Texas Sheriffs Say Terrorists Entering US from Mexico

(CNSNews.com) - The chief law enforcement officers of several Texas counties along the southern U.S. border warn that Arabic-speaking individuals are learning Spanish and integrating into Mexican culture before paying smugglers to sneak them into the United States. The Texas Sheriffs' Border Coalition believes those individuals are likely terrorists and that drug cartels and some members of the Mexican military are helping them get across the border. read more ...

Wal-Mart Joins NGLCC as Corporate Member

From the Chicago Tribune 8/26/06 By Abigail Goldman?Wal-Mart, joined and will pay the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NLGCC) $25,000 annually. In addition, Wal-Mart has agreed to conduct two NGLCCconferences/ workshops for gay and lesbian business owners on how to break into the Wal-Mart supplier ranks, said Justin Nelson, chamber president and co-founder.?Wal-Mart spokesman Bob McAdam said the company also has worked with other gay and lesbian organizations including the Human Rights Campaign and Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

Also, Wal-Mart will give homosexual-owned businesses special treatment when making purchases. Companies not owned by homosexuals will be moved down the list. NGLCC called Wal-Mart's action 'part of the company's ongoing commitment to advancing diversity (homosexuality) among all of its associate, supplier and customer bases.' Continue reading?

American Family Association Calls people to Action:
1. To make sure your voice is heard, please call Wal-Mart's home office headquarters and ask for Chairman Rob Walton at 479-273-4000. Also, call your local Wal-Mart manager and express your concerns. Please, be polite when you call!
2. Send an email to Wal-Mart Chairman Rob Walton by visiting www.afa.net.
3. Print out and distribute this Pass Along Sheet.

Wal-Mart Partners With Gay and Lesbian Group

Also Hires Gay-Marketing Shop as Retailer Works to Alter Image

In an unprecedented push, Wal-Mart Stores has hired a gay-marketing shop, joined the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and begun discussions with activist groups about extending domestic-partnership benefits to its employees. The initiative comes as Wal-Mart aims to broaden its appeal and woo both upscale and urban markets, but this is not the first time Wal-Mart has attempted to appease critics in the gay and lesbian community. read more ... [From Advertising Age article by Mya Frazier 8/24/06]

President Prayer Team Prayer Experience

ARRA Editors Pick of the Month: Click Now - visit the "Presidential Prayer Team Experience" to spark an intimate and rewarding time with God. Enjoy a simulated online warm home environment with an Office and a Living Room. Roll-over various objects in each room to see a short description of information that is designed to inform, educate and inspire. Experience moving videos, audio, and the many other resources.

The Presidential Prayer Team was born out of the national tragedy of September 11, 2001. PPT is not a political organization. They pray for our national leaders in accordance with biblical principles, regardless of political persuasion.

People's Republic of the House of Representatives

Republicans have been downright disappointing: spending money like Democrats, vacillating on key counter-terror programs, engaging in simplistic nativism on trade and immigration, blocking earmark reform and legislative transparency. There's a lot about which conservatives can rightly be disappointed. But as bad as the Congressional GOP has been, imagine the House in Democratic hands. The Republicans in D.C. have been lousy on policy and, sometimes, downright embarrassing. But that is a fight to wage in the primaries. When it comes to the general election, it is imperative to prevent the reins of power from being handed over to this extreme Left crowd. Read more in posting by Jonathan R.

GOP Response To Sen. Pryor's Radio National Address

Liberal National Democrats such as Howard Dean, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid have no credibility when discussing how best to protect Americans in the War on Terror. Senator Pryor would do well to stop listening to the extremists of his party, and provide leadership to help protect Americans at home and abroad.

Democrats Contradictory, Evasive on Issue of Gay Foster Parents

GOP suggests Democratic candidate should awitch parties if they are uncomfortable with liberal positions

President's Day: Bush In Arkansas

President George W. Bush visits Arkansas to campaign with Asa and rally supporters at a barbecue lunch at the home of Joe and Dana Kleine, the AP reports. More than 800 attended. Afterwards, Asa and President Bush stopped by Cotham?s Restaurant for fried pies, where Bush gives Asa his vote of confidence: Asa is "the kind of fellow who will set an agenda and then achieve the results necessary to get the job done," Bush said. "I've seen him first-hand in Washington. He's a fellow I called upon to get the Homeland Security department up and running."

The Thought Police of Minneapolis

8/30/06 By J. Matt Barber If you?re a Christian working for the City of Minneapolis, watch your step ? your job may already be in jeopardy. In what may be one of the most blatant acts of anti-Christian bigotry and discrimination by an American government agency to date, the Minneapolis Police Department has suspended a Police Psychologist, Dr. Michael Campion of Campion, Barrow & Associates, at the behest of pro-homosexual activists. What was Dr. Campion?s crime? It seems that until last year he was a board member with the Illinois Family Institute (IFI), a Christian organization which advocates traditional family values. The Minneapolis Police Department admits that because of Dr. Campion?s Christian beliefs, and his former affiliation with IFI, he is now under suspension pending an investigation into his beliefs. read more

Schwarzenegger Signs Bill Violating The 1st Amendment

8/29/06 -- The Traditional Values Coalition charged today that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has traded the religious rights of millions of Californians in an attempt to win votes from homosexual anti-religious extremists. "Governor Schwarzenegger needs to read a copy of the U.S. Constitution and the First Amendment," said TVC Chairman Louis P. Sheldon. "He just signed SB 1441, a bill that clearly violates the religious freedoms of millions of Californians to appease the homosexual activist movement." read more

Arkansas Republican Caucus Supports Marriage

Little Rock - The Arkansas Republican Caucus stands for affirming marriage between a man and a woman not because it is a political issue, but because it is a core belief of the Republican Party and a bedrock institution of our society. "It is unfortunate that the Arkansas Democrats have removed their support of marriage from their platform this year, indicating that they only supported it two years ago because it was an issue on the ballot, this shows that the Democrats will do anything and say anything to win an election," stated Byron Holt, candidate for the AR House District 76.

