Friday, March 29, 2024

Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections

Email to Susana Schuler and Brendan Kirby
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Susana Schuler <susana.schuler@hearst.com>; brendan.kirby@fox10tv.com <brendan.kirby@fox10tv.com>
Cc: Sharon Tinsley <stinsley@al-ba.com>; bsbutler@ua.edu <bsbutler@ua.edu>
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 06:26:18 PM CDT
Subject: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections
Dear Susana and Brendan:
I cannot shake wanting to press Alabama TV stations to do better in how they perform their journalistic obligations to their viewing public, particularly during the next seven months of the 2024 elections. Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com)
The two of you have previously replied to me, and I am sending this email to you to see whether you (or an associate of yours in Alabama TV news broadcasting) is willing to make a response to what I say in my blog entry Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Can retired AL TV news personages help improve AL TV news journalism? (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com). (For the record, I have not received any reaction or response to what I say in the preceding blog entry. Further, Ms. Sharon Tinsley, President of the Alabama Broadcasters Association, sometime ago advised me that the Association is not a venue for my trying to discuss how well Alabama TV stations are performing their journalistic obligations to their viewing public.)
Maybe I will give up on this after the 2024 elections are over. In the meantime, I almost consider it my civic duty to press Alabama TV stations on their journalistic obligations during the next seven months. I am not sure what I will do next, but, knowing me, I believe I will find ways to persist on this.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck

Email to WAFF general manager Jama Killingsworth
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: jama.killingsworth@waff.com <jama.killingsworth@waff.com>
Sent: Friday, April 19, 2024 at 06:46:42 PM CDT
Subject: All of us Alabamians doing better in our civic obligations
Dear Jama:
Please pardon another email from me.
Below is an email l sent yesterday to Susana Schuler and Brendan Kirby, regarding "Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections".
That email said I did not know what I would do "next" in the seven months remaining in the 2024 elections.
This is my "next," which I am directing to you because you are on the Board of Directors of the Alabama Broadcasters Association.
Please consider WAFF pursuing an undertaking that is initiated by an on-air statement by WAFF to its viewers in the vein of:
WAFF believes that we are living in a time during which there has been a collective failure of civic responsibility, and this has been having deleterious consequences in our national politics. WAFF believes this failure has occurred at the levels of institutions and leadership in Alabama and also at the citizen level. The failure includes us at WAFF. To try to mitigate the deleterious consequences for our 2024 elections, WAFF will include in our news programming in the coming months numerous segments (2 to 5 minutes long) in which WAFF will make commentary and have appropriate outside parties make commentary, motivated by civic responsibility, to improve the politics of our 2024 elections.
I hope the foregoing suggestion inspires soaring aspirational thoughts on your part.
I would love to talk to you about this.
Regardless, thank you for reading this.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email to Mike Wright and Kay Norred
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Mike Wright <mwright@waaytv.com>; Kay Norred <knorred@wvua23.com>
Cc: csmith@al.com <csmith@al.com>
Sent: Friday, April 19, 2024 at 07:12:30 PM CDT
Subject: All of us Alabamians doing better in our civic obligations
Dear Mike and Kay,
I have not heard from you in a while.
Please read the emails I have sent to Susana Schuler, Brendan Kirby and Jama Killingsworth that i have posted at Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
Then please read the below email I sent to Cameron Smith related to his opinion column at Cameron Smith: Bipartisan fears of civil war stoked in human soup - al.com.
Then, I hope the emails inspire soaring aspirational thoughts on your part regarding your TV stations.
Sincerely,
Rob
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: csmith@al.com <csmith@al.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 06:54:51 PM CDT
Subject: Bipartisan fears of civil war stoked in human soup
Dear Cameron:
Please consider the following questions that are prompted by your opinion column Cameron Smith: Bipartisan fears of civil war stoked in human soup - al.com.
Let me use three things you say.
First, you say with regard to January 6th, "Those who committed crimes should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
Further you say, "America’s genius is a society that agrees to solve our conflicts without bloodshed."
In connection with the foregoing, you say, "If the polling is to be believed, Trump has convinced two thirds of the GOP that he was the rightful winner. Yet he left office, and we haven’t had a war. Either Republicans don’t really believe Trump, or they’re solidly dedicated to the civil resolution of political conflict."
Here are my questions:
1. Do you think a major contributing factor in the problem is the extent to which the extremes on the two sides, with the complicity of their political leaders, control our politics and political discourse, and that a significant majority in the center is sidelined and cannot bring about compromise solutions? Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Can the two sides talk? (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
2. Do you think Alabama's institutions and leaders are failing in their civic responsibility that go along with their standing in Alabama and are failing to talk to Alabamians about what is going on? Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: A time for AL institutional respect and trust (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com). I particularly call your attention to the Alabama legal profession in this regard. Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Interim Alabama report to ABA Task Force for American Democracy (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
3. Do you consider the criminal cases being prosecuted against Trump to be proper and appropriate under what you say that, "Those who committed crimes [related to January 6th] should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."?
Thanks, Cameron, for whatever attention you can give to my questions.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck

Email to Alabama Reporter's Bill Britt, Josh Moon and Susan Britt
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: bbritt@alreporter.com <bbritt@alreporter.com>; jmoon@alreporter.com <jmoon@alreporter.com>; sbritt@alreporter.com <sbritt@alreporter.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 09:07:59 AM CDT
Subject: All of us Alabamians doing better in our civic obligations
Might I have a conversation with you about what I am trying to bring about during the next six months, per Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
Thanks Bill, Josh and Susan.
Rob Shattuck Email to Business Council of Alabama
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: cfranklin@bcatoday.org <cfranklin@bcatoday.org>; khope@bcatoday.org <khope@bcatoday.org>
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2024 at 06:47:12 PM CDT
Subject: All of us Alabamians doing better in our civic obligations
Dear Ms. Franklin and Ms. Hope,
I solicit the Business Council of Alabama to participate in the endeavor set out at Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com) for Alabamians, at all levels ("institutions"; political, business, academic, and community leaders; and citizens), to exhibit augmented civic responsibility during the coming months in the 2024 elections.
I hope the BCA will seriously consider what it can do.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook Email re Alabama economics professors and civic responsibility
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: clshook@uab.edu <clshook@uab.edu>; kmpalan@ua.edu <kmpalan@ua.edu>; nlz0003@auburn.edu <nlz0003@auburn.edu>; stjones@samford.edu <stjones@samford.edu>; cgarrity@montevallo.edu <cgarrity@montevallo.edu>
Cc: cfranklin@bcatoday.org <cfranklin@bcatoday.org>; khope@bcatoday.org <khope@bcatoday.org>; Mike Wright <mwright@waaytv.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 06:40:51 PM CDT
Subject: Alabama economics professors and civic responsibility
Dear UAB Collat School of Business Dean Shook; UA Culverhouse College of Business Dean Palan; Auburn University Economics Department Chair Ziebarth; Samford University Department of Economics, Finance, and Quantitative Analysis, Chair Jones; and University of Montevallo Stephens College of Business Interim Chair Garrity:
This email is in furtherance of my endeavor that is set out at Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com), for Alabamians, at all levels ("institutions"; political, business, academic, and community leaders; and citizens), to undertake augmented civic responsibility during the coming months in the 2024 elections.
I am developing a proposal for how I think Alabama economics professors can participate in, and contribute to the objective of, the foregoing endeavor, and I will follow up with you in due course.
Thank you very much for reading this email.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email to ABC33/40 Pam Huff
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: pamhuff@sbgtv.com <pamhuff@sbgtv.com>
Cc: shannon.isbell@wbrc.com <shannon.isbell@wbrc.com>; todd@aldailynews.com <todd@aldailynews.com>; rick.karle@hearst.com <rick.karle@hearst.com>; Susana Schuler <susana.schuler@hearst.com>; brendan.kirby@fox10tv.com <brendan.kirby@fox10tv.com>; jama.killingsworth@waff.com <jama.killingsworth@waff.com>; Mike Wright <mwright@waaytv.com>; Kay Norred <knorred@wvua23.com>; rmartin@cbs42.com <rmartin@cbs42.com>; Baylor Long <blong@hearst.com>; Jon Anderson <janderson@starnesmedia.com>; Sharon Tinsley <stinsley@al-ba.com>; bsbutler@ua.edu <bsbutler@ua.edu>
Sent: Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 04:52:23 AM CDT
Subject: Can retired AL TV news personages help improve AL TV news journalism?
Dear Pam:
Earlier this year I emailed you Can retired AL TV news personages help improve AL TV news journalism?
This week you announced your retirement from ABC33/40.
In your heartfelt announcement (Veteran ABC 33/40 News Anchor Pam Huff announces retirement (msn.com), you said, "I am not quite sure what I am going to do next, but I am ready for a new adventure."
Right at this new adventure start for you, I urge you to read Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com), and proceed to seize every day from now until November 5th to strive for Alabamians, at all levels ("institutions"; political, business, academic, and community leaders; and citizens), to undertake heightened civic responsibility in the 2024 elections.
For inspiration, please consider Judy Woodruff "pausing" her PBS NewsHour anchoring duties more than a year ago and travelling around the country seeking solutions in a divided America.
Judy Woodruff: Seeking Solutions in a Divided America | Next Avenue
Judy Woodruff Reports on Her Next Chapter
Please keep in mind that, after November 5th, all may be too late for having and practicing civic responsibility.
Thank you for reading this.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook Email to ALGOP
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: john@algop.org <john@algop.org>
Cc: Sharon Tinsley <stinsley@al-ba.com>; bsbutler@ua.edu <bsbutler@ua.edu>
Sent: Monday, April 29, 2024 at 08:46:59 AM CDT
Subject: Controversy over Campaign for Democracy Group ad
Dear Mr. Wahl:
As I understand, Campaign for Democracy Group, a Gavin Newsom connected organization, purveyed the ad set out at Gavin Newsom on X: "Alabama’s abortion ban has no exceptions for rape or incest. Now, Republicans are trying to criminalize young women’s travel to receive abortion care. We cannot let them get away with this. https://t.co/gHbYJYlEXk" / X (twitter.com).
As I further understand, ALGOP sent a letter to Alabama TV stations complaining about the ad, and Campaign for Democracy Group responded with a its own letter to the TV stations, per Gavin Newsom on X: "The Alabama Republican Party has sent us a cease and desist letter for this ad -- we must be doing something right. Deny all you want, but it won’t hide the truth: you are trying to criminalize women who seek reproductive care. The AL @GOP should spend less time writing… https://t.co/REIR94UsX6" / X (twitter.com)
In 2022, I complained that Alabama TV stations were failing to fulfill their journalistic obligations connected to the political ads that the TV stations run for payment of money to the TV stations. Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Local TV stations, journalism ethics and political ads (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
My criticism has been more general than just political ads, and I am undertaking to get Alabama TV stations to do better in the 2024 elections, as set out at Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
I invite ALGOP to join with me in trying to get Alabama TV stations to do better in connection with the 2024 elections.
I suspect that ALGOP is not generally in favor of Alabama TV stations performing their journalistic obligations better in the 2024 elections, but I offer this opportunity for ALGOP to show me wrong.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook
[for filing in Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com)]
Email to Deans of UA School of Law, Cumberland School of Law,  Jones Law School and Miles Law School
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: wbrewbak@law.ua.edu <wbrewbak@law.ua.edu>; blakehudson@samford.edu <blakehudson@samford.edu>; ccampbell@faulkner.edu <ccampbell@faulkner.edu>; contact@mlaw.edu <contact@mlaw.edu>
Cc: Brannon Buck <bbuck@badhambuck.com>; Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; Jennifer Buettner <jbuettner@birminghambar.org>; mckinney@watsonmckinney.com <mckinney@watsonmckinney.com>; suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org <suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org>; flatta@burr.com <flatta@burr.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 05:17:03 AM CDT
Subject: 2024 elections -- rule of law and weaponization of justice system
Dear University of Alabama School of Law Dean Brewbaker, Samford University Cumberland School of Law Dean Hudson, Faulkner University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law Dean Campbell, and Miles Law School Interim Dean Agee (c/o contact@mlaw.edu),
This email is in furtherance of my endeavor that is set out at Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com), for Alabamians, at all levels ("institutions"; political, business, academic, and community leaders; and citizens), to undertake augmented civic responsibility in the 2024 elections.
Thus far, I believe, the Alabama legal profession has failed its civic responsibility in connection with the 2024 elections. This failure is indicated at Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Interim Alabama report to ABA Task Force for American Democracy (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
At the national level, UA law school Professor Joyce Vance participates on MSNBC to try to help viewers understand about the rule of law and weaponization of the justice system.
I seek law professors in Alabama who will speak on Alabama local television about the rule of law and weaponization of the justice system.
I am contacting Alabama TV stations to take up the idea, and I solicit your help in finding Alabama law professors at your law schools who are willing to participate in this.
Thank you very much for reading this email.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email to Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: fes@stjohnfirm.com <fes@stjohnfirm.com>; mbrandon@law.ua.edu <mbrandon@law.ua.edu>; dsusnara@ua.edu <dsusnara@ua.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 06:58:52 PM CDT
Subject: To Shelby Institute - an Alabama leader is needed now to speak about the 2024 elections
Dear Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership Executive Director Finis E. St. John IV, Academic Director Mark Brandon, and Program Director Daniela Susnara:
I think Alabamians are in need of an Alabama leader who can and will speak to them about the 2024 elections in a way that puts the interest of the country ahead of partisan political interest.
I think Senator Shelby might be just the right person to do that.
I am trying to get Alabama TV stations and other "institutions" (political, business, legal, academic, and community) and their leaders, as well as citizens, to undertake augmented civic responsibility in the 2024 elections. My effort in this regard is set out at Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
I will include this email to the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership as part of my endeavor.
Thank you for reading this email.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck

Email to WKRG
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: VRainer@wkrg.com <vrainer@wkrg.com>; MyStory@wkrg.com <mystory@wkrg.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 06:02:34 PM CDT
Subject: Improving WKRG coverage of the 2024 elections
Please read Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
Thank you.
__________________________
also submitted using WKRG | Contact Us) and confirmed by below message received back
Your message has been sent
Name:
Rob Shattuck
Phone:
2059675586
Email:
rdshatt@aol.com
Comment:
Please read https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/03/getting-al-tv-stations-to-do-better-in.html
Thank you.

Email to WVUA
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Kay Norred <knorred@wvua23.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 06:29:37 PM CDT
Subject: Another idea in my effort
Kay,
If I may, I would like to add another idea to what I have put together at Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
I think the WVUA editorial board should prepare its own summary of Donald Trump on What His Second Term Would Look Like | TIME for presenting to WVUA's viewers and invite prominent Republicans in Alabama to say on what points they agree and do not agree with what Trump says he will do in a second term.
Rob Email to WAFF, WAAY and WHNT
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 4, 2024 6:38:24 PM
To: jama.killingsworth@waff.com <jama.killingsworth@waff.com>; Mike Wright <mwright@waaytv.com>; news@whnt.com <news@whnt.com>
Cc: dale@yellowhammernews.com <dale@yellowhammernews.com>; news@256Today.com <news@256Today.com>
Subject: Dale Jackson and Huntsville TV stations doing better in their 2024 elections coverage
Dale Jackson has expressed an interest in Alabama TV stations doing a better job in their 2024 elections coverage.
Besides your Huntsville TV stations considering the suggestions I make in Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com), you should contact Dale Jackson to learn what suggestions he has.
Mecca Musick of 256 Today regularly appears with Dale on his show, seems quite intelligent, and maybe should be contacted as well for her thoughts about Huntsville TV stations doing a better job in their 2024 elections coverage.
Rob Shattuck_____________
Response email of Dale Jackson
From: Dale Jackson <dale@yellowhammernews.com>
To: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>; jama.killingsworth@waff.com <jama.killingsworth@waff.com>; Mike Wright <mwright@waaytv.com>; news@whnt.com <news@whnt.com>
Cc: news@256Today.com <news@256today.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 08:00:23 PM CDT
Subject: Re: Dale Jackson and Huntsville TV stations doing better in their 2024 elections coverage
None of this is true, Rob…
I said you could come one my radio show, leave me out of your sad clout chasing.

Email to WPMI
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: news@mynbc15.com <news@mynbc15.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 07:41:47 AM CDT
Subject: Time magazine - "How Far Trump Would Go"
WPMI should tell its viewers "How Far Trump Would Go" (please read Donald Trump on What His Second Term Would Look Like | TIME) and ask prominent Republicans in Alabama which things they agree with that Trump would do.
(For filing in Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).)
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email to FOX10 News
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Randy.Merrow@fox10tv.com <randy.merrow@fox10tv.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 10:50:04 AM CDT
Subject: Time magazine - "How Far Trump Would Go"
Fox10 News should tell its viewers "How Far Trump Would Go" (please read Donald Trump on What His Second Term Would Look Like | TIME) and ask prominent Republicans in Alabama which things they agree with that Trump would do.
(For filing in Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).)
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email to Mr. Jim Zeigler re "Former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby turns 90 on May 6"
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com <zeiglereldercare@yahoo.com>
Cc: president@ua.edu <president@ua.edu>; president@auburn.edu <president@auburn.edu>; UAB - The University of Alabama at Birmingham <president@uab.edu>; president@samford.edu <president@samford.edu>; presidentsoffice@montevallo.edu <presidentsoffice@montevallo.edu>; fes@stjohnfirm.com <fes@stjohnfirm.com>; mbrandon@law.ua.edu <mbrandon@law.ua.edu>; dsusnara@ua.edu <dsusnara@ua.edu>
Sent: Monday, May 6, 2024 at 06:25:56 PM CDT
Subject: Former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby turns 90 on May 6
Dear Mr. Zeigler,
Your article Former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby turns 90 on May 6 (1819news.com) prompts me to send you the below email I sent last week to Executive Director Finis E. St. John IV, Academic Director Mark Brandon, and Program Director Daniela Susnara, of the newly established Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership.
Are you in a position to urge Senator Shelby to speak to Alabamians about the 2024 elections in a way that puts the interest of the country ahead of partisan political interest, as my below email solicits?
Thank you very much for whatever you can do here.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email to Kyle Whitmire
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: kwhitmire@al.com <kwhitmire@al.com>
Cc: jarchibald@al.com <jarchibald@al.com>; todd@aldailynews.com <todd@aldailynews.com>; bbritt@alreporter.com <bbritt@alreporter.com>; jmoon@alreporter.com <jmoon@alreporter.com>; blyman@alabamareflector.com <blyman@alabamareflector.com>; dpillion@al.com <dpillion@al.com>; srebman@bizjournals.com <srebman@bizjournals.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 07:44:06 PM CDT
Subject: Your American Bar Association Silver Gavel award; suggested story for you
Dear Kyle,
The article AL.com’s Kyle Whitmire wins Silver Gavel for commentary from American Bar Association - al.com says the ABA Silver Gavel awards are given for “outstanding work that fosters the American public’s understanding of law and the legal system.”
Last August the American Bar Association, pronouncing that "our American democracy is in peril," created a Task Force for American Democracy, the mission of which is to: (i) bolster voter confidence in elections by safeguarding the integrity and non-partisan administration of elections, and by providing support for election workers and officials; (ii) educate Americans on democracy and the rule of law and why they are foundational to every aspect of American lives; and (iii) suggest ideas to the American people for improving and strengthening our democracy and our elections. Our Work (americanbar.org)
A year long set of Task Force activities are set forth in the link Our Work (americanbar.org). These are to culminate in a national rule of law summit to be convened this August.
Ever since last August I have endeavored to get the Alabama State Bar, Alabama bar associations and others in the Alabama legal profession, to undertake activities in Alabama supportive of the ABA Task Force's mission. See Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: American Bar Association "Task Force for American Democracy" (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
This has been to no avail. See Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Interim Alabama report to ABA Task Force for American Democracy (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
Please consider whether the Alabama legal profession's unwillingness to try to educate Alabamians about the rule of law in support of the ABA Task Force's mission is worthy of being reported on by the Alabama news media.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck

June 12th email to AL TV stations re AL economics professors and civic responsibility
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: pamhuff@sbgtv.com <pamhuff@sbgtv.com>; shannon.isbell@wbrc.com <shannon.isbell@wbrc.com>; Susana Schuler <susana.schuler@hearst.com>; brendan.kirby@fox10tv.com <brendan.kirby@fox10tv.com>; jama.killingsworth@waff.com <jama.killingsworth@waff.com>; Mike Wright <mwright@waaytv.com>; Kay Norred <knorred@wvua23.com>; rmartin@cbs42.com <rmartin@cbs42.com>; Baylor Long <blong@hearst.com>; dwingard@wsfa.com <dwingard@wsfa.com>; news@mynbc15.com <news@mynbc15.com>; Randy.Merrow@fox10tv.com <randy.merrow@fox10tv.com>; "randy.merrow@fox10tv.com" <randy.merrow@fox10tv.com>; gmcdonald@waka.com <gmcdonald@waka.com>
Cc: Christopher L. Shook <clshook@uab.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 06:40:34 PM CDT
Subject: June 5th email re Alabama economics professors and civic responsibility
I copied you on the below June 5th email that I sent to UAB Collat School of Business Dean Shook; UA Culverhouse College of Business Dean Palan; Auburn University Economics Department Chair Ziebarth; Samford University Department of Economics, Finance, and Quantitative Analysis, Chair Jones; and University of Montevallo Stephens College of Business Interim Chair Garrity.
I would like to have a telephone conversation with you regarding what I propose in the below email. If you would prefer that I not call you, please send me a "please do not call me" reply email.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: clshook@uab.edu <clshook@uab.edu>; kmpalan@ua.edu <kmpalan@ua.edu>; nlz0003@auburn.edu <nlz0003@auburn.edu>; stjones@samford.edu <stjones@samford.edu>; cgarrity@montevallo.edu <cgarrity@montevallo.edu>
Cc: pamhuff@sbgtv.com <pamhuff@sbgtv.com>; shannon.isbell@wbrc.com <shannon.isbell@wbrc.com>; Susana Schuler <susana.schuler@hearst.com>; brendan.kirby@fox10tv.com <brendan.kirby@fox10tv.com>; jama.killingsworth@waff.com <jama.killingsworth@waff.com>; Mike Wright <mwright@waaytv.com>; Kay Norred <knorred@wvua23.com>; rmartin@cbs42.com <rmartin@cbs42.com>; Baylor Long <blong@hearst.com>; dwingard@wsfa.com <dwingard@wsfa.com>; news@mynbc15.com <news@mynbc15.com>; Randy.Merrow@fox10tv.com <randy.merrow@fox10tv.com>; "randy.merrow@fox10tv.com" <randy.merrow@fox10tv.com>; gmcdonald@waka.com <gmcdonald@waka.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 04:49:21 PM CDT
Subject: Alabama economics professors and civic responsibility
Dear UAB Collat School of Business Dean Shook; UA Culverhouse College of Business Dean Palan; Auburn University Economics Department Chair Ziebarth; Samford University Department of Economics, Finance, and Quantitative Analysis, Chair Jones; and University of Montevallo Stephens College of Business Interim Chair Garrity:
This email is in follow up to my April 25th email to you, which email bears the subject line "Alabama economics professors and civic responsibility," and which email can be found at Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Getting AL TV stations to do better in 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
Here is my proposal development.
Take the inflation issue. I propose the drafting of a one page statement for TV stations to present to their viewers that sets out the causes of the inflation shown on https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/; positive and negative effects on the economy and otherwise accompanying the inflation; governmental action at this time that may reduce the inflation; and positive and negative effects on the economy and otherwise that may result from the governmental action.
The purpose of the statement would be to help Alabama voters better understand the inflation issue. Before being used, the statement would be circulated to Alabama's members of Congress for their views about how well the statement serves its purpose.
After the statement is finalized, participating Alabama TV stations would read the statement on one or more news shows and post the statement on their websites.
The foregoing idea is subject to any suggestions for any ways for the TV stations to better help their viewers understand the inflation issue.
Please let me know if there is an economics professor in your department who is willing to participate in this proposal.
I am copying TV stations on this email and will contact them to find out whether there are TV stations that are willing to participate.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

6/20 Left voice mail messages for Shannon Isbell (Maze) and Susana Schuler
6/21 Left voice mail messages for Brendan Kirby, Jama Killingsworth, Mike Wright, Kay Norred and Rob Martin, Desmond Wingard. Spoke with George McDonald, who did not recognize what I was calling about and I said I would send hem another email.

Email to Alabama law profession re election integrity concerns
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Brannon Buck <bbuck@badhambuck.com>; Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; mckinney@watsonmckinney.com <mckinney@watsonmckinney.com>; suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org <suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org>; flatta@burr.com <flatta@burr.com>; jwilson@birminghambar.org <jwilson@birminghambar.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 06:15:12 PM CDT
Subject: Updating what Sec. Allen is and is not doing re election integrity concerns
In Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: So, here we Alabamians are in the 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com), I charge that Secretary of State Allen has failed to do things he should have done to help allay huge concerns about election integrity that have been caused by four years of Trump charging that the 2020 elections were rigged and tens of millions of Americans believing Trump, and that, instead, Secretary Allen has covered himself by doing insignificant things in the name of improving election integrity, which things will not bother Trump.
I have previously informed you, as representatives of the Alabama law profession, about the foregoing, in the course of my efforts to get the profession to participate in a public airing of the election integrity issue. You have declined to participate.
Your declining to participate contributes to Secretary Allen being able to go unchallenged in how he addresses election integrity concerns.
The article Sec. of State Allen: Biden trying to win election ‘by attempting to legitimize illegal immigrants’ (1819news.com) reports on Secretary Allen's latest addressing of election integrity concerns.
It is not too late for the Alabama law profession to participate in a public airing in Alabama of the election integrity issue.
Thank you.
Rob Shattuck

Email for WHNT retiring personages Steve Johnson, Jerry Hayes and Stan Pylant
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: steve.johnson@whnt.com <steve.johnson@whnt.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 03:18:47 PM CDT
Subject: For you, Jerry Hayes and Stan Pylant as WHNT retiring personages - my email to Pam Huff
Dear Mr. Johnson:
I saw the June 14th Facebook post of Jerry Hayes about the WHNT studio being packed with people to recognize you as retiring after 50 years in television, 47 of those at News 19.
Jerry's post indicated he retired from WHNT on March 26th.
Also, Jerry posted on "X" two days ago about the retirement of WHNT's general manager Stan Pylant. https://x.com/jerryhayeswhnt/status/1803901798371221721.
The purpose of this email is to provide the three of you WHNT retiring personages with the below email I wrote to Pam Huff in April in connection with her retirement.
Perhaps I overdid my email to Pam by how I copied others on the email.
Perhaps my concluding sentence to Pam ("Please keep in mind that, after November 5th, all may be too late for having and practicing civic responsibility.") is ridiculously alarmist.
Similar to what I said to Pam Huff, I hope the three of you retiring WHNT personages will soul search yourselves regarding the legitimacy of my alarmism and regarding what you will do during the next five months of your retirement.
Jerry Hayes' Anchor Emeritus profile on the WHNT website does not give an email address for him, and I can't find on the website an email address for Stan Pylant, so I hope you Mr. Johnson will forward this email to Jerry and Stan.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook
[referenced email to Pam Huff can be found above under caption Email to ABC33/40 Pam Huff]
[Note: steve.johnson@whnt.com is longer a valid email address and I am looking for other ways to get the email to him and Jerry Hayes and Stan Pylant]
[Note: WHNT provided me an email address to use for Steve Johnson, and I have forwarded email to that that address.]

