Monday, January 18, 2010

Martin Luther King Jr. and General Robert E. Lee: Champions of Peoples’ Rights

Today is the day that we celebrate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who fought for the rights of the African-Americans, so that everyone could share in the American dream. But Dr. King isn't the only man that we celebrate a day with; in Arkansas, and throughout much of the South, on the same day we celebrate MLK Jr. Day we also celebrate a day honoring a Confederate General who also fought for peoples' rights, General Robert E. Lee.

It might seem strange to some, comparing these two men, as most see Dr. King as a champion of African-American rights, while some believe, falsely, that General Lee fought for slavery. In their own way, each man fought for the same thing, just in a different manner and time period.

Dr. King fought for a world where people would "not be judged by the color of thier skin, but by the content of their character." He wanted freedom for all people, whether they are black, white, Latino or Asian. I walked today in the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, and while walking the route it dawned on me that Dr. King's "dream" has become our reality. There were people from all walks of life walking together, talking together, laughing together, and enjoying the day and occasion. This is what Dr. King fought and ultimately died for. 50 years ago, seeing all these people of different races walking together would have been unheard of. We have come a long way in 5o years, but the battle is not quite over yet. We must continue to fight to insure that all Americans, regardless of race have the same rights as everyone else.

General Lee fought for a different type of peoples' rights. While Dr. King fought for equal treatment for all people regardless of their race, General Lee fought for a person's right to stand up against an overbearing government. Contrary to what many believe and are taught, General Lee did not fight to get slavery, in fact he believed it was morally wrong. The only time he owned slaves personally was when his father-in-law died and left the slaves to him, under the condition that he freed all the slaves within five years, which he did. The reason he fought for the South, is because he had a deep love for his home state of Virginia and the rights of the people and the State to stand up against a government that had taken to much power. This is something we still face today, we have a Federal government that is trying to take too much power for themselves, and at the same time taking away the rights granted to the People and the States under the 9th and 10th amendments to the Constitution. We must continue General Lee's fight, not with guns and swords, but with getting involved in the political process and voting out the politicians that are trying to take away the peoples' rights and voting in people who know the boundaries of the Constitution and will protect the rights of the people.

Dr. King and General Lee were different men from different times, but with the same desires for the People. They wanted people to be free to live their lives: in Dr. King's case, without being judged by their race; and in General Lee's case, without the government taking away their rights. We must continue these brave mens' fights into the future and pass them on to future generations, because the fight for freedom is never really over. As your State Representative I will fight for your freedom on a daily basis and make sure that your rights as Americana citizens are never taken away. I want to hear more about your concerns about freedom and your rights, I invite you to contact me.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Government Accountability

What is going on in our State Capital? Over the last month or so, the Arkansas Legislature has begun to work on many issues in their committees that will be addressed by the General Assembly when they are next in session. I would like to address two of these issues at the moment.

The first issue is what some have termed “the tunnel to nowhere.” Recently, some space became available in a building a short distance from the State Capital building, called the Big Mac Building. The Joint Committee of Legislative Facilities is discussing using the opening space for the Bureau of Legislative Research, including: committee meeting rooms and office space for about 100 employees. Many of the employees that would be relocated to the Big Mac building are now scattered all over the capital complex, this move would bring them all in one place, which would better serve the people of Arkansas. You may be asking, “What’s wrong with that?” Well moving all those state employees to one location is a great idea, but there is one detail that is not a good idea. The building is, according to some sources, is about a minute or two walking distance from the Capital building. The Legislature is looking to build a tunnel to connect the two buildings, which again is only a few minutes’ walk apart. According to early estimates, it would cost $1.8 million to build this tunnel, but of course we all know that when the government starts to build anything, it will end up taking longer to build than the scheduled deadline and be over budget. Why do we need this tunnel? If the Legislators need to go to the Big Mac building in bad weather, they can use umbrellas like every other person. The supporters of the tunnel say that the tunnel is important for the movement of files. I just don’t understand why they couldn’t wrap the files in plastic bags, put them in plastic totes, and then carry them or roll them out on carts to the building. If elected as your Representative I would make sure that your taxpayer money is only spent on absolutely necessary projects.