"The Republican Caucus does not support an issue because of the polling numbers. We support issues because of our convictions. The institution of marriage should be protected. It is not something that becomes 'irrelevant' due to political discourse. I am disappointed for many of my Democrat colleagues that believe as I do on this issue. As they proved at the polls in 2004, Arkansans overwhelmingly support the traditional definition of marriage, and I am proud to be on the side of the people of Arkansas," stated Minority Leader Johnny Key (R-Mountain Home). As stated in the Republican Party platform, "The Republican Party of Arkansas supports the traditional definition of marriage as a God-ordained, legal and moral commitment only between a man and a woman, which is the foundational unit of a healthy society. We believe in the sanctity of marriage and that the integrity of this institution should be defended, protected, strengthened, and nurtured at all levels of government."
The Arkansas Democrats are again following the direction of their liberal national party bosses like Howard Dean, instead of being in line with the people of this state.

David Workman, candidate for the AR House District 19 stated, "It is sad to see the Democratic Party make the change in their platform to remove the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman. Our Creator formed the marriage union which is defined as a man and woman. The Democratic Party has set aside the marriage union as GOD intended and decisions such as this contribute to the moral decay of our society." [Press Release 8/28/06 Contact: Johnny Key 870-404-0405]

MoveOn.org's Plan for America

Far-Left Radical Dem Group Spreads Its Midterm Misinformation Campaign Across America. Read MoveOn.org's 2006 Plan to Elect Defeatocrats [Published by Arkansas GOP 8/29/06]

President In Arkansas

President George Bush visits Arkansas on Wednesday to join Asa and supporters for lunch at the home of former Razorback basketball and NBA star Joe Kleine in Little Rock, and to recognize a Sherwood resident for her work in support of Hurricane Katrina evacuees. [The Arkansas News Bureau 8/29/06]

Question for Halter on Homosexual Adoption

[Extract from Senator Jim Holt for Arkansas Lt. Governor 8/28 Press Release] The state-wide Democratic candidates and Jason Willett, chair of the state Democratic Party. seem to noting that Arkansas voters agree more with Senator Jim Holt view of not permitting homosexual adoption and foster parenting. Holt co-authored a 2005 bill that would "clarify that the department of human services shall not place a child with an adoptive or foster parent who is homosexual."

Willet and others Democrat candidates have identified Holt's viewpoint extreme. So it surprised many Democrats when Willet, said a few days ago that he "has a problem with the adoption of children by gay parents." It appears that Willet is noting "hat this important issue could help defeat this liberal democratic ticket this November. It was liberal Democrat senators who killed the 2005 bill that would have prevented homosexual adoption and foster parenting.

Both Beebe and Halter have waffled on this gay adoption issue. What is Willett up to - damage control? Regardless, Bill Halter said seven weeks ago that he wanted to study the issue more and later indicated he had some concern with constitutionality and about whether it was in the best interest of the children to deny homosexual parenting, Halter it's time to cut through the rhetoric and tell the voters if you would support a bill clarifying that the department of human services shall not place a child with an adoptive or foster parent who is homosexual. And if not, why not?

The David Parker outrage - Could Arkansas be Next?

LATEST! School officials file blistering 57-page Motion to Dismiss David Parker's Federal Civil Rights lawsuit. School Committee, Superintendent, teachers, Town of Lexington claim that presenting homosexuality to children against parents' wishes is NOT illegal and does NOT interfere with freedom of religion! Claims that because of gay 'marriage' in Massachusetts, state has legitimate interest in presenting homosexuality to children.

Lexington father, David Parker, was arrested over objections to homosexual curriculum in son's Kindergarten class. Spent night in jail, brought into court in handcuffs. People still cannot believe that this could happen in America! Massachusetts has a Parential Notification Law whcih has been ignored by the school system.

Be aware - does your local Arkansas elementary school or a teacher use or are they about to use a "Diversity Book Bag" or books "Who's in a family?" or "King and King"? Stay informed!

Jay Barth's Objectives are Clear -- Are Yours?

In February, the American Family Coalition blog asked what is "Jay Barth's Objective." Previously, a blog and the Arkansas News identified Barth as "one of the most liberal" in Arkansas politics and "openly gay." Dr. Jay Barth is a professor at Hendrix College in both the Politics and Gender Studies departments and a faculty member of the Clinton School of Public Service. He is the faculty advisor for the Unity/LGBSA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Straight Alliance), Young Democrats, and Pre-Law Society and has been noted by the Committee on Lesbian & Gay History

At the 2006 Arkansas Democrat State Convention, Barth chaired the platform committee that led in facilitating the removing of the "marriage plank" from the Arkansas Democrat Platform. The affirmative statement that "marriage is between a man and a woman" has been deleted! Barth's objectives are not unknown. He takes political and community actions that move Arkansas more to the "liberal" left. The days of the Arkansas conservative democrat may be are numbered.

