Angelina Jolie Talkin' Sense About the War

Here's something you won't read on the Arkansas Times. Angelina Jolie, fresh from a trip to Iraq, has written an op-ed for The Washington Post declaring that we are succeeding in Iraq and have a moral obligation to continue our success.

This come as surveys show a sharp increase in support for the war. Meanwhile, Hillary and Obama are scaling back promises to pull out of Iraq. Expect them to say one thing to their kook base and another thing to regular Americans.

Spoil Sport Huckabee Keeping His Fingers Crossed That McCain Falters

If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times. Mike Huckabee does whatever he does for himself. Forget the good of the party. He's holding out for the chance that McCain will stumble, thinking that people, who have rejected him thus far, will flock to him as some sort of savior. It figures given how he basks in the sacrilegious adulation some of his supporters lavish on him.

Here's the link.

All American Prince Harry

Media sources foolishly leaked recently that Britain's Prince Harry has been serving secretly in Afghanistan for the last 10 weeks. I have to say, this guy's a real man. He could sit on his duff and have servants wait on him if he wanted, but he's chosen to fight terrorism in as inhospitable a place as there is on earth.

Notice the cap he's wearing has an American flag on it. This guy is welcome in America any time, as far as I'm concerned. He's far more welcome than the cheese eating surrender monkeys in Hollywood. If it was possible, I'd make a motion that we make him an honorary American citizen. God bless him and keep him safe.

Here's the link.

Leap Year

Today is Leap Day. I've always thought it was funny. I'm glad my birthday isn't February 29. I'd be a lot younger if it was.

"Absurdly Microscopic" Reasoning on Severance Tax

From time to time, I find that John Brummett has strayed into reason and logic, but most of the time he spouts knee jerk liberal dogma. In his latest column about the severance tax he begins by calling it "absurdly microscopic". If memory serves, he previously referred to it as "comically low". Again, I have to ask, based on what?

There is never an explanation for this absurd claim. Is Tennessee's income tax "absurdly microscopic" or "comically low" because it doesn't exist? If so, is their economy languishing because of it?

No. Well, that's strange. You would think that there was some sort of problem as a result of it being "absurdly microscopic" (or nonexistent), but there isn't. What's absurd and comical is that there is no compelling reason to raise this tax other than that it's, apparently, too low. It ignores that the natural gas industry is creating some of the fastest economic growth in the state. Meanwhile, I continue to highlight how the governor wants to subsidize industries that aren't creating the kind of growth that the natural gas industry is.

If I were a business owner considering moving to Arkansas I wouldn't want to come here any more that I would Michigan or California. Like those states, we are demonstrating that we're not interested in being business friendly. Our basic philosophy is, apparently, that the government giveth and the government taketh away. If you want to be successful in Arkansas, you better lobby for subsidies. If you strike out on your own and acheive success, you better be ready to get whacked for not bowing before the state. Didn't the natural gas companies know that they had to pay homage to the government before they can do business in Arkansas.

In American Gangster Denzel Washington plays a crime boss. At one point he tells a smaller crime boss that he has to put a tip in the jar if he wants to do business in Washington's territory. That's basically what the state is saying to the natural gas industry. This reasoning be absurd, but it's certainly not comical. It's sad.

Here's the link.

GLOBAL WARMING! Causes Record Snow and Global Cooling

GLOBAL WARMING!!! is worse than we thought. Now it's caused the worst snow cover in over 40 years and a sharp drop in temperature. What are we gonna do!?

Here's the link.

Here's the link about temperature drops.

McCain's "Natural Born" Problem

The legal arguments concerning what it means to be a "natural born" citizen are about to become an issue in the 2008 presidential election. Senator McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone while his father was stationed there as a naval officer. For years the definition of a natural born citizen has been shrouded in mystery, with most common definitions stating that to qualify one must be born in the United States proper. It's going to be interesting to see how this shakes out.

International Herald Tribune has an interesting article about it.

Little Rock Libs Get Reality Check About Immigration from Lefty Clinton School Speaker

This must have been a shock to the liberal attendees of a Clinton School talk. A Dutch lawmaker was frank about the problem with uncontrolled immigration. It's not just that Europe's culture is disappearing, they now have to worry about homegrown Islamic terrorists.

Here's the link.

William F. Buckley, Jr: 1925-2008

William F. Buckley, Jr., the Father of Modern Conservatism and Founder of National Review, passed away today. He lived a long, full life and we're all better for it.

National Review has a short note about it. I will link a more complete obituary when they publish it. Here's the link.

Sanders on Halter and His Super Duper Lottery (ahem, Stupid Tax)!

David Sanders sat with Lite Guv Bill Halter to talk about his Super Duper Lottery! As for why we need a lottery to fund college instead of just a tax increase...? Well, I guess the off chance that someone might win money is really the only difference with a tax, which is why people line up to pay it. Here's a thought: why not just raise taxes and randomly give one of the taxpayers a windfall of cash? You wouldn't need a constitutional amendment to pass that. The state could even set up kiosks to accept the voluntary taxes. We could call it the Stupid Tax. Why not? That's what a lottery is.

Here's the link.

Economic Development Running Ads on CNN

Meanwhile, we're trying to punish industries that are already here. It reminds me of Michigan taxing and regulating business to death and then running ads about a billion dollar fund if you bring your business to their state. Don't they know that we know where that money is coming from?

That's exactly the model our governor is using to "grow" the economy in Arkansas. I have an idea. Why don't we just make it our goal to be a low tax, low regulation, business friendly state. No, that would never work...

Here's the link.

Huck Vs. Pryor?

Well, that's what's being suggested by a column for NRO. I will say this, Huckabee could probably beat Pryor in the general. He would also beat the state party (into the ground) if he was elected to the senate.

It's a real conundrum. If Huck was a Republican member of the U.S. Senate, it would, on balance, be a good thing for Republicans nationally, notwithstanding his strong liberal streak. On the other hand, it would be devastating for Republicans in Arkansas, as it would thoroughly reestablish him as the "titular head" of the RPA. He's already left us in shambles. The best thing for the party and conservatism, in general, in Arkansas is for Huck to leave permanently. Hopefully he got the message since it was Arkansas conservatives and Republicans, this blogger among them, who derailed his campaign.

Here's the link.

California Pushes to Teach Global Warming Hoax to Schoolchildren

They might as well be teaching that the Earth is flat. This "science" has been so thoroughly debunked. It's not like there's much hope for California, anyway.

Here's the link.

NWA State House Candidate Endorsed By Legislators

Lowell -- Today Duncan Baird, Republican candidate for State Representative in District 95, received the endorsement of three state legislators, including Aaron Burkes, who currently represents the district. The endorsements came from Aaron Burkes of District 95 in Lowell, Dan Greenberg of District 31 in Pulaski and Saline counties, and Jon Woods of District 93 in Sprindale.

