It has now become clear how the Republican administration of Alabama Gov. Bob Riley has managed to balance the books and convince all the newspapers and television news stations in the state that things are cheeky in Montgomery. They run a series of speed traps.

Be forewarned. There is one on John Rogers Drive over by the Birmingham Race Track for dogs and slot machines, formerly the Birmingham Turf Club for horses. There are four Alabama State Troopers on motorcycles giving tickets right and left near the new Guiding Light Church, which is under construction and being financed by deposed HealthSouth founder Richard Scrushy's money.

Hey, if you like low taxes but don't mind paying out the yang for gas and living in a police state, vote Republican...

I wonder how "I love Lucy" Baxley feels about speed traps. Her former husband Bill Baxley busted them all up in the 1970s when he was the best attorney general Alabama has ever elected...