To Barth's credit, his viewpoint and agenda are not hidden. He is totally "out" in both his lifestyle and beliefs. Read his publications and review his courses. He and others at Hendrix College have shifted their academic community closer to their worldview. To help understand Barth's vision for Arkansas' future, read what he wrote about Hendrix College on PlanetOut.com:

"I'm writing to nominate the place where I have taught for the last seven years. Hendrix may really be the most friendly and affirming school for GLBT students in the South. It truly is an island. There is a GLBT student group at Hendrix that is quite active, .... The GLB students at Hendrix tend to be incredibly well-integrated into the larger student body.... In recent years, the majority of student body presidents have been openly gay or lesbian and sexual orientation simply isn't an issue in most aspects of life at Hendrix where a large percentage of the student body is out. A few social events on campus are heterosexist, but that is really the exception. GLBT studies is part of a larger Gender Studies program. While the established course offerings on GLBT issues are not large (though I do teach a very popular Gender, Sexuality, and American Politics course), students do often set up independent studies related to GL issues. -- Dr. Jay Barth, Associate Professor, Department of Politics"

What is the lesson to be learned? First, don't criticize Barth; his objective are "in the open" even though the press may not be reporting on Barth's objectives for Arkansas' future. Second, get busy! If you are a conservative, pro-life, traditional family value person, come "out" and take a public stand and work diligently to support your viewpoint regardless of your allegiance to a particular political party.

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Tags: Jay Barth, political activist, objectives clear, Arkansas,Democrat Party, GLBT agenda, August, 2006 To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Both Ways Beebe lies to AARP

In the Arkansas Democrat Gazette (8/26) , Mike Beebe again refused to answer a question put forth by the AARP concerning "special legal protections for nursing homes." Asa was very clear, He would oppose laws that "restrain seniors from having meaningful recourse in court from abuse and neglect" Mike Beebe said " he has gone to bat" for seniors and taken on "issues of nursing home abuse and neglect." That of course is typical Beebe double talk and is not an answer to the question, but even more troubling is the fact that it is a LIE.

In 2001, State Senator Mike Beebe, at the behest of his good friends, the nursing home lobbyist, came to the HOUSE Judiciary Committee to testify FOR a bill that gave "special tort reform protections only for NURSING HOMES. We happen to be friends with the former Executive Director of the AARP at that time. The AARP opposed that bill and it was defeated in committee despite Mr. Beebe's urgings. Mr. Beebe must think that nobody has a memory. He continues to lie at an unprecedented pace. [by Proud Conservative @ Arkansas Family Coalition]

Oh, I'm a good ole rebel...

Joe Biden will be running for President in 2008. He knows if he wants to win the presidency he has to appeal to us Southerners. Yesterday on Fox News Sunday, in an attempt to prove his Southern bona fides, he proudly declared that Delaware was a slave state before the War between the States; and that because of that fact Southerners would find him appealing.Joe, we already knew about the slavery in Delaware. We still aren?t voting for you. Here is a link to the video clip. [by Proud Conservative @ Arkansas Family Coalition]

Clinton & Kerry Work To Make Sure Felons Can Vote

Roger Clegg, president and general counsel of the Center for Equal Opportunity, writes in today's Wall Street Journal, "With the exception of Maine and Vermont, every state disenfranchises criminals -- some while they're in prison, others while they're on parole or probation, and still others after they've served their full terms. But that's beginning to change in some states. Governors in Iowa and Virginia have unilaterally restored voting rights to many felons, while legislatures in Maryland and Nebraska have liberalized their laws. At the federal level, a bill supported by Sens. Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, among others, would force states to allow felons no longer under sentence to vote. That bill is on hold, at least while the Democrats are out of power. But lawsuits in federal courts in Florida, Washington and New York have claimed that depriving felons of the franchise violates the Voting Rights Act. This movement is in the wrong direction. We should have fewer felons voting, not more."

Administration's Crackdown On Illegal Immigration Ends Policy Of Catch-And-Release

Boston news: The Bush administration reported last Wednesday that "Nearly all non-Mexican illegal immigrants caught sneaking into the United States are being held until they can be returned to their home countries." Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said this marks the end of the 'catch-and-release' practice that for years helped many illegal immigrants stay in the United States unhindered?. He credited the crackdown, aided this summer by National Guard troops, with deterring thousands of immigrants from trying to illegally enter the U.S. over the southwest border. Border Patrol data showed a drop of about 20,000 illegal immigrants caught crossing from Mexico this summer as compared to last year.

RNC Releases New Web Ad: "A Safer America"

While Democrats want to talk tough about the War on Terror, their record clearly shows they have sought to weaken our National Security over and over again. A new Web ad by the RNC called "A Safer America" shows Dem leaders repeatedly refusing to stand up to terrorism. And the terrorists are listening. While the Democrats will attempt to use the issue of National Security for political advantage, it is clear that they do not really have what it takes to keep our nation safe from terrorism. by Katie MacGuidwin on 8/18/2006 6:35 AM

Ford Discharged From Mayo Clinic

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Former President Gerald Ford was discharged from the Mayo Clinic on Monday, nearly two weeks after being admitted for tests and undergoing a pair of heart procedures. Ford, 93, flew home to Rancho Mirage, Calif., with his wife Monday afternoon. Ford received an implantable cardiac pacemaker last week to regulate his heartbeat. Later in the week, he underwent angioplasty, with stents in two of his coronary arteries to increase blood flow. Ford is currently the nation's oldest living former president. Fox News

Arkansas Democrats Delete Platform Supporting Traditional Marriage

Buried within news story in Sunday's ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE was a bomb-shell for supporting traditional family values in Arkansas by Democrat leaders. It revealed a major shift in beliefs of Arkansas Democrat leaders at both the State and County level away from affirming "marriage as being only between a man and a woman."

At the 2006 Arkansas Democrat State Convention on 8/27/06, 700 Arkansas leaders and county delegates voted to approve a Democrat platform change that removed language previously stated in the 2004-06 platform which affirmed that marriage is between a man and a woman. Party officials said that was an issue during the election two years ago but isn't an issue this year. [Source: ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT GAZETTE 8/27/08 article by Seth Blomeley Arkansas : Beebe takes aim at rival during state convention]

This effort was lead by Jay Barth, a political science professor at Hendrix College in Conway who also serves chairman of the AR Democrat Platform Committee.