Email: WBRC 75th anniversary, the Fourth of July, and "It was good while it lasted"
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: jrogers@wbrc.com <jrogers@wbrc.com>; mdubberly@wbrc.com <mdubberly@wbrc.com>; jehpruitt@hotmail.com <jehpruitt@hotmail.com>; lynden.blake@wbrc.com <lynden.blake@wbrc.com>; destiny.mckeiver@wbrc.com <destiny.mckeiver@wbrc.com>; shaygood@wbrc.com <shaygood@wbrc.com>; chuddleston@wbrc.com <chuddleston@wbrc.com>; rjones@wbrc.com <rjones@wbrc.com>; Jonathan.skinner@wbrc.com <jonathan.skinner@wbrc.com>; kreynolds@wbrc.com <kreynolds@wbrc.com>; sverser@wbrc.com <sverser@wbrc.com>; jonathan.hardison@wbrc.com <jonathan.hardison@wbrc.com>; mhightower@wbrc.com <mhightower@wbrc.com>; jennifer.horton@gray.tv <jennifer.horton@gray.tv>; bryan.henry@wbrc.com <bryan.henry@wbrc.com>; tristan.ruppert@wbrc.com <tristan.ruppert@wbrc.com>; bria.chatman@wbrc.com <bria.chatman@wbrc.com>; gillian.brooks@wbrc.com <gillian.brooks@wbrc.com>; aajene.robinson@wbrc.com <aajene.robinson@wbrc.com>; reggie.kyle@wbrc.com <reggie.kyle@wbrc.com>; jgauntt@wbrc.com <jgauntt@wbrc.com>; bdionne@wbrc.com <bdionne@wbrc.com>; taylor.pollock@wbrc.com <taylor.pollock@wbrc.com>; steve.crocker@wbrc.com <steve.crocker@wbrc.com>; Brady.Talbert@wbrc.com <brady.talbert@wbrc.com>; james.giles@wbrc.com <james.giles@wbrc.com>; lauren.harksen@wbrc.com <lauren.harksen@wbrc.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 12:29:15 PM CDT
Subject: WBRC 75th anniversary, the Fourth of July, and "It was good while it lasted"
Dear WBRC staff:
In this week of WBRC's 75th Anniversary (wbrc.com), and today's 248th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, may the staff of WBRC reflect on Josh Moon's opinion piece "It was good while it lasted" two days ago in the Alabama Political Reporter.
In Josh's words, "It [the SCOTUS immunity decision] is the sort of decision that historians note as the turning point. The thing that pushed it completely off the rails. The thing that undid it all."
Is Josh engaged in hyperbolic fear mongering?
Does WBRC have a journalistic obligation, to the best of its ability, to evaluate what the Presidential immunity decision means for the United States?
And to tell WBRC's viewers what that evaluation by WBRC is?
Please, please, do the right thing here.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email re Alabama law profession
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: "shannon.isbell@wbrc.com" <shannon.isbell@wbrc.com>; Susana Schuler <susana.schuler@hearst.com>; brendan.kirby@fox10tv.com <brendan.kirby@fox10tv.com>; jama.killingsworth@waff.com <jama.killingsworth@waff.com>; Mike Wright <mwright@waaytv.com>; Kay Norred <knorred@wvua23.com>; rmartin@cbs42.com <rmartin@cbs42.com>; Baylor Long <blong@hearst.com>; dwingard@wsfa.com <dwingard@wsfa.com>; news@mynbc15.com <news@mynbc15.com>; randy.merrow@fox10tv.com <randy.merrow@fox10tv.com>; gmcdonald@waka.com <gmcdonald@waka.com>; comments@abc3340.com <comments@abc3340.com>; newstip@abc3340.com <newstip@abc3340.com>; wvtm13@wvtm.com <wvtm13@wvtm.com>
Cc: Brannon Buck <bbuck@badhambuck.com>; Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; mckinney@watsonmckinney.com <mckinney@watsonmckinney.com>; suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org <suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org>; flatta@burr.com <flatta@burr.com>; wbrewbak@law.ua.edu <wbrewbak@law.ua.edu>; sgarrett@bsol.com <sgarrett@bsol.com>; ccampbell@faulkner.edu <ccampbell@faulkner.edu>; blakehudson@samford.edu <blakehudson@samford.edu>; christy.crow@jinkscrow.com <christy.crow@jinkscrow.com>; richard.raleigh@wbd-us.com <richard.raleigh@wbd-us.com>; daoffice@baldwincountyal.gov <daoffice@baldwincountyal.gov>; baldwinDA@baldwincountyal.gov <baldwinda@baldwincountyal.gov>; "baldwinda@baldwincountyal.gov" <baldwinda@baldwincountyal.gov>; bob@schreiberadr.com <bob@schreiberadr.com>; jvance@law.ua.edu <jvance@law.ua.edu>; jws@willsellers.com <jws@willsellers.com>; Alston Ray <alston.ray@butlersnow.com>; Ross Cohen <rcohen@bakerdonelson.com>; spratling@wskllp.com <spratling@wskllp.com>; Mark Ezell <mee@ezell-law-llc.com>; John Steiner <john@steinerlawllc.com>; spoer@scottdukeslaw.com <spoer@scottdukeslaw.com>; ddowd@burr.com <ddowd@burr.com>; Chris Christie <chris.christie@dentons.com>; Gwen Windle <gwindle@charter.net>
Sent: Friday, August 2, 2024 at 07:15:16 PM CDT
Subject: What AL law profession has done and not done to protect American democracy
Dea Alabama TV stations:
At the American Bar Association annual meeting in Chicago that is going on now, an ABA Task Force for American Democracy is calling on lawyers to defend against threats to democracy. ABA task force calls on lawyers to defend democracy (thehill.com);
Lawyers can help lower the political temperature, says Jeh Johnson
For a year the Alabama law profession has ignored my plea that it participate in the yearlong endeavor of the ABA Task Force for American Democracy. See Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Interim Alabama report to ABA Task Force for American Democracy (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com)
Perhaps your TV stations will consider this nonfeasance on the part of the Alabama law profession to be worthy of investigation and reporting.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email re Sen. Tuberville & mainstream media "enemy of people"
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: shannon.isbell@wbrc.com <shannon.isbell@wbrc.com>; Susana Schuler <susana.schuler@hearst.com>; brendan.kirby@fox10tv.com <brendan.kirby@fox10tv.com>; jama.killingsworth@waff.com <jama.killingsworth@waff.com>; Mike Wright <mwright@waaytv.com>; Kay Norred <knorred@wvua23.com>; rmartin@cbs42.com <rmartin@cbs42.com>; Baylor Long <blong@hearst.com>; dwingard@wsfa.com <dwingard@wsfa.com>; news@mynbc15.com <news@mynbc15.com>; randy.merrow@fox10tv.com <randy.merrow@fox10tv.com>; gmcdonald@waka.com <gmcdonald@waka.com>; comments@abc3340.com <comments@abc3340.com>; newstip@abc3340.com <newstip@abc3340.com>; wvtm13@wvtm.com <wvtm13@wvtm.com>
Cc: Brannon Buck <bbuck@badhambuck.com>; Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; mckinney@watsonmckinney.com <mckinney@watsonmckinney.com>; suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org <suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org>; flatta@burr.com <flatta@burr.com>; wbrewbak@law.ua.edu <wbrewbak@law.ua.edu>; sgarrett@bsol.com <sgarrett@bsol.com>; ccampbell@faulkner.edu <ccampbell@faulkner.edu>; blakehudson@samford.edu <blakehudson@samford.edu>; christy.crow@jinkscrow.com <christy.crow@jinkscrow.com>; richard.raleigh@wbd-us.com <richard.raleigh@wbd-us.com>; daoffice@baldwincountyal.gov <daoffice@baldwincountyal.gov>; baldwinDA@baldwincountyal.gov <baldwinda@baldwincountyal.gov>; "baldwinda@baldwincountyal.gov" <baldwinda@baldwincountyal.gov>; bob@schreiberadr.com <bob@schreiberadr.com>; jvance@law.ua.edu <jvance@law.ua.edu>; jws@willsellers.com <jws@willsellers.com>; Alston Ray <alston.ray@butlersnow.com>; Ross Cohen <rcohen@bakerdonelson.com>; spratling@wskllp.com <spratling@wskllp.com>; Mark Ezell <mee@ezell-law-llc.com>; John Steiner <john@steinerlawllc.com>; spoer@scottdukeslaw.com <spoer@scottdukeslaw.com>; ddowd@burr.com <ddowd@burr.com>; Chris Christie <chris.christie@dentons.com>; Gwen Windle <gwindle@charter.net>
Sent: Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 07:11:22 PM CDT
Subject: Are AL TV stations part of MSM and "enemies of the people"?
Dear Alabama TV stations:
Senator Tuberville pronounced that mainstream media is the enemy of the people. Tuberville: 'The mainstream media is the enemy of the people' (1819news.com).
Are Alabama TV stations part of mainstream media and enemies of the people?
Do Alabama TV stations agree that mainstream media is the enemy of the people but they disassociate themselves from mainstream media and are not enemies of the people?
Or do Alabama TV stations have the gumption to call out Senator Tuberville for the jerk that he is and tell Alabamians and Senator Tuberville to his face what he is?
Thank you for reading this email.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook
Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

So, here we Alabamians are in the 2024 elections

Email re Secretary Allen failing re election integrity concerns
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Kay Norred <knorred@wvua23.com>; wes.allen@sos.alabama.gov <wes.allen@sos.alabama.gov>
Cc: Brannon Buck <bbuck@badhambuck.com>; Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; Jennifer Buettner <jbuettner@birminghambar.org>; mckinney@watsonmckinney.com <mckinney@watsonmckinney.com>; suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org <suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org>; flatta@burr.com <flatta@burr.com>; hduncan@bcatoday.org <hduncan@bcatoday.org>; sammons@birminghambusinessalliance.com <sammons@birminghambusinessalliance.com>; srose@montgomerychamber.com <srose@montgomerychamber.com>; nhewston@mobilechamber.com <nhewston@mobilechamber.com>; director@homewoodchamber.org <director@homewoodchamber.org>; chamber@vestaviahills.org <chamber@vestaviahills.org>; pelhamchamberofcommerce@gmail.com <pelhamchamberofcommerce@gmail.com>; sandra@leedsareachamber.com <sandra@leedsareachamber.com>; mike@alarise.org <mike@alarise.org>
Sent: Monday, March 25, 2024 at 09:06:14 AM CDT
Subject: IVEY SIGNS ABSENTEE BALLOT LAW
To Kay (WVUA23 news director) and Secretary of State Allen:
The WVUA23 article Ivey signs absentee ballot law - WVUA 23 says:
Allen did not address whether he has seen any red flags indicating concerns, issues, or voter fraud due to absentee ballot voting and applications. But he did say voters expressed concern to him about election integrity and security.
Concerns about election integrity are huge because for four years Donald Trump has been charging that the 2020 elections were rigged, and tens of millions of Americans believe him.
Secretary of State Allen has not done and is not doing things he should do to help allay such huge concerns about election integrity because such things would not be approved of by Donald Trump, and Secretary Allen covers himself by doing insignificant things in the name of improving election integrity that will not bother Donald Trump, such as supporting the ballot harvesting bill.
As I lay out in Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: What should Americans do about election integrity? (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com), Secretary Allen should, through the auspices of the National Association of Secretaries of State, be working with other Secretaries of State, Republican and Democratic, to reach an agreed assessment of Trump's charges that the 2020 election was rigged, or not, and publicize to Alabamians what that agreed assessment is. Insofar as the Secretaries agree that particular things happened in the 2020 elections that provide a plausible basis for any questioning the results of the 2020 election, those things should be specified publicly and the Secretaries of State should work jointly on behalf of such changes being made.
The truth of the matter is, I think, that Secretary Allen knows the 2020 elections were not rigged as Donald Trump has been charging for four years, and that Secretary Allen also knows that Donald Trump would not approve if Secretary Allen publicized to Alabamians that it was his opinion of that the 2020 elections were not rigged as Donald Trump has been charging for four years.
If Secretary Allen believes the 2020 elections were rigged as Donald Trump has been charging, let Secretary Allen explain why he believes that, and to answer questions regarding such belief.
For six months I have been trying, directly or indirectly, to press Secretary Allen about this and to get him to respond. I have tried to enlist the aid of the Alabama legal community to press Secretary Allen on this, and with the legal community not being willing I have tried to enlist the aid of business chambers of commerce, and nothing has been forthcoming from them. (For the record regarding the foregoing, I refer you to Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Interim Alabama report to ABA Task Force for American Democracy (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com) and links therein.)
So, here we are with: Federal Judge Ominously Warns That Trump Won’t Accept Defeat In 2024 | HuffPost Latest News, and with increasing dire things being said about what is going to happen in connection with the 2020 elections, fueled by Trump's relentless campaigning that the 2020 election was rigged, and the January 6th participants were great patriots who are hostages whom Trump will pardon if he is elected President.
And further here we are, with parties in Alabama, such as Alabama's legal profession and business chambers of commerce, lacking the civic responsibility to use their community standing to raise with Secretary Allen whether he is failing to do what he should do to lessen the huge concerns about election integrity caused by four years of Donald Trump charging that the 2020 elections were rigged, and tens of millions of Americans believing him.
(Using their community standing, there are more things that various parties in Alabama should, as a matter of civic responsibility, do related to matters discussed in this email. I will continue on pressing such various parties.)
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck

Email "Presidents of Alabama universities and civic responsibility"
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: president@ua.edu <president@ua.edu>; president@uab.edu <president@uab.edu>; president@auburn.edu <president@auburn.edu>; president@samford.edu <president@samford.edu>; presidentsoffice@montevallo.edu <presidentsoffice@montevallo.edu>
Cc: wes.allen@sos.alabama.gov <wes.allen@sos.alabama.gov>; Kay Norred <knorred@wvua23.com>; shannon.isbell@wbrc.com <shannon.isbell@wbrc.com>; Baylor Long <blong@hearst.com>; pamhuff@sbgtv.com <pamhuff@sbgtv.com>; Mike Wright <mwright@waaytv.com>; Jon Anderson <janderson@starnesmedia.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 07:00:05 PM CDT
Subject: Presidents of Alabama universities and civic responsibility
Dear University of Alabama President Bell, UAB President Watts, Auburn University President Roberts, Samford University President Taylor and University of Montevallo President Stewart:
In the below email I sent to WVUA23 news director Kay Norred and to Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, I discuss Alabama's legal profession and Alabama's business chambers of commerce lacking civic responsibility to use their community standing to raise with Secretary Allen whether he is failing to do what he should do to lessen the huge concerns about election integrity caused by four years of Donald Trump charging that the 2020 elections were rigged and the adverse consequences of tens of millions of Americans believing him.
I appeal to you as Presidents of the University of Alabama, UAB, Auburn University, Samford University and the University of Montevallo to exhibit civic responsibility and use your esteemed positions in Alabama to raise with Secretary Allen whether he is failing to do what he should do to lessen the huge concerns about election integrity caused by four years of Donald Trump charging that the 2020 elections were rigged, and the adverse consequences of tens of millions of Americans believing him.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook
For filing in Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: So, here we Alabamians are in the 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
[referenced "below email I sent" is first email above]

Email updating what Sec. Allen is and is not doing re election integrity concerns
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>To: Brannon Buck <bbuck@badhambuck.com>; Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; mckinney@watsonmckinney.com <mckinney@watsonmckinney.com>; suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org <suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org>; flatta@burr.com <flatta@burr.com>; jwilson@birminghambar.org <jwilson@birminghambar.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 06:15:12 PM CDT
Subject: Updating what Sec. Allen is and is not doing re election integrity concerns
In Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: So, here we Alabamians are in the 2024 elections (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com), I charge that Secretary of State Allen has failed to do things he should have done to help allay huge concerns about election integrity that have been caused by four years of Trump charging that the 2020 elections were rigged and tens of millions of Americans believing Trump, and that, instead, Secretary Allen has covered himself by doing insignificant things in the name of improving election integrity, which things will not bother Trump.
I have previously informed you, as representatives of the Alabama law profession, about the foregoing, in the course of my efforts to get the profession to participate in a public airing of the election integrity issue. You have declined to participate.
Your declining to participate contributes to Secretary Allen being able to go unchallenged in how he addresses election integrity concerns.
The article Sec. of State Allen: Biden trying to win election ‘by attempting to legitimize illegal immigrants’ (1819news.com) reports on Secretary Allen's latest addressing of election integrity concerns.
It is not too late for the Alabama law profession to participate in a public airing in Alabama of the election integrity issue.
Thank you.
Rob Shattuck
Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Campaigning for Elizabeth Anderson

I have been against Gary Palmer for years. I will continue against him at this time by campaigning for Elizabeth Anderson, the Democratic candidate in the 6th Congressional district. My campaigning for her related to specific issues will be where there is reasonable alignment between Elizabeth Anderson's views and my views in opposition to Gary Palmer's views.

Elizabeth's campaign website is Elizabeth Anderson | Official Campaign Website (eaforcongress.com). Her Facebook page is at Facebook. Elizabeth's listed "Key Issues" are 

Reproductive Rights
Poverty Alleviation
Climate Crisis
Investment in Education
Affordable Healthcare
Economic Justice

Campaign note: There is a special election in the 10th Alabama House District on Tuesday, March 26th. https://256today.com/district-10-five-questions-with-marilyn-lands/; HD10 Democrat hopeful Lands: Banning sale of so-called 'assault weapons' is 'so important' (1819news.com).

Email to Elizabeth Anderson campaign re TV stations
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To:
Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 07:57:47 AM CDT
Subject: Campaigning things re Elizabeth - the TV stations
Good morning, ___.
Let me get some things piecemeal to you.
I have been accusing Alabama TV stations of failing in their journalistic obligations to the Alabama public in connection with the stations' coverages of elections. See Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Can retired AL TV news personages help improve AL TV news journalism? (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
I am doing this to try to get the TV stations to do better, including doing better in asking hard questions of candidates (such as Gary Palmer), or at least trying to ask the candidates hard questions.
I am currently alone in making this effort with the TV stations.
If there are ways for Elizabeth's campaign to press the Birmingham TV stations about this in order to help Elizabeth, let's have a conversation about the same.
If not, that's ok.
Rob

Email to Elizabeth Anderson campaign re campaign leaflets
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To:
Sent: Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 09:09:58 AM CDT
Subject: Next Elizabeth Anderson campaigning thing- leaflet handouts
Good morning, ____.
If and when Elizabeth should focus on leaflets for supporters to hand out, I think it would be good if Elizabeth would post the same on her campaign website.
If that is done, in soliciting people to support Elizabeth, I would give them a link to consider the same and whether they want to hand out leaflets somewhere.
Rob
Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Morning Joe as Biden's Vice Presidential candidate

Posted by at No comments:

Monday, March 4, 2024

Campaigning to enforce Section 3 against Trump

Posted by at No comments:

National Governors Association "Disagree Better" initiative

Email to Samford suggesting Disagree Better event
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: "amcewan@samford.edu" <amcewan@samford.edu>; mwithers@samford.edu <mwithers@samford.edu>; jcobia@samford.edu <jcobia@samford.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 05:18:48 PM CST
Subject: Samford should have a National Governors Association "Disagree Better" event
Dear Dr. Ewan, Dr. Witherspoon, and Dr. Cobia:
The National Governors Association is pursuing a "Disagree Better" initiative per Disagree Better - National Governors Association (nga.org). The predicate of the initiative is that:
"Americans are deeply concerned and exhausted by the hyperpartisanship and polarization in our country, and rightly so. We’ve forgotten how to persuade without hating each other. But our nation’s history shows there’s a better way, and we all need to re-learn how to Disagree Better."
At a Colorado event in November, Disagree Better speakers explored the question of: "What Do Universities Owe Democracy? " Disagree Better Speakers Explore the Question: What Do Universities Owe Democracy? - National Governors Association (nga.org)
There was a Disagree Better event at Millsaps College last month. Disagree Better with AF Southeast , Millsaps College, Jackson, 27 February 2024 (stayhappening.com)
Samford should consider having a Disagree Better event as part of Samford's "Listening, Speaking and Teaching" series.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck

Email to WVUA seeking suggestions for University of Alabama event
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Kay Norred <knorred@wvua23.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 06:35:11 PM CST
Subject: Suggestions for National Governors Association "Disagree Better" event?
Hello Kay.
I only yesterday learned of the Disagree Better - National Governors Association (nga.org) initiative.
I am very impressed with this NGA initiative, and I would like to see if there can be a Disagree Better event in Alabama.
Do you have any suggestions for contacting the University of Alabama to urge the holding of such an event?
Thanks.
Rob Shattuck

Email to WAAY seeking suggestions for UAH event
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Mike Wright <mwright@waaytv.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 06:41:29 PM CST
Subject: Suggestions for National Governors Association "Disagree Better" event?
Hello Mike.
I only yesterday learned of the Disagree Better - National Governors Association (nga.org) initiative.
I am very impressed with this NGA initiative, and I would like to see if there can be a Disagree Better event in Alabama.
Do you have any suggestions for contacting UAH to urge the holding of such an event?
Thanks.
Rob Shattuck Email to UAH re "Is Sen. Katie Britt turbocharging division in Alabama?"
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: nick.jones@uah.edu <nick.jones@uah.edu>; kristina.hendrix@uah.edu <kristina.hendrix@uah.edu>
Cc: Mike Wright <mwright@waaytv.com>; dmccain@al.com <dmccain@al.com>
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2024 at 04:48:10 PM CDT
Subject: Is Sen. Katie Britt turbocharging division in Alabama? - Have a Disagree Better event at UAH
Dear Dr. Jones and Ms. Hendrix:
Following on my emailing in November, I wish to call to your attention the Disagree Better initiative of the National Governors Association, website Disagree Better - National Governors Association (nga.org).
Per Disagree Better – Meetings and Events - National Governors Association (nga.org), there have been bipartisan Disagree Better events in Colorado and New Hampshire, plus one at Millsaps College last month (Disagree Better with AF Southeast , Millsaps College, Jackson, 27 February 2024 (stayhappening.com)).
The above subject line asks the question: Is Sen. Katie Britt turbocharging division in Alabama?
I think she is.
If that is true, perhaps it is the case Sen. Britt consciously desires to turbocharge division in Alabama.
If that is not her desire, Sen. Britt should, at this juncture, want to contribute to bridging the partisan divide, which she could do by participating in a Disagree Better event, such as at UAH.
Please consider pursuing the idea of a Disagree Better event at UAH and extending an invitation to Sen. Britt to participate.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook
Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Interim Alabama report to ABA Task Force for American Democracy

