Smuggling

The new tax on cigarettes have Arkansans driving to neighboring states to purchase their cigarettes. Why not? Missouri is just a short trip up and it has one of the lowest state cigarette tax in the country. Tomorrow the federal government will be raising its cigarette tax by 62 cents per pack across the country. Definitely an incentive to drive to Missouri. Arkansans may legally possess one carton plus one pack of cigarettes that don't have an Arkansas cigarette tax anything more than that is a crime, a Class C felony.
Well, Arkansans need to look on the bright side. Consider Spokane, Washington residents. They are reduced to smuggling dishwater-detergent.

The quest for squeaky-clean dishes has turned some law-abiding people in Spokane into dishwater-detergent smugglers. They are bringing Cascade or Electrasol in from out of state because the eco-friendly varieties required under Washington state law don't work as well.

The environmentally safe detergents just aren't getting the job done. It really is a pain to put dirty dishes in the dishwasher and have them come out dirty. What is particularly disturbing is the fact that this ban may go nation wide. The detergents that work may be banned. What's the point in having a dishwasher when you can't by soap that will work? Then there is the unintended consequences that seems to follow the eco-friendly conversions.

For his part, Beck has taken to washing his dishes on his machine's pots-and-pans cycle, which takes longer and uses five gallons more water. Beck wonders if that isn't as tough on the environment as phosphates. "How much is this really costing us?" Beck said. "Aren't we transferring the environmental consequences to something else?"

Yup, we are so good at creating another bigger problem when trying to solve the first. I wonder if anyone has considered that these eco-friendly soaps failing to clean dishes may lead to an epidemic?

American Tea Party Anthem

Yup! The Tea Party Revolution now has it's own song!

Tax Day Tea Party in NW Arkansas

The Tea Party Revelution will be brewing here in NW Arkansas. People fed up with the out-of-control government spending can join thousands in a nationwide tea party on April 15th. Tea Parties are being organized in Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville.

City: Fayetteville
When: April 15, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Fayetteville Town Square
Contact: EMAIL
Facebook Group: Coming Soon!

City: Rogers
When: April 15, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Where: Downtown Rogers, Frisco Stage
Contact: EMAIL
Facebook Group: Coming Soon

City: Springdale ~ NW Arkansas
When: April 15, time TBA
Where: TBA
Contact: EMAIL
Phone: 817.757.3944
Facebook Group: CLICK HERE

Keep track of the Arkansas Tea Parties here!

Sen Blanche Lincoln, Hiding Obama in the Closet

Beeep! Beeeep! Beeep! That's the sound Sen Blanche Lincoln makes as she backs away from President Obama. An AP reports that, with her seeking another term, she is making sure that Arkansans know she disagrees with some of Pres Obama's proposals. She's trying to walk the very fine line of trying to keep the Arkansas conservative vote while voting for her liberal ideas.

I think President Obama has taken some good steps. I think his budget, although I disagreed with it in places and have been very vocal about that, I think it's also a very realistic budget

Now isn't that a fine dance. On the one hand you hear "disagree" which perks up your ears but on the other hand it's a very realistic budget. I'd be interested in knowing what she disagrees with in the budget.
During the campaign she going to say she's against Card Check, taxing employer provide health care and global warming's Cap and Trade. Once she's elected she will be free to vote for them and join Pres Obama as he tries to turn America into a socialist country.

Botanical Garden, Replant NW Arkansas

I and a good number of people ignored the rain to attend the replanting program at the Botanical Garden. I'm sure a lot of the people came for the free tree. Most of the trees were oaks but Walt Eilers picked out a really nice dogwood for me. It'll replace a red bud whose top was broken off.



There were a number of tables out with pamphlets on planting and pruning trees. You had an opportunity get to your soil analyzed and there were little workshops which were great because you had an opportunity to ask the experts.



