By Bill Britt
Alabama Political Reporter
As one more accuser steps forward, it is now difficult to see Roy Moore’s path progress in his bid to become a senator from Alabama. There is already too much carnage left in the wake of the allegations against him.
But knowing Moore, he will not stand down. If he quits, he’s admitting guilt. If he stays, it will most likely only get worse for his accusers, the state of Alabama and for Moore and his family. But I don’t think retreat is in his nature.
Those women who have come forward with allegations against Moore should be respected and their claims not simply dismissed as a political ploy.
Let me be clear: Any impropriety with a child is abhorrent and should not only be condemned, but prosecuted as a heinous crime. That is my position and that of the Alabama Political Reporter.
To destroy a child’s youth to gratify carnal lust is to rob a tender soul of trust, kindness and even hope. What animals some can become in search of sexual satisfaction, and Susan and I will never condone or defend such actions.
APR will always dig for the truth, as anyone who knows our work will attest.
Along with our reporting, we are a forum for opinions. As Editor-in-Chief, I do not always agree with what is written, but I stand for the right to express thoughts that are left, right and center. APR doesn’t filter or bridle our writers, nor do I feel we should. The antidote for speech that we don’t like is more speech.
The brittle discourse on social media and the willingness to vilify from both left and right in the most hateful terms is disheartening to me as a person who still believes we are better when we talk than when we shout.
Longfellow said, “Youth comes but once in a lifetime.” Let me add to that – anyone who scars a young one, especially to satiate base desires, is the lowest of creatures.
Roy Moore is being judged even now. What will come, I fear, is a continued fight in which there are no winners.
These are the times when I wish politics was not so wretched, that there was more light than darkness, and our hearts and minds are not hardened beyond repair.
Pope Paul VI said, “Never reach out your hand unless you’re willing to extend an arm.” These words are the heart of what Susan and I have for the people of our state. We began APR with the hope that its pages would serve as a home for good journalism and engaging thought.
While we have and will fall short of that goal, never let it be said that we or those who work with us are not trying.
