The legacy of our state is one of political corruption that has held our state back. And one of the worst episodes of this sad legacy was the lawlessness that pervaded Phenix City in 1954. Today, Alabama is locked in another chapter of this decades old conflict. But the current debate is really not about gambling; it is about whether or not the laws of the state of Alabama mean anything and whether our elected officials have the courage and integrity to uphold them.
I urge you to watch this two part interview of former Alabama Gov. John Patterson conducted by the Alabama Policy Institute. Gov. Patterson talks about the history of Phenix City, the assassination of his father, and the current threat of corruption in Alabama:
“You Don’t Want That in Your Town” – Former Governor John Patterson Recalls Gambling’s Consequences
Illegal Gambling: “It’s Not Encouraging to See It Come Back”
These videos were produced by Alabama Policy Institute New Media after being privileged to interview Governor Patterson and have access to many of the same materials others have used to tell his story. Alabama Policy Institute is a non-profit, research and educational institute dedicated to influencing public policy. We do this by identifying, developing and promoting innovative policy ideas, and by providing fact-based, objective analysis of key issues.