The three representatives had the following to say concerning Baird's candidacy:

Aaron Burkes: "I ran for office on my belief in limited government, limited taxation, free enterprise and pro-life values, I am endorsing Duncan because I know that he shares my beliefs on these vital issues."

Jon Woods: “Duncan Baird is a personal friend of mine. He worked tirelessly to help me get elected, and I am glad to endorse him. However, friendship aside, Duncan's stance on the issues is why I feel that he is the most qualified candidate to represent District 95. Duncan understands the needs of Northwest Arkansas. Duncan will be a strong advocate for property rights, and he'll join the fight against illegal immigration on state level. I know that he will work to make sure that Northwest Arkansas gets it's fair share of the state's highway dollars."

Dan Greenberg: "Duncan Baird represents the values that Aaron Burkes furthered last session: respect for property rights and a productive economy, commitment to pro-life values, and a Reagan-like focus on individual freedom."

"I am thrilled to have the support of these fine conservative Republicans," Baird said, "My goal will be to help them in their fight against higher taxes, in enforcing immigration laws on the local level, in defending the rights of private property owners, and in protecting the unborn."

VIDEO: Nation of Islam Leader Calls Obama "Hope of the Entire World"

Here's the link.

Barack Hussein Obama

How long has it been since 9/11? Barack Hussein Obama, who spent his formative years in an Indonesian madrasah, is the leading presidential candidate by a mile. Here he is pictured in traditional Muslim dress while on a trip to Africa. This is scary.

McCain Hopes Castro to "Meet Marx Soon"

This is great.

Here's the link.

GM CEO Calls Global Warming! a "Crock"!!!

Bob Lutz is my new hero. Aside from revamping GM's product line, Bob Lutz has accurately described GLOBAL WARMING!!! as a "crock". It's so refreshing to find a major corporate leader, especially in the auto industry, who has the guts to call this spade a spade.

I'm a big GM guy, anyway, but I'm going to be even more prone to buy a GM car after this. I encourage everyone else who is looking to buy a new car to show your support, too. They make some fine automobiles and you have the opportunity to support an executive with some guts.

Here's the link.

Asa's Back

It's interesting that Asa resurfacing is getting so much attention. Andrew DeMillo and John Brummett both have pieces about it. I have to say it's encouraging.

Arkansan Remembers Iwo Jima

I let the date slip by me, but February 19 was the 63rd anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iwo Jima. As someone whose family members served in that assault, I'm moved by the account of Richard Griffin, who served with the Marine 4th Division.

It's also interesting to note that over the course of nearly six weeks of fighting more than 6,500 Americans died, compared to about 3,500 over the course of 5 years in Iraq. I mention this to point out the remarkable success of our troops are having, in spite of the whiney calls of defeat based on the remarkably low fatalities in Iraq. There has been a drumbeat for years, exploiting the deaths of our brave troops who have given their lives in Iraq, as if the number was high or a sign of defeat.

Read this account of a Marine who served on Iwo Jima. Thankfully, he didn't have the Arkansas and New York Times telling Americans that he was failing in his mission and that we were losing, because of the incredible number of fatalities in such a short period of time.

Here's the link.

ArkTimes Dances Around McCain/NYT Smear After Heralding It, NYT Ombudsman Trashes It

When this ridiculous story was published in The New York Times you would have thought it was Max Brantley's birthday. He's currently running a link to a Media Matters story that acts as if the story has some validity. Meanwhile, the Times' ombudsman has trashed the story. Farcical innuendo and insinuations make this story nothing more than a smear. This is as much of an embarrassment as the Jayson Blair debacle and Max is trying to act like this might be something other than a smear.

Here's the link.

Bill Clinton Acts Like a Baby, Not Presidential

AP Analysis: Huck Needs a Day Job After He Quits Race...Mine: Until He Does, He Gets All the Free Advertising He Wants

Andrew DeMillo has an interesting piece about Huck's need for a day job. He points out that Huck has gone from nobody to national figure during the campaign. Huck is still in to get all the free advertising he can get for his future day job.

Here's the link.

Time to Tax the Aerospace Industry

Apparently the aerospace industry is booming in Arkansas. I just wanted to bring this to the attention of the governor and the Arkansas Times. Put them on your list of industries who aren't being taxed enough. Big Aero has to pay its fair share.

Here's the link.

Huck Says He Must Do Well in Texas...

Or what? He has absolutely zero chance of winning the nomination, anyway.

Here's the link.

Global Warming! Causes Ice Caps to Grow!!!

One thing that's very interesting about GLOBAL WARMING!!! alarmists is that they say there is no debate about whether it's happening. They're right. And for that reason they won't debate the issue. Now U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is reporting that polar ice caps are growing... How could that be? I guess, like their protests being canceled because of blizzards, this is just one more inconvenient truth.

Here's the link.

The Angry White Man Vote

I'm sure race baiters will say this is racist without reading it, but it's a remarkably uncanny piece. It's not exactly Michael Douglas in Falling Down, but it's worth the read. Here's the link.

Term Limited State Rep. Rosenbaum Running for Little Rock JP Seat

I had heard speculation that State Rep. Sid Rosenbaum, R-LR, is going to run for the Pulaski County Quorum Court seat being vacated by Justice of the Peace Alan Kerr who is running for Rosenbaum's House seat. I have received confirmation from a reader who spoke with Rosenbaum that he is running.

Too bad for poor Kathy Lewison. She needs a job.

Asa Drops Huck

Look for this to happen more and more. Asa Hutchinson has endorsed John McCain, thus undendorsing Mike Huckabee.

Here's the link.

Brummett on the Severance TAX

"You see, it('s - sic) not enough for Beebe to say we should raise our severance tax rate because it's lower than that of other states. If that were sufficient, then states around us without personal income taxes would be obliged to create such taxes on the argument that it's not fair that they don't get as much money out of their citizens' paychecks as Arkansas."

That says a lot about this debate. I almost thought Brummett was going to be on the conservative side of this debate, but he followed this remarkable statement with a "moral" explanation that we need to help Arkansas's roads and kids. It sounds like Mike Huckabee explaining his tax increases. He should've ended by saying this tax will raise hope!!!

Otherwise, this is worth reading. He makes only cursory mention of the fact that the natural gas industry is responsible for a remarkable amount of economic growth in Arkansas. Why do we always assume that industries will just stay somewhere regardless how high the government raises the cost of doing business? Ever heard of Michigan or California? Those states are bilging businesses and people because of their high taxes and regulations. By the logic of Beebe and Brummett, these states should be rolling in the dough. Of course that's what happens when states view business as existing to fund government.

Here's the link.

