Columbia County Lincoln-Reagan
Dinner - Guest Speaker Congressman Asa
Hutchinson, April 23, 2013, , Dinner 6:30pm,
Tickets $30
Boone County Reagan Day Dinner - Tuesday,
April 23rd, more information to come.A newsletter for Members,
Republican Elected Officials,
Candidates and Friends
Candidates and Friends
April 2013
(click to go to section or scroll down)
page 2 of 4 Editorial Comments
page 3 of 4 GOP Allied Club Notes and Save the Date
page 4 of 4 Committee Schedule and Happenings
April 2013
page 1 of 4 From the Lincoln Day Dinner Co-Chairman...
(click to go to section or scroll down)
page 2 of 4 Editorial Comments
page 3 of 4 GOP Allied Club Notes and Save the Date
page 4 of 4 Committee Schedule and Happenings
April 2013
page 1 of 4 From the Lincoln Day Dinner Co-Chairman...
Benton County
Republican Committee Members,
I am very excited to announce confirmation of
Governor Nikki R. Haley from
South Carolina will be our guest speaker at
our Lincoln Day Dinner Event on Monday, May 13,
2013.
Tickets will be available at the RPBC Committee
meeting on Tuesday, April 23rd. Please think about
how many tickets you can sell. Forms for ticket
ordering will be available. If interested in
placing an ad in the Power Point Presentation, please
contact Leigh Nogy at LDDads@nogy.net.
We need volunteers for many subcommittees, so please
contact me at billburckart@gmail.com
if interested. Vendor tables will also be for
sale, so please let anyone you know who might be
interested in promoting themselves as a candidate or
their wares, to please get in touch.
Further details about the event will be discussed at Tuesday's meeting!
Thanks!
Further details about the event will be discussed at Tuesday's meeting!
Thanks!
Bill
W.P. "Bill" Burckart
Lincoln Day Dinner Co-Chairman
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money."
~Margaret Thatcher. 1925-2013.
Republican Party of Benton County Newsletter
A newsletter for Members,
Republican Elected Officials,
Candidates and Friends
Candidates and Friends
April 2013
page 2 of 4
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State Capitol Week in
Review
April 19, 2013
LITTLE
ROCK – Although much about the 2013 legislative session
was new and different, it was like previous sessions in
the long hours and hectic pace at which legislators worked
to finish business on difficult and challenging issues.
The
89th General Assembly was the first in 138
years that had a Republican majority. Another
innovation in the 2013 session was how legislators of both
political parties used new technology. With lap tops
and smart phones, senators kept in constant touch with
constituents and colleagues, even while they were in
session in the Senate chamber.
This
year, when senators presented legislation to the body they
often brought a hand-held computer so they could reference
the bill and ancillary material such as fiscal impact
statements and position papers.
However, the Senate is a conservative
body that is slow to relinquish old habits, and many
senators still carried a stack of paperwork to the front
of the chamber when it was their turn to present
legislation.
Another legislative tradition
remained intact – the difficult decisions were made in the
final hours on funding of education and health care. The
most time consuming duty for legislator is writing
budgets, and in the 2013 session the most difficult budget
issue was whether to fund an expansion in health coverage
for about 250,000 working adults.
The legislature
approved the “private option” health plan with 75
percent majorities in both the Senate and House. It’s
called the “private option” because it takes Medicaid
dollars and uses them to purchase private health
insurance for people whose yearly income is less than
138 percent of the federal poverty level.
The goal was to
not simply expand a government program, as the federal
government had initially directed, but instead to
provide health coverage through the private sector and
thus allow the free market to hold down costs. I have
deep seated concerns about this huge expansion of
government and the differences of projections of costs
to Arkansans with no assurance of better access nor
improvement of health care. I fear that small businesses
and individuals will bear the brunt of increased costs
by massive increases in their health insurance premiums.
I also am concerned about the state truly having the
option of discontinuing a program with the Federal
government in which they have partnered. I voted
no on the private option.
The Senate also approved a package of
tax cut bills that will save Arkansas taxpayers more than
$150 million a year when they take full effect. They
include reductions in state individual income taxes,
capital gains taxes and sales taxes on energy used by
manufacturers, farmers and poultry growers.
Arkansans in the military will not
have to pay income taxes on their service pay, saving them
more than $7 million a year. Volunteer firefighters who
buy their own equipment or have it damaged in the course
of duty will qualify for income tax deductions.
The legislature created a revolving
loan fund for charter schools to build or renovate
facilities. A new school choice law was enacted,
replacing the one that was stricken by a federal judge
last year. Public school will get a 2 percent
increase in state foundation aid.
A package of election laws were
enacted to ensure more transparency and accountability in
the counting of ballots, including legislation requiring
voters to present a government-issued photo ID to get a
ballot.
