In politics, the ancient art of role-playing has evolved dramatically, especially in the first quarter of the 21st century. This evolution is moving from mere pretense to full-fledged political theater, and there is a high risk of sending states and states spiraling towards the horizon of stupidity.
The 2024 Alabama Legislature is a stark example of this issue. Here, lawmakers are bowing to the demands of the Christian right, moving the country closer to Christian nationalist policies. This proliferation of laws is aimed at controlling and controlling individual rights and freedoms and is justified by gross misinterpretations of Biblical scripture. This is a Machiavellian sham, a cunning, deceitful and ruthless political performance, all used to cling to power and manipulate the ethical standards of others in order to maintain or gain advantage. .
Consider the controversial HB164, also known as the “Pornographic ID Act.” The law requires pornographic websites to verify the age of visitors with government-issued photo identification. Although this law is ostensibly intended to protect minors, it is instead intended to restrict the freedom of adults under the guise of moral sanctity. This bill was not passed out of genuine concern, but as a political ploy to appease the fanatics and prevent the passage of an even more abhorrent law, HB167. Both bills have been set aside in the past by reasonable legislators who understand the absurdity and frivolous nature of the proposed bills. But this term, lawmakers bowed to right-wing religious pressure and powerful lobbyists and chose the lesser of two evils.
HB167 proposes that all mobile devices in Alabama have a pre-enabled obscene content filter, but it faces significant technical, legal, and economic challenges. Despite these concerns, the bill passed the House and now awaits action in the Senate. No Republican wants to be seen as allowing access to child pornography, so this bill will likely pass if it gets to the Senate floor. But anyone with common sense knows that this bill is overly aggressive and will not protect children any more effectively than pornographic ID laws.
The absurdity of these laws is clear. Anyone who understands the basics of technology knows that her 15-year-old child with an Internet connection can easily circumvent parental controls and age verification software. This law doesn’t really protect children. It merely appeases a vocal group of moralists.
Once a symbol of collective will, governments have become tools of oppression used to stifle dissent and mandate a singular worldview. If this trend continues, Alabama will become a state where freedom of thought and expression is suppressed, a tragic outcome orchestrated by a minority imposing its extremist beliefs.
It is clear that the Republican Party, once a beacon of individual freedom and a bulwark against big government, is beginning to resemble a rebirth of the sacred roller tent. It’s no longer about inclusivity or principled conservatism, it’s about placating a small group of angry crusaders.
For many, like state Rep. Susan DeVose, governing has become performative. Susan DeBose roams the halls of the state Capitol with her social media assistant, providing real-time updates to her online followers. DeBose is a self-righteous “church lady” straight out of an SNL skit. This is acting, not governing. Some members of Congress intentionally made outlandish statements or acted like demigods in order to win invitations to her talk radio show. This is not governance, this is madness.
Let’s take a look at the measures enacted during the 2024 session. Each step is narrowly justified: black and gay history bans, white supremacist legislation disguised as anti-CRT and ESG, and even court decisions declaring frozen embryos human. A religious perspective rather than science, history, or logic. The government is used as an iron fist to suppress freedom of thought and expression, imposing a yoke of conformity through the demands of the religious right.
Against this backdrop of accommodation and manipulation, Alabama, and indeed other states suffering from similar conditions, need leaders willing to resist these radical policies. We don’t need historical figures like Reagan, Churchill, or Truman. It only takes individuals who have the courage to speak the truth and act responsibly.
If we fail to defend such leaders, we will all suffer under the weight of these histrionic politicians and their despicable promoters. Now is the time for change, lest today’s political drama become tomorrow’s tragic governance.
