Tears and Laughter: Other reasons Alabama may be the most stressed state in the nation

The personal finance site, Wallethub, has found Alabama to be the most stressed-out state in the nation. Being defensive about Alabama the way I am my first impulse was to try and disagree with the study’s findings. They claim Alabamians are stressed because we don’t have easy access to mental health care, have – on average – lower credit scores, and don’t get enough sleep at night.

Alabama hasn’t had all that much money since cotton was king, so I can’t imagine that people’s credit scores are keeping them awake at night. But in regards to our mental health I am going to have to unfortunately beg Wallethub’s pardon. Exactly what are they implying by reporting that a majority of people in Alabama need mental help? Because I think it comes across a touch strong.

Just because it has been well-documented and reported that our governor has frequently in the recent past few years taken leave of his senses doesn’t mean the rest of us need professional help. Unless you consider the fact that the majority of us voted his craziness into office, twice.

I guess we do have every right and excuse in the world to be a little stressed. We are a little angry too. What should have been the best of us, has failed us. Our leadership has been embarrassingly corrupt. We are all capable of accepting that this is not the first time there has been some physical action take place in the governor’s office. Many rumors of adultery have breezed through the halls of the capitol building before during previous administrations. But some of the details that have emerged from the Bentley-Mason affair have made even the most seasoned and worldliest of us either blush, or cringe.

And it wasn’t even so much about the affair. It was what it took to facilitate it. It was accusations of using public office for personal gain, violating the Ethics Code, and misusing campaign funds that made an investigation to prove the affair necessary.

It is abundantly clear now. To repeat it in detail would be redundant, but an enormous amount of time, resources, and energy were spent serving and protecting a relationship that never should have been allowed to evolve into what it became. All of that money, time, and effort should have been channeled toward the problems facing this state and the issues directly affecting the quality of life for Alabamians.

He seemed very sincere and comfortable lying to everyone – his wife, his family, her, her family, us, our families. He spoke calmly and reassuringly. He had learned the skill of making eye contact while lying. He was convincing and confident, and rightly so I suppose. For so long, it worked

Governor Bentley’s impeachment proceedings were cut short Monday by his resignation, Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey was dutifully sworn-in as Governor, and Easter Sunday is waiting to greet us at the end of the week. Maybe through grace we as a state will somehow find hope within all of the disappointment. Maybe this public shame will serve as a reminder as to why not to make certain choices. Otherwise, Wallethub could be right, most of us are going to need mental health help if we want to ever trust again. Or is the stressful part…that we did.

Amanda Walker is a blogger and contributor with AL.com, The Thomasville Times, West Alabama Watchman, and Wilcox Progressive Era. Contact her at walkerworld77@msn.comor at https://www.facebook.com/AmandaWalker.Columnist