McCain Benefits from Liberal, Winner Take All States

A reader sent me this link which calculates the Republican race and democrat race based on the other party's rules. Without winner take all states, McCain would be in a dead heat with Romney, illustrating that this wasn't about inevitability, but chance. McCain carried winner take all states that no Republican will carry in the general. It's interesting to ponder this. Those liberal states have made themselves more influential than they otherwise would be by making themselves winner take all, which automatically gives a leg up to liberal candidates in the GOP race.

Here's the link.

Asa on the Severance Tax

It's good to see some more leadership on this issue. Yesterday's op-ed by Rep. Johnny Key was superb and very encouraging. Asa's comments add to the overwhelming arguments against this stupid idea. Here's the link.

Lunar Eclipse Tonight

I saw a lunar eclipse when I was a kid. It's always nice to break up the monotony of politics, so if you're interested, follow the link to NASA's info on tonight's lunar eclipse.

Sanders: Generation Next

David Sanders has an interesting column today on how different generations play in elections. Here's the link.

EXCLUSIVE Op-Ed: Raising the Severance Tax: Short-Term Gain, Long-Term Disaster

By State Representative Johnny Key
House Republican Leader

There has been much discussion of late about the severance tax on natural gas, the content of that discussion being how to raise it, how much to raise it, and how to use the extra money after we have raised it. This discussion has overlooked a critical question: With respect to the long-term economic benefit to Arkansas, should the severance tax be raised at all?

It is the consensus of House Republicans that increasing the severance tax is misguided and would have a harmful effect on the continued job growth resulting from the Fayetteville Shale play specifically, but it could also affect other facets of economic development. While it may not be the equivalent of instantly killing the goose that laid the golden egg, it would be akin to putting our hands around her throat and gradually squeezing the life out of her.

Natural gas is not new to Arkansas, so what has caused the Fayetteville Shale to get all this recent attention? At the most basic level, the fact that natural gas is up significantly from historical prices, and technology has eased the exploration, drilling, and production costs, it is now worthwhile for gas companies to do business in that region. So now the gas companies are here in force, investing like never before, extracting more gas than was once thought possible, resulting in an estimated $3.8 billion surging through the Arkansas economy.

But it doesn’t stop with the gas companies. These companies need engineering firms, subcontractors, service companies and laborers. These companies buy vehicles, trailers, and other equipment. Many of these jobs are now being filled by Arkansans, who buy gas, food, housing, clothing and some may even enjoy dinner after work at a local restaurant. They pay taxes, give to their churches and support our schools and communities.

Royalty checks are going into the pockets of land and mineral owners. And, yes, on these purchases, payrolls, and royalties, taxes are being paid. It is an economic ripple effect that will continue to benefit Arkansas taxpayers for years to come. That is, unless we engulf the ripple with the tidal wave of a tax increase.

Why could a higher severance tax be detrimental? Natural gas is a traded commodity that, like cotton and cattle, goes up and down in price. There is no guarantee the price of natural gas will remain as high as it is now. Just ask a cotton or rice farmer or cattle rancher about the ups and downs of commodity prices.

If we raise the severance tax, we increase the cost of doing business in Arkansas. These companies may have to re-think their Arkansas operations, leaving the very real possibility that production could be curtailed.

Under such a scenario, what would happen to a highway program funded by the severance tax? What would happen to the thousands of Arkansas students attending college with a ‘severance tax’ scholarship? There would only be two options: cut the programs (something government rarely does) or we would have to raise taxes.

Raising the severance tax could affect other facets of the Arkansas economy. Industries considering locating in Arkansas may view a tax increase on a specific industry as an indicator of an unfriendly business climate. Other states we compete against for new industry and jobs could use our high severance tax increase against us by pointing out that Arkansas penalizes booming sectors of its economy with higher taxes. That is a competitive disadvantage we can not afford.

For years we have tried to attract economic superprojects, but with limited success. The brass ring of an automotive plant has seemed so close, but when it eluded us we were left scratching our heads, wondering why we lost out to Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas. If we increase the severance tax, there could be even more head scratching in a few years, and we will yet again be wondering what happened and what to do next.

Providence has blessed Arkansas with abundant natural resources, and through the Fayetteville Shale, we have been given a true economic superproject. If we ignore the long-term impact of raising the severance tax, we do so at our own peril. We must overcome the natural urge of government to stifle this superproject through short-term thinking and the burden of higher taxes. We must allow this superproject, which has created thousands of jobs, to continue growing, developing and benefiting our citizens through the positive influence of free enterprise.

Yeah, Huck Doesn't Have an Ego

After refusing stop playing Boston's "More Than a Feeling", now he's saying that Boston should be grateful because he boosted their record sales...

Here's the link.

Huck Doesn't Have an Ego...WHATEVER!!!

After another pitiful showing in a primary, Huck said he wasn't staying in for his ego. Yeah, that's believeable.

Here's the link.

More Good News From Iraq...

I haven't seen a story about Iraq on the Arkansas Times blog in a long, long time. Intellectual honesty isn't their strong suit. Here's some more news you won't read there. Violence has fallen 80% in Baghdad. This just goes to show that they really do want us to lose. When things are bad they cheer and when they're good, they're quiet as churchmice.

Well, I for one am glad to be able to report more good news from Iraq.

Here's the link.

Clintons More Pro-Life than Pro-Lifers...?

Bill Clinton has been on a roll, lately, saying some of the stupidest stuff. He insinuated recently that he was more pro-life than pro-life people are, because he did more to reduce abortions than anybody else...supposedly. Here's a question, Bill, why would you want to reduce abortions? Is it maybe because they take the life of an unborn child? If not, why would you want to reduce them?

Anyway, Newsbusters has the story.

Jonathan Barnett to Run for State House

Barnett, a long time friend and appointee of Huckabee, has served as highway commissioner for nearly ten years. He recently announced that he's running for Mike Kenney's seat.

Here's the link.

Terrorists Rejoice!!! The Democrats Have Come Through For You

House democrats, led by Nancy Pelosi have successfully killed a huge portion of our national security apparatus, but stopping the renewal of the Terrorist Surveillance law. Now we'll have to get warrants for every call, which will be over by the time it's made. Stupid democrats have said that it's no big deal because we can get warrants for specific phone numbers. That might have worked, partially, except that these same stupid democrats have broadcast to terrorists that they need to rotate phone numbers. Thanks, a lot. If something bad happens, we'll know whom to blame.

Here's the link.

Huckabee's Pitiful Attempts to Explain Why it Was His "Sincere Desire" that Wayne DuMond Be Set Free

This is old but worth remembering. Mike Huckabee never takes responsibility for his actions. The simple reason why this and another Missouri girl is dead is because Mike Huckabee pushed the parole board to let DuMond out. He doesn't have the guts to admit the lengths to which he went to let DuMond out.

Huck Supporters in England

Some of Huckabee's Nanny-State fellow travelers are proposing a license to smoke in Briton... This isn't a joke, unfortunately.11Here's the link.