I cornered Greg Howe, Fayetteville's Urban Forester, and talked to him about my elm tree. He outlined the pruning I was going to have to do for the next 4 or 5 years. This year there is nothing more that I can do, but next spring I may need to fertilize the tree. I'll probably pick his brain again next spring. I'm really putting an effort in the tree because this neighborhood has very few mature trees. It also important to the birds and few squirrels that live close by.



It was really great for the Botanical Garden to have this free event. I think they need to repeat it for several years because NW Arkansas is still going to be recovering. They definitely need to do it next year because people are still removing debris and assessing what they need.

New Boat Fees on Lake Fayetteville

On my walks around Lake Fayetteville I've always noted that there were few boaters on such a beautiful lake. It's just really odd that a lake in middle of the city gets so little boat traffic. I guess the current $6 day fee was just too much for most people.

"Every year people have complained since we changed the fees," Connie Edmonston, director of Fayetteville Parks and Recreation, told the council. The reduced costs for kayaks, canoes and others gliding along the water without a boat engine is expected to encourage more users, she added.

Maybe that will change now the the City Council has reduced the fees. The new fee for non-motorized boats will be $3 a day or $20 for a seasonal pass. If you are a canoe or kayak enthusiast the seasonal pass is a really great deal. The pass goes with the person not the boat which will be an advantage for those who have multiple boats. Maybe we'll start seeing more boats on the lake.

I Want ...

There are a lot of things that I would like to have. I won't bore you with a list because you probably have one similar to it. It's nice to have this kind of list because occasionally you may get something from it, but not before your need list is satisfied. I think Mayor Jordan needs to be reminded that needs are to be taken care of first before we start looking at wants.

Mayor Lioneld Jordan has a dream: universal Internet access throughout the city of Fayetteville.

Mayor Jordan has often talked about these needs. The City of Fayetteville currently has a hiring freeze and the employees last year got a bonus instead of a pay raise. We need more police and fireman in addition to their equipment. Mayor Jordan has chaired the Street Committee and there is always moaning about the lack of money. I'm sure every City Department has a list of needs that are more important than having Internet access. I think the Mayor Jordan should look to scale down his dream, maybe have Internet access at City Hall and the Town Center.

Washington County Republicans Welcome New State Chairman Doyle Webb

The new Chairman for the Arkansas Republican Party, Doyle Webb, was the guest speaker at the Washington County Republican Committee(WCRC) meeting. I've never met him before but he sure sounds really laid back and low keyed. He said, based on the calls he's been getting, there was a tremendous enthusiasm for the Republican Party. His intent was to grow the Arkansas GOP at the grassroots level. Sigh, they always say that. He remarked that the GOP at the state and national level has done a poor job of defining who we are. I would add that the GOP has done a poor job of separating itself from the Democrat Party. The WCRC also has a new chairman, Jim Reavis. The new chairs are going to have to work really hard if they intend to get any pickups in the Legislature and the State offices.
Commenting on Sen. Blanche Lincoln, Doyle said that she will vote no on the Card Check but once re-elected she will vote yes when it's introduced again.

Rush to Failure

The DNC has picked a winner for their Rush Limbaugh billboard contest. Oh Boy, what a mistake! President Obama, you really need to get control of your boys. They're making you look like an idiot. Some Republican group needs to rent a billboard near this one or take this one after the rental agreement runs out and put on it Obama smoking his cigarette. The billboard needs to say "but that's what they got".

UPDATE:
From Ed Morrissey

The Price of Gifts

The problem with trying to write sarcastically is some one other than the intended victim may be offended. Unfortunately, John Brummett felt that my “Shameful” comment was directed at him when I was intent on ridiculing a certain Democrat blogger. John’s tale shows the silliness of coloring State Sen. Gilbert Baker as a corrupt politician based on a few presents of plants and cookies. A gift can be such a simple act, but for politicians and reporters it’s a potential bomb. Sen. Baker, if he intends to challenge Sen. Lincoln, will be attacked by the Democrats for receiving gifts. He should prepare for it.