The next issue has to do with HR1034, which sets the rules governing the Arkansas House of Representatives. With the new amendment that was voted on during the last election, which says that the General Assembly will meet every year instead of every other year, there were some changes that needed to be made to the House rules. Most of the changes were minor, like limiting what bills could be filed during the fiscal session of the General Assembly. There was one change in the bill is one that changes the limit of campaign contributions legislators can receive. At this time, legislators cannot receive contributions starting 30 days before a legislative session to 30 days after. This is to keep legislators from being influenced by lobbyists. Under this new bill, they have completely done away with this rule, so now there is no law against lobbyists writing a check to a legislator’s campaign in order for to get the legislator to vote how the lobbyist wants. Is this how you want your government to work? I sure don’t, and if elected I would fight to keep such a bill from passing. The Representatives and Senators should be influenced by the people who sent them there, who are their bosses, not by some lobbyist who has some money to throw their way. If you give me the honor of representing you in Little Rock, I would fight to keep the legislative process pure, and accountable to the people of Arkansas.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Economic Growth

This one issue is the most important issue in the campaign, it is the reason I decided to run for State Representative. We need jobs in District 80. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics there is an 8.8% unemployment rate in District 80. I believe that number is slightly high. I know that there are people out there that want to work, I know that there are people out there who would love nothing more than to have a job, but the leaders in this area have not done enough to bring jobs to you, the people. If we don't do something soon to change the unemployment rate, our communities will not be as good as they are now, because people will start leaving and move to other places...it's already happening now.

There is talk that tourism is the best way to bring jobs to the area. I for one think that tourism will MAYBE only help a few people, like hotel owners; but it will certainly not help the majority of the population make enough money to pay the bills and take care of their families...unless everyone wants to try and open their own resturant.

My idea is so simple and such a common sense approach that it just might work. All the local leaders will have to work together. I know, you don't see much of that any more among the local leaders, but maybe we can start the trend up again. On the state level: I, as your State Representative will work to get bills passed that make Arkansas more appealing to potential businesses, such as tax breaks ect,. I will also become an ambassador for the people to bring jobs to the area, I will aggressively seek out businesses looking to offer new jobs opportunities and tell them of the qualifications of this area. On the local level: the Mayor and City Council, County Judge and Quorum Court, and the Chamber of Commerce can each offer incentives for businesses. For example, the City Council and Quorum Court can offer lower taxes for them, or reduced prices for trash pickup thus saving the business money which is always a good selling point. As I said, for this to work the local leaders will have to work together and to be on the same page. I would propose that the State Rep, the City Council, and Quorum Court, and Chamber of Commerce establish a task force that will plan the best strategy and incentives to get businesses interested in our district. But to get this idea rolling I will need your help, I will need your support and your vote or we will never see this idea become reality.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

State Sovereignty

We have all heard by now of the Health Care debate going on in Congress and throughout the country. You may be asking yourself what health care has to do with a campaign for State Representative. I use this because it is a perfect example of how the Federal government is becoming out of control. When the Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution the did not mean for the Federal government to become as powerful as it is today. The States were to have the majority of the power, while the Federal government's main job was to keep the country safe. The Federal Government has overstepped its bounds and has trampled the rights of the States and the People. The government forces states to its will by with holding grant money until the state passes laws that the Federal Government wants them to; for example the cigarette tax and seat belt law. I saw that enough is enough and we need to stand up to Federal Government.

Over the last few years many state legislatures throughout the country have passed State Sovereignty Bills that reserve their rights under the 10th amendment to the Constitution. During the 2009 session of the Arkansas HCR1011, which claimed states' rights under the tenth amendment of the Constitution to the United States, was put to a vote in the House of Representatives and it failed 54-34 with 12 not voting, almost completely along party lines. Something as important as our rights should not be a partisan issue, Democrats and Republicans should work together on this issue for the better of their constituents. As your State Representative, I would work in a bipartisan manner to get a State Sovereignty Bill passed in Arkansas. I believe that taking our rights back from the Federal government is one of the most important issues in this election.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

The 4th of July

Happy 4th of July!! I hope that everyone had an enjoyable and memorable 4th. Amidst all the fireworks and cookouts that typically go along with this holiday let us not forget the real reason we celebrate this occasion. 233 years ago fifty-six men in Philidelphia decided to do what then amounted to treason and declare that the United States was a free and independent nation. Do not think for a second that they did this lightly, if the American Revolution had failed they would all have been tried and hanged as traitors. But it was their idea that every man, woman, and child has rights, the rights of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," that they decided to leave Great Britian and form their own country, the United States of America. Those words still echo today, as do the words that "all men are created equal," which to me means that everyone has a chance to make something of themselves in this country. Where else than in America could a young man of 19 years of age stand up and say that he wants to be your next representative and people come forward and pledge their support to him instead of laughing in his face. I must say that I love this country, even when she sometimes goes in a direction that I think is the wrong way.

