Meat and three sides. Classic southern diner staple.

And the hills around Birmingham are pretty amazing, especially in the winter. Very stark, with all the granite exposed.

I had basic training and MP school and Fort McClellan (sp) in Aniston, AL. It was in the foot hills and gorgeous. but Wallace was the governor so leaving the post was not fun for my African-American compatriots.

I can only imagine.

Speaking of Wallace, though, a really touching essay by his daughter, Peggy Wallace Kennedy on CNN today.

[link]

especially in the winter. Very stark, with all the granite exposed.

I drove through Birmingham during the month of December on my way from Memphis to Tampa way back when. With all apologies to those who love the area, I thought it was ugly as hell. It could be that the interstate ran past some heavily industrial areas. All I knew was it didn't look like a place I wanted to stop and visit.

The city itself is UGH and industrial (or at least, was many moons ago). I likened it sort of to a Pittsburgh or Cleveland of the south. However, north of the city is very nice.

Well, winter usually doesn't present most places at their best. And I didn't have time to explore the area; it was fast track to get to and back while on leave. I mean, I like Detroit because I have tons of relatives there, but if I was just driving by on the interstate? Not necessarily a place I'd want to stop just by its looks.

Y'all don't know about the black belt? Billy, here. EDIT - link fixed, I hope.

My diehard conservative parents live near the SE corner of the state. I love that their Congressman is now Democrat Bobby Bright.

Also, I'm not used to watching Fox News eat one of its own, but this is fascinating: [link]

sarameg that sounds like an awesome trip! You must go, if there's any way to swing it.

Also, is there really a Godless American PAC?

I don't know but I wouldn't be surprised.

ok, so this is the third instance that I have seen of Smith where he seems not at all bad. I don't watch tv news, but is that normal, is he actually balanced?

B'ham is ... different. My brother lives near Trussville but works downtown. Driving from the airport to, well, anywhere, you get an acquaintance with southern poverty. He used to live in a beautiful, but crumbling, house in the old city. On the edge of gentrification, but the outside edge. The poverty and racism were laid bare there. It has it's beauty, but.

They want to leave. I won't lie about that. It isn't just their sons having accents, it is the racism laid out before them, unhidden because they are so very white. And both don't want their kids to grow accustomed to that.

I just rewatched Obama's acceptance speech. Will be puffy eyed again tomorrow. GODDAMNED. It was as lovely as I recalled. And I kinda adore the Obamas' casual affection, whether between family and husband and wife, or MIchelle stroking the hair of (I presume) Biden's granddaughters. It's just so ...normal and kind and natural.

Anyway. I've pretty much decided I WILL go to this inauguration, even if only to stare at the backs of other peoples' heads. msbelle, you should join me.