air quality and environmental polices, Forbes.com says.
And Alabama's 49th in campaign finance disclosure policies, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts.
Granted, Alabama has its successes, too. (Though, they can be harder to find.) If anything it is a state of immense beauty, with rivers and streams and natural resources that other states envy. So let's not push forward an idea that Alabama is a lost cause; those who love this state still hold great hope.
Nevertheless, it's a bit odd to see a significant national ranking -- no doubt, college football is significant in this state -- have the word "Alabama" at the top of its rankings. (And, yes, the same would be true if it were Auburn listed at No. 1. Perhaps another year.)
So if you wear crimson, or if you simply cheer for any of the state's successes, be glad that the Crimson Tide has given Alabama some duly deserved positive publicity. And remember: Some of us don't know how to react to such optimistic vibes.
To see more of The Anniston Star or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.annistonstar.com/. Copyright (c) 2008, The Anniston Star, Ala. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
More News:
Market Updates |
Stock Alerts |
All Trading News |
Stock Index
About TradingMarkets | Contact | Advertise | Careers | Link to Us | Site Map | Help | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Return Policy | Testimonials | Feedback
The Connors Group, Inc. ("Company") is not an investment advisory service, nor a registered investment advisor or broker-dealer and does not purport to tell or suggest which securities or currencies customers should buy or sell for themselves. The analysts and employees or affiliates of Company may hold positions in the stocks, currencies or industries discussed here. You understand and acknowledge that there is a very high degree of risk involved in trading securities and/or currencies. The Company, the authors, the publisher, and all affiliates of Company assume no responsibility or liability for your trading and investment results. Factual statements on the Company's website, or in its publications, are made as of the date stated and are subject to change without notice.
It should not be assumed that the methods, techniques, or indicators presented in these products will be profitable or that they will not result in losses. Past results of any individual trader or trading system published by Company are not indicative of future returns by that trader or system, and are not indicative of future returns which be realized by you. In addition, the indicators, strategies, columns, articles and all other features of Company's products (collectively, the "Information") are provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Examples presented on Company's website are for educational purposes only. Such set-ups are not solicitations of any order to buy or sell. Accordingly, you should not rely solely on the Information in making any investment. Rather, you should use the Information only as a starting point for doing additional independent research in order to allow you to form your own opinion regarding investments. You should always check with your licensed financial advisor and tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment.
HYPOTHETICAL OR SIMULATED PERFORMANCE RESULTS HAVE CERTAIN INHERENT LIMITATIONS. UNLIKE AN ACTUAL PERFORMANCE RECORD, SIMULATED RESULTS DO NOT REPRESENT ACTUAL TRADING AND MAY NOT BE IMPACTED BY BROKERAGE AND OTHER SLIPPAGE FEES. ALSO, SINCE THE TRADES HAVE NOT ACTUALLY BEEN EXECUTED, THE RESULTS MAY HAVE UNDER- OR OVER-COMPENSATED FOR THE IMPACT, IF ANY, OF CERTAIN MARKET FACTORS, SUCH AS LACK OF LIQUIDITY. SIMULATED TRADING PROGRAMS IN GENERAL ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO THE FACT THAT THEY ARE DESIGNED WITH THE BENEFIT OF HINDSIGHT. NO REPRESENTATION IS BEING MADE THAT ANY ACCOUNT WILL OR IS LIKELY TO ACHIEVE PROFITS OR LOSSES SIMILAR TO THOSE SHOWN.
The Connors Group, Inc.
15260 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 2200
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
© Copyright 2009 The Connors Group, Inc.
