So It Begins...

The governor's special session to raise taxes begins this week. Mark this as the beginning of an era. There will be more tax hikes, folks. You could be next. Be sure to thank your Republican legislator, if they vote for it.

If they vote against it, be glad that you have a real Republican for a legislator.

Rush to Tax Increase Unprecedented

That's what you get when you have a governor who promises the moon to everyone if only they all support ganging up on a group that is contributing hugely to economic and job growth...

Question: If the natural gas industry was languishing, would there be a rush to tax them? Obviously the answer is no. So, the only thing we can assume is that being successful in Arkansas is a recipe for punishment in Arkansas.

Message: Don't succeed in Arkansas, don't provide jobs, don't contribute to economic growth. If you do, you're a glutton for punishment.

Here's the link.

Racist Planned Parenthood Returns to Roots

Those of you who have read Arkansas Times blog threads about abortion know that liberals freely suggest that crime is lower because certain people are aborted... I haven't once seen any condemnation by any liberals of comments like this.

Now, it turns out that Planned Parenthood has been caught, red handed, going back to the roots of abortion/pro-genocide movement founded by the likes of Margaret Sanger.

Here's the link to the story from the original source and here's the link to the story from the Idaho Statesman.

Get Your Recorders Ready

The governor is going to address the ledge during the special session. This should be telling. Here's the link.

RINO ALERT: There's Another Bisbee

Looks like RINO Dave Bisbee's wife, Linda, is getting in on the action. Seems she's looking forward to the largesse of lobbyists. Here's the link.

The Weak Dollar and The Trade Deficit

As the dollar weakens, a natural side effect is that American goods become more affordable in foreign markets, subsequently helping to balance the trade deficit, which I thought was a bugaboo democrats were worried about. Now that it's beginning to balance, why aren't they proclaiming the virtues of the declining dollar?

Why So Defensive, Gov?

After having to admit what I've been saying all along, that the severance tax will not pay for all the governor said, he admitted the other day that it would not. Now he's on the defense, having to try to sell and resell his supposedly locked up legislation.

For those Republicans who are unfamiliar with that smell, it's blood in the water. It's time for those of you on the fence and those of you on the wrong side to realize that this is the time to stand up and be Real Republicans. What are you waiting for? An engraved invitation? Well, here it is. Go out there and fight. That's what you were elected to do, not rubber stamp tax hikes.

The governor's now saying that 52% of Arkansas's wells will be paying the full tax by 2012. Is he taking into account the number that will probably be capped as a result of his tax? The university just released a study that shows that his tax will mean BILLIONS, with a B, less money in the economy and thousands fewer jobs because of the governor's insatiable desire for more government. I've said it before, the government grows. We recede.

Here's the link.

Young Republicans Speak Up: Severance Tax Increase...Bad For Young Professionals

Thanks to the Young Republicans for taking a stand on this crucial issue. The following is a release from the Arkansas Young Republicans. It's nice to see some more Republicans acting like Republicans. Now if only our elected officials would realize that voting for taxes is not what Republicans do.

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Little Rock, AR - Democrat Governor Mike Beebe has called a Special Session of the Arkansas State Legislature for the primary purpose of increasing the severance tax on natural gas.

Studies have indicated that the Governor's proposed tax increase may have long-lasting effects on job prospects for thousands of Arkansans. The UA Center for Business and Economic Research in Fayetteville predicted that an increase of 5% in the natural gas severance tax would lead to the loss of nearly 3,000 projected jobs and approximately $2.4 billion in revenue over the next 5 years.

"At a time when we need continued economic growth in Arkansas to attract and retain skilled young professionals, the Governor is proposing the first severance tax increase since 1957," said Jeffrey Heeter, Treasurer of the Arkansas Young Republicans, "It is unfortunate that families and small businesses may ultimately pay the price."

Arkansas is not alone in the discovery of new natural gas fields. Arkansans stand to lose business to states like Pennsylvania and New York that do not have a natural gas severance tax. "You don't create jobs by taxing companies out of the state," said Randell Shelton, First Vice Chair of the Arkansas Young Republicans, "Companies have a choice where they locate, and where they chose to hire. A policy of increasing taxes in a state that already has a high tax burden is not how you attract new businesses to Arkansas."

"Our state government should not forfeit the jobs that we so desperately need by increasing taxes on an industry that is generating billions of dollars for the Arkansas economy," said Heeter, "I encourage young professionals to contact their state senators and state representatives and ask them to vote against this tax increase."
Arkansas Young Republicans

Mike Beebe's Katrina

The following is from one of my favorite readers. He's so right.

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Governor Beebe has mismanaged the disaster recover effort so badly that we are having to rely on FEMA, an agency that is not exactly known for it's skill in times of disaster. Here's the link.

What was the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management's last press release? Something related to the flood recovery? No, they were reminding everyone not to drive fast on ice:"Give yourself plenty of room to stop (stopping on snow and ice without skidding requires extra time and distance)". Here's the link.

Seems he is more concerned with raising someone's taxes.

Sanders on Obama: The Liberal

It's strange that liberals don't like being called what they are. Obama's no exception. Sanders' column, as usual, is well worth reading. Here's the link.

Counting Your Chickens Before They've Hatched...GREAT NEWS!!!

As I was saying...Beebe's tax increase will not deliver what he's promised.

So where's the money going to come from?

Divide and conquer taxation is the wave of the future. Taxes are going to be raised one group at a time. It could be your industry next.

Here's the link. Here's a link about the governor promising more taxes in 2010.

GREAT NEWS!!! I found a potential revenue source. Apparently an aviation maintenance company has invested $20 million dollars in a Blytheville facility. They must have plenty of money. We have plenty of time till the special session to add them to the list of groups who we can tax!!! Here's the link.

Oh Yeah, It's Official...Beebe Calls Special Session to Raise Taxes

Here's the link.

CORRECTION: 5 Girls Die...Are We Sure We Want to Lower the Penalties for Meth Manufacturing?

The tragedy in Bentonville with five girls perishing in a fire caused by a meth lab exploding illustrates the perils of methamphetamines. With that in mind, I think we need to think long and hard before we reduce sentences for meth. We might need to reconsider the penalties we've already reduced. Here's the link.

Correction: I incorrectly reported that the fire was caused by a meth lab exploding. I was correct though that meth is expected to have contributed to the deaths. Here's the link.

The Coming Bust in the Oil and Commodities Market...and the Political Market

We've already seen sharp spikes and dips in the price of oil, as well as the price of gold and other commodities, lately. Expect the smart money to keep selling while the dumb money keeps buying. Oil, gold, and other commodities are no different from any other investment vehicle. Basic economics applies to them, as well, which is why the governor's unrealistic revenue estimates of $8 natural gas is even worse than it first appears.

People have a herd mentality when it comes to markets. When things are up they want to buy and when things are down they want to sell, which is exactly the opposite of what they should do. A few years ago it was tech stocks. Everybody wanted them, then nobody wanted them. More recently, it's been real estate. Everybody wanted it, then supply and demand caught up and it's slowed tremendously.

Right now, we're in the middle of a rush for oil and other commodities, and a consequent rush away from the dollar. I have friends who are just mad about gold. It's a hedge against a weak dollar. They're so excited about buying it because it's up so much, lately. I've cautioned them that that's exactly why they ought not buy it. Lately, it's started to wobble a bit.

An important question one might ask is, since gold is traditionally viewed as an inflation guard, why would the people selling it want to sell it for dollars? If they really think the dollar is going to continue to deteriorate as their slick marketing portends, then they shouldn't want to trade their valuable commodity for it, right? The truth is that gold is like every other investment vehicle. It rises and falls, as do paper assets, real estate, currencies, and political fortunes.

All of this panic is just that. That being the case, cool heads should realize that what is now will not be tomorrow.

Political prognostications are the same way. Last year, John McCain was DOA politically. Now, he's the Republican nominee. Three months ago, there was no way Mike Huckabee could lose. Now, he's fallen off the face of the Earth. A month ago, Barack Obama was about to be crowned king of the universe. Now, he's in a tailspin. I could go on, but the point is not to buy into hype, in markets or politics. Everybody thinks what's happening now is what will happen in the future.

The same goes for Governor Beebe and democrats in Arkansas. They're on top of the world because the state has been a bull market for democrats lately. But it will change. The important thing is that Republicans are ready to capitalize when the market changes. Bull markets make superstars of mediocre talent, as a friend likes to say. Right now that's true for democrats. The governor can't help but be successful because he inherited a strong economy. As we go into a possible downward cycle, we'll see how much of his success is good business acumen and how much is just dumb luck. I'm leaning heavily toward the latter since his first response in a slowing economy is to take capital out of the marketplace. To be sure, he's a first rate politician, but that doesn't mean he's a first rate manager. Getting elected and running a government are two different things entirely.

Keep this in mind, Repubs: what goes up must come down. Now is the time to prepare, to gird yourselves for battle. You don't want to be caught scrounging for crumbs at the democrat table when the market turns. Things can turn on a dime in the political marketplace. What's more important is that we can turn the market. We have to offer an obvious choice, though. We can't just be imitation democrats.