Somewhat Random Thoughts on McCain as Commander in Chief

The following are some random thoughts I had about John McCain as commander in chief, which is a real longshot, especially if Hillary doesn't get the nomination.

Senator McCain appears to think that his service 40 years ago makes him some sort of strategic expert, which he's not. He second guesses people with far greater strategic understanding as a matter of course. That said, I honestly think he could do as poorly as a democrat in his handling of the war.

The democrats say they want to pull out of Iraq, but I don't think they're willing to be saddled with the blame for us losing, especially since we are winning, now. Obama is less predictable, but Hillary is more interested in power than ideology. That being said, she's not as likely as McCain to try to micromanage the war, which will lead to bad policy.

Keep in mind that McCain now claims credit for the Surge, but what he was calling for was entirely different than what we got. He wanted hundreds of thousands more troops in Iraq, not 20,000. The problem with this is that the increase in troops is not the significant factor in our success in Iraq. It was a smokescreen to distract liberals and the media from seeing and broadcasting our actual change in tactics and strategy. The media and democrats were so busy talking about sending more troops that they didn't see what was really going on. I doubt any, or many, of them realize that it was a ruse.

Considering all that, McCain is taking credit for success based on a troop increase which was far less than what he was calling for and which is not the main reason for the turning of the tide. Perhaps he was complicit in the implementation of this gambit, but I doubt it. He has been a consistent thorn in the side of military strategists. When thing aren't going well his main reaction is to complain.

In addition to his proclivity to second guess and micromanage, he also wants to shut down Club Gitmo and tie the hands of our interrogators, both of which would have disastrous effects.

That's a lot to chew on, but I honestly believe that McCain could do a worse job as Commander in Chief than Hillary. There is something to be said for the fact that morale would be better under McCain than Hillary, but that's not the same as strategy being better. Hillary is more likely to let the military run the effort, unless she has Wes Clark as SecDef, which changes everything I just said and would be disastrous.

Sanders and Brummett on Hillary

Two good columns, today. Here's Brummett and here's Sanders.

Obama's Anti-American and Racist Church

Barack Obama may not be a muslim as some internet rumors have said, but his "church" is a radical, racist, anti-American one. Here's the link.

Governor's Message to the Economy: If You're Successful, You Get Whacked. If You're Unsuccessful, You Get Taxpayer Subsidies...

It was reported today that the governor is giving nearly a million dollars to a group to help grow the "knowledge-based" part of the economy. Meanwhile, he's trying to punish a thriving part of the economy... Does this make any sense, at all? By the governor's strained logic, these "knowledge-based" companies are going to be here, anyway, so we ought to tax them, right? Wrong.

Here's the link.

Brummett on Huck's Real Job

John Brummett has an interesting column today about Huck's real job, making paid speeches. He comments on the fact that it's mathematically impossible for Huckabee to win the nomination and, therefore, he ought to be able to devote more time to his new occupation. Alas, he gets free advertising by staying in the race and, even though he's not technically relevant, he'll be almost completely irrelevant after he finally drops out.

Here's the link.

Opponent for Mark Pryor

Tom Formicola of Little Rock has announced that he is forming an exploratory committee to run against incumbent U.S. Senator Mark Pryor.

Huckabee Refuses to Become the Nobody He Really Is

It's mathematically impossible for him to win the Republican nomination, but he still won't drop out. Why should he? He's not running for the sake of the party or conservatism (obviously). He's running for himself. He gets all the free advertising for his self-aggrandizement he wants. In the meantime, though, he's abusing the party rank and file, again.

Here's the link.

Ross Actually Wants to Solve Our Energy Problem

It's almost a rule of thumb, if the Arkansas Times is against something, it's probably a good idea. Congressman Mike Ross is catching heat from them for proposing to drill for oil in Alaska!!!

Here's the link.

More Than A Feeling

The front man for the band Boston has asked Mike Huckabee to stop playing "More Than a Feeling". Apparently, Huck doesn't think he should have to get permission.

Here's the link.

Weekend at Bernies: Huckabee Style

Mike Huckabee is showing his level of commitment to this race by taking the weekend off to travel to the Cayman Islands for a paid speaking engagement. I can just hear what people would be saying if Fred Thompson had done this. This is more unprecedented activity from Huckabee. Like I said before, he doesn't have anything better to do. He doesn't even need to campaign.

Here's the link.

Soviet Putin Strikes, Again

The KGB tactics are chilling. An adversary of Soviet Premier Vladimir Putin has apparently been murdered in London. You can bet MI-6 is upset about this brazen activity on British soil.

The Bear is waking from its long hibernation. Here's the link.

Who's the Rat?

We have a problem. There's a moron(s) in the party who think it's cool to leak sensitive information to the media. I have spoken to a number of people who have an idea who the leaker is and how that person got the information. This person is a nobody with an ax to grind who has done this several times.

I'd like to invite y'all to offer your thoughts on who leaked the information.

Here's the link to the AP story about the leaked information.

Good News: Huckabee Not Running for Senate...

He could mount a plausible campaign against Mark Pryor, but most Republican activists are more likely to prefer our current DINO senator to a RINO senator.

Here's the link.

Sanders on Huckabee Sticking Around

I once confided to friends that the problem for all the candidates in the GOP race was that there were too many of them. I was hoping that one of the worthwhile candidates would stick it out long enough to have a real shot. I must admit that I never considered that it would be Huckabee who would still be sticking around. In hindsight it makes perfect sense given that the only money Huckabee needs is to pay for him to travel and support his kids. It's not like any of them have anything better to do.

Huckabee's support now is as much opposition to a liberal John McCain as it is support for him, as he is nearly as liberal as McCain. Many still don't know how liberal Huckabee and the rest are protesting against our presumptive nominee who was foisted upon us by the media.

Sanders' column offers some good insight into Huckabee's continuation. Here's the link.

Weather Causing Low Voter Turnout in Northern Virginia

My man on the street in Virginia tells me that the interstates in northern Virginia are a parking lot because of icy, inclement weather, which should hurt McCain turnout in this stronghold.

The Washington Times has the story, now.

More Common Sense on Gun Control

1. Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.

2. If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics stink.

3. I carry a gun cause a cop is too heavy.

4. America is not at war. The U.S. Military is at war. America is at the Mall.

5. When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away.

6. A reporter did a human interest piece on the Texas Rangers. The reporter recognized the Colt Model 1911 the Ranger was carrying and asked him, 'Why do you carry a 45?' The Ranger responded with, 'Because they don't make a 46.'

7. An armed man will kill an unarmed man with monotonous regularity.

8. The old sheriff was attending an awards dinner when a lady commented on his wearing his sidearm. 'Sheriff, I see you have your pistol. Are you expecting trouble?' 'No Ma'am. If I were expecting trouble, I would have brought my rifle.'