Numerous laws were enacted to protect
Second Amendment rights, such as legislation protecting
the privacy of concealed carry permit holders from
disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
Another new law allows churches the choice of whether to
allow their members with concealed carry permits to bring
firearms into church.
Also, this year’s session will be
remembered for the number of pro-life bills approved,
including legislation prohibiting abortions after 12 weeks
of the physician can discern a heartbeat.
Senator Cecile Bledsoe
Scathing by Chris Nogy
Before I wrote this, I asked my wife if she needed anything for this newsletter. She said she was torn between just letting the whole thing drop or writing a scathing letter or having me write a scathing letter. I realized that the reason we lost is because we are willing to just let our buddies slide even when they make the biggest mistakes of our generation, we do not have the ‘peer pressure’ factor that the Democrats have. And while I am not suggesting that we become like the Governor and start threatening our supposed friends and allies with nasty things like government audits if we don’t comply with the wishes of the constituents and the ideals of the party, we need to get a LOT tougher if we are ever to assure that events like those that took place this week don’t happen again.
Part of me feels that this betrayal deserves a quick implementation of my 2nd amendment rights to remove a threat domestic. Because no matter how much one group says it is inevitable to start down the road to socialism it isn’t as long as we use our creativity and energy to creating solutions that don’t take us that way. And it is NEVER wrong to simply stand up against an option, even though the other existing options may not be optimal either, especially when there is still time. And 2015 would have been time, especially if we had simply passed legislation that said “Arkansas will NOT be forced into implementation of Obamacare or any socialized health care or Medicaid reform at least until the end of the 2015 legislative session.” Not even an outright nullification, just buying time.
I don’t feel the same way about the Democrats as bullet backstops as I do about the Republicans who joined them. The Democrats were doing what their party told them they had to do because they were elected to do that job. We wailed and cried and threw up our hands every time the Democrat socialist Governor driven Senate and House rammed through things that we knew were dangerous, but that was the fact of the elections. Make no mistake, Arkansas is no less Democrat than it was before, it is just a lot less Obama, and we as Republicans had only one chance. That chance was to keep Obamacare from being implemented. The Democrat citizens were willing to stomach a few pro-life and pro-gun laws for us successfully keeping Obamacare out of the state, and we could have maintained our favorable status by doing just that. But now the Dems are furious because they get pro-life, pro-gun, and Obamacare under our majority, the Republicans are furious because they get Obamacare because of their own, we will NOT win in 2014, and our hope of making things better evaporated with the vote of a handful of last-minute turncoats.
So what do we do? We can’t fix this. There is no hope of repeal in the 2015 session, by that time the socialist machine will have the system already built to the point that it cannot be either controlled by us or dismantled by us. Rep. Charlie Collins refused to tell you one thing – the only way this plan leads to something better is if we are in charge of it in the future, and we will NOT be. It is like having a cage full of hungry tigers in a large room full of people, those tigers being controlled by one great animal trainer who takes orders from the leaders in the room. Someone convinces them that keeping the cage locked would cost too much money, and so they decide to open the cage because they have the animal trainer there to control the tigers, nothing is going to happen to the people in the room. Safety is guaranteed in exchange for their (the leaders, not the citizens in the room) decision to open the door. Suddenly, the animal trainer has something come up, the tigers are out in the room, and he must now go somewhere else. No matter what promises were made, the tigers will now begin killing and eating the people in the room, and even though the leaders will wring their hands and cry “I was just trying to do what was best for the budget and the people’, people start being mauled, killed, and destroyed. Families decimated, Lives destroyed. That is what will happen here, because there were some stupid people who thought they were big enough to control both the tigers and the tiger trainer, but they don’t have the power, the control, or the personal ability to do so themselves even as unempowered citizens. They passed this Socialist agenda without the most important part – a certainty that they could control it after it passes. And that is the part that will bite us all, because we will NOT be in control once it gets going, it will be the Democrats who have been, still are, and will be in the future the majority here. Better for us to have just left the cage locked and paid the lock tax.
