Tag Archives: Alabama

THE SIMPLICITY OF LANGUAGE: SUCCESSFUL RECORDS ACCESS BILLS

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Maine State Senator Paula Benoit believes that simplicity of language is the key to passage of records access bills. She is correct. Compare the simplicity of language of Oregon Ballot Measure 58, Alabama HB 690, HB New Hampshire SB 335 and Maine LB 1084 to the convoluted 77-page Illinois HB 4623 with its plethora of forms, preferences and vetoes which would confound a busload of Chicago lawyers. Would adopta-doyens Rep. Feigenholtz and Melisha Mitchell care to explain why it takes them 77 pages to write a bill that was covered in two sentences in Oregon, and only a couple pages in Alabama, New Hampshire and Maine? Where’s the pork? OREGONBallot Measure 58:Upon receipt of a written application to the state registrar, any adopted person 21 years of age and older born in the state of Oregon shall be issued a certified copy of his/her unaltered, original and unamended certificate of birth in the custody of the state registrar, with procedures, filing fees, and waiting periods identical to those imposed upon non-adopted citizens of the State of Oregon pursuant to ORS 432.120 and 432.146. Contains no exceptions. ALABAMAHB 690Rep(s). By Representatives Dolbare and Fuller HB690EngrossedUnder existing law, an adopted person born Continue Reading →

TOUGH DECISIONS: THE DUMPSTER OR THE ADOPTION AGENCY?

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A few days ago employees in the pick-through room of a thrift shop in Birmingham, Alabama found the body of a newborn. The unfortunate discovery was met with the usual vexation and confusion amongst the town’s metro types. An exception, was Tammy Gardner, a book pricer at the store. Upon discovery of the body, Miss Tammy, who also holds prayer meetings and Bible study for employees. threw an impromptu prayer service at the facility. “I just told them that it’s a terrible, awful thing, but we don’t have to worry about the baby anymore (she’s) in the hands of the Lord,” she told the Birmingham News. “She’ll never feel pain or hurt or fear….We prayed for justice. God says vengeance is His and He will repay.” Bastardette, having lived a couple of years in a small deep south town during her misspent youth, finds this gothic response to the tragedy familiar and comfortable–a simple response that doesn’t flog the air with theoretical arguments and professional meddling. A thoroughly unmodern attitude. A few days later, a letter appeared in the Birmingham News. Tom Cook, Director of Catholic Family Services, prompted by the tragic discovery, wanted to remind people–especially women–of services to Continue Reading →