9. Beware the man who only has one gun. HE PROBABLY KNOWS HOW TO USE IT!!! To this I will add my comments. I was once asked by a lady visiting if I had a gun in the house. To which I said I did. She said, 'Well I certainly hope it isn't loaded!' To which I said, 'Of course it is loaded.' She then asked, 'Are you that afraid of someone evil coming into your house?' My reply was, 'No not at all. I am not afraid of the house catching afire either, but I have fire extinguishers around, and THEY ARE ALL LOADED.'

Stupidity

The ArkTimes staff has written an editorial insulting Sen. Bob Johnson for not wanting the state to continue its mafia like tactics of making sure it gets a cut of every dollar made in Arkansas. They say that the drillers aren't paying their fair share...based on what? They pay sales taxes, property taxes, corporate taxes, income taxes...aaaaannnndddd they provide jobs for thousands of Arkansans who pay taxes, too. But liberals are liberals and they trot out "not paying their fair share" any time they think someone isn't paying enough taxes. They say the same thing about "the rich", the people who pay 95% of the federal income tax burden. The truth is that they pay far more than their "fair share".

The simple truth is that liberals think that the economy exists to fund government.

Here's the link to their stupid editorial.

Hillary Clinton: CONSERVATIVE???

A top aide of Hillary's apparently thought she was "extremely conservative"... Seriously. I guess they have a different definition of conservative than conservatives do.

Here's the link.

Global Cooling Strikes Again!!!

I brought you a story last week about how global cooling is a looming menace, because our biggest enemy...the SUN!!!...is out of control!!!

Powerline blog has some more interesting commentary and links to studies about it.

Huckabee Whines About Washington Results...Neither "Front Runner" Got Majority

Mike Huckabee is such a baby. He is challenging the results of the Washington primary, insinuating that there is something foul going on. The only thing foul is the fact that a primary was held and the two "front runners" couldn't COMBINE for even half of the votes cast.

What does it say that John McCain is our presumptive nominee, won Washington, and barely got a quarter of the vote??? McCain also didn't acheive a quarter of the vote in Kansas where Huckabee won.

Here's the link to Huckabee whining.

Here's the link to the Washington results.

UPDATE: Huckabee Claims He Isn't Vying for Veep

That may be entirely true if you consider that he doesn't have anything better to do than have others pay for him to travel around and be worshipped.

Here's the link.

As I was saying... Huck preached to Jerry Falwell's church over the weekend. He can't get enough of this adoration.

Here's the link.

Special Session Not Likely

Robbie Wills, the Speaker-elect, says he doesn't think a special session to raise the severance tax is likely. The governor just doesn't have the 76 votes needed to pass it. The next question is whether the people of Arkansas feel like raising taxes because liberals say we should stick it to drillers who are providing jobs...

Here's the link.

Sanders Gets McCain Right...

Today's column is accurate. Here's the link.

Why Britain Needs More Guns

Here's the link.

Hillary Care Tyranny

Hillary suggested the other day that the government may need to garnish wages to force people to buy health insurance. Here's the link.

Low Sun Activity Raising Fears of ICE AGE!!!

This is why we shouldn't let liberals destroy our economy. Liberals are now starting to replace "global warming!" with "climate change!". Get ready for an ICE AGE!, though, because a lot more reliable cause of climate change (the sun) is going through a lull in activity which will cause cooling. The bad thing for liberals is there's no way they can justify raising taxes and regulating the sun to stop it from affecting our climate.

Here's the link.

What If Hillary Isn't the Democrat Candidate?

I've been told by a number of friends that it doesn't matter who our candidate is because voters will turn out to vote against Hillary... First of all, I don't buy that everybody will do that, but some people will. What happens, though, if Hillary isn't the democrat nominee?

The whole basis of the Hillary negative vote strategy is that Hillary is hated and not trusted, that her negatives are huge. That isn't true about Obama. He's the first person, in my lifetime, who has succeeded in turning out the "vote or die" crowd. He's a cultural phenomenon and he has a real chance of winning the nomination.

With the democrat delegate race now a near impossibility for either candidate to win, John Edwards and the superdelegates are about to become real powerbrokers. It's important to realize that there are a lot democrat leaders who don't like being bullied by the Clintons and would love to be out from under their control. Those people are a huge part of the superdelegates, if not a majority. This is going to be fascinating.

Hillary Laughs at Comment that President Bush is a "Bastard"

Hillary Clinton isn't held to the same standards as Republicans when it comes to admonishing disrespectful statements by supporters. When one of her supporters called President Bush "Bush the bastard" she laughed and smiled, tacitly supporting such low brow and disrespectful comments. This is a very interesting example of how the media is highly selective with its criticism of democrats and republicans, since republicans have been roundly criticized by the media for not condemning similar comments.

Here's the link.

Britain's Prince Andrew Says We Don't Know How to Fight Insurgencies...I Guess He Doesn't Watch the News

I'm not sure if he's aware that our military is kicking butt in Iraq. Based on his stupid comments, I'd say not.

Here's the link.

Romney Dropping Out, Huckabee Staying In?

Mike Huckabee has announced that he's staying in the race for the White House even though he has a far smaller chance of winning than Romney did. The reason is, most likely, that he has to stay in for a reasonable period to appear that he wasn't just trying to help McCain. I would say that Huckabee was staying in to keep helping McCain garner free media, but since they never disagree with each other it can't last too long to have the two of them out agreeing with each other all the time. The media won't like being used. What will the "debates" be like. You might as well change the name of debates to "agreements".

With Romney Out, Republicans Can Really Mess Up the Democrat Primaries

I'm not sure which candidate to support, but Republicans are now stuck with McCain, which means that those of us who haven't voted yet can vote in many of democrat primaries. I say we bleed them to death. It may be down to the wire between Hillary and Obama anyway, but, considering liberals and independents have given us McCain, it may be time to start messing up their primary.

This would be a lot of fun. We would probably have to switch from one candidate to the other in each primary.

The Biggest Loser Today: Mike Huckabee

John McCain doesn't need him anymore. He no longer has anything to offer. If he doesn't drop out, he won't like how quickly McCain will turn the knives on him.

One possibility that will be very transparent will be them continuing together as "opponents" to keep getting free media.

Whither Goest Thou, Conservatives

Michelle Malking has it right. Here's the link.

Romney Out: It's Official

Mitt Romney just gave the best speech of the campaign (aside from a few from Fred Thompson). Unfortunately, it was his concession speech.

Romney Out? Developing...

I'm watching Romney's speech at C-Span, right now. He's throwing his support to McCain right now.