One final truth is that people who don't tie their fortunes to the whims of markets, political or financial, succeed year in and year out. Their success is based on sound practices, not betting or hedging. That's exactly what we must base our success on. Now is the time. If not now, when? If not us, who?

As I Was Saying...Democrat Pattern of Corruption Continues

Arkansas Democrat/Molester Dwayne Dobbins, Eliot Spitzer, new NY Governor David Patterson, now Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick...all democrats, all corrupt. The really interesting part is that the media (save Dobbins) finds it almost impossible to reference the fact that any of them are democrats! Remember Mark Foley? The media almost never mentioned him without mentioning that he was a Republican. Throughout the 2006 campaign, the media was eager to repeat the democrat mantra that the Republicans were part of a "culture of corruption". That's the liberal media for you.

Here's the link.

Hillary Learned Lying From the Best

Hillary is insulting the Secret Service and the U.S. military who would never let a First Lady and First Daughter into a situation like she described. Turns out she was lying. I notice that Brantley, a long-time shill for the Clintons, hasn't said a word about the biggest news of the day.

He has decided to trot out some of his first anti-war propaganda in a while, which is a few years out of date.

Hillary

Bye Bye Economic Growth

Poll: 66% of Arkansans support severance tax increase.

This just goes to show what a great job the governor has done in marketing his tax hike. Not only have Arkansans bought the lie that this tax won't increase costs to them, as if markets are vacuums, they've also been distracted successfully from the very simple truth that the reason why we have to beg companies to come to Arkansas is summed up nicely with these 3 statements:

In Arkansas, if it moves, tax it.

If it moves too fast, regulate it.

If it doesn't move at all, subsidize it.

And we wonder why we have to beg companies to come to Arkansas...

We punish businesses that come here of their own accord and spend hundreds of millions of dollars trying to bribe other businesses to come here. It goes back to what I've said over and over again. Why don't we just make it our goal to be a low tax, low regulation, business friendly state? Is that too hard to understand? Apparently so for the governor, who has emissaries travelling the country and the world trying to attract businesses to Arkansas while he's back home playing good cop bad cop to get an industry that's already here to "agree" to pay more in taxes...

Dollars For Oil, Checks For Free...

U.S. News offers an interesting glimpse into the economics of why fluctuations of the dollar and oil are linked.

Here's the link.

"Hands" Off to Speaker Petrus!

Brummett has an interesting look at our outgoing speaker.

Here's the link.

If You Wanna Call Twisting Arms and Threats Charm...

...then the governor's got loads of it. Here's the link.

Brummett on Barack's Tailspin

He doesn't quite put it that way. Here's the link.

Beebe Burning Political Capital

As a good friend has said several times, Mike Beebe seems like a rock star right now because the state was in such a strong position when he took office, mostly due to the strong economy. The real question is what's he going to do when times get tight, especially since he's going to help cause a further contraction with his liberal policies? He's smart to spend his political capital right now, because his cachet will be significantly diminished if things don't stay as good as they are now.

Here's the link.

Sanders on the Insanity of the Severance Tax

"Last week, the University of Arkansas' Center for Business and Economic Research released its report projecting the economic impact of the Fayetteville Shale play. The report estimated that "$1.8 billion of direct expenditures led to total economic output of $2.6 billion and employment of 9,533 people."

According to officials from the Beebe administration, the state isn't getting "anything" from them. They're just exploiting our state.

There's more still. Read Sanders' column to see the lies and insanity being promulgated by the Governor's office about this.

Here's the link.

Republican Rep. Pace Holding Fundraiser for Democrat

In case you're wondering about RINOs, Rep. Daryl Pace, RINO-Siloam Springs, is holding a fundraiser for Rep. Scott Sullivan, D-DeQueen. Pace is the same guy who made $50,000 in mileage reimbursments last year. He's also going to vote for the severance tax, so not only is he on the dole from our money, he wants to raise our taxes too. Some Republican.

IBD on Obama's Speech

This is well worth your time. It offers some very incisive perspective on Obama's pitiful apology and apologetics about his anti-American, racist pastor. Here's the link.

As I Was Saying...From the U.S. Dept. of Energy: Natural Gas Has Never Averaged $8 in a Single Year

The governor's pie in the sky estimates of revenue from the severance tax is based on the unrealistic estimate of $8 natural gas, a price that natural gas has never averaged. I've said this before and a reader was kind enough to send me these links.

For all of you legislators who are on the fence or who have decided to vote for this tax increase, I want you to let this burn in real good. The governor is promising everything to everybody and he's not going to be able to deliver.

These good times aren't going to last, especially if the governor's continues to view the economy only as a source of revenue for the government. There are other states with the same view (Michigan, California, etc...) whose economies are languishing. Do we really want to be like them, states that have to bribe businesses to come? We're already going down that road, but we can stop it. It's not too late, but there will be a point of no return.

Here are the links to average Arkansas prices and to nationwide prices.

Mullings

Private businesses are responsible to their shareholders to produce a profit and succeed. In government, the more unsuccessful a bureaucracy is the more money they get, which is why government doesn't understand the private sector.

What Could've Been

"Tyranny of Oil"

Barack Hussein Obama, who wants us to retreat from the battlefield in the War on Terror would love what Mike Beebe is doing in Arkansas...raising taxes on natural gas.

Obama has declared war on the "tyranny of oil". Is it just me or doesn't oil allow us to live a modern life? Why would we want to fight something that does so much for us?

Counties "Hit Hard" By Natural Gas Industry

The following is from a letter to legislators from the Association of Arkansas Counties, encouraging them to vote for the severance tax.

"The county judges attending this meeting represent many of those counties whose roads have been hardest hit by gas exloration and drilling."

"Hardest hit"? You'd think the natural gas industry was causing an outbreak of tuberculosis or a tornado, not incredible economic expansion.

This is the kind of mentality that is letting states like Mississippi and Oklahoma blow past us in economic growth. We do stupid things like this and wonder why we always lose bids to other states when trying to attract business to the state.

Universities and the Severance Tax

I've been pondering reports I've been receiving that various university presidents have been calling legislators asking them to vote for the severance tax. I also understand that a number of lobbyists for seemingly unrelated industries have also been calling legislators to persuade them.

The question is why.

It strikes me that there must be a quid pro quo to get these unrelated interests to put their neck out for this. The answer of course is that the governor desperately wants to raise taxes, so he's promising the moon to them, too.

You can bet that the universities will be rewarded generously for their assistance. Of course, this means that not only will this tax increase not be revenue neutral, but the concomitant spending increases won't be either. In fact, there will be more than an increase in spending on roads. Look for universities and other otherwise unrelated groups to receive more funding in the next regular session.

Brummett Covers Molester/Democrat Story

You're on a roll, John.

Here's the link.

Governor Calls Special Session for 31st...

...which means that he has succeeded in peeling of enough Republican votes. What was the promised price? What was worth sacrificing such a basic principle? Obviously, these Republicans think it's more important to please the Democrats than to stand on principle. Obviously, they're more interested in the continuation of a democrat controlled state than they are in the opportunity to change this state for the better.

We won't forget this. Those of you who are voting for this will be remembered. To those who are standing strong, thank you. Keep going.

Here's the link.

Tax Hiking Governor Beebe to Announce Decision on Special Session, Today

I've been getting calls from legislators telling me that they're getting calls from some of the oddest places, such as various university presidents asking them to support the severance tax. They've been pulling out all the stops on this one. I'm really not quite sure what universities have to do with any of this. The governor doing a full court press like this is interesting. It could mean that he's desperate for votes.

I will say this much. There is absolutely no good reason for any real Republican to vote for this, or any other, tax increase. I'm talking to each and every Republican legislator. You have nothing to gain from this that you will not lose much more in exchange. We will not forget this.

Here's the link.

Republican/RINO Scorecard...And A Call to Reason

State Senators

Denny Altes: Against
Gilbert Baker: Undecided
Dave Bisbee: For
Kim Hendren: For (Leaning)
Bill Pritchard: ?
Sharon Trusty: For
Ruth Whitaker: For
Shawn Womack: ?

State Reps

Keven Anderson: Against
Stan Berry: For (signed Robbie Wills letter)
Aaron Burkes: Against
Ed Garner: ?
Frank Glidewell: For
Rick Green: ?
Dan Greenberg: ?
Horace Hardwick: For
Eric Harris: ?
Donna Hutchinson: ?
Mike Kenney: ?
Johnny Key: Against
Bryan King: ?
Michael Lamoureux: ?
Mark Martin: ?
Jim Medley: Against
James Norton: ?
Daryl Pace: ?
Beverly Pyle: Against
Roy Ragland: ?
Sid Rosenbaum: ?
Bill Sample: For
Susan Schulte: ?
Shirley Walters: ?
Jon Woods: Against

If we can't count on REPUBLICANS to be against taxes, what can we count on them for? If we give up now, we'll always give up and we'll always be the minority party, begging for scraps from the democrats. I spoke with a friend earlier about being at the Capitol on the opening day of filing. He said that he was struck that the democrats acted like it was their house and he was just a guest. That just about sums it up, folks. The democrats own the state. If we don't unify for our principles, the principles our party is supposed to uphold, the principles of small government and freedom, we will always be the minority party.