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Tags: Arkansas,Democrat Party, Democrat Convention, Jay Barth, remove traditional marriage platform , August, 2006 To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Arkansas - Immigration grows as an election issue

[Arkansas : Immigration grows as an election issue: by Michael R. Wickline ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE 8/27/06] [Extract] DISTRICT 86: Nearly 5,000 of state Rep. Monty Davenport's constituents have been urged in a piece of mail from a conservative advocacy group to ''Ask Monty why he's pampering illegal aliens and putting drug dealers back on the street." The Coalition for Arkansas' Future gave the first-term Democrat from Yellville an "F-" grade for voting for a bill that would have allowed illegal aliens who graduate from Arkansas high schools to qualify for in-state tuition rates and taxpayer-funded scholarships at state universities. ... ."Davenport said ... "I voted for it just because I thought it was a good bill," Republican candidate, Kelley, Linck, said he would have voted against the bill,. "I don't think we should be using taxpayers' money to give advantage to illegal aliens...."
DISTRICT 76: Rep. Ray Kidd, Democrat, said, Illegal immigration is not "a hot topic" in the district ... However, Republican Candidate Byron Holt said illegal immigration is "absolutely an issue." He cited Kidd's vote for the same bill that would have allowed illegal aliens to qualify for in-state tuition and taxpayer funded scholarships. "It is something I am talking to voters about as I go door to door," Holt said."If you encourage people to come here illegally, so their kids can get lower-cost education, I don't agree with that. The more you promote bad behavior the more bad behavior you are going to get." .. . Kidd said "It was for kids who... had made exceptional grades in school and their parents are illegal." ... He said he doesn't regret his vote. [ARRA editorial note: Kidd ingnored fact most of the "kids" if illegals were also illigal aliens]
STATEWIDE RACES: Immigration also has surfaced in statewide races. ... Hutchinson "is the only candidate in this race who proposes giving state law enforcement the ability to fight illegal immigration, and holding employers accountable for hiring illegal aliens, while Mike Beebe says we shouldn't do anything at the state level. Beebe's outdated line of thinking shows his lack of experience and engagement in this critical area of security ... one that affects state governments as much as the federal government, ... Two months ago, Asa Hutchinson said he would offer legislation to require law enforcement officials to check the immigration status of anyone taken into custody. He said the state should partner with federal officials to provide training to local and state law enforcement officials on making immigration arrests. ... He would propose measures to reduce employment opportunities for illegal aliens in state agencies and companies that do contract work for the state and to create more-sophisticated state identification documents to reduce document fraud.

Abortion Pill Approved for Over the Counter Use

What are you doing Mr. President? In a press conference on Monday President George W. Bush told reporters that he favored the distribution of the "emergency contraceptive" as a non prescription drug known as the "morning after pill" and that he backed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach. Under the FDA plan, the drug may be sold over the counter (OTC) to women over 18 and made available by prescription to teen girls. The FDA announced Thursday that they have approved the drug for OTC distribution. The drug contains a higher dosage of ingredients than are used in prescribed birth control pills. It is odd that the lower dosage birth control pills require a prescription but the higher dosage "morning after" pill does not. Even standard dosage birth control pills are known to cause blood clots, heart attacks, strokes and other health risks. The reality is that anyone over 18 -even a man - can purchase the "morning after" pills and give the drug to underage girls without the knowledge or consent of parents or of her physician. This poses great health risks. Despite these considerable risks, this potent drug has not shown very reliable in preventing unwanted pregnancies but well may have increased the rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STD's). For example, in the United Kingdom the STD rates have increased since the "morning after" pills have been made available, and in Scotland where the drug has been available for 15 years, abortion rates have not decreased. - William J Murray, Religious Freedom Coalition

Same-Sex Civil Unions End for Lesbian Pioneers

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. - A lesbian couple who into the nation's first same-sex civil union officially split up Wednesday. Carolyn Conrad and Kathleen Peterson, both of Brattleboro, had entered a civil union shortly after midnight on July 1, 2000, the day Vermont's first-in-the-nation law went into effect. Conrad, 35, filed to end the union in October and later obtained a restraining order against her partner, saying Peterson punched a hole in the wall during an argument and threatened to harm a friend. A judge granted the request for a dissolution Wednesday.

BOSTON - The lesbian couple whose lawsuit led to legal same-sex marriage in Massachusetts have announced they have separated. "Julie and Hillary Goodridge are amicably living apart," Mary Breslauer, a local political consultant, said Thursday night on their behalf. Breslauer declined to comment on how long they had been separated or whether the couple planned to divorce. The Goodridges were among seven gay couples whose lawsuit helped thrust Massachusetts into the center of a nationwide debate on gay marriage. The state's Supreme Judicial Court issued its narrow 4-3 ruling in November 2003 in their favor - saying gays and lesbians had a right under the state constitution to wed. The Goodridges were married May 17, 2004, the first day same-sex marriages became legal under the court ruling, by a Unitarian Universalist minister.

Heritage Foundation Online Survey on Immigration

Fellow Conservative, Our elected leaders are currently considering a proposal passed by the Senate that would grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants. Should America grant amnesty to illegal immigrants? Take The Heritage Foundation?s survey Has your opinion on this issue been heard? It is important that conservatives stand up to be counted as this debate continues. Please take the time to take Heritage?s survey on immigration. Your input will help Heritage advance our shared values as this crucial election approaches. Edwin J. Feulner, Ph.D.President The Heritage Foundation

Bush indicates support for Plan B

President Bush supports Andy, not the law It would be better if the President supported the law instead of his friend when it comes to FDA rulemaking. WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 (UPI) - U.S. President George Bush indicated he supports over-the-counter sales of Plan B, a so-called morning-after contraceptive -- except for minors. Bush told a news conference at the temporary press room across from the White House he supports plans by Acting Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach to OK sales of Plan B without a prescription. "I believe Plan B ought to be a required prescription for minors," Bush said, adding he supports "Andy's decision." Von Eschenbach testified at a U.S. Senate committee hearing last week he thinks Plan B can be sold safely to women over 18.

