http://www.times-journal.com/report.lasso?WCD=5118

Don’t lose Aderholt’s message

By J.D. Davidson
The Times-Journal

Published January 25, 2006

It may not have seemed the best time for Robert Aderholt to come to Fort Payne, but he was here. And that’s not unusual.

Last summer, just weeks after President Bush’s controversial trade agreement CAFTA passed the House, eventually with Aderholt’s consent, the Republican Congressman marched into the heart of Fort Payne’s hosiery industry to defend his vote and plead for patience and understanding.

Now, with the word casino resting on nearly everyone’s tongue and in the wake substantial job cuts at DeSoto Mills, Aderholt was here again. This time, though, he came for children.

Aderholt was the keynote speaker Tuesday at a luncheon honoring those who have selflessly given their time to help steer youngsters in the right direction. He honored those who have volunteered as mentors through the Partnership for a Drug Free DeKalb.

There was, however, no doubt Aderholt’s mind was also on gambling and job losses. He couldn’t help it, and there was little chance people in Fort Payne would have let him forget either topic.

But, at least he came, which is more than anybody can say about Gov. Bob Riley. Riley did a quick schedule change Friday, backing out of a trip scheduled Monday for Fort Payne to instead visit Centre. The idea was for Riley to stump for his plan for school construction. His questions, however, would have been about his promise to stop gambling in Fort Payne.

Officially, the reason for Riley’s sudden switch is a scheduling conflict. Sure.

But there was Robert Aderholt, pushing his promise to oppose Indian gaming in his district, and again telling people in Fort Payne that a CAFTA deal worked out with President Bush will save jobs instead of costing them.

While the news surrounding Aderholt is important, it’s also critical to not lose sight of the reason he was here. He was here to help children. He was here to encourage others to lend their time and their talents to our future.

He braved the controversy to share his message. The least we can do is share our wisdom with those searching for answers.