I speak confidently that I represent the sentiments of rank and file Republicans, we will be taking note of who is and is not going to oppose this shameless tax hike. If we do not hold the line, government will continue to grow. It will continue to expand its means at our expense, at the expense of freedom and the free market.

Now is the time to draw the line in the sand. The Republican party is the party of small government, of freedom, free people and free markets, not perpetually increasing government. Leave that to the democrats. We are watching. What you do now will be remembered.

P.S. If any of these legislators would like to help me with this list or to correct or announce their position, please feel free to email me.

It's Official: RINO Dave Bisbee Has Endorsed the Severance Tax

He's already savaged fellow Republicans for, gasp, opposing the tax increase. Now, he's officially endorsed it. Here's the link.

Molester Dobbins (Democrat) Update: You're Not Going to Believe This

Apparently, his wife just never got around to filing and didn't know her husband was going to file for her seat... Right.

So, is he going to drop out, or what?

Here's the link.

(Some) Legislators in Fayetteville Shale Play Call For Tax Increase

I emphasize SOME because it is nowhere near all of the representatives who represent areas in the play, as you would assume from the headline of this story. Included among them is Stan Berry, R-Dover.

This whole debate has boiled down to the notion that it's better to accept this tax hike than the other. It's shaping up to be the wave of the future. Any time the democrats want to do something we as Republicans should oppose, they just need to give us a much worse alternative. The reality is that we could very easily defeat this and Sheffield Nelson's ballot initiative will have a very hard time passing. The voters are savvy enough to know what kind of damage such an onerous tax would do.

Here's the link.

A Voice of Reason from a CONSERVATIVE Republican

If you haven't read Aaron Burkes' plea for reason, then do so immediately. I greatly regret his retirement. He's one of a handful of Republican legislators with unshakeable convictions. Here's the link.

Bill Gates: Stop Outsourcing By Importing More People...

If you have to import workers to stop outsourcing, then what difference does it make?

Here's the link.

Red Light Cameras Succeed/Fail...Not Generating Enough Revenue...Severance Tax Implications

In the span of two years the city of Dallas has demonstrated that the real purpose of red light traffic cameras is revenue, not safety. How is that?

Well, it turns out that they are very effective at deterring people from running red lights. The city placed them into service in early 2006. Now, two years late, they have announced that they are going to be switched off. Apparently, if nobody runs red lights, they can't generate the money projected. This is typical of government revenue projections. They rarely estimate in real world terms, understanding that the economy isn't static. Government actions affect behavior.

It's exactly like estimating revenue from the severance tax assuming that it won't have the natural effect that all taxes have. It assumes that the industry will continue to grow at its current clip. It's as if the government buys its own lies. Based on their flawed economic view, not only will the severance tax not cost consumers more, it also won't slow economic growth. Why do we trust people to run the government who have such a pitiful understanding of very basic economics?

Here's the link to the 2006 story and here's the story about suspension of the traffic light cameras. Both are from the Dallas Morning News.

What's the Severance Tax Going to Be on Oil Pipes?...Indian Company to Locate HQ in Arkansas

I don't get it. We're giving an Indian company $3.5 million to come to Arkansas? They're only going to pay $12/hour to approximately 250 people? And we're going to raise taxes on companies that are already here that employ THOUSANDS of people at MUCH higher pay?

OH, I get it! We're tricking the Indian company to locate here so we can lower the boom on them later, right? Wink wink! NOW, I get it. Brilliant. How stupid of me. And here I thought the governor was just punishing the natural gas industry.

But seriously, does this make any sense at all? We are punishing a MUCH more productive industry while paying a MUCH less productive industry. I'm glad Mike Beebe isn't my personal financial planner. It's too bad he's taking over as the state's, though? With an investing philosophy like this, we can rest assured that Arkansas will continue to lag behind our neighbors.

Here's the link.

This Explains A Lot

Knowing that Barack Obama has 20 years in an anti-American, racist church makes a lot of things make sense, such as his refusal to wear an American flag pin, his wife's statement that now is the first time in her life that she's proud of her country...

Let me recap a few of the lowlights being taught at his church: the goverment invented HIV to kill black people, we deserved September 11, the government gave black people stds at Tuskegee, black men shouldn't be fighting each other because white people are the enemy... The list goes on and on.

Why would Obama want to associate himself for twenty years not only with a preacher who preaches this, but with a congregation that cheers for it?

Also, John Brummett's column is instructive. I partially disagree with his conclusion, but it's not too far off. He suggests that, in general, we should leave religious views as personal matters. In Obama's case, especially in light of the glowing terms he's used to describe his pastor, his pastor's influence, and their relationship, I'd say it's highly pertinent. This is especially true given his and his wife's many statements and actions which mirror their racist, anti-American pastor's teachings.

Severance Tax Won't Be Revenue Neutral

Note that whenever tax cuts are proposed the first response of government is that they should be revenue neutral. That's a watchword of government budgeting, except when it's time to raise taxes.

A balloon was floated asking the governor to negotiate on his tax increase by making the tax increase revenue neutral. I'm not surprised that he didn't respond favorably because he's trying to grow government, not hold the line.

Here's the link.

Support For Our Successful War in Iraq Soars, Democrats/ArkTimes Mum

We know Max reads the Politico because he posted the story about Obama's racist pastor with links to the Politico. So it's fair to say that he's ignoring their story that public support for our overwhelming success in Iraq is soaring.

His readers still quote as fact that only 20 something percent of the American people support the war, when they get the chance to talk about it, that is. You see, Max doesn't like talking about it because he apparently believes that if you don't have anything bad to say, you shouldn't say anything at all. I can't remember the last time he had a story about the war. When things were rough he was so happy to root for his country's defeat.

It's not just Max, though. Hillary and Obama never bring it up, either. I guess it shows what commited, principled leaders they are, huh? It appears that the democrat commitment to defeat is flagging in the face of political reality. It's just too bad that it didn't flag in the face of their country in need and patriotism. But then again, they've redefined patriotism, haven't they? It now means wanting your country to lose a war and be humiliated.

Here's the link.

Sowell on "Personal Matters"

Barack Obama and Eliot Spitzer are caught up in what some non-judgmental types call "personal matters". According to these open minded folks, their latest scandals aren't statements on their character that has a bearing on their qualifacations to hold office, just personal foibles. As usual, Sowell cuts through clutter of all this nonsense. Here's the link.

RINO WATCH: More Analysis of RINO Bisbee: Only 3 of 8 Republican Senators Supported His Bid for Senate President Pro Tem, Including Himself

Thanks to a reader for pointing out that Sen. Dave Bisbee, RINO-Rogers, only received 3 Republican votes out of 8 when he ran for president pro tem in the state senate. Bisbee was one of those 3 votes.

I've answered this question before, but you have to ask, why would the majority of Republican senators not vote for Bisbee?

This leads me back to the Democrat-Gazette's silly editorial I covered earlier. In it the editors tore into Gilbert Baker for not supporting Bisbee as if Baker was in the minority and not the other way around. A lot of their rhetoric was based on this flimsy reasoning.

In light of the fact that Bisbee couldn't get a majority of Republican votes, the Dem-Gaz should be asking why. Their reasoning that the GOP should follow liberals like Bisbee is exactly the opposite of what we should do. The pitiful position our party is in is precisely because of the degree to which we have put up with them.

Mike Huckabee was the king of all of these RINOs. His fastidious pursuit of tax and spend policies dispirited conservatives and the Republican base in general. Dave Bisbee was a reliable ally of Huck's tax and spend liberal policies.

Getting back to the Dem-Gaz editorial, they complain that the GOP is supposed to be the small government party. That being said why would Republican legislators then support Dave Bisbee as they go on to suggest?

Again, Severance Tax is Just the First...Your Industry Could Be Next

Here's another report, this time from the AP, that severance tax will not pay for all that it's promising to pay for.

As I've noted earlier, it won't even bring in the amount promised, because it's based on $8 natural gas, which has never been averaged over a year's period in history. Even at that, though, it is being promised to fund a much bigger road program, meaning that even at the unrealistic estimates provided by the governor, it still won't do a fraction of what it's supposed to do.

Meaning? Meaning it could be your industry next.

Sowell on Buckley

One of the great minds of conservatism on one of the great minds of conservatism. I was remiss in not publishing this sooner. Enough can't be said about the father of conservatism.

Here's the link.

Sanders Lets the Governor Have It

Wow! That's about all I can say about this one. You have to read it. Here's the link.

And you need to read Brummett's column while you're at it. It's amazing that he can make such strong arguments against his own weak arguments and still be for the severance tax. Here's the link.

Chairman of Highway Commission Admits Severance Tax Won't Pay For All That's Promised

I'm really surprised that they're admitting this, because the governor has been promising the moon with the paltry amount of money the severance tax will raise. His estimates are based on pie in the sky numbers to begin with. He's been projecting revenue based on $8 natural gas. As a friend pointed out to me, there has never been a year in the history of natural gas when it has averaged that much.

