This book, written by an attorney and an educator, takes an incisive look at social and political issues in Alabama. Starting with an overview of history, it examines the states' rights anti-federalism that has led to electing conservative politicians in all branches of government, including a "Ten Commandments Judge" as chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court and US Senators who challenge the rulings of federal courts.The book describes racism, religion, poverty, regressive taxation, lack of support for schools and health care, voting suppression, and a criminal justice system with extreme sentencing and abominable prison conditions. It relates how, with strong public support for capital punishment, Alabama judges override jury verdicts of imprisonment to impose the death penalty, particularly in months leading up to judicial elections.Describing the the importance of organizations such as the civic group One Montgomery, the book looks at current challenges, noting that the choice in 1865 and today is whether to lift people up or hold them down.