McCain's CPAC Speech Scheduled to Start As Rush Ends Broadcast

I have to say that I don't believe it's a coincidence that John McCain's speech to CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference, begins at 3 p.m. Eastern Time, which is precisely when Rush Limbaugh goes off the air for the day. He had to know that Rush would probably JIP (Join In Progress) him and critique as he spoke if he started before or during Rush's show.

I'll try to catch his speech on C-Span to see what kind of pathetic plea he makes. You can bet that if he takes questions that he won't be happy with the kind he'll get. He's not likely to abandon his position for amnesty, which will go over like a lead balloon, and he has zero credibility on judicial appointments since he torpedoed so many good nominees.

It's Time for Conservatives to Get Mad

John McCain has yet to carry actual Republicans or Conservatives in a primary. He is winning with independents, moderates, and liberals. This column by John LeBoutillier explains what we're up against. Here's the link.

UNBELIEVEABLE: Drunk Driver/Huckabee Donor Who Huckabee Granted Clemency Arrested, AGAIN!!!

Max beat me to this. This is another amazing reminder of what a corrupt politician Mike Huckabee is. Here's the link.

McCain Only Got 48% in Arizona...

I don't know that this needs any more comment, but what does it say about our presumptive nominee?

If McCain Wins, Get Ready for His Leap Back to the Left

This piece from the New York Post says it about as well as I could, though I don't agree with his conclusion, which is that if conservatives don't support him in the general, we will be responsible for electing a democrat. That's untrue. McCain will be to blame. Having an R by your name doesn't give anyone any special right to our vote. What if John Kerry was the R candidate? The selection of a liberal or an uninspiring candidate is its own consequence.

Here's where this piece is right, though: "if history is any guide, the McCain we've seen of late on the campaign trail is the most conservative McCain we'll ever see."

It also points to the collusion between McCain and Huckabee, which was necessary to steal certain victory from Romney in West Virginia and thus weaken his results. What it really shows is the weakness of either Huck or McCain there and across the country that neither could have done what they did without each other. I'm not denying that it's not electorally intelligent, but it's a sad statement for our party.

Also, consider than McCain only succeeded by virtue of the fact that the Northeastern states he won were winner take all. If not for that, he would have come out about even with Romney. I understand that it's an electoral reality, but it's important to point out that it isn't indicative of overwhelming support for McCain.

It's Up to You Now...I Know Who I'm Voting For and Who I'm Not

Another Group of Huckabee Supporters: Mississippi Lawmakers Propose to Make it Illegal For Restaurants to Serve Fat People

What's wrong with this world when people like Mike Huckabee are taken seriously and elected officials propose tyrannical legislation like this? Here's the link.

Laugh of the Day

From Reuters:

"One of the problems facing Romney on Super Tuesday is that he is competing for conservative votes along with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. Huckabee said Romney, as a late comer to conservative causes, should recognize him as the true conservative and get out of the race.

"He wants to try to claim that he's the true conservative," Huckabee said on CNN's "Late Edition." "I think that's what rankles many of us. ... He's a recent convert, and now he is shouting hallelujah louder than the rest of us who have been in church a long time."

Again Mike Huckabee tries to redefine conservatism to mean raising taxes, spending, pushing for scholaships and in-state tuition for illegal aliens... He says this as if he wasn't fighting with Ron Paul for last place or as if he's not the one who's gone from hero to zero because conservatives found out who he really is. He's not one of us and never has been.

Mike's Not OK: Huckabee Pretending to Be a Conservative in Oklahoma

Read this blog and you can't help but wonder why anyone takes him seriously. Thankfully, it's fewer and fewer people do.

Here's the link.

Holt Running for Springdale Mayor?

I've heard this rumored, but NWANews.com is reporting that Jim Holt might be considering a race for mayor of Springdale.

Time For Huck to Go

Mike Huckabee is a fast becoming a pitiful looking character. At the Reagan Library debate he whined that he isn't getting as many questions as the others. He's staying in because it helps John McCain, which gives him more cachet come convention. He's been getting asked more and more, though, why he doesn't drop out...

Here's the link.

Another Open Letter About Why You Shouldn't Vote For Mike Huckabee

This one who was kind enough to include the Arkansas Journal as a source. It's a very thorough analysis.

Here's the link.

Brummett: Huckabee Helping McCain

I'd say I couldn't have said it any better, but I've already said it. I will say that Brummett said it very well, though. Mike Huckabee is colluding with John McCain to keep Mitt Romney from facing McCain head to head. If Huckabee weren't here, Romney would be winning.
What does it say about McCain that Huckabee supports him?
Here's the link.

Huck's Conspiracy Theory about Why Conservative Talk Show Hosts Oppose Him

Mike Huckabee suggested that Romney owns part of Clear Channel, and that's why Sean Hannity opposes Huckabee...

Seriously, this is retarded. Now Huckabee's also blaming "Wall Street" Republicans for opposing him and "Wal-Mart" Republicans, who are supposedly supporting him. Too bad the election results don't bear this out. Or else, there are a lot more "Wall Street" Republicans than anyone knew.

Romney on a Roll...Don't Expect to Hear Much About It From the Media, Though

Let's recap:
Mitt Romney won the Maine caucus over the weekend. He received 52% of the vote, McCain 21%, just ahead of Ron Paul with 19%, and Huck in a very distant last with 6%. Here's the link.

Romney is leading McCain in California...looks like an endorsement from Arnold Schwarzenegger isn't a good thing among California Republicans. Here's the link.

Speaking of that, how appropriate that McCain was endorsed by Arnold, whose wife endorsed Obama. Here's the link.

Romney's momentum in Georgia is remarkable. He's gone from being double digits behind McCain and Huckabee to within 2 points of McCain in 2nd place in a matter of days, don't expect the media to cover this either. They keep talking about McCain's momentum, which, almost non-existent, wouldn't exist if Mike Huckabee wasn't in the race tag teaming Romney. Here's the link.

Romney is predicting that conservatives will reject McCain. I appreciate his optimism. We're working on it. Here's the link.

Thoughts on Huckabee From a Former(?) FredHead

Time flies. It pains me to realize that Fred isn't still in the race. I am proud of the work that I and many others did in exposing the real Mike Huckabee, but I will never forget what he did and continues to do in this race. I've linked to a superb post in a not yet defunct pro-Fred Thompson blog. For someone who isn't from Arkansas, it is remarkably lucid about the true nature of Huckabee, which further encourages me that my efforts were not in vain. Mike Huckabee is a devious, dishonest liberal and our party is worse because of him.

Here's the link.

Sanders for McCain and My Response

David Sanders has thrown down the gauntlet for John McCain with his latest column. While I agree that neither he nor Romney are perfect, at least Romney hasn't made a career of being openly hostile to conservatives and conservatism. By Massachusetts standards, Romney was a very conservative governor. His conversion to various conservative positions are reasoned and sincere. He has, on a number of occasions, admitted that he was simply wrong on a number of issues. Unlike McCain and Huckabee, he hasn't sought to redefine conservatism to mean whatever he did.