So what are we to make of this? We apparently have HUGE spending needs on the horizon. The severance tax is supposed to be the silver bullet, but reason, facts, and the chairman of the state highway commission tell us that it cannot raise enough money to pay for all that's promised.

What we're to make of this is what I've been saying all along. This is just the first industry to be targeted for tax increases. It may be your industry next. The governor brags, against the tenets of basic economics, that increasing the cost of production won't increase the cost of natural gas. Let me ask you a question, though. If you're in that industry and you lose your job because your company is making less money, doesn't that cost you a lot more than just the increase in the price of natural gas?

If, as I have demonstrated, the natural gas industry is just the first, what will tax increases do to your job if your industry is next?

The governor is treating the economy as if it exists to provide revenue to the state government. Jobs and growth be damned. If we don't stop this tyrannical tax increase, the governor will be emboldened. And knowing that it won't pay for all that's promised someone is next. It could be your industry.

Here's the link.

A Few Thoughts for Pastor Floyd

After finishing one of the coldest years in decades, some more analysis on the GLOBAL WARMING!!! hoax is in order.

The Washington Times has a very interesting story about the huge statistical flaws of the U.N. IPCC report that is being used to browbeat people into supporting claims of manmade global warming.

I know Pastor Floyd is interested in the truth, so I'm going to be making a special effort to reach out to him. He doesn't want to lead his flock and others astray, so I know he'll be very interested in the facts about this hoax that is GLOBAL WARMING!!!

Ohio Steel Company Not Coming to Arkansas...I Wonder Why

Didn't they hear about our great taxation program? If you succeed in Arkansas, you get to pay extra taxes!!! I guess they didn't like that.

Here's the link.

Democrat, Molester Dobbins Persona Non Grata

Here's a nice recap of the Dwayne Dobbins, Democrat Molester, case from the AP.

I have a question. Is he a member of the Pulaski County Democrat Party? Why hasn't his membership been revoked?

This quote from the story is puzzling,

"'I think we should take a look at the facts and at least talk with the individual to investigate the situation instead of this rush to judgment and this rush to pile on,' (State Sen. Tracy) Steele (D-North Little Rock) said Tuesday."

What, exactly is he confused about? What facts does he think we're missing? Is he unaware that Molester Dobbins is an admitted, convicted sexual predator? These facts aren't in dispute, which calls Sen. Steele's judgment into question.

Hypocrite Arnold Schwarzenegger

The Governator has been pushing a radical environmental agenda on the people of California while commuting to work in a private jet.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm all for people flying in private jets as much as they want, but this is typical of elites like Arnold and Algore to condemn us for having suvs while they're jetting around the world in private jets.

Here's the link.

Barack Obama's Racist Pastor

One question: How do you go to a church like this if you don't agree with this hate-filled, racist message?

Brummett Talks Severance Tax With Johnson

This is very interesting and it's interesting that Brummett, who is paid to comment, has no comment or argument against Johnson's incisive arguments against the severance tax. Here's a sample.

"It's that it makes no sense to punish an industry that's already here making investments and providing jobs when we sacrifice our first-born children, practically, to try to recruit windmill blade manufacturers. It's that there are potential new natural gas shale plays in Mississippi and Georgia, and we shouldn't take this boon for granted.

"It's all about attractiveness to Wall Street. It's that the only way to raise real highway money is with bonds based on future federal turnback, not a few tens of millions in severance taxes. Beebe is talking millions when highways require dollar figures beginning with a "b," not an "m."

"Even if Johnson is right, and I'm not at all meaning to say he is, he's been undercut by the industry itself, which so feared an initiated act setting a higher rate that it caved to the governor's lesser proposal."

I couldn't say it better myself.

Read the whole column, though. It's very interesting.

Beebe: Negotiations to Raise Taxes Like Economic Development...Yeah, Only Backwards

This is priceless. From the AP, referring to a legislator's complaint that they were shut out of discussions about the severance task the governor had this to say,
"Beebe dismissed Anderson's concerns and compared the negotiations with the gas companies to economic development discussions that are normally kept under wraps."
Just priceless. This is a lot like an economic development discussion, except that it's the opposite. Instead of trying to entice a company to come to Arkansas, Governor Beebe is hurting economic development by forcing the natural gas to "agree" to a tax hike.

Bisbee's Opponent Calls Him Out

With Dave Bisbee's recent calls for tax increases, I was pleased to receive this press release from his opponent for Benton County Judge, Bill Adams. He's calling Bisbee out for being a RINO in Arkansas's most Republican county and promising not raise taxes as county judge. I didn't know too much about the race, but I'm for this guy.

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Adams and Bisbee differ on taxes:

Today Bill Adams, candidate for Benton County Judge issued the following statement. Recently, one of my opponents in the race for County Judge of Benton County, state senator Dave Bisbee, has been warning fellow Republicans not to oppose our Democratic governor's attempt to increase taxes here in the state of Arkansas. With all due respect, I strongly disagree with Senator Bisbee on this issue. The people of this state and this county are overtaxed. The state government here in Arkansas is running a budget surplus. Revenue into the State's coffers are at an all-time high. There is simply no reason to go along with our Democratic governor's plan to increase taxes.

Sadly, Senator Bisbee has a long record of supporting tax increases during his time in the Arkansas State Legislature. He has voted for a litany of tax increases during his 16 years in the both the Arkansas State House and Senate. Senator Bisbee supported tax increases on everything from gasoline, diesel, beer, cigarettes and dry cleaning to an across-the-board sales tax increase and a temporary income tax increase. I would have opposed each and every one of those taxes. I will make this pledge to the taxpayers of Benton County: I will never ask the citizens of Benton County to pay higher taxes. I think our citizens are already overtaxed. I see no reason to ask for more of their money. I challenge all of my fellow candidates to do the same thing.

Comeuppance is Sweet

The thought of Eliot Spitzer being indicted is positively juicy. Being shamed out of office is a good start for this evil man who made a name for himself by using the powers of government to threaten, coerce, and destroy people. He reminds me a lot of Wesley Mouch in that way. This is too good.

Here's the link.

School Administrators Should Lose Their Jobs in Skittles Black Market Case

The administrators who suspended the evil junior high student and stripped him of his honors and titles have rescinded their decision. Talk about getting their hand caught in the cookie jar. This is the kind of tyranny that occurs when the government tries to tell people how to live their lives. These tyrants need to lose their jobs, though. This cannot be allowed. They punished a kid for being a kid. They need to be punished. This is more liberalism run amok.

Here's the link.

Bisbee Shoots Republicans in the Back, Again...Wonders Why Republicans Are Opposed to Tax Hikes...

I can't believe how amazing this timing is, but Sen. Dave Bisbee, RINO-Rogers, wants to let Arkansans know that not all "Republicans" are for conservative, low tax, small government republicanism. If you haven't read my last post, you need to, because I was just saying this. AP has the story.

This is also as Arkansas News and the AP are reporting that Republican leaders are doing what Republican leaders should do: oppose taxes. As I posted yesterday Republican Minority Leader Johnny Key, R-Mountain Home, has been leading the principled charge against the comically unnecessary severance tax. No sooner has the battle begun than Sen. Bisbee starts shooting us in the back...

DemGaz Editorial Couldn't Be More Wrong...RINOs Like Bisbee Are the Problem for Republicans, Not the Solution

First of all, did the Democrat Gazette hire Lum and Abner to write its editorials? The folksy, homespun style of its rhetoric is insulting, as is the pitiful nature of its arguments to anyone of average intelligence.

The rub of yesterday's editorial is that the Republican party is in disarray because we don't welcome RINOs...

Seriously, that's about it. A few instances are cited as to why we're in such pitiful shape, while offering no examples of anyone who is upset other than a couple of RINOs.

First, we weren't very enthusiastic about having Sen. Dave Bisbee, RINO-Rogers, as the president pro tem of the state senate. Why would we be excited about helping a guy who stabs us in the back as a matter of course rise to a such a position of honor? I've often been regaled with stories from real Republican legislators about great pitched battles over principled issues against liberal democrats when they would be surprised to find bullets hitting them in the back. When they turned around who did they find but Dave Bisbee? Why would Republicans want to reward him for that.

Second, this abandonment of the leading RINO is apparently one of the reasons why former RINO, now DEMOCRAT, Bill Walters doesn't want to run as a Republican... Soooo? Who cares about that? That's just more evidence that he would not redound to our benefit as a member of the Republican caucus. What's the point in having another "Republican" like Dave Bisbee shooting them in the back when we're fighting liberal legislation?

Finally, the homespun wisdom of the DemGaz editorialists cites an alliance between Sen. Gilbert Baker, R-Conway, and Sens. Jack Critcher, D-Batesville, and Bob Johnson, D-Bigelow... Again, sooo? Both of those democrats are more conservative than Dave Bisbee ever was.