From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: bill.ide@akerman.com <bill.ide@akerman.com>
Cc: marty@mitchellmeadows.com <marty@mitchellmeadows.com>; emyang@wstrongllc.com <emyang@wstrongllc.com>; Brannon Buck <bbuck@badhambuck.com>; Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; 
[certain personal acquaintances' names and email addresses redacted]
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 09:55:09 AM CST
Subject: Interim report from Alabama regarding the ABA Task Force for American Democracy
Dear Mr. Ide:
As I think you know, I have made extensive communication to the Alabama legal profession and to Alabama parties not in the legal profession, regarding the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy. These communications are set out in the following links: (i) Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Alabama lawyer's pledge re ABA Task Force for American Democracy (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com); (ii) Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Alabama State Bar default re ABA Task Force for American Democracy (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com); (iii) Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Presidential debate in Tuscaloosa & ABA Democracy Task Force conversation event (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com); and (iv) Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: American Bar Association "Task Force for American Democracy" (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
There has been no responsiveness by the foregoing parties to undertake supportive activities for advancing the mission of the ABA Task Force.
In making this report to you, I would first like to focus on clause (i) of the Task Force's below statement of mission:
The mission of the ABA Task Force for American Democracy is to: (i) bolster voter confidence in elections by safeguarding the integrity and non-partisan administration of elections, and by providing support for election workers and officials; (ii) educate Americans on democracy and the rule of law and why they are foundational to every aspect of American lives; and (iii) suggest ideas to the American people for improving and strengthening our democracy and our elections. Our Work (americanbar.org)
The share of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents who believe that President Joe Biden’s 2020 election win was not legitimate has ticked back up, according to a new CNN poll fielded throughout July. All told, 69% of Republicans and Republican-leaners say Biden’s win was not legitimate, up from 63% earlier this year and through last fall, even as there is no evidence of election fraud that would have altered the outcome of the contest.
In a September 16, 2023 email that I have posted in Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: American Bar Association "Task Force for American Democracy" (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com) under the caption "Email re parties refusing to try to agree on how elections will be conducted,", I say:
I think for five years those who are involved in determining how elections shall be conducted have harmfully refused to try to agree with one another about the same, and the resultant absence of agreement contributed to and will continue the serious problem in the United States of election outcomes not being accepted by candidates and voters.
Instead of trying to agree on how elections shall be conducted, each side only talks up to its base either that the other side seeks massive voter suppression or that the other side seeks massive election fraud.
Take, for example, practices like mail in balloting, ballot drop off boxes and "ballot harvesting." I submit that contentiousness over those practices has little to do with actual fraud that is associated with such practices and is almost exclusively about beliefs about whether one's side will be benefitted or disadvantaged by the there being more votes cast or less votes cast if the practice is in effect or not in effect.
The two sides refusing to make reasonable efforts to reach reasonable agreements about how elections shall be conducted enables and keeps enabled "irresponsible and extremist rhetoric and positions among elected officials and candidates for elective office" regarding elections in America.
I think Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen has been an especially culpable party in the foregoing regard. I have tried to press on this per Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: What should Americans do about election integrity? (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com) and have been met with unresponsiveness in return. The legal profession in Alabama, to my knowledge, has in no way sought to engage with Secretary Allen about whether he has been complicit with others whose objective is to undermine voter confidence in elections and whether Secretary Allen has not done what he could have done to help bolster voter confidence in elections.
Let me also turn to clause (ii) of the ABA Task Force mission, which is "educate Americans on democracy and the rule of law and why they are foundational to every aspect of American lives."
There is now a raging attack that "The Democrats Are Using Lawfare Against Trump Because They Can't Beat Him Fairly" per House GOP Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik's December opinion piece The Democrats Are Using Lawfare Against Trump Because They Can't Beat Him Fairly | Opinion (newsweek.com).
At this juncture, I am not aware of anything the legal profession in Alabama has done to "educate [Alabamians] on democracy and the rule of law and why they are foundational to every aspect of [Alabamian] lives." or to undertake to evaluate and make public comment concerning the foregoing raging attack that "The Democrats Are Using Lawfare Against Trump Because They Can't Beat Him Fairly".
In a word, this is a "dismal" interim report from Alabama concerning what the legal profession in Alabama has done or is doing to advance the mission of the ABA Task Force for American Democracy.
After I send this email, I will begin selectively sending copies of the email to some of the Alabama parties to whom I have previously communicated regarding the ABA Task Force, with a view to trying to budge them to undertake supportive activities that they have thus far declined to do. While the Alabama State Bar says it is organizationally prohibited from saying or doing anything relative to the ABA Task Force, I am immediately copying the Alabama State Bar on this email, given the Alabama State Bar being the main umbrella organization over the Alabama legal profession.
Also, I have copied this email to a few Alabama lawyers I personally know whom I have previously told about my efforts regarding the ABA Task Force.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck

Email re PA Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and ABA Task Force for American Democracy
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: maria.engles@pabar.org <maria.engles@pabar.org>
Cc: khandy@balch.com <khandy@balch.com>; cdriver@badhambuck.com <cdriver@badhambuck.com>; Jennifer Buettner <jbuettner@birminghambar.org>; Jon Anderson <janderson@starnesmedia.com>; Christopher Jones <jonesc1@uab.edu>; wbrewbak@law.ua.edu <wbrewbak@law.ua.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 06:44:56 PM CST
Subject: PA Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and ABA Task Force for American Democracy
Dear Ms. Engles:
Following up on my January 15th email to the Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division regarding the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy, I pass along to you the below email I sent to the Task Force giving my interim report from Alabama to the Task Force.
Thanks.
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook, AL
[referenced "below email" is above email]

Email re Auburn University and my interim report to ABA Task Force for American Democracy
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Cathleen Erwin <coe0001@auburn.edu>
Cc: wes.allen@sos.alabama.gov <wes.allen@sos.alabama.gov>; john@johnhmerrill.com <john@johnhmerrill.com>; news@theplainsman.com <news@theplainsman.com>; suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org <suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org>; vlawson@wsfa.com <vlawson@wsfa.com>; rgarris@leeco.us <rgarris@leeco.us>; auburnucr@gmail.com <auburnucr@gmail.com>; blyman@alabamareflector.com <blyman@alabamareflector.com>; leecodemclub@gmail.com <leecodemclub@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 05:16:03 PM CST
Subject: Auburn University and my interim report to ABA Task Force for American Democracy
Dear Professor Erwin,
I know in October you said the Auburn political science and law & justice faculty wanted to hold off until the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy issued its recommendations.
I have sent the below interim report to the ABA Task Force.
The ABA Task Force's first listed mission is to "bolster voter confidence in elections by safeguarding the integrity and non-partisan administration of elections, and by providing support for election workers."
As my below email discusses, I think Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen has been an especially culpable party in failing to work jointly with Democratic Secretaries of State to bolster voter confidence in elections, and I think Secretary Allen has been complicit with others whose objective is to undermine voter confidence in elections. Further, the legal profession in Alabama, to my knowledge, has in no way sought to engage with Secretary Allen about this.
I think the Auburn political science and law & justice faculty should issue an invitation to Secretary Allen to speak at Auburn and address what I say in my interim report to the ABA Task Force for American Democracy.
In aid of the foregoing suggestion, I am copying Secretary Allen on this email, as well as the previous Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill, and other local parties I have previously contacted about this, with the addition of the Lee County Democratic Club.
Thank you for indulging this further communication to you from me.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook
[referenced "below email" is top email above]

Email to Capitol Journal re Wes Allen & absentee ballots
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: todd@aldailynews.com <todd@aldailynews.com>
Cc: Cathleen Erwin <coe0001@auburn.edu>; bbritt@alreporter.com <bbritt@alreporter.com>; hkoplowitz@al.com <hkoplowitz@al.com>; yaffee@yellowhammernews.com <yaffee@yellowhammernews.com>; csmith@al.com <csmith@al.com>; dale@yellowhammernews.com <dale@yellowhammernews.com>; wes.allen@sos.alabama.gov <wes.allen@sos.alabama.gov>
Sent: Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 03:29:18 PM CST
Subject: Capitol Journal show: Secretary Wes Allen and "absentee ballots"
Todd:
Yesterday, after seeing Capitol Journal's announcement that Secretary of State Wes Allen would be on the show regarding "absentee ballots," I tweeted that I would forward to you emails posted in Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Interim Alabama report to ABA Task Force for American Democracy (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com), in which emails I contend that Secretary of State Wes Allen has failed to work to bolster voter confidence in elections and has been complicit with others seeking to undermine such confidence.
I am writing this email without having seen last night's Capitol Journal show.
I hope that you will read the below email in which I give an interim report from Alabama to the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy and that you will consider what my below email says about Secretary of State Allen.
Do you think what I say about Secretary Allen is legitimate? Do you think Secretary Allen should respond to what I say? Are you in a position to ask Secretary Allen to respond?
As the below email indicates, to my knowledge, the Alabama legal profession has not sought to engage Secretary Allen on this matter.
I have contacted Auburn University Political Science Department Chair Cathleen Erwin to urge that the political science and law & justice faculty invite Secretary Allen to speak at Auburn on this matter.
If what I say about Secretary Allen is not legitimate, I wish for someone to say so. I don't want to be putting this out if what I say is not legitimate, but if Secretary Allen declines to rebut what I say and no one speaks up to contradict me, I will seek ways to continue to purvey this.
To the foregoing end, I will copy on this email parties who should be qualified to make respectable comment, one way or the other, on what I say, with the hope that they will do so.
Thanks for bearing with me here, Todd.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
[referenced "below email" is top email above]