As many of you know by now, I have a deep respect for David Sanders' opinion, but I do sometimes disagree with him. In this case, I do strongly. Allow me explain why. I don't have time, now, to go into all of the reasons why John McCain is terrible for conservatism and the GOP, but I'll give you a few of the lowlights, based on flaws David was kind enough to point out.

"So that leaves McCain, who, like all the others, has his share of drawbacks. There are all the hyphenated bills from the U.S. Senate, which along with his name carry the names of individuals whom conservatives loath. I disagree with him on campaign finance reform, cap-and-trade and the need for a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants. At least on illegal immigration he says he has learned his lesson from the American people and will seal the country's border with Mexico. His irascible temperament has put him at personal odds with conservatives on policy matters. But there is his attractive side."

All the hyphenated bills don't just reflect badly on McCain because of his poor choices in associations, but because of his active pursuit and leadership on some of the biggest pieces of liberal legislation in the last decade. McCain has led the charge on so many, it's easy to lose count. He single-handedly did more damage to the 1st Amendment than anything since Brown v. Board of Education. Why? To get the money out of politics... Aside from the fact that it's a bad, and unAmerican, idea, it hasn't worked very well.

McCain has stated erroneously that his "cap and trade" policy wouldn't hurt anything if he's wrong. Again he's demonstrating his utter lack of understanding of economics or, perhaps, his dishonesty. "Cap and trade" will have devastating effects on the economy and this isn't some idea he "used" to support. This is an issue he is currently advocating as something he'll do as president. No wonder every liberal I know loves him. "Cap and trade" which will choke businesses, and the economy as a whole, with onerous regulations and it's all based on a hoax, which makes this even worse. I have covered the lies of global warming more times than I can count. The truth isn't hidden. It doesn't take a genius to see that ice core dating shows that carbon always lags behind temperature increases by hundreds of years, meaning that it is an effect and not a cause of warming...but John McCain wants to regulate our economy to save us from this hoax. Unfornately, he's getting a pass on it.

Although McCain now claims that he "gets it" about sealing the border, he still supports granting amnesty and citizenship to tens of millions of illegal aliens. Again, he didn't just support this legislation, he was the proud leader of it. He, like Mike Huckabee, said on many occasions that those of us who opposed it were "nativists" and racists. Now, he's had a Road to Damascus "conversion" and is getting a pass by many. The problem, as I just pointed out, is that he is getting credit for converting (flip flopping) without having actually converted.

The worst part of McCain-Kennedy wasn't just that he opposed sealing the border. It was that he wanted to reward 20 million illegal aliens, and their families, for violating our sovereignty. Adding the families of illegal aliens, would have brought in an additional 30-50 million more immigrants, further rewarding the violation of our sovereignty. Again, he hasn't abandoned this. It was the heart of the the legislation which he so strongly advocated and he still wholeheartedly supports. Americans rose up against this bill not just because it didn't seal the borders but because it was a gross assault on our national sovereignty.

Finally, I have a question, if McCain now supports sealing the border and he "gets it", why hasn't he done anything about it, yet? I'm pretty sure that he's still a U.S. Senator. If he really understands what a serious problem this is, why isn't he demanding that the fence be completed, like he demanded that we increase our troop presence in Iraq by several hundred thousand? He hasn't done so precisely because he isn't being honest about this.

"His unwavering resolve and willingness to let his entire candidacy rise or fall on the U.S. military's troop surge in Iraq is the kind of courage it takes to be a commander-in-chief."

While I agree that McCain would be far better than any democrat in his conduct of the war, his claim that he was responsible for the Surge is inaccurate. First, the Surge, literally speaking, is not responsible for our success in Iraq. The literal increase in troops was an intentional distraction put out to keep The New York Times and the rest of the liberal establishment from telling al Qaeda what our actual strategy was. A troop increase isn't, by its nature, a change in strategy. While the increase was needed to help pull off the change in strategy, it was far more important as a gambit to distract than to accomplish anything militarily strategic. That said, McCain was not calling for 20,ooo more troops. He was calling for hundreds of thousands more troops. McCain was a constant naysayer about the efforts in Iraq. His solution is not the one which was implemented, even though he now takes credit for it. As I said, he would be far better than any democrat, but he gets far more credit than he deserves for all but his general support of the effort.

"When McCain says he will put conservatives on the federal bench I believe him. When he says that in order to get the country's economic house in order the tax cuts must be made permanent, I believe him. Competency and honesty are at a premium this year."

On what basis does anyone believe McCain's promise to appoint conservative judges? Should history not be a guide for us? We cannot forget that many high quality conservative judicial nominees were stopped by John McCain, as the leader of the Gang of 14. We should not forget, as I posted the other day, that McCain felt that Sam Alito was too conservative. There is no evidence that John McCain is shooting us straight about appointing conservative judges. If anything, his record is one of a senator who actively sought to stop them.

As for tax cuts, honesty isn't McCain's strong suit there either. He now claims that he opposed President Bush's tax cuts because they were not tied to spending cuts, which demostrates his lack of understanding about the nature of supply-side economics, which is surprising for a "foot soldier" of the Reagan Revolution. When he opposed them, though, he stated many times that his opposition was because they favored "the rich". You know, the rich who pay 90% of the tax burden. The rich who work 6 months of the year to pay the government for the privilege of having a mortgage and car payments... Yeah, that rich. Many of us and our friends and family are "rich" by this democrat standard that McCain holds. Those of us who aren't hope to be some day. McCain, however, does a remarkable democrat impersonation on this issue and thinks we don't pay our fair share. I'm not sure how 90% of the tax burden isn't slightly more than our fair share, but McCain didn't think it was.

On these and so many other issues, John McCain has been an avowed enemy of Conservatism and conservatives, which is why many who have a memory longer than the last poll have chosen to let history advise their consideration of him. David Sanders has offered some thoughtful considerations about McCain and he clearly has taken into consideration issues beyond polls, but I firmly disagree with his conclusions. John McCain is not only not a conservative, he's been, in many ways, our greatest adversary, attacking us from within our party.

Here's the link to David's column.

Bisbee for County Judge

I've gotten word from a number of first-hand sources that former State Senator Dave Bisbee is saying that he's going to run for Benton County Judge.

Jumpin' John McCain

In the spirit of Jumpin' Jim Jeffords, John McCain also looked into the possibility of leaving the party. He actually sent one of his senior advisors to meet with Tom Daschle about switching parties, or becoming an Independent, after the 2000 election. It always made me wonder why McCain wasn't more adamant against joining John Kerry's ticket in 2004. He's actively undermined the party's conservative base for years, so it comes as no surprise to find out that he seriously considered abandoning the GOP, officially.