After all the folksy rhetorical effort, the question arises, why would the party be languishing because of unfriendliness to RINOs? The complaint is made that Republicans weren't unified behind Bisbee, but it makes no mention of the countless times that Bisbee has been opposed to the Republican caucus. If anything, the party is languishing because it hasn't been more aggressive in opposing and rooting out RINOs, who have been the biggest obstacle to presenting a united front for conservative, small government republicanism.

The DemGaz complains that the party used to be the party of small government and then complains that we didn't want to promote the most liberal member of our caucus, the member who has been the biggest proponent of liberal, big government republicanism... Does that make any sense, at all. They ought to be ashamed to have written such tripe.

Now, don't get me wrong, from time to time I agree with the DemGaz editorial board. Mr. Greenberg is perhaps one of the finest writers Arkansas has known. But this is beyond the pale.

Apparently the formula for conservative, small government republicanism is to appease liberal, big government Republicans... Brilliant.

Here's the link.

Mike Huckabee's Brave New World: The Black Market for Candy

8th grader, "Michael Sheridan was stripped of his title as class vice president, barred from attending an honors student dinner and suspended for a day after buying a bag of Skittles from a classmate."

Nuff said.

Here's the link.

UPDATE: Republican Leader's Response to Governor's Severance Tax "Agreement"

The following is from House Minority Leader Johnny Key, R-Mountain Home. Rep. Key's letter, written to Morril Harriman, the governor's chief of staff, is a well reasoned appeal to the governor to allow open debate. He's right that the governor only calling a special session when the outcome is known does not allow the kind of democratic debate for which our legislature was elected. It's very encouraging to see principled leadership from Republican leaders like Rep. Key.

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Dear Morril,

I hope you will share these thoughts with the Governor.

Thank you for sending the summary of the severance tax proposal. There are a number of things about the proposal of which I am concerned, but I have two in particular that I wish to express.

The first is the fact that no consideration is being given to the retail taxation of natural gas. The state has received millions of dollars in tax revenue from this commodity, but it has been paid by the consumers. The residents of Arkansas pay 6% state sales tax as well as local taxes. Residents of Texas and Oklahoma do not, yet the only comparisons being discussed are the low Arkansas severance tax versus those in Texas and Oklahoma.

The second is the lack of inclusion of the General Assembly. I know that votes are now being counted, and it is my understanding that a special session will only be called if the required 3/4 votes can be obtained. It can be assumed that this would mean no real debate, no amendments, etc., during the session - in essence, we would be expected to rubber stamp what the Governor and the industry has agreed upon. With all due respect, this is absolutely contrary to the democratic process and unfair to our constituents to shut their elected representatives out of the debate on such a critical question.

I respectfully urge Governor Beebe to delay the efforts to call a special session this month, and instead allow the proposal to be studied and debated by the joint interim committee of Revenue and Taxation, and any other committees deemed appropriate by House and Senate leadership, between now and May 31. Then he could gauge the level of support and if sufficient, call a special session in early June.

Best regards,

Rep. Johnny Key
District 81
House Minority Leader

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UPDATE: Here's the RPA press release, which includes a statement from Rep. Key and Dennis Milligan, Chairman of the RPA.

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Little Rock (3/12/08) – On Monday, Governor Mike Beebe announced that officials of the oil and gas industries and his office had come to terms with an agreement to raise the tax on natural gas by 5%. In order for this agreement to become law, it must pass both houses of the legislature by three-fourths vote.

Johnny Key (R- Mountain Home), the Arkansas House Minority Leader, issued the following statement today on the proposed settlement between the Arkansas gas companies and Governor Mike Beebe:

“I appreciate the comments of Sen. Bob Johnson concerning the so-called agreement on the severance tax. He makes a compelling case for the detrimental economic effects the Governor’s tax hike will have on the economic growth and job creation stemming from the Fayetteville Shale play. I agree with Sen. Johnson that when presented with the choice of good jobs or tax hikes, we must choose good jobs over taxing an industry just because it is successful.

Another critical issue is the absolute lack of inclusion of the General Assembly in this process. The concept that we should rubber stamp a tax hike without debate or amendments, and do it right now or else, is a slap in the face of our democratic process. I have requested that Governor Beebe delay the call for a special session until his tax hike proposal has been submitted to the Interim Revenue and Taxation Committee and any other committees deemed appropriate by Sen. Critcher and Speaker Petrus. Let these committees have until the end of May to discuss and debate the proposal, and if necessary a special session could be called for early June.”

Republican Party of Arkansas Chairman Dennis Milligan also weighed in on the proposed settlement:

“I commend Minority Leader Key and both the Republican and Democratic members of the Arkansas legislature who are diligently working to keep taxes low and our economy growing. With Arkansas’ unemployment rate at 5.6%, higher than the national average, it is critical that we take steps to ensure that we grow our job base here and protect our economic interests. These jobs won’t come to Arkansas if we drive the gas companies out, which we risk by increasing the severance tax. I see this as an opportunistic tax, and I think as Arkansans, we should not stand for it.”

Governor Beebe Reinvents Economics

An exciting revelation was trumpeted today by the governor at his gleeful news conference announcing that he's come to an "agreement" with the natural gas industry:

Raising taxes won't raise the cost of natural gas!

With that revelation, I'd like to reverse my position. If that's the case, I now call for an increase in the tax to 25%---no, make that 50%. We have to let these evil corporations make some money. But if it's not going to cost consumers anything to increase the expenses of producers by raising taxes, then let's really get our money's worth!

Yea taxes!!!

Seriously, though, just because someone says it's so doesn't make it true, even "experts" and the governor. Just because it's difficult to measure doesn't mean it doesn't increase costs. Just because it will be spread over other states doesn't mean it won't raise the cost. Since when did it become the case that you could raise the cost of production without raising the cost of the end product? Have the rules of basic economics been suspended in Arkansas?

So the governor wants a new road program... Whatever happened to Mike Huckabee's road tax from 1999 that was made so famous in the recent Republican primary? As I've said before, it had no sunset, so we're still paying for it. Why aren't we using that money?

Government grows, we decrease.

Score 1 For Arkansas Journal!: Democrats Seek to Block Molester Dwayne Dobbins From Returning to Ledge

After being hammered relentlessly by yours truly, the democrat party has stated that it will seek to block convicted and admitted molester Dwayne Dobbins from being reelected to the State House.

Even the governor is getting in on the action.

Here's the story from AP, complete with commentary from the Guv.

Here's the story from Arkansas News, in which the convicted sex predator calls the office "a blessing" and asks for "compassion". I bet the girl he molested thought not being molested was "a blessing" and would've liked some "compassion", as opposed to his perverted passion.

The fact is that Dobbins is unfit to serve in elected office. The democrats are right to suspect that they'd continue to get clobbered about this if they didn't do something. Now if only they can come up with a workable solution.

A thought, if the democrats are really serious about getting rid of Molester Dobbins, they could start by revoking his membership... Until that's official, I think I'll continue to use his membership card.

Spitzer's Party Affiliation Removed News Story

With all of these scandals among democrats, like Dwayne Dobbins, DEMOCRAT-North Little Rock, it reminds me of a common practice whereby the media plays up party affiliation when a Republican is in trouble and totally ignores it when a Democrat is in trouble.

Well, it happened again this week. DEMOCRAT Governor Eliot Spitzer, NY, actually had his party affiliation removed from a news story.

NewsBusters has the story.

Score 1 for RPA: Democrat Pattern of Corruption Continues

The RPA scored a point against U.S. Senator Mark Pryor, D, forcing him to give away some of the money donated to his campaign by New York Governor/John Eliot Spitzer, after Spitzer was caught in a prostitution scandal. It's nice to see the RPA taking some action. Too bad they didn't get someone to run against Pryor.

Pryor didn't give away all the money donated by Spitzer, though. The RPA ought to keep hammering him to give away the rest.

This is all part of an overall pattern of corruption by democrats, including the DPA's tacit approval of having Molester Dwayne Dobbins as an elected democrat.

Here's the link.

Senator Johnson Holds Firm Against Severance Tax...Who Will Join Him?

I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize real leadership. Sen. Bob Johnson, D-Bigelow, is holding firm in his commitment to oppose this or any tax.

Even though (part of) the natural gas industry has "agreed" to have it taxes raised, Sen. Johnson is firm in his commitment to jobs and economic growth over the growth of government. I know there will be some Republicans with some guts, too, who will oppose this brazen assault on the private sector for the benefit of the government.

A note, I believe it was John Brummett who wrote a column not too long ago talking about how this is Gov. Beebe's style to work backroom deals to get things done. If he is successful doing this now, you can expect he'll do it again. If (part of) the natural gas industry is willing to hurt itself to avoid making a tough stand, it will embolden the governor. I've been satirizing the foolishness of this situation lately, by saying that it's time to tax other "evil" industries, too, but if this succeeds, you can bet some of those industries won't be too far behind.

In the meantime, I'm thankful for Sen. Johnson and I look forward to seeing which Republicans are in this to win and which are just in office for the ride.