Email urging UA to revisit the ABA Task Force for American Democracy
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: lane.mclelland@ua.edu <lane.mclelland@ua.edu>
Cc: jbramlett@ua.edu <jbramlett@ua.edu>; cpeacock@ua.edu <cpeacock@ua.edu>; jjohl@ua.edu <jjohl@ua.edu>; jlmaddox@ua.edu <jlmaddox@ua.edu>; rcfording@as.ua.edu <rcfording@as.ua.edu>; rlwagner1@ua.edu <rlwagner1@ua.edu>; aelinken@ua.edu <aelinken@ua.edu>; Kay Norred <knorred@wvua23.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 05:42:38 PM CST
Subject: University of Alabama should revisit the ABA Task Force for American Democracy
Dear Ms. McLelland:
Those who oppose Trump believe that SCOTUS accepting review of Trump's Presidential immunity claim and scheduling oral argument for the week of April 22nd means that there will not be a jury verdict, either guilty or not guilty, in the election interference criminal case against Trump before the November election. Further those opposing Trump are concerned that, if Trump is elected, that election interference criminal case (and other criminal cases against Trump) will never be tried and jury verdicts reached.
Those who oppose Trump are interpreting the SCOTUS action as meaning the courts will not hold Trump accountable and that it will up to the American people to hold Trump accountable for his alleged criminal interference with the 2020 election and for other alleged crimes.
These developments prompt me to urge the University to revisit the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy, which I previously raised with the University in connection with the December Presidential primary debate at the University, per Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Presidential debate in Tuscaloosa & ABA Democracy Task Force conversation event (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com)
In support, please read the below interim report from Alabama that I sent to the ABA Task Force.
In the report, please note that the Alabama legal profession (to my knowledge) is undertaking no supportive activities regarding the Task Force's mission.
Next, please focus on clause (ii) of the ABA Task Force mission to "educate Americans on democracy and the rule of law and why they are foundational to every aspect of American lives."
Further please take account of the currently raging attack that "The Democrats Are Using Lawfare Against Trump Because They Can't Beat Him Fairly" per House GOP Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik's December opinion piece The Democrats Are Using Lawfare Against Trump Because They Can't Beat Him Fairly | Opinion (newsweek.com).
Thus, the American people are confronted with a great difficulty in connection with the 2024 election.
First, it seems likely the courts will not provide them with jury verdicts of whether Trump is guilty or not guilty of criminally interfering in the 2020 election and guilty or not guilty of other crimes, and the American people will need to reach their own conclusions about Trump being guilty or not guilty of such crimes, and whether Trump should be considered unfit to be President and voters should not vote for him in the November election if they conclude his is guilty of crimes.
Second, the foregoing is exacerbated by the attack that "The Democrats Are Using Lawfare Against Trump Because They Can't Beat Him Fairly" and that jury verdicts, one way or the other regarding Trump, should be considered suspect to begin with, and the American people should not be bothered with trying to reach their own conclusions about whether Trump is guilty of crimes or not.
All of this is potentially overwhelming for the American people (including Alabamians), and they need all the help they can get in trying to work through the foregoing that is confronting them related to making their voting decisions in November.
The University of Alabama is in a position to try to provide some of that help to some Alabamians. I hope the University will undertake to do something in the months ahead before November.
Thank you very much for your attention to this email.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook
[referenced "below interim report" is top email above]

Email re Alabama lawyers, Alabama business chambers, and Jan. 6th
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: hduncan@bcatoday.org <hduncan@bcatoday.org>; sammons@birminghambusinessalliance.com <sammons@birminghambusinessalliance.com>; srose@montgomerychamber.com <srose@montgomerychamber.com>; nhewston@mobilechamber.com <nhewston@mobilechamber.com>; director@homewoodchamber.org <director@homewoodchamber.org>; chamber@vestaviahills.org <chamber@vestaviahills.org>; chamberinfo@shelbychamber.net <chamberinfo@shelbychamber.net>; pelhamchamberofcommerce@gmail.com <pelhamchamberofcommerce@gmail.com>; sandra@leedsareachamber.com <sandra@leedsareachamber.com>
Cc: Brannon Buck <bbuck@badhambuck.com>; Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; Jennifer Buettner <jbuettner@birminghambar.org>; mckinney@watsonmckinney.com <mckinney@watsonmckinney.com>; suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org <suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org>; flatta@burr.com <flatta@burr.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 05:55:11 PM CDT
Subject: Alabama lawyers, Alabama business chambers, and Jan. 6th
Dear Alabama chambers of commerce:
Some of you received the January 8th email appended below, in which I say, "With each passing day, it seems that the work of the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy is becoming more critical. and that the business community should be made more aware of it."
For more than six months I have been trying to get the Alabama legal community to undertake activities in support of the yearlong mission of the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy. That mission is to:
(i) bolster voter confidence in elections by safeguarding the integrity and non-partisan administration of elections, and by providing support for election workers and officials; (ii) educate Americans on democracy and the rule of law and why they are foundational to every aspect of American lives; and (iii) suggest ideas to the American people for improving and strengthening our democracy and our elections. Our Work (americanbar.org)
As explained in my interim Alabama report to the ABA Task Force that is set out at Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Interim Alabama report to ABA Task Force for American Democracy (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com), I don't think the Alabama legal community has undertaken or is undertaking any activities in support of the ABA Task Force's mission.
In the face of the failure of the Alabama legal community in the foregoing regard, I solicit Alabama chambers of commerce to undertake activities in support of the ABA Task Force's mission.
Trump continues on his relentless campaign to destroy the confidence of Americans in their elections. At a Greensboro, North Carolina rally on March 2nd, Trump said, “Eighty-two percent of the country understands that it [the 2020 election] was a rigged election.” PolitiFact | Trump says 82% says Americans think 2020 election was “rigged.” Polls, polling executives disagree.
One thing the Alabama legal community could do to support the ABA Task Force's mission would be to engage with Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen about the 2020 election. If Secretary Allen does not believe the 2020 election was rigged, the legal community could work with Secretary Allen on finding ways to communicate to Alabamians that they should not think that the 2020 election was rigged. If Secretary Allen believes the 2020 election was rigged, the legal community could discuss with Secretary Allen how he could best use his position to work with other Secretaries of State, Republican and Democratic, to avoid a "rigging" of the 2024 election or a public perception of a "rigging" of the 2024 election.
If the Alabama legal community is unwilling to do anything, Alabama chambers of commerce should think about doing something.
If your chamber of commerce is amenable to considering what it might do to support the ABA Task Force's mission, I would be pleased to discuss the same with you. Just let me know.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook
----------------
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: sammons@birminghambusinessalliance.com <sammons@birminghambusinessalliance.com>
Cc: hduncan@bcatoday.org <hduncan@bcatoday.org>; srose@montgomerychamber.com <srose@montgomerychamber.com>; nhewston@mobilechamber.com <nhewston@mobilechamber.com>
Sent: Monday, January 8, 2024 at 07:36:04 AM CST
Subject: Birmingham business community and American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy
Dear Mr. Ammons,
With each passing day, it seems that the work of the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy is becoming more critical. and that the business community should be made more aware of it.
The Task Force was created because "The efforts to overturn the 2020 election are a warning that democracy in the U.S. is at great risk." (https://www.americanbar.org/groups/business_law/resources/business-law-today/2023-december/working-to-ensure-enduring-american-democracy/)
Please note that Task Force Goal 1 (set out https://www.americanbar.org/groups/leadership/office_of_the_president/american-democracy/our-work/) is "Endeavor to restore voter confidence in the integrity of our elections."
And then note the news from yesterday that Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) Stefanik won’t commit to certifying the 2024 election results. https://www.aol.com/news/stefanik-won-t-commit-certifying-201812256.html.
With things so going in the wrong direction, and following the Task Force saying to, "Leverage the legal profession to educate the public on the reasons for, and the importance of, democracy and the rule of law," on Friday, I sent the below email to Stan Blanton, Managing Partner of Balch & Bingham and Executive Committee member of the Birmingham Business Alliance.
I hope this email to you helps push forward the foregoing educational objective in the Birmingham business community.
Because this applies to all the business community in Alabama, I am copying the Business Council of Alabama, and the Huntsville, Montgomery and Mobile chambers of commerce on this email (except Chip Cherry of the Huntsville chamber will be emailed using their contact form).
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook
May12th email to Alabama State Bar and others
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Brannon Buck <bbuck@badhambuck.com>; Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; Jennifer Buettner <jbuettner@birminghambar.org>; mckinney@watsonmckinney.com <mckinney@watsonmckinney.com>; suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org <suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org>; flatta@burr.com <flatta@burr.com>; wbrewbak@law.ua.edu <wbrewbak@law.ua.edu>; sgarrett@bsol.com <sgarrett@bsol.com>; ccampbell@faulkner.edu <ccampbell@faulkner.edu>; blakehudson@samford.edu <blakehudson@samford.edu>
Cc: marty@mitchellmeadows.com <marty@mitchellmeadows.com>; emyang@wstrongllc.com <emyang@wstrongllc.com>; [email addresses of certain personal acquaintances redacted]
Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 06:58:24 PM CDT
Subject: Alabama legal profession and the ABA Task Force for American Democracy
This email continues my criticism of the Alabama legal profession in its seeming failure to take up anything in support of the mission of the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy that is set out at https://www.americanbar.org/groups/leadership/office_of_the_president/american-democracy/
I have previously reported on this failure at Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Interim Alabama report to ABA Task Force for American Democracy (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
Following up on the foregoing report, I call expressly to your attention the webpage https://www.americanbar.org/groups/leadership/office_of_the_president/american-democracy/listening-tours/ that has links to hours long video recordings of "listening tour" events that the ABA Task Force has done in Georgia, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Additionally, on May 6th there were submitted to the ABA Task Force fourteen "Working Papers" or other informational articles, which are as follows:

Political Reforms to Combat Extremism

May 6, 2024

 

Office of the President

ARTICLE | This Working Paper identifies and discusses a variety of institutionally focused ideas to reduce extremism in American politics.

Decreasing the Political Polarization of the American Public

May 6, 2024

 

Office of the President

ARTICLE | This Working Paper identifies and discusses a variety of institutionally focused ideas to reduce extremism in American politics.

Improving Participation in Democratic Processes

May 6, 2024

 

Office of the President

ARTICLE | It is axiomatic that voter participation in our democratic processes is one of the keys to the health of such processes.

The State of Civics Education in the General Populace

May 6, 2024

 

Office of the President

ARTICLE | It has long been recognized that having voters with a general knowledge and understanding of how our political system works, commonly referred to as civics, enhances and improves the functioning of o…

Addressing Baseless Election Related Lawsuits

May 6, 2024

 

Office of the President

ARTICLE | Following the 2020 presidential election, a deluge of lawsuits was filed challenging the outcome of that election.