So what do we do? While I believe that we as a party are done in Arkansas after this, if there is ANY hope of our survival, it is going to take not being forgiving. Not only for past actions, but to show those who will come in the future that the cost of failure to do the thing they were elected to do will be significant. We need to be making a point of this failure from this moment on. We need to make a public statement from our groups that we no longer support those who turned on us, that we will NOT be working to their re-election, that we will be actively seeking replacements, and perhaps even working towards recall. We as the Party have to stand up and say ‘no more – you were given a job, you campaigned on the promise to do this job, you had the ability to do this job, you had the votes each time to do this job, and yet for no legitimate reason you betrayed the trust put in you by the electorate and you are now completely and permanently politically finished.’ We need to let those who will come in the future to represent us that we are serious. The 2nd amendment means nothing unless those in power believe you would have no problem simply walking up and shooting them if they got too far out of line and stopped responding as representatives. It seems that we are unable to muster that belief in any of our representatives on a state or federal level, but we have to have something, something costly, something that they will fear that we will use if they step out of line. If we can’t shoot them, we have to at least be firm in our threat to take immediate action against them politically, socially, and civically if they screw up on something this big. Personally, I think a gun is quicker and more merciful, but hey, we can’t. But we have to do something, we have to gain control of our representatives, if we don’t then what the hell are we doing as a party except having fundraiser dinners and meetings just to raise more money for future meetings and fundraisers, and giving money to empower and elect those who would betray us without having the control to keep them in line once we do? See the pattern – you have to know you can guide the processes you begin, if you don’t, it is better not to start them. And we have to follow through, even if they are our ‘friends’, because the future of the nation depends on it.
So we CAN’T just let this drop and live quietly with our disappointment. That doesn’t fix what is wrong, and most importantly, doesn’t prevent it from happening again. Hey, I have a 13 year old daughter who after the House vote stood up in a meeting of the Republican Women of Benton County and announced that she was returning the $200 scholarship and plaque that the Arkansas Federation of Republican Women gave her because she wasn’t taking money from people who supported those who turncoated. She is telling her mom that it no longer makes any difference to be part of the Republican Party in Benton County, and that she should quit and return to doing more important things. And most important, my daughter promises NEVER to be part of this party. We can’t afford to have young people who can’t vote do this, but we are driving older people who CAN to the same conclusion, and that is disastrous. We need better, we need to have the assurance that when we promise the Democrats we can deliver on a particular agenda if they elect us, that we deliver on that agenda. We listened to the liberals and progressives this time, we didn’t bother to hear what the conservatives said (even though at the town hall meeting I was at, in Washington County, at least 60% were against the Charlie Collins / Governor Beebe plan (he claimed it was an even room, but he knew better, he was just trying to make himself feel better for accepting his silver pieces). We can’t go doing all the special things we do to get our friends elected and then not hold them fully responsible when they betray promises and trusts. We need to make points AND examples of these people, and we need everyone to know that our actions will be unpleasant, immediate, and significant. If we can’t do that, we will NEVER get the rest of the state behind us to vote us into positions of authority again. And that would be sad, because when this all comes down to it, our gun protection and our pro-life laws can be easily overturned if we are not in power at least long enough to give them some real stability – and they will not only because the Democrat majority in the state isn’t happy with these laws, but now they are out for revenge as well. To the turncoats that sunk us, thank you. It is now our responsibility to make sure that you are forever remembered in history, in big, bold, letters as the ones who placed Arkansas firmly on the path to Socialism, to the desires of Obama and Sebilius, and who made it easier for future traitors to introduce all kinds of other socialist laws and programs. You set the precedent, now I hope that we can do something to make sure the lesson learned by those who represent us in the future is that bad things will happen to you if you follow that precedent.
Republican Party of Benton County Newsletter
A newsletter for Members,
Republican Elected Officials,
Candidates and Friends
Candidates and Friends
April 2013
page 3 of 4
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GOP Allied Club Notes...
Republican Women of Bentonville (RWB) - Meeting being held Thursday, April 11th, 6:30p.m. in the Rotary Room at the Bentonville Public Library, 404 South Main Street, Bentonville, AR. (map) The speaker is Bill Burkhart a Bentonville City Councilman who will share with us the duties of his office. Contact Olga Berg for more questions. arrepublicanlady@gmail.com
Visit our website...http://republicanwomenofbentonville.org/
Siloam Springs Republican Women(SSRW)- Meeting April 22nd, coffee time is 6:30 P.M. and the program starts at 7. Our usual meeting place at the First Bank Community Room, 200 Progress Ave. The club will be hosting the Candidates for Siloam Springs City Council, Position 1. Also the Club would like to invite any candidates or future candidates to come and they will be given time to introduce themselves with a short message. This is an open meeting. For further information contact Carrie Chastain, 479-524-3461 or email jdchastain@centurytel.net
Republican Men of Benton County (RMBC) - will meet Friday, April 26th at Golden Corral Restaurant located at 2605 Pleasant Crossing, Exit 81, Hwy 540 Rogers, GO EAST ONE BLOCK. You may start eating @ 11:30 AM....Business Meeting will start @ 12:00 NOON. If you plan to eat.....go through the line & pay Cashier for your lunch. Identify yourself as Republican Men's Club. You will be charged the menu price + tax + $1.00 for gratuity/use of room. Seniors (55 or older) w/o drink....approx. $9.10....w/drink...approx. $11.25. Regular lunch....w/o drink...approx. $10.15... w/drink....approx. $12.35. We will adjourn no later than 12:55 PM
PROGRAM: Our speaker will be Circuit Judge Brad Karren. Judge Karren will discuss innovative procedures that he has introduced in his office. Contact Info: Duane Neal....email: neald@cox.net ...Cell - 479-903-5690 OR Albert Langley...email: arlbil222@hotmail.com .... Cell - 903-277-1051.