Another note, thanks to Max for publishing the governor's predicted revenue increases from this tax:

"The rate increase would take effect Jan. 1. Predicted revenue: $57 million the first year, rising to $100 million by 2013. The tax currently nets about $600,000."

Sooooo, am I the only one who sees $57-100 million being taken out of the economy and the natural gas industry as a bad thing? I know I'm not, but consider how many people won't be employed because the natural gas industry has that much less money to grow. Oh, and if this tax goes into effect, you can bet it will never reach those numbers because the estimate is based on the industry continuing to grow at its current rate, which it won't do if this tax is passed.

More on this later.

Originally published on 3/11/08 at 2:28 p.m.

UPDATE: (Part of ) Natural Gas Industry "Agrees" To Governor's Tax Proposal

Yeah, right. They agreed about as much as a corner drug store "agrees" to pay for "protection" from the mob. I'll be really surprised if this "agreement" causes enough legislators to vote for it.

This whole situation is positively shameful. The governor of the state, with no revenue shortfall, is raising taxes just to be in line with neighboring states, supposedly. Well, like I've said, if that's the case, I want him to remove the income tax to be in line with neighboring states.

This is a racket.

Here's the link.

UPDATE: I keep getting this emailed to me, so I thought I'd go ahead and publish it. Here's the proposal that (some of) the natural gas industry has "agreed" to:

March 11, 2008

SEVERANCE TAX PROPOSAL
1. Base Rate

The current severance tax rate on natural gas production ($0.003 per mcf) would be increased to five percent (5%) of the Proceeds of the gas at the point of severance (the "base rate"). "Proceeds" would be defined as the monies received by the producer from the sale of the gas less the expenses of dehydrating, treating, compressing and delivering the gas to the purchaser.


2. Reduced Tax Rate for Cost Recovery

High Cost Wells would qualify for a reduced rate for cost recovery of one and one-half percent (1.5%) for the first thirty six (36) months of production from the well. A Taxpayer with a High Cost Gas Well which has not recovered the costs from the total proceeds of the well within the thirty six (36) month period may apply to the Department of Finance and Administration for up to twelve (12) additional months to recover the costs. The additional period shall expire in twelve (12) months or at such time the cost of the well is recovered, whichever comes first.

All other gas wells drilled in Arkansas that are capable of production in commercial quantities would qualify for a severance tax reduction at the rate of one and one-half percent (1.5%) for the first twenty-four (24) months of production from the well.

The time period for purposes of the Reduced Rate for Cost Recovery shall be calculated from the date the well originally began production, whether before or after the effective date of the new tax.

3. Marginal Gas Wells

a. Gas wells, other than High Cost Wells, that are incapable of producing more than 250 mcf per day, would be classified as “marginal gas wells" and would qualify for a severance tax rate reduction. High Cost Wells that are incapable of producing more than 100 mcf per day would be classified as “marginal gas wells” and would qualify for a severance tax rate reduction.

b. The severance tax rate for all such marginal gas wells would be one percent and one-quarter percent (1.25%) of the Proceeds.

c. All marginal gas wells shall be certified as such by the Arkansas Oil & Gas Commission ("AOGC"), using the AOGC's existing wellhead deliverability test methodology.

4. The new law shall be effective January 1, 2009.

5. The tax shall be distributed 95% to highways and roads and 5% to general revenue.

6. Pursuant to meetings with and the request of royalty owner representatives, the royalty owners will receive the same deductions as the production companies.

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Originally published 3/11/08 at 12:28 p.m.

Molester Dwayne Dobbins: The Mark Foley of the Democrat Party of Arkansas

I guess the democrats are welcoming Dwayne Dobbins back with open arms. He has successfully filed unopposed.

While the governor is busy trumpeting his "agreement" on the severance tax, he has another problem. His party is going to have a convicted, admitted child molester as an elected official. Is he going to do anything about this? Do the democrats even care? I know a few who aren't happy about it, but it's up to the leadership to do anything. There needs to be a plan not to seat Molester Dobbins.

Democrats, nationally, browbeat the GOP over Congressman Mark Foley of Florida, calling it part of a pattern of corruption. Well, I'm gonna call them on it. Having Dwayne Dobbins as an elected democrat is part of a pattern of corruption and arrogance in the Democrat Party of Arkansas. They're not worried because they think there is no one to hold them accountable.

Dollar Slide Partially Manufactured By Deflationary Policy of the Euro

People complain about the value of the dollar falling as the euro climbs. What many don't know is that the European banking system has been propping it up, causing the currency to deflate, which has made the dollar's slide appear far worse than reality. The attempt to inflate the value of the currency is designed to get foreign countries to shift their reserves from the dollar, which could be devastating for the dollar and a boon for the euro.

The problem with all of this monetary panic is that the American media portrays it as if Europe is booming when, in reality, average Europeans can't afford much with their currency spiking.

Financial Times has the story. Here's the link.

Free Corn

A professor at a large college had some exchange students in the class. One day the professor noticed one young man, an exchange student, who kept rubbing his back and stretching as if his back hurt. The professor asked the young man what was the matter. The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a new communist regime.

In the midst of his story, he looked at the professor and asked a strange question. He asked: "Do you know how to catch wild pigs?" The professor thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line. The young man said that it was no joke.

"You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground. The pigs find it and begin to come everyday to eat the free corn. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming. When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence. They get used to that and start to eat again. You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in the last side. The pigs, which are used to the free corn, start to come through the
gate to eat that free corn again. You then slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd. Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom. They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the free corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves---so they accept their captivity."

The young man then told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening in America. The government keeps pushing us toward Communism/Socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tax cuts, tax exemptions, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops, welfare, medicine, drugs, etc. while we continually lose our freedoms, just a little at a time.

There is no such thing as a free lunch.

Again, this was not written by me, but the opportunity to illustrate such a basic truth is invaluable.

Democrat Pedophile Files for State House

Dwayne Dobbins, D-North Little Rock, who resigned his seat in 2005 after he admitted to sexually assaulting a minor, has refiled after his wife held the seat for him.

Is the democrat party proud to have a convicted, admitted pedophile in its caucus? There's not much time to find an opponent.

Here's the link.

Originally published 3/10/08 at 1:35 p.m.

Ronnie Floyd/Southern Baptist Leaders Buy into Global Warming! Hoax

The reach of the GLOBAL WARMING!!! hoax is truly disturbing. Now a group of Southern Baptist leaders, including Springdale First's Ronnie Floyd, have bought into it.

Here's how it started, apparently, with a student at Southeastern Seminary: "destroying God's creation (is like) 'tearing a page out of the Bible. That struck me. It broke me," the (student) said in an interview, "and that was the impetus that began a life change, a shift of perspective for me."

Right. So, even if GLOBAL WARMING!!! is a hoax, we still have to do something about it. Even as more and more scientists are demonstrating that there is no causal relationship between carbon and temperature increases, even as the supposed half degree increase in temperature of the last century was wiped out in one year, these prominent leaders have been fooled into believing this leftist ploy make gross changes to civilization.

I see I'm going to have to continue my work to debunk this hoax. For those of you who know Pastor Floyd, I'll be putting together some resources that you can get to him.

Here's the link.

Time to Tax Big News

The following is from a very clever and conscientious reader. I've edited it slightly.

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So as not to appear hypocritical, I think Hussman and Brantley owe it to all Arkansans to voluntarily impose and remit to the state a sales tax on their newspapers and advertising. 6.5% will do. It will be less than the severance tax that they want to impose on the gas producers. How much would that be? $10 million? $20 million? If not, maybe Nelson will include that tax in his initiated act so Beebe will further reduce the sales tax on food.

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It's just not fair that these evil corporations aren't paying a sales tax on their papers and/or ad sales. The sales tax on sales of papers and ads is comically low, ridiculously miniscule, insanely non-existent. It's time that they pay their fair share for the damage their doing to the environment.

Think of what that money could do for children and roads.

Sanders on Severance Tax

David Sanders' column on the severance tax is superb. For one thing, he asks a question I've been asking for a while. Why do we have to be at parity with our neighboring states on this tax, but not on others, as in the case of our neighbors who have no income tax? And, why does the government have to get a slice of every dollar transaction in the state?

Here's the link.

Greenlight Harrelson's Idea

Rep. Steve Harrelson, D-Texarkana, is proposing something I've always thought was a good idea. I don't know if any are used for this purpose in Arkansas, but I see lots of cameras on stoplights. He's proposing to make it illegal to use them to issue tickets. I am glad to say that's a great idea. I hope he proposes it in the next session. He has a writeup about it on his blog, Under the Dome.

Family Formation is Key to Republicanism

A reader sent me this. It's a very interesting look into the socioeconomic factors that influence political preference. Here's the link.

Private Sector Tightens Belt...Government Continues Growing

I came across this story the other day that Arkansas businesses are tightening the belt in preparation for a possible slowdown in the economy. Do we hear the government talking about tightening its belt?

Nope.

There are proposals to raise our taxes and increase spending on the table. That's the way government operates. It's high time to take the government to the woodshed.

Here's the link.