Former President George H.W. Bush to Speak at University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas announced today the President George H W Bush will be speaking on the campus as part of the university's Distinguished Lecture Series.

George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st president of the United States, will visit the University of Arkansas on Monday, April 6, as part of the university’s Distinguished Lecture Series. He will speak at 8 p.m. in Barnhill Arena. The event is free and open to the public. No tickets are required and seating is on a first come, first-seated basis.

I've marked my calender and I'm definitely going to attend!

Arkansas' 2010 Senate Race

I was hoping that there would have a few more months before I'd have to hear about another election. But, no! There is already serious debate about Arkansas' 2010 election. Will Sen. Blanche Lincoln keep her seat?

Roll Call discussed Sen. Cornyn's speech to CPAC. Access to the article too rich for me but here is Sen Cornyn's speech.

And we may even have some unexpected opportunities in places like New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Arkansas, Colorado, Nevada, and yes, even California.

Anyhoo, rumors are flying across Arkansas on who is going to step forward to challenge Sen. Lincoln. Already the Democrats are starting to attack those they think may be possible challengers. A poster at Daily Kos, Senate Guru, is one of the first to engaged in a smear campaign against Republicans in Arkansas. Interestingly, it seems that President Bush is going to be on the 2010 ballet.

Two of the four mentioned possible recruits are guaranteed to turn AR-Sen, in no small part, into a referendum on George W. Bush more than on President Obama or Senator Lincoln.

First up on Senate Guru's bashmobile is Tim Griffin who's biggest sin is that he is Karl Rove protege. Then there's the accusation that he's racist. That'll be nice to sling around.

Little Rock banker French Hill is next and ,get this, he's bad because his name reminds people of France. I don't get it either. I guess the Democrats believe that France is our enemy or something.

State Sen. Gilbert Baker gets a good bashing. It seems he's a loyal friend even to one that does not deserve it. Gee, guess who's a loyal friend to terrorist Bill Ayers, a "I hate America" pastor and a whole host of political friends that have trouble paying their taxes. Oh yeah, our very own President Obama. Senate Guru then delves into the Baker's torrid relationship with former UCA President Lu Hardin.

The credibility of the allegations (particularly as a possible quid pro quo) were furthered when it was revealed that UCA President Lu Hardin used money from his discretionary fund to buy gifts for Baker.

The Arkansas Blog thoughtfully provided a few of those outrageous gifts.

Plant for Sen. Gilbert Baker in sympathy of the death of his father-in-law: $82.22, -Favors for Gilbert Baker/John Brummett luncheon: $56.20

The Arkansas Times own John Brummett accepted a gift from Hardin? Shameful!

An interesting addition is Roger's Mayor Steve Womack.

When the Mexican consulate in Arkansas wanted to discuss the issue with Womack, Womack gave the consulate the cold shoulder:

Oh the inhumanity! Mayor Womack doing all he can to protect Roger's citizens from the violence of gang members who are here illegally. He should be ignoring the illegal immigration violence like President Obama is on the southern borders.

I'm sure there are going to be more rumors of possible candidates. Once thing is for sure, Democrats are going to be spending a lot of money in this state to keep Lincoln in her seat. Any one who plans to challenge Lincoln must be prepared for the Democrats to fight dirty and nasty. They are going to have to expect that the news media in Arkansas is going to be full partners with the Democrats in making sure any Republican candidate is thoroughly trashed.

This Too Will Pass

For politicians, usually the wind comes out the other end!

A simple 'aye' or 'nay' on the motion would have been sufficient!

Point of Odor!

The Council will now come to odor.

You want 'em to cut taxes but instead they cut the cheese.

Gas Tax!

That was probably the most intelligent thing I have heard at a Tontitown City Council meeting.

I wonder what the carbon footprint on that was?

Stop global warming!

Dang! What I want to know was where the hell that microphone was placed!