Another fine mess government has got us into

Cynthia Howell and Rodney Bowers reported in an Arkansas Democrat-Gazette article the fiasco that occurred in Paron High yesterday ["Paron High lets in some, not others; Motion is filed to admit them" Arkansas Democrat-Gazette 8/21/2006]. They quoted Ron Wilson, superintendent of Perryville schools as saying, "It's a real mess." This comment is reminiscent of Oliver Hardy's disgusted one liner to Stanley Laurel, "Here is another fine mess you got me into." If it were not for the harm done to the kids, this would make for great comedy.

Here is another fine mess government officials have got us into. The Paron fiasco is another example of government interference and blundering. Howell and Bowers write, "School district transfers typically require approval of school boards or top level administrators from both the sending and receiving districts and, as a result, take some time to accomplish." This problem would not have occurred if the parents and local school officials were left alone.

Reading this article brought to my mind visions of communist Russia and China where people are required to get approval from party leaders for schooling, living, traveling, etc. Micro-management by government officials does not work. It is bad for the people, and it is bad for the kids. Our state leaders have allowed this to happen, and they should be held accountable for their blunder. It is time for a leadership coup in Arkansas to restore people's rights and liberties. It time for the people of Arkansas to rule themselves rather than be ruled by bureaucrats.

ARRA annual convention inspiring

The Arkansas Republican Assembly (ARRA) annual convention convened in Little Rock Saturday, August 19, 2006 with delegates from five counties. Two new chartered assemblies were introduced to the conventioneers. Assembly president of Baxter County, Bill Smith, introduced delegates traveling with him, and assembly president Johnny Tittle of Washington County introduced those with him.

Each county representative described their goals and accomplishments during the meeting. Randy Minton, president of the Lonoke County assembly described their success in the primaries and local elections, which inspired those attending with hope for the conservative agenda. ARRA national delegate Peggy Jeffries encouraged everyone with her personal observations of the assemblies and the accomplishments being made. ARRA vice-president, Duane Neal submitted changes to the ARRA State Bylaws for ratification. ARRA president Pat Briney presented a power point presentation for ARRA orientation and recruiting purposes.

The meeting ended with expectations for three new counties to charter soon, which highlighted the growth of ARRA.

Berry's Vitriolic Attack on Hutchison

In an article Impeachment role gave Hutchinson clout by Seth Blomeley of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (8/20/06), he records the Vitriolic attack and unprofessional comments of the 1st District US Congressman Marion Berry.

In reflecting on the prior 1998 impeachment proceedings and later actions by Asa Hutchison which was propelled to Asa Hutchison to National attention, Berry used vitriolic comments to describe Hutchison as "someone to drink the Kool-Aid and take orders" and "disingenuous and duplicitous."

Even the article's author apparently felt it necessary to provide comments from a leading national democrat to offset Berry's comment. "During the DEA nomination hearing, Sen. Patrick Leahy, Democrat from Vermont, brought up the impeachment. 'I would note for the record throughout that time, notwithstanding the fact that we were on opposite sides, Congressman Hutchinson's word was gold with me,' Leahy said. 'He (Hutchinson) never broke his word. He never showed anything but the highest integrity and the highest standard of the Congress.' "

Mike Beebe offered no comments on Berry's comments but identified that he disagreed with the impeachment but offered no criticism of Hutchinson's role. Asa Hutchinson also declined to respond to Berry.

This is not the first time that Marion Berry has acted unprofessionally. Maybe the aging Marion Berry is feeling the stress of 14 years in Congress or has become overwhelmed by the mantra of the extreme liberal left who are emerging as the leaders of the democrat party. Berry's inappropriate public gaffes appear to have increased since Republican Mickey "Stubby" Stumbaugh, Mayor of Cabot, AR entered the race.
Click now for another example of Berry's inappropriate behavior.

Hutchinson Speaks at Eagle Forum

Republican gubernatorial nominee Asa Hutchinson told an Eagle Forum meeting Saturday that the group helped change the way the state and nation feel about abortions. In 1986, he walked in a right-to-life march that he said attracted 6,000 people, and his participation in it as a candidate was reported prominently in a newspaper, Hutchinson said at the forum's Little Rock meeting. "Over the last 20 years, you have changed the face of America and the face of Arkansas," he said, pointing to participation in the marches now by officials and candidates of both major political parties. "Correct me if I?m wrong, but I don't believe I've ever seen my opponent at one of those," said Hutchinson, describing himself as "pro-life." ... [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; Date: 8/20/06]
Note: Other conservative candidates attended the Eagle Forum meeting including ARRA endorsed Gunter Delay, Republican candidate for Attorney General.

Mike Beebe Campaign - Who's Speaking?

In Bears, bulls, Hogs and pols editorial by Kane Webb, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; 8/20/06 reflects on Mike Bebee situation: "Let's play the local market. Arkansas political and sports stocks have been especially fluid of late. . . . . It's never dull. Thank goodness."

"Mike Beebe. Sell. Look. I'm a simple editorial writer. I can't keep up with all the dodges, weaves, straddles, and clarifications of clarifications that require further clarifying. This campaign doesn't need TV commercials - which, of course, make it necessary for even more clarifying - it needs footnotes. I'm not even sure who's speaking half the time - the candidate, the candidate?s mouthpiece, or a Beebista to be named later. If anybody can clearly explain Mike Beebe's position on Intelligent Design, or the grocery tax, or abortion . . . please, let Mike Beebe know."