Hugo Chavez: Warmonger

I don't see Harry Bellafonte, Cindy Sheehan, or Sean Penn condemning their idol communist Hugo Chavez for bringing South America to the brink of war, but it's happening. Chavez just can't seem to get along with his neighbor, Colombia. All this is in response to the death of a marxist rebel. Chavez is teaming up with one of his proteges, Rafael Correa, the leftist president of Ecuador.

So much for Left wing dictators and their false claims of being for peace. The real story is that anti-American celebrities who have embraced communist Chavez are not condemning him as a Warmonger.

Here's the link.

Democrats Going After Possible Pryor Opponent

Tom Formicola has announced that he's exploring the possibility of running against Mark Pryor for U.S. Senate. Some statements he made in 2006, when he ran for Congress in the Republican primary, are coming back to haunt him. I'm not quite sure why the democrats are giving him publicity. He has an uphill battle as it is.

"The Democratic (sic) Party also contended Formicola showed 'an insensitivity to the plight of working men and women' when he remarked in 2006, 'If I pay another $1,000 to $2,000 in taxes, it's not going to break my back.'

"Formicola explained Tuesday, 'I was talking about the higher-income bracket. There are a lot of people in the high-income bracket that, if the deficit can be narrowed ... feel like they wouldn't mind paying a little bit more in taxes.'"

I beg to differ with Mr. Formicola and you can bet this will be an impediment to him getting many Republicans to help him. With ideas like this, I'm surprised he's running as a Republican.

Here's the link.

Time to Tax Big Chocolate

Nestle has announced that it is expanding its frozen food operations in Jonesboro. It's high time that we raise the frozen food severance tax on this upstart. You'd think they'd know better than to try to be successful in this state without asking permission first.

Here's the link.

Traitor Draws a Real Republican Opponent

Terry Rice, of Waldron, has filed against Traitor Bill Walters, D-Greenwood. Rice is the owner of Rice Furniture and Appliance, also in Waldron.

This is very good news. Thank you, Mr. Rice. You can count on our support.

Arkansas News has the story. Here's the link.

Also, Brian King, R-Green Forest, was surprised today with a democrat opponent.

New Periodic Table Element

New research has led to the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element, Governmentium (Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.

These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons. Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert; however, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A minute amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second to take from four days to four years to complete. Governmentium has a normal half-life of 5 years; it does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.

This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical level of concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as "critical morass." When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.

Note: I realized that there might be some confusion over whether I wrote this post. I did not. I received it in an email. I did however create the graphic, which is not nearly as impressive as writing something as clever as this.

EXCLUSIVE: Traitor's Wife Makes Excuses For Husband's Betrayal

The following is a letter I've received from several sources. It's from Rep. Shirley Walters, RINO-Greenwood, wife of Bill Walters, who has announced for her seat as a democrat. Aside from being a rambling, poorly written letter, it offers an interesting look into her mindset about the importance of party loyalty.

Apparently Rep. Walters wants us to put this all behind us. After we beat her husband we can start putting this all behind us.

Then again, there's always beating her in 2010. And then there's the fact that they can't be trusted. On second thought, we probably won't be able to put this behind us.

---

Bill's decision to run as a Democrat instead as of Republican was a long discussion and a long time in the making. We did discuss it and his reasons and he would talk with any of you about them. I know several of you asked me about it and I said I did not know and that is true. Nothing was firm until recently and I did not feel it was my place to talk for him. Also when most of the reporter (sic) have called me I have told them they should also talk with Bill. It does not matter in his voting whether he has a R or as a D (sic) by his name. He will vote for what he thinks is right and for the best interest of the district and the state. It never has nor will it change how he votes. In the last couple of sessions, at least, I do not think most of the party members have voted just because of being a Republican and in those cases, many democrats voted the same ways because of the values. What I do find alittle upsetting is the comment that was read to me by the press, if true, of a member stating basically that if I did run for the Senate as a Republican that I would not have the support of the Republicans. Bill had his reasons for running as a Democrat and most are valid. I heard someone say that the Republicans were loosing (sic) one of "their" seats. District 62 has never been a Republican Seat until I ran. I was the first Republican ever elected to that seat. I worked from daylight to dark for a year to win this seat. Bill worked hard but most of the party did not help partly because they did not think I could win. I am not bragging but at this time I do not know of another Republican in this district who could win the seat except, Bill probably could have won as a Republican based on the fact that the Democrats in Scott County are happy with my service because I give good constituent service. However, he would have had at least one or more opponents and you never know. Bill will be a person who will, if given the chance, work with people of both sides for the benefit of the state. He is knowledgeable in both the legislature and the law, hard working and easy to talk to and work with. I hope all of you that are returning will keep that in mind. I regret all who have hard feelings toward me and would like to see me fail if I do decide to run for the Senate in 2010 as a Republican. Oh, the reporter told me to look at the Times Blog (which I never do) that story is totally untrue, I have never talked or even mentioned to Beebe that I was running in 2010. I did have a meeting with him last week, as a few of you know, but it was concerning trying to lower the Bingo tax and our oil and gas issues here in the district that were different than the Fayetteville Shale.

I hope the whole issue goes away soon. Being forced to talk to the press is always a problem because so many things gets quoted wrong, as I hope was the case with a couple of people who made comments about me.

Shirley Walters

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Originally Published 3/5/08 at 9:02 am

Liberal Terrorists Strike Again

Last week it was "eco-"terrorists, now it's "anti-war" terrorists. The one thing these peace loving terrorists have in common is that they're liberals. How come we don't hear the media talking about how dangerous liberal talk radio is (that one kind of answers itself) and the danger of Left Wing militias and terrorist groups? Because they're not going to try to tie themselves to terrorism like they did with conservative media in the 90s. The fact remains, though, that there are homegrown terrorists in America and they're liberals.

This morning some of these dangerous radicals set off an explosive device in Times Square, destroying a U.S. Army recruiting station. This fits the liberal mindset that the U.S. military represents war and evil in the world.

Here's the link.

Hilldog '08

Ours is over. Let's help keep the democrat primary going as long as possible.

Rep. Martin, R-Prairie Grove, Announces For Reelection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Rep. Mark Martin of Prairie Grove announces he will seek reelection for State Representative for State House District 87.

Little Rock, AR, March 6, 2008 - Mark Martin (R-Prairie Grove) will be serving his third and final term in the house if reelected, and will return with no less than the fourth highest seniority. He holds a number of leadership positions in the state House of Representatives, including chairman of the Economic and Tax Policy Committee and also the chairman of the Insurance and Commerce – House Financial Institutions Subcommittee.

Martin was also selected to serve on the Academic Facilities Oversight Committee which oversees the implementation of nearly two billion dollars in improvements to public school buildings and appointed to the Rural Fire Departments Study Committee which seeks to improve the rural fire services that are so important to District 87. Rep. Martin commented, “During my tenure in the House, I have demonstrated that I can work with state and local officials of both parties to get things accomplished.” Rep. Keven Anderson agrees, “Not only is Mark one of the sharpest legislators in Little Rock, but he also is always well informed and prepared for committee meetings. His hard work and engineering experience provided invaluable input to the House leadership during the last session.”

“I am seeking reelection to this office so I can continue to be a strong, conservative voice in the Arkansas General Assembly,” Martin said, adding he is dedicated to limited government, limited taxation, property rights, and free enterprise. This commitment has not gone without notice, the CEO of EquityNet LLC, Ron Goforth says, “There always seem to be a lot of people around that are constantly talking about enabling new technology-based companies to help promote and sustain economic development. But my thanks go to Mark Martin for doing more than just talking about it. His active work on these matters is genuinely helpful.”

“In the era of term limits, having someone in the house with legislative experience and knowledge is critical for a growing area like Northwest Arkansas,” Martin said. He said the challenging issues facing Arkansas will be the stimulus of high paying jobs for working families, continuing education reform, and improving rural infrastructure. Former Rep. Doug Matayo said, “Mark was tireless in his commitment to protecting the working families in his district, often working thorough the night to read and understand every detail of how a bill would effect his constituents. He is one of the hardest working elected officials I have ever seen.”

When asked what he hopes to accomplish in the next session, Martin reiterated his commitments to relief for working families, limiting government growth, and improving the tax and regulatory environment for small businesses. He believes the bingo tax on non-profits like the VFW and American Legion is wrong and should be removed. There are a number of veterans’ issues he hopes to address, including eliminating sales taxes paid by 100% disabled veterans.

Lewison Announces For PuCo JP Seat

I told you earlier that term limited State Rep. Sid Rosenbaum is playing musical chairs with Pulaski County JP Allen Kerr, who has announced for Rosenbaum's seat. I mentioned that Kathy Lewison, who has previously held the JP seat, isn't going to be happy about Rosenbaum's entrance. Lewison picked up the JP seat after Republican Bill Rush vacated it without notice. There's not much chance that Lewison, a democrat, can beat Rosenbaum in this majority Republican district.

Well, as a commenter stated previously, she's a glutton for punishment because she's filed for the seat.

Here's a link to her website. Apparently, she's a "minister" who performs weddings, which is the primary reason why she wants to be JP, since she was making a living doing weddings when she served previously. If you need to get hitched, her phone number is listed.