(h/t Drudge)

Card Check or Get Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart's stock was downgraded by a Citigroup analyst on news that the EFCA/card check would be introduced today. If passed the bill is seen to be particularly harmful to Wal-Mart. It is anticipated to dramatically increase labor costs which in turn will be passed onto consumers.

"We believe that WMT would be the primary target if EFCA/card check were to be passed," analyst Deborah Weinswig wrote in a note to clients. If the unions are successful, the company would have to concede higher wages for more seasoned employees, increase employee benefits significantly, and would experience diminished workforce flexibility, the analyst said.

If it passes, all of us poor working folk who shop at Wal-Mart can thank Senators Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln. Yup, just when people are struggling in a bad economy the Democrats just have to make sure that you suffer even more.

Cuteness in Arkansas

Awww, they are soooo cute!

Opps! Link fixed.

My Cleanup is Complete

It's finished and I hurt, hurt! Toby and Eli have lost their "hills" for their King of the Mountain game. I finished sawing up the tree limbs and placed them out front, no more mounds of debris. I do have a nice pile of firewood. I've gotten quite handy with the chainsaw, another skill to add to my repertoire. Now it's on to the damages, which have been minor, but will probably take another weekend. Another nice weekend wasted, I want to have some fun!

It Looks Like ...

Now I know what a Trillion dollars looks like. Sigh, I'd settle for the Million dollar pile!

AFL-CIO; We Own Lincoln, Pryor and Landrieu

Greg Sargent is reporting that the AFL-CIO is saying that they have the support of three key Senators, Blanche Lincoln, Mark Pryor, and Mary Landrieu.

On the call today, a reporter asked Samuel: “Are you confident that you have Lincoln and Pryor?”
“Yes, we’re confident,” Samuel replied. Later in the call Samuel was asked the same about Landrieu, and he again replied Yes.

Hmm, sounds like they are very certain they have Sens. Lincoln and Pryor sewn up. Given all the dancing around the issue the Senators have been doing it's not really that big of a susprise. I guess Sen. Lincoln must owe somebody in the AFL-CIO big time to endanger her seat by supporting the unpopular Employee Free Choice Act.

Arkansas Hits Smokers Again

Terry Potter is going to have to add another item to his Missouri shopping list. Let's see, we have booze, cigarettes and cigarette lighters. Boy, all those mini marts in NW Arkansas are going to be losing quite a bit of business.

"If cigarette smuggling becomes a problem, then we would step up, at the direction of our director," said Capt. Lance King, with Troop L of the Arkansas State Police in Springdale.

Yup, we're going to let those vans of illegals go and forget about the speeders and drunk drivers. We're going after those cars with smoke coming out the windows.

Dickson Street, No Historical District

I think the commissioner's argument about establishing a historic district on Dickson says it all.

Commissioners argue that what they're trying to preserve is Dickson Street's personality.

Note, that there isn't anything at all about saving any particular building because of it's historical significance. I recall that Karen Minkel said that there was not a building on Dickson that would considered to be of any historical significance.

"We don't need another layer of government telling us what we can and can't do," Jim Huson, owner of Doe's Eat Place on West Dickson Street, said flatly to the Fayetteville Historic Commission and the roughly 50 people gathered at the UARK Ballroom Monday night. "I don't really want a bunch of self-appointed people, that suddenly wants to have a cause, to tell me what I can and can't do with property that I own."

We should try to save buildings that truly have some historical significance but to try to regulate buildings because you don't want change the ambiance is another thing. Dickson street is always changing. Stores and restaurants come and go. It's utterly ridiculous to saddle potential owners with a bunch of additional restrictions. Who would want to buy property on Dickson? Fayetteville continues to live up to it's reputation of business unfriendly.

Interestingly, the Walton Arts Center is conspicuously left out of the proposed district. I bet the Commission knew that they were going to ruffle feathers and they didn't want to ruffle the Arts Center because they would just leave Fayetteville.