The State of Democracy Education in Law Schools

May 6, 2024

 

Office of the President

ARTICLE | Democracy plays an indispensable role within the context of law school education by emphasizing its multifaceted influence on fostering critical legal thinking.

Democracy: The Rule of Law and Human Rights

May 6, 2024

 

Office of the President

ARTICLE | This Working Paper identifies and discusses a variety of institutionally focused ideas to reduce extremism in American politics.

Why Democracy?

May 6, 2024

 

Office of the President

ARTICLE | This Working Paper identifies and discusses a variety of institutionally focused ideas to reduce extremism in American politics.

Reinvigorating American Democracy – A Youth Perspective

May 6, 2024

 

Office of the President

ARTICLE | The United Nations consolidated a list of fundamental requirements for a democracy. So perhaps a starting point for defining American Democracy is to go through each requirement in the UN’s list.

Improving Access to Voting

May 6, 2024

 

Office of the President

ARTICLE | This Working paper considers current challenges that limit registered voters’ access to the ballot and suggests proposed solutions based on policy adopted by the ABA cumulatively since the 2000 elect…

In contrast to the foregoing work of the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy,
it bears pointing out that the schedule of the Alabama State Bar, June 23-27, 2024, Annual Meeting that is set out at https://www.alabar.org/assets/2024/04/2024-AM-ATAGSchedule.pdf does not seem to show any presentation or discussion touching on matters that have been brought up in the ABA Task Force's "listening tour" or the subjects of the foregoing "Working Papers" and informational resources. (I leave it to the Alabama State Bar to say whether it was organizationally prevented from including any such presentation or discussion at its 2024 Annual Meeting or whether it was the Alabama State Bar's conscious decision not to have any such presentation or discussion.)
I will continue to press on the failure of the Alabama legal profession in the foregoing regard by means of further communications to parties in Alabama, and otherwise as indicated at Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Battleground states' lawyers and ABA Task Force for American Democracy (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck

Email to Kyle Whitmire
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: kwhitmire@al.com <kwhitmire@al.com>
Cc: jarchibald@al.com <jarchibald@al.com>; todd@aldailynews.com <todd@aldailynews.com>; bbritt@alreporter.com <bbritt@alreporter.com>; jmoon@alreporter.com <jmoon@alreporter.com>; blyman@alabamareflector.com <blyman@alabamareflector.com>; dpillion@al.com <dpillion@al.com>; srebman@bizjournals.com <srebman@bizjournals.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 07:44:06 PM CDT
Subject: Your American Bar Association Silver Gavel award; suggested story for you
Dear Kyle,
The article AL.com’s Kyle Whitmire wins Silver Gavel for commentary from American Bar Association - al.com says the ABA Silver Gavel awards are given for “outstanding work that fosters the American public’s understanding of law and the legal system.”
Last August the American Bar Association, pronouncing that "our American democracy is in peril," created a Task Force for American Democracy, the mission of which is to: (i) bolster voter confidence in elections by safeguarding the integrity and non-partisan administration of elections, and by providing support for election workers and officials; (ii) educate Americans on democracy and the rule of law and why they are foundational to every aspect of American lives; and (iii) suggest ideas to the American people for improving and strengthening our democracy and our elections. Our Work (americanbar.org)
A year-long set of Task Force activities are set forth in the link Our Work (americanbar.org). These are to culminate in a national rule of law summit to be convened this August.
Ever since last August I have endeavored to get the Alabama State Bar, Alabama bar associations and others in the Alabama legal profession, to undertake activities in Alabama supportive of the ABA Task Force's mission. See Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: American Bar Association "Task Force for American Democracy" (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
This has been to no avail. See Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Interim Alabama report to ABA Task Force for American Democracy (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com).
Please consider whether the Alabama legal profession's unwillingness to try to educate Alabamians about the rule of law in support of the ABA Task Force's mission is worthy of being reported on by the Alabama news media.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck

Email to Alabama State Bar and others re Kyle Whitmire article
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Brannon Buck <bbuck@badhambuck.com>; Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; Jennifer Buettner <jbuettner@birminghambar.org>; mckinney@watsonmckinney.com <mckinney@watsonmckinney.com>; suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org <suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org>; flatta@burr.com <flatta@burr.com>; wbrewbak@law.ua.edu <wbrewbak@law.ua.edu>; sgarrett@bsol.com <sgarrett@bsol.com>; ccampbell@faulkner.edu <ccampbell@faulkner.edu>; blakehudson@samford.edu <blakehudson@samford.edu>; christy.crow@jinkscrow.com <christy.crow@jinkscrow.com>; ajoseph@maynardnexsen.com <ajoseph@maynardnexsen.com>; richard.raleigh@wbd-us.com <richard.raleigh@wbd-us.com>; daoffice@baldwincountyal.gov <daoffice@baldwincountyal.gov>; baldwinDA@baldwincountyal.gov <baldwinda@baldwincountyal.gov>
Cc: kwhitmire@al.com <kwhitmire@al.com>; dpillion@al.com <dpillion@al.com>
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2024 at 08:52:51 AM CDT
Subject: Fw: Your American Bar Association Silver Gavel award; suggested story for you.
For what it's worth, yesterday I sent the below email to Kyle Whitmire urging him to consider whether the Alabama legal profession's unwillingness to try to educate Alabamians about the rule of law in support of the mission of the American Bar Association's Task Force for American Democracy, is worthy of being reported on by the Alabama news media.
Thank you.

Email to Alabama TV stations
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: pamhuff@sbgtv.com <pamhuff@sbgtv.com>; shannon.isbell@wbrc.com <shannon.isbell@wbrc.com>; Susana Schuler <susana.schuler@hearst.com>; brendan.kirby@fox10tv.com <brendan.kirby@fox10tv.com>; jama.killingsworth@waff.com <jama.killingsworth@waff.com>; Mike Wright <mwright@waaytv.com>; Kay Norred <knorred@wvua23.com>; rmartin@cbs42.com <rmartin@cbs42.com>; Baylor Long <blong@hearst.com>; dwingard@wsfa.com <dwingard@wsfa.com>; news@mynbc15.com <news@mynbc15.com>; Randy.Merrow@fox10tv.com <randy.merrow@fox10tv.com>; gmcdonald@waka.com <gmcdonald@waka.com>
Cc: Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; kwhitmire@al.com <kwhitmire@al.com>; jarchibald@al.com <jarchibald@al.com>; todd@aldailynews.com <todd@aldailynews.com>; bbritt@alreporter.com <bbritt@alreporter.com>; jmoon@alreporter.com <jmoon@alreporter.com>; blyman@alabamareflector.com <blyman@alabamareflector.com>; dpillion@al.com <dpillion@al.com>; srebman@bizjournals.com <srebman@bizjournals.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 09:20:24 AM CDT
Subject: Reporting on failure of Alabama law profession re democracy in 2024 elections
I don't whether Kyle Whitmire (or any of the other journalists copied on my Thursday email to Kyle that appears below) will take up my suggestion that Alabama news media should report on the Alabama legal profession's unwillingness to try to educate Alabamians about the rule of law in support of the mission of the American Bar Association's Task Force for American Democracy.
I think this story of failure of the Alabama law profession regarding democracy in the 2024 elections is worthy of reporting on by Alabama TV stations.
I hope your TV stations will report this story.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email to Alabama TV stations
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: "shannon.isbell@wbrc.com" <shannon.isbell@wbrc.com>; Susana Schuler <susana.schuler@hearst.com>; brendan.kirby@fox10tv.com <brendan.kirby@fox10tv.com>; jama.killingsworth@waff.com <jama.killingsworth@waff.com>; Mike Wright <mwright@waaytv.com>; Kay Norred <knorred@wvua23.com>; rmartin@cbs42.com <rmartin@cbs42.com>; Baylor Long <blong@hearst.com>; dwingard@wsfa.com <dwingard@wsfa.com>; news@mynbc15.com <news@mynbc15.com>; randy.merrow@fox10tv.com <randy.merrow@fox10tv.com>; gmcdonald@waka.com <gmcdonald@waka.com>; comments@abc3340.com <comments@abc3340.com>; newstip@abc3340.com <newstip@abc3340.com>; wvtm13@wvtm.com <wvtm13@wvtm.com>
Cc: Brannon Buck <bbuck@badhambuck.com>; Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; mckinney@watsonmckinney.com <mckinney@watsonmckinney.com>; suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org <suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org>; flatta@burr.com <flatta@burr.com>; wbrewbak@law.ua.edu <wbrewbak@law.ua.edu>; sgarrett@bsol.com <sgarrett@bsol.com>; ccampbell@faulkner.edu <ccampbell@faulkner.edu>; blakehudson@samford.edu <blakehudson@samford.edu>; christy.crow@jinkscrow.com <christy.crow@jinkscrow.com>; richard.raleigh@wbd-us.com <richard.raleigh@wbd-us.com>; daoffice@baldwincountyal.gov <daoffice@baldwincountyal.gov>; baldwinDA@baldwincountyal.gov <baldwinda@baldwincountyal.gov>; "baldwinda@baldwincountyal.gov" <baldwinda@baldwincountyal.gov>; bob@schreiberadr.com <bob@schreiberadr.com>; jvance@law.ua.edu <jvance@law.ua.edu>; jws@willsellers.com <jws@willsellers.com>; [email addresses of personal acquaintances deleted]
Sent: Friday, August 2, 2024 at 07:15:16 PM CDT
Subject: What AL law profession has done and not done to protect American democracy
Dea Alabama TV stations:
At the American Bar Association annual meeting in Chicago that is going on now, an ABA Task Force for American Democracy is calling on lawyers to defend against threats to democracy. ABA task force calls on lawyers to defend democracy (thehill.com);
Lawyers can help lower the political temperature, says Jeh Johnson
For a year the Alabama law profession has ignored my plea that it participate in the yearlong endeavor of the ABA Task Force for American Democracy. See Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Interim Alabama report to ABA Task Force for American Democracy (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com)
Perhaps your TV stations will consider this nonfeasance on the part of the Alabama law profession to be worthy of investigation and reporting.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook
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