ARRA Endorsed Candidates

Prior to the 2006 primary, the Arkansas Republican Assemblies (ARRA) endorsed the following candidates all of whom are now also candidates in the general election::
Asa Hutchison for Governor
Jim Holt for Lt Governor
Gunner Delay for Attorney General
Jim Lagrone for Secretary of State
Andy Mayberry for US Congress, 2nd Dist
John Boozman for US Congress, 3rd Dist

The ARRA was chartered August 9, 1997 under the National Federation of Republican Assemblies which has a 70 year history of success as a true grassroots organization. The ARRA is dedicated to working within the Republican Party to promote active participation of our members toward the endorsement, support and election of conservative Republican candidates. Note: ARRA members are also encouraged to work for and to support Republican candidates of their choice for other 2006 offices. For more info: http://ar.gopwing.com/

Willet Struggles Defending His Party Candidates

Jason Willett, AR Dem. Party Chair, struggles to defend gubernatorial candidate Mike Beebe's position on teaching intelligent design alongside evolution in the public schools and lt governor candidate Bill Halter's position on homosexuals being foster parents.

Willett also fielded tough questions during his appearance before the Senior Democrats of Northwest Arkansas, including, "On the issue of intelligent design, is he (Beebe) pandering or just ignorant?" Beebe's campaign released a statement this week saying that he believes in intelligent design, a belief that gives a role to a guiding creator in the development of life. However, Beebe said later that news accounts did not quote his statement fully, leaving out a sentence which said: "As a matter of law, the United States Supreme Court prohibits teaching intelligent design in the public schools at this time." Responding to the question, Willett said Beebe was neither pandering nor ignorant, that his original statement on intelligent design "might have been a gaffe," and that Beebe has since explained his position in detail.

Audience members also questioned Willett on the issue of gay foster parents. While the state Supreme Court ruled recently that the state's regulation against allowing gay foster parents was unconstitutional, leading AR Democrats except for candidate Bill Halter have said they don't approve of allowing homosexuals to serve as foster parents. "I'm the chairman of the state Democratic Party, and I have a problem with the adoption of children by gay parents, and I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman."

Where does Bill Halter stand on homosexual adoption?

The AR Supreme Court ruled (6/9/06) that AR DHS didn't have the authority to stop homosexuals from serving as foster parents. Senator Jim Holt, candidate for Lt. Governor said, "It's odd to me that 75 % of Arkansans voted for a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in 2004 and now in 2006 the court is putting children, who have no say in the matter, in that environment. That's just wrong. Arkansas' motto is 'The People Rule' not the judges rule."

All other statewide Democratic and Republican candidate have said they are opposed to allowing gays to be foster parents - EXCEPT for Bill Halter who said, "I want to look at the ruling in order to get a better understanding of what was on the court's mind, but also dig into some of the basic facts" And, "I would like to have people not try to use this for any sort of political gain."

Holt contends, "The people need to know where Halter stands before they vote. This issue will determine what happens to numerous children who have in most cases already experienced deep pain. My opponent should clearly state his positions on this subject. Halter's position will reflect his philosophy on other important issues related to this topic." [Senator Jim Holt Press Release 8/8/06]

The Bottom Line: Will Bill Halter support and help pass a law preventing homosexuals from adopting or giving foster care to some of our most vulnerable children? Where does Halter stand on civil unions for homosexuals and hate crimes including sexual orientation? While Halter waffles, Senator Jim Holt positions are clear. Holt stand with the majority of Arkansans desiring the protection of children.

Liberal Press - Not Voter's Friend

Beebe Election-Year Flip Flop On Grocery Tax Repeal?

Little Rock - Asa Hutchinson questioned the credibility of Attorney General Mike Beebe's claim in a new television ad launched this week that he would eliminate the sales tax on groceries in Arkansas.

Despite paying lip service to cutting the grocery tax during his 20 years in the state Senate, Beebe never did show the leadership or take the action necessary to get it done. Even more significant, Beebe actually fought efforts to eliminate this very tax just a few years ago. Hutchinson pointed to a 2002 ballot proposal that Attorney General Beebe publicly opposed. [Food Tax Question Pending Before High Court, AP, 10/10/2002}

In July, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette chronicled the tax records of the two candidates, which showed Hutchinson's consistent support for tax reform and relief throughout his time in Congress and Beebe's support for billions of dollars of tax increases as a member of the Arkansas Senate. [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 7/23/2006]

''Over a two decade career in the state Senate, Mike Beebe continuously and repeatedly raised taxes on Arkansans, with the end result that Arkansas has one of the highest tax burdens in the nation," Hutchinson said. "But now that he's running for Governor, he claims to have discovered the virtues of cutting taxes. ... After 20 years of claiming tax increases are necessary, isn't it a bit of a stretch to think he's suddenly come around to a new way of thinking?" [Press Release - Asa for Governor Campaign]

1st District Congressional Race Heats Up

First District Loses More Jobs: Another sign that we need a new congessional representative that will develop an economic plan for the district. Pocahontas loses over 550 jobs. [Jonesboro Sun 10/10/06]

A regional drug task force received less money from a federal grant this year, limiting its ability to help local police with drug investigations. The 14th Judicial District Drug Task Force received about a $50,000 cut in its main source of funding this year. [Baxter Bulletin 10/10/06]

Berry has agreed to debate Mayor Stumbaugh on AETN October 25th. However, Mayor Stumbaugh says one is not enough. On. Wednesday, He officially challenged Marion to 3 more debates. Stubby asked that all be in front of a live audience, and at least one of them to be in a town hall setting. As of 2pm Friday, Berry has still refused to debate.