Here's the link to my earlier post about the race.

Traitor! Bill Walters Switches Parties

Former State Senator Bill Walters, of Greenwood, who is the husband of term limited RINO State Representative Shirley Walters (District 62), has been ignoring the calls of GOP party leaders, including Congressman Boozman and John Paul Hammerschmidt, who were trying to find out if he was going to run for Shirley's seat. It was assumed that he was, but worries had been raised that he might run as a democrat. Well, it turns out that there's a reason why he was ignoring their calls. Filing records show that Walters has filed for the race, as a democrat.

Bill Walters is a traitor. He waited this late to announce as a democrat so no republicans would consider the race, assuming that he'd run as a republican. We have a very short period of time, but there is time to find another candidate to run as a republican. Any decent, conservative republican can beat this traitor. Real republicans, who are plentiful in Greenwood, will turn out in force for a real republican.

Here's the link to the story from Andrew DeMillo.

Here's a list of all the other candidates who have filed, so far.

Originally published 3/4/08 at 10:27 pm.

Delegate Count: Democrat Race

Hilldog: 1449

Obama: 1556

This is perfect.

Here's the link.

Deal or No Deal

"With the threat of an economic downturn looming, lawmakers are now asking why Gov. Beebe wants to punish an industry that is having a positive economic impact by creating a record number of jobs with wages over the state average."

I've been saying this for quite some time. It's encouraging to see more legislators taking up the fight. David Sanders' latest on the severance tax debate and "negotiations" is very good.

Here's the link.

Nelson's Right About One Thing

The gas producers "can’t afford to be at odds with a popular, effective governor for seven years. The governor can make it very difficult on companies drilling in the Fayetteville shale. … They don’t want that fight. I believe they’ll come back and settle.”

There's nothing like having a government for an adversary, especially when all you're trying to do is run a business in a "free" market and you're helping create significant economic growth. Why shouldn't you be punished by the government. I mean, how dare? Those evil gas companies have a lot of nerve.

Here's the link.

What a Surprise: ArkTimes Believes in Global Warming!...Who Needs Evidence Anyway?

Max Brantley thinks it's just awful that an evil conservative group is sponsoring a conference which offers actual scientific evidence that GLOBAL WARMING!!! is a hoax! Horrors. I assume it would be an unbiased, educational conference if they were being taught that this hoax was real.

He speaks so authoritatively as if he offered any proof that it is real. Alas, he offers no evidence, which is a common liberal tactic. What does he need with evidence? Liberals don't need evidence. We should be thankful that they deem to speak their wisdom. Who needs more energy anyway?

The comments are even more priceless. I especially like the one that claims that scientists believe in GLOBAL WARMING!!!, so who cares about all the evidence to the contrary, which I've documented time and again.

Here's the link.

Huck Drops Out!!!

Mike Huckabee is finally getting out! Unfortunately, he's not going to go away completely.

McCain has won enough delegates to clinch the nominatin. Apparently, the president will endorse him tomorrow.

Aging Hippies Protesting Against American Victory in Downtown Little Rock

I just got a call from a friend who informs me that there are a handful of old hippies protesting downtown. Apparently, they haven't heard that we're winning or else they're actually rooting for us to surrender and lose. I'm sure al Qaeda appreciates their effort.

Goober ALERT!!!

Unfortunately, I've known a few goobers like this. Thankfully, most of them don't get as far as he has. Wisconsin must be hard up for normal people. To think, this guy could decide who the democrat nominee will be... Well, it's bad either way.

As I Was Saying...Troop Surge Less About Numbers and More About Change in Strategy and Tactics

Not only is the president not getting credit from the media for the success in Iraq, but he's also not getting credit for successfully running circles around them with the marketing of the Surge. As I've said a number of times, the Surge is more window dressing than anything else. It was a successful smokescreen to keep the media talking about a troop increase and not announce our change in strategy, which is the real reason for our success. Newsbusters is reporting the story as relayed by a Marine veteran, J.D. Johannes, who served in the first Gulf War. Johannes has produced several documentaries about the War, including one about the success of the Surge. I doubt Hollywood will give him an Oscar for it since it doesn't fit their worldview. Outside the Wire: Anbar Awakens chronicles the success of the Marine Corps in Anbar Province, which was called a lost cause as late as in 2006.

This is especially for my friends who still repeat the dogma of the Left that we can't win in Iraq.

Here's the link.

Super Tuesday 2

Today's the big day.

Mike Huckabee will officially be swept out of any possibility of winning the Republican nomination, thankfully. Though, I doubt he'll go away. What's truly disturbing is that there are people out there who are latching onto him as a conservative alternative to liberal John McCain, when the only thing more conservative about him is some of what he's been saying on the campaign trail. It's certainly not his record.

This might be the day we see the Clinton Machine crash to the ground, but I doubt she'll give up. Her ego won't allow it. If she wins Texas or Ohio, she'll claim the impetus to keep going, looking forward to Pennsylvania. Either way, her inevitability has foundered on the shoals of the la la land of Barack Obama, with his vacuous siren song of hope and change.

The Chicken Problem Makes Drudge

The dispute between Arkansas and Oklahoma over chicken waste continues. Here's the link.

Maybe Hillary Majored in Miracles Too, 'Cause Math Isn't On Her Side

Unlike Mike Huckabee, Hillary does have a shadow of a chance of winning her party's race, but just a shadow.

Here's the link.

"Experts" Ignore Other Economic Factors in Severance Tax Analysis

So, apparently, the "experts" have weighed in on the severance tax and it's A-OK! How so, you might ask? Well, apparently, it won't have much of an effect on the cost of natural gas...

Okay. So what about the effect on the incredible economic growth caused by the natural gas industry in Arkansas???...

Well, they don't want you to ask about that. The article does quote an expert mentioning that in passing.

What if the industry goes away or doesn't continue to grow? The article talks about that, but the "experts" don't want you to think about it, at least that appears to be the message of the article. We hear lots of talk about the evil gas companies as if it's a handful of sweaty old rich guys, instead of people who own IRAs and other retirement accounts. In reality, the majority of natural gas companies are owned by people who own mutual funds.

The industry depends on delivering a good return on investment. The shortsightedness of the governor and his liberal cheerleaders is remarkable. There are other states with natural gas. The developers in Arkansas don't have to stay here or grow and other developers don't have to come here.

The "experts" point out that Arkansas is a very small player in the industry, as an argument that a tax increase won't affect the price. What it ignores is that there's lots more natural gas in other states. The industry doesn't have to stay here or grow. Industry players are quoted as saying that, at the least, they will invest less dollar for dollar against the new tax. Good for them. They don't need to be bullied or cajoled into screwing themselves.

"'Prices are set on a national basis - the market is much broader than Arkansas,' Deck said. 'In as much as users buy their gas on a national marketplace, cuts in production in the Fayetteville Shale would not affect price in any significant way.'"

As for this analysis, aside from the intentional leaving out of huge parts of the economic impact, it is incorrect to say that raising the tax won't affect prices. The affect may be negligible, but it is foolish say that the price won't go up. The "experts" suggest that the producers and royalty owners will just eat the cost. Theoretically, that could be true, but if they are unable to pass the cost down the line, which eventually will get to consumers, you can expect them not to grow as much as they would have and, perhaps, to go away. That will cause the price to go up. The "experts" are more or less relying on the big market theory, justifying that the state can punish the industry in Arkansas because the industry, nationwide, is big...

As for the supposed revenue, how much will we generate when we kill or cripple the industry? Maybe some, but not as much as is being divied up now based on current growth. They're counting the eggs before they've hatched and then stomping the eggs. Brilliant.

This whole argument is stupid. There is no compelling need to raise this tax. There is no budgetary shortfall to be met. In fact, raising this tax could cause a budgetary shortfall by hampering or crippling one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, one that already pays taxes. Meanwhile, we have a "super fund" to attract business to Arkansas. If you're already here and helping the economy grow, you get punished.

Here's the link.

Filing Day is Here

If I get any interesting news, I'll be sure to pass it along. Pass along any you might have.

Here's the link.

Thomas Sowell on the Facts and Fallacies of Economics

Something to expand your mind.

Here's the link.

Delegate Count Going into Super Tuesday 2

Obama: 1,383
Hillary: 1,276
Needed: 2,025

McCain: 1,014
The Huckster: 257
Needed: 1,191

Sanders On Mr. Buckley

I know David Sanders has been strongly influenced by William F. Buckley, as have many conservatives, including myself. That's very apparent in his latest column, which is as fine a remembrance and homage as I've read about this giant, the Father of Modern Conservatism.

Here's the link.

Ted Kennedy Sings in Spanish

Remember When?...Huckabee Was Important Enough to Be Featured in Foreign Affairs

A reader sent me this the other day. I had almost forgotten there was a time when the Huckster was important enough to be featured in Foreign Affairs. It's reassuring that he's now officially a nobody again. But it's still important to remember what a whiney lightweight he is. Here's the link to his stupid op-ed.