This article from The Hill is a fascinating and in-depth look at McCain's serious consideration of abandoning the GOP, which would have thrown the senate majority to the democrats. He backed off after Jumpin' Jim Jeffords did it first, which diminished his cachet with the democrats. This is all the more interesting considering the anger being vented at conservatives who are suggesting they may not support McCain. Considering that McCain seriously considered leaving the party, I'd say that conservatives have one more good reason not to support him, as do a lot of his mainline republican supporters.

What does it say about John McCain that he considered leaving the party? It's not surprising. There's a reason he found himself in the company of Lincoln Chafee and Jim Jeffords.

Here's the link.

State Senate Candidate Draws More the Twice the Crowd as Mike Huckabee

Former State Representative Cecile Bledsoe held a fundraiser yesterday in Rogers. The crowd was estimated at 400, which is more than twice the estimated crowd for Mike Huckabee, who you'd think would be very popular in the most Republican county in Arkansas. It's no surprise to those of us who know Huckabee, though.

But I digress, this is very good news for Mrs. Bledsoe, who is very popular in Benton county and was a superb house member.

Here's the link.

Gun Control

"Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not."

~ Thomas Jefferson

FIREARMS REFRESHER COURSE

1. An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.

2. A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.

3. Colt: The original point and click interface.

4. Gun control is not about guns; it's about control.

5. If guns are outlawed, can we use swords?

6. If guns cause crime, then pencils cause misspelled words.

7. Free men do not ask permission to bear arms.

8. If you don't know your rights, you don't have any.

9. Those who trade liberty for security have neither.

10. The United States Constitution (c)1791. All Rights Reserved.

11. What part of "shall not be infringed" do you not understand?

12. The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others.

13. 64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.

14. Guns only have two enemies; rust and politicians.

15. Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.

16. You don't shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive.

17. 911: Government sponsored Dial-a-Prayer.

18. Assault is a behavior, not a device.

19. Criminals love gun control; it makes their jobs safer.

20. If guns cause crime, then matches cause arson.

21. Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control them.

22. You have only the rights you are willing to fight for.

23. Enforce the gun control laws we ALREADY have; don't make more.

24. When you remove the people's right to bear arms, you create slaves.

25. The American Revolution would never have happened with gun control.

Arizona Conservatives Have Same Problem With McCain We Have with Huckabee

This comes as no surprise, considering that Arizona is a border state and that John McCain led the biggest legislation ever to grant amnesty to illegal aliens. What surprises me is my friends who support John McCain who also consider themselves to be strongly opposed to illegal immigration. These same folks strongly opposed Huckabee on this issue, but somehow McCain gets a pass. McCain's a national figure, so what people back in Arizona think has gotten little attention. It's important though. He is hugely unpopular among conservatives in his homestate and wins reelection largely with the help of democrats and independents, which is his strategy for this election.

Here's the link.

Huckabee Makes First Arkansas Campaign Stop, Draws Less than 200 in Arkansas's Most Republican County

The Arkansas News Bureau article says that around 200 people showed up to see Mike Huckabee, though reports from people who were there say it was more like 170. This doesn't come as any surprise to me, given Huckabee's huge unpopularity among Republicans in Arkansas. He abused us for years as governor, lording over us that he was in charge. "Titular head" was his favorite term to describe that he was boss. The fact that less than 200 people showed up to see him at rally in Arkansas's most Republican county (Benton County) is sweet revenge.

For all of my readers from outside Arkansas, especially those on the McCain campaign, take note. Mike Huckabee is hugely unpopular in his home state and will lose Arkansas in a head to head with Bill Clinton, if he's on the ticket. Of course, the only way he'll be on the ticket now is if McCain repays him for helping bring down Romney, which is exactly what Huckabee's doing. For those voters in Super Tuesday states, consider that conservatives in Arkansas strongly oppose Mike Huckabee, read my previous posts about what a dishonest liberal he is, and tell your friends.

Here's the link.

Huck's Kids Still Getting Paid...As I Was Saying

When it was reported that Huckabee was asking staffers to go without pay I suggested that he would mostly likely continue paying his kids. Turns out I was right. I appreciate ArkTimes reporting this. Do I know Huckabee or do I know Huckabee?

Here's the link.

Severance Updates

Governor Beebe said he isn't confident that his severance tax hike will pass legislatively. Here's the link.

He's suggesting that he might run his own ballot initiative, as a result. I'd like to know who will pay for his ballot initiative. Here's the link.

That suggestion comes as the AG rejects the language of Sheffield Nelson's measure. Here's the link.

So, What's Wrong with McCain?

Michael Reagan's latest column, entitled "John McCain Hates Me", puts it pretty well. McCain is and has been openly hostile to conservatives for years.

I've compiled a small sampling of McCain's hostility. When you're done reading it follow the link to read what Micheal Reagan has to say. As President Reagan's conservative son, he's carrying the torch well.

1. McCain is leading the call to destroy our economy by imposing his "cap and trade" policy, based on his belief in the global warming hoax.

2. He opposed conservative judges, by leading the "Gang of 14". He specifically stated that Sam Alito was too conservative. That's in Reagan's column.

3. He opposed the Bush tax cuts, twice, because they helped "the rich" too much.

4. He assaulted the 1st Amendment, with his cornerstone legislation, McCain Feingold. I note that he's not bragging about the biggest victory of his career. Why not? You'd think he'd be bragging about it if it was a good thing.

5. He led the charge to dismantle our sovereignty by granting amnesty to tens of millions of illegal aliens, which would have brought in tens of millions more of their family members, and rewarded people for violating our sovereignty.

Here's the link.

Building Stupidity

I remember this from years ago, now it's back. Big government types are trying to resurrect plans to build a huge state office complex. This would be a huge waste of taxpayer money. Considering that we have a constitutional mandate to balance our budget, this should be strongly opposed since it would add one more huge liability on the bill of Arkansas taxpayers. Is there a shortage of empty office space downtown?

Another thought, given that it cost $732,000 to build the Capitol visitors' center, which isn't an entire building, this project is going to cost us billions. The visitors' center went over budget by nearly 50%, by the way. That's government for you. If they break the budget, it's okay. They'll just stick their hands in our pockets, again. Again, this is why the state needs to rent from people who are interested in making a profit, not build with our bottomless pocketbooks.

Here's the link.

ASU Shouldn't Change Mascot Until NCAA Moves HQ From "Indianapolis, Indiana"

Unfortunately, they've buckled to the politically correct pressure to abandon their mascot. They've apparently selected "Wolves" as their new mascot, with no consideration of whether canis lupus (wolves) will be upset about this despicable use of their proud and noble name. They're obviously saying that Wolves are worthless. That's why schools pick their mascots, in order to discriminate against these oppressed, pristine, noble creatures...

Here's the link.