Fight Against Suicide / Euthanasia

Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) introduced a bill last Friday that would prohibit doctors from prescribing federally-controlled substances for the purpose of physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia. The Assisted Suicide Prevention Act (S.3788) would amend the Controlled Substances Act to explicitly prohibit the prescription, distribution, or administration of a federally controlled substance for the purposes of assisted suicide or euthanasia. The bill respects the principles of federalism by preserving the general ability of states to set their own rules, but simply makes clear, as the Constitution contemplates, that federal law is the supreme law of the land.

Snider Votes Against "Under God" in the Pledge of Allegience

If you missed it, Arkansas Congressman Vic Snider voted against the Pledge Protection Act that will protect "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. Arkansas' other 3 congressmen(2 democrates & 1 republican) voted for protecting the pledge. Vic Snider does not represent Arkansas values! The bill passed the house with 60% of the vote, but Vic Snider voted No with 158 other Democrats and 8 Republicans mostly from the liberal east & west coasts. Time for a change? Snider' has a Republican opponent in Andy Mayberry who appeals to both Republican and Democrats on traditional conservative values.

Senate bill S. 1046 with the same title and words is pending in the Senate and need to be brought to the floor and voted on. Neither Arkansas senators have been willing to co-sponsor and have not indicated support for protecting the Pledge of Allegiance. If you have not signed a petition to our two Arkansas Senators asking then to support the Pledge Protection Act, then Click here to sign a petition today . Easy identify our state, go to the petiion, and print out the form, sign and mail. You may also print copies for other poeple to sign and mail to each senator.

End the Tyranny of the IRS

The time has come to end IRS tyranny and oppression by demanding leadership scrap our present tax system in favor of the Fair Tax. The current federal tax code contains more than 55,000 pages and is so complex that even those who wrote it don't fully understand it.

The Fair Tax system would eliminate the IRS and replace every current federal tax - personal income tax, business income tax, the death tax, the investment tax and Social Security/FICA taxes - with a simple, Fair Tax. In other words, you would keep 100 % of your paycheck and then pay ONE tax, the Fair Tax. Your income, savings and investments would never be taxed. And Congress would never again be able to hide tax increases in a convoluted system and manipulate the tax code for political gain. And the best part is that the Fair Tax would completely fund the federal government, Social Security and Medicare! It is time to move this item from theory to the congressional debate via House bill HR 25, and Senate bill S. 25. Please click and sign a national petition by Grassfire supporting this move. [ARRA Editor & Grassfire.org]

AR Ethics Commission investigating Daniels

LITTLE ROCK (AP - 10/7/06) - The Arkansas Ethics Commission is investigating a complaint against Secretary of State Charlie Daniels that claims a voter guide produced by his office includes an endorsement of Daniels' re-election on the back page. In a letter dated Aug. 2, Graham Sloan, executive director of the commission, told Jim Parsons of Bella Vista the commission would investigate whether the voter's guide violates state law. Parsons provided a copy of the letter to The Associated Press. The Ethics Commission did not comment on whether a complaint was been filed and Sloan would not confirm that he sent the letter.
Vote for Jim Lagrone for Secretary of State

A Matter of Trust

"A Matter of Trust: Asa On Beebe's Credibility Problem" by Asa Hutchinson, Guest Column, Arkansas Times (8/3/06):

On a full range of issues - from taxes to education to the question of life - Mr. Beebe has been evasive, vague and less than forthright with the voters of Arkansas. At times, he seems to be outright contradictory, saying one thing to one group and another thing to another group if he thinks it will win him votes. ... When the Arkansas Times revealed that Mr. Beebe had met with an organization of gay Democrats, behind closed doors, and promised to support gay foster parenting, Mr. Beebe subsequently denied it. ...

These are not the actions of a leader who remains true to his supporters or to his promises. And it's a pattern that has emerged again and again .... For instance, both my opponent and I claim that we want to eliminate the grocery tax. Mr. Beebe had 20 years to take action, and it never got done. Just a few years ago, he campaigned to keep this very tax on the books. Why the election-year shift? And can we truly expect Mr. Beebe to hold true to this election-year commitment if elected?

... my opponent ... falsely asserted that I had opposed the minimum wage increase in Arkansas. Mr. Beebe knows this is patently false, and yet he sent out a mass mailing to thousands of Arkansas voters to try to deceive them about my record. One thing that distinguishes me from my opponent is that I will not make certain promises to one segment of the community, and then make conflicting promises to others. I will not dodge and attempt to hide my positions. I will not make policy to please this special interest or that powerful lobbyist. My door will always be open, and I will govern based on my campaign promises as well as the views, advice and suggestions of all Arkansans. That?s the type of governor Arkansas deserves, and the type I intend to be. Asa for Governor

Gunner Delay Blasts Opponent

Republican Attorney General candidate Gunner Delay blasted his Democratic opponent Dustin McDaniel on gun rights Wednesday during a campaign stop in Mountain Home. ... Delay pointed to McDaniel's involvement as an attorney in a lawsuit against Remington Arms filed on behalf of victims of the 1998 Jonesboro Westside shooting that resulted in the deaths of four students and one teacher. ...

The lawsuit alleged that teaching a child to use a gun is antisocial and dysfunctional, and the gun used in the shootings didn't have a trigger lock which made it defective, Delay said. "I think it's very dangerous to think this way," Delay said. "That's the way Ted Kennedy thinks. That's the way John Kerry thinks. That's not the way we think in Arkansas." [The Baxter Bulletin 8/4/06]

Illegal Immigration Could Cost Taxpayers Trillions

10News.com (San Diego, CA) : 8/2/2006 Excerpt: Future costs for illegal immigrants in the United States will reach a half a trillion dollars, a Heritage Foundation researcher said Wednesday at congressional hearing in San Diego.