Save the Date:
Van Buren County Lincoln Day
Luncheon - Saturday, April 27th, Guest
Speaker- RPA National Committeewoman Jonelle Fulmer,
Fairfield Bay, AR, Tickets- $50 in advance,
$60 at door, Business Attire,
Please RSVP by April 17 to Stephanie 501-723-8433.
Arkansas Young Republicans Reagan Day Luncheon - Tuesday, April 30th, Guest Speaker-Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. Location: Fayetteville Town Center. Make a plan to attend!!! Purchase tickets by clicking here: http://reagandaydinner.org/
Carroll County Lincoln / Reagan Day Dinner - Friday, May 10, Guest Speaker Congressman Steve Womack. Location is Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center (Eureka Springs, AR). Menu is baked Ham and Chicken Aloha with Rice Pilaf, Vegetable Medley, & Dessert, Tickets are VIP $75, $50, $40. Contact Albena Link 479-253-8169 or Sharon Hoover 870-553-2323.
SAVE THE DATE!!! Benton County Lincoln Day Dinner - Monday, May 13th, Embassy Suites, Rogers. Guest speaker: Governor Nikki R. Haley from South Carolina.
Arkansas Young Republicans Reagan Day Luncheon - Tuesday, April 30th, Guest Speaker-Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. Location: Fayetteville Town Center. Make a plan to attend!!! Purchase tickets by clicking here: http://reagandaydinner.org/
Carroll County Lincoln / Reagan Day Dinner - Friday, May 10, Guest Speaker Congressman Steve Womack. Location is Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center (Eureka Springs, AR). Menu is baked Ham and Chicken Aloha with Rice Pilaf, Vegetable Medley, & Dessert, Tickets are VIP $75, $50, $40. Contact Albena Link 479-253-8169 or Sharon Hoover 870-553-2323.
SAVE THE DATE!!! Benton County Lincoln Day Dinner - Monday, May 13th, Embassy Suites, Rogers. Guest speaker: Governor Nikki R. Haley from South Carolina.
Help support Operation Reboot - a non-profit organization helping our homeless Veterans in NWA get established in their new living quarters. The American Legion post by the Rogers Post Office has a trailer for collecting items. Items needed: Household items such as….Beds, Mattress, Dressers, Couch, Chairs, Tables, Pots and Pans, Silverware, Glasses, Refrigerators, Stove, Cribs, Baby Beds, Bed Linens, Blankets, Pillows, Bath Towels, Children's toys and School supplies, Fans, Coffee Machines, Canned goods (non perishable), Televisions, Lamps, blankets, microwaves, vacuums, tables, kitchen tables/chairs, towels, pot holders, can openers, paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning items, brooms, mops, laundry soap, dryer sheets etc. Please donate items that are in good shape. Avoid items that are stained or torn. http://www.americanlegionoperationreboot.com/
Republican Party of Benton County Newsletter
A newsletter for Members,
Republican Elected Officials,
Candidates and Friends
Candidates and Friends
April 2013
page 4 of 4
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Next Republican Party of Benton County Meeting:
Our speaker this month is Sheriff Kelley Cradduck.
When: Tue, April 23rd, 7pm – 9pm
Where: Benton County Services Center,
1204 SW 14th Street, Bentonville, AR (map), Hwy 102 West of
Bentonville.
RPBC_Minutes_Committee_MAR.26.2013.doc
RPBC_Minutes_Committee_MAR.26.2013.pdf
We are happy to announce that the blog is back! Go Rob! Just go to http://bentoncountygop.org/blog/
Rob Deal continues to put together blog topics of great importance. Just go to the website and follow along! We'd like to hear from you. Please add your comments at the bottom! Thanks! This week's topic:
Four Highly Effective Responses to
Terrorism
For those that are on Facebook and Twitter please begin
to follow us today. You can find our links on our website:
www.bentoncountygop.org under “Follow Us” or you can go
directly to: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Benton-County-Republican-Committee/82034112295?ref=ts
Submissions to the newsletter:
Please submit articles, associated club news, meetings, fundraiser announcements, etc. by the 7th day of the month to Leigh Nogy, Secretary RPBC, Secretary@bentoncountygop.org
Contact Information:
Tim Summers, Chairman, chairman@bentoncountygop.org
Permanent Mailing Address:
Republican Party of Benton County
Attn: County Committee
PO Box 1678,
Bentonville, AR 72712-1678
Phone: (479) 282-7753