I spent today in the company of friends doing the traditional cookout. One of my friends is a Marine Reservist, who may soon be leaving to fight overseas. I also have another friend who is in the Army, who has just recently returned from deployment overseas. Let's not forget to go up to them and thank them for the sacrifice that they have mad to serve their nation, it should be somthing that we remember to do everytime we have the honor of talking to one of out brave service men and women. I will admit that I, myself, do not tell my own friends "Thank you for serving your country" enough. So just remember, while you are celebrating and even after the last firework has gone off, that its because of countless men and women risking and laying down their lives that 233 years later we are still a free and independent nation, one that I hope our Founding Fathers dreamed of when they signed the Declaration of Independence that freed us from Great Britian. Have a safe and happy 4th of July. God bless you all and God bless America!!

Friday, May 29, 2009

Law Enforcement

I was honored today to spend a few hours with local law enforcement from around the region while they were qualifying in firearms. While talking with them, I heard a lot about the stress they are put under while on the job. I respect and admire the men and women who dedicate themselves to serving in law enforcement to keep the rest of us safe in our homes. For the job they do, the men and women of the law enforcement are not nearly paid enough. The serve everyday in an occupation similar to those that serve in the military, not knowing if they will be killed or wounded while on duty…and sometimes while they are off-duty. They also witness such crimes that those of us not in law enforcement cannot begin to imagine. If I am elected to represent the people of District 80, I will work with state and local officials to raise the pay of law enforcement officers, who have earned it time and time again. I would also fight to give more money to the police departments of District 80 for better equipment to help them combat crime and keep them safe. One such crime that is rampant throughout our district is that of drug crimes. The state needs to supply law enforcement agencies across the state with adequate resources to stop the spread of drugs in our communities. I am willing to work closely with both sides to find a plan that will halt the spread of drugs that endanger the lives of everyone, from the youngest child to the oldest senior. If elected as your next State Representative I will work hard for the law enforcement of District 80 so that they may continue to protect the citizens of this district and keep us all safe.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

KEITH SLOAN ANNOUNCES FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Sometimes politics isn’t as usual, and such will be the case in the 2010 election as young motivator Keith Sloan, of the Noland Community in Randolph County, has announced his intent to become the next District 80 State Representative.

Sloan, whose family has farmed in the local area for nearly 100 years, was motivated to run after hearing repeated concerns from local citizens about our political leadership. “Our leadership isn’t focused on the people. They are more focused on winning elections and moving on to their next personal objective, rather than representing us---the people---who elected them.”

Sloan says he will work to give the people open and accountable State government and responsive representation at the local level. Sloan is not ashamed to be pro-life, pro-gun rights, pro-traditional marriage, and against high taxes and pork barrel spending. Sloan said, “Let’s live within our means, and maintain the values our grandparents passed to us. If you are a person that wants a candidate with a fresh perspective, old-fashioned values, and high energy to represent you, I want your vote.”

Sloan, 19, is employed locally and is a student at Black River Technical College where he is getting his prerequisites for a bachelor degree in history and political science. If elected, Sloan will be the youngest state representative in Arkansas history. Sloan is eager to represent the younger generation of voters who are challenged every day with staying in their home communities. “Let’s face it,” Sloan stated. “It is difficult for our young people out of high school and college to find work in District 80. Why should we have to leave our hometown to find jobs to support our families? We must bring jobs to the hardworking people of District 80 so they can continue to raise their families in a community with family values.”

Active in FFA, Library Club, and PHS Band during high school, he says that he chose to stay here after graduation, but most of his former high school classmates left Pocahontas in search of “greener pastures”, to attend school or work elsewhere. He went on to say that in the current political and economic climate that District 80 will continue to decline and lose its citizens and revenue to other communities. “Let’s keep our family and resources here,” Sloan stated. “It’s time we stand up and make our own future. It’s time we make the ‘greener pastures’ here in our corner of Arkansas! ”

Keith Sloan is the son of Rusty and Melba Sloan, of Noland, and the grandson of Francis Sloan and the late Russell Sloan also of Noland.

(Official Press Release, Keith Sloan for State Representative)