The influx of illegal immigrants has effectively "imported about 10 million high school dropouts into the United States," said Robert Rector, a senior research fellow in welfare and family issues for the Washington, D.C. based think tank. The National Academy of Sciences estimated that each immigrant will result in a $100,000 net annual cost to taxpayers. Rector said once illegal immigrants become citizens they can bring family members into the country, straining education and health care budgets. "This Senate bill will become the largest expansion of the welfare system in 30 years and it's the wrong thing to do."

Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., the committee's chairman, said hospitals in the Southwestern U.S. are losing $190 million annually per year for uncompensated health care from illegal immigrants.
Nineteen percent of federal inmates are not citizens..

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich said illegal immigration tears at the moral and economic fabric of the country. ... 12 percent of the 10.2 million residents of Los Angeles County are illegal immigrants. Thirty percent of public health patients in the county are illegal immigrants, he testified.

Holt's Stand on Prenatal & Emergency Care for Non-Citizens

Extract from Senator Jim Holt Press Release 8/2/06: The state Dept of Health & Human Services has just asked for $316 million more in state funding, a 20% increase in the state's share of the Medicaid program. The prenatal care for illegal immigrants that was grossly underestimated is paid from the Medicaid program. Arkansas is already 4th in the nation in the percent of income paid in all taxes. How many more taxes can Arkansas stand? ''Arkansas is one of only nine states that have implemented prenatal care. There is a reason for that. It lays a heavy burden on the taxpayers, and most states ... can't afford it. Arkansas is the 49th in per capita income and we can't afford it ...,''

... Holt's opponent, criticized Holt's proposal to bar illegal aliens from receiving state services that aren't federally mandated ... "If Colorado, being a much richer state than Arkansas, can't afford to pay these benefits, how can Arkansas?" ... Virginia ... signed a similar law... Other states are ... putting initiatives on the ballot, like the one filed in ... the state of Washington to deny benefits to non citizens.

... Holt has never ...disapproved of giving emergency treatment ...in an emergency situation. ... Holt does object to prenatal care that is not of an emergency nature because prenatal care is not provided for the majority of Arkansas citizens, and the program was enacted without federal or state legislative debate. ... numerous Arkansas families now struggling to pay for prenatal care and delivery, causing great stress and strain on their budgets. ... Rewarding people who have entered the country illegally with the provision of taxpayer services, particularly when our legal residents are doing without .... Arkansas is now ranked 4th in the nation in the amount of total taxes paid per our income, and the tax burden on many of our middle and low income families is unbearable.

... A federal regulation ..., allowed States to ... provide health coverage for prenatal care and delivery to mothers and their unborn children despite the federal law that banned non-citizens from receiving Medicaid. ... regardless of the mother's immigration status ... Ironically, our government allows mothers to receive taxpayer prenatal care but then would allow those same mothers to abort the child before delivery. ... US press release said Arkansas would provide prenatal care to 1,000 women, but about 5, 832 women enrolled the first year, and 8, 748 enrolled through April 30 this year. ...

Holt is very concerned that the citizens' rights were purposely circumvented .... "In 2005..., the House quickly passed a bill, ... to give scholarships and instate tuition to non-citizens. However, the bill died in the Senate when the people learned about it, the facts were determined, and the people made their wishes known to the Senators. ... if prenatal care had been opened up for full discussion and debate and voted on by the legislative representatives of the people, it probably would never have been implemented at the federal or the state level. I have never said we should deny anyone prenatal care; I am just saying they should have to pay for it just as the ordinary Arkansas citizen does."

Stand Against the Unfair Death Tax

Family-owned small businesses are taxed enough. They do not need to be double taxed when the business passes on to the next generation. This week, the Senate is taking up a bill to end the unfair death tax. Earlier this year, a minority of Democrat senators blocked putting the death tax on the road to extinction. This is the last chance to stand up for economic growth, small businesses, and family farms burdened by the unfair death tax.

Ending the death tax is a matter of basic fairness. No one should be taxed twice and death should not be an excuse for the government to take your money away. Congress passed and the President signed death tax relief, but if nothing is done, the death tax returns at full force in 2010, resulting in a massive tax increase on family-owned small businesses. These same businesses often cannot survive into a second generation because of the death tax. This is an issue that affects us all. Just do the math. Sixty-one percent of small business owners say that the death tax limits their growth - and small businesses create two out of every three of the new jobs in America.

This Democrat obstruction threatens job creation. Call Senator Mark Pryor at 202-224-2353 and Senator Blanche Lincoln at 202-224-4843 and urge them to take a stand for fairness and economic growth - and end the death tax. [Ken Mehlman, Chairman, Republican National Committee 8/2/06]

Does Character Matter?

The above question is asked by Kerby Anderson (Point of View). He says, "We were told during the Clinton administration that character wasn't a big issue, but I think we found out that it was. And when we examine the difference in character between George Washington and Benedict Arnold, the contrast could not be more pronounced. Ultimately, character is the basis for everything we do. Without good character, based upon God's Word, people break laws and exhibit behavior that is contrary to the Bible." [Read more - must register (free) to read article - also visit Government and Politics articles] What to you think - Are we as a nation facing a crisis of character? Post your comment!

25 Federal Prosecutors Assigned to Border States

The United States Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Homeland Security (DHS) announced yesterday (7/31/06) additional resources to enhance the enforcement of immigration laws and border security along the Southwest border. The DOJ will add 20 Assistant US Attorneys (AUSA) to the five federal law enforcement districts along the border: the Southern District of Texas, the Western District of Texas, the District of Arizona, the District of New Mexico and the Southern District of California. DOJ?s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program will provide funding for five new AUSAs ? one in each of the federal districts along the border ? to prosecute drug trafficking organizations responsible for smuggling illegal narcotics across the Southwest border. In addition to the 25 new prosecutors, in the coming months the DHS will also identify several attorneys who will be designated as Special AUSAs to prosecute immigration offenses along the Southwest border. Let's Hope this happens! Read More