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(Tenured Radical)

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

A Letter in Today's
Montgomery Advertiser



We Alabamians can finally say we are No. 1 one in the nation in something -- the highest paid football coach. We not only have one, but two, of the highest paid coaches within the top six in the United States -- Nick Saban at $4 million a year, and Tommy Tuberville at $2.23 million.

But where is Alabama ranked within the nation in health care, the poverty level and public education? Schott's Almanac, 2007, reports Alabama is tied with West Virginia for the fifth highest infant mortality rate in the country. I am a graduate of one of the two schools mentioned above and I am deeply ashamed of the imprudent use of our university funds.

Football in Alabama is no longer a sport, but a religion. The chapel or cathedral is the 80,000-plus-seat stadium where adherents gather during football season. The high priests are the coaches and players. The faithful attendees of this religion also give generously to the athletic fund and fork out top dollar for game tickets.

When will the religious leaders of Alabama and their faithful members see this as a huge moral problem? Where is Christian radio and TV? Where are the social activists who have championed such causes as racial equality or citizens against drunk drivers?

This distorted religion must be challenged. Are we Alabamians morally strong enough to meet and defeat this false god? Only time will tell.

Jim Oliver
Montgomery