Yearly Archives: 2011

Unconfirmed Quote attributed to Thomas Jefferson

January 9, 2011 – 4:44 am

1 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

2 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

3 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American

Heritage Series / David Barton

4 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

5 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

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3 Of 3 / Faith Of The Founding Fathers / American Heritage Series / David Barton

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 1 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

Wallbuilders’ Founder and President David Barton joins Glenn Beck on the Fox News Channel for the full hour to discuss our Godly heritage and how faith was the foundational principle upon which America was built.

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 2 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 3 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 4 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 5 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

Here is one attributed to Thomas Jefferson.

12. I have always said and always will say that the studious perusal of the Sacred Volume will make us better citizens. –– Thomas Jefferson (unconfirmed)

This quote can be found attributed to Thomas Jefferson in an 1869 work by Samuel W. Bailey, but as yet we have not found it in a primary source. Jefferson’s religious thoughts are well-documented. As he fought the battles of dogmatic, sectarian divisiveness, one can find religious quotations both positive and negative. Therefore, this positive reference to the Bible could easily have flowed from his pen. For example, notice these excerpts from his letters. They reveal both his dislike of sectarianism, as well as his love for what he considered the pure doctrines of Jesus:

An eloquent preacher of your religious society, Richard Motte, in a discourse of much emotion and pathos, is said to have exclaimed aloud to his congregation, that he did not believe there was a Quaker, Presbyterian, Methodist or Baptist in heaven, having paused to give his hearers time to stare and to wonder. He added, that in heaven, God knew no distinctions, but considered all good men as his children, and as brethren of the same family. I believe, with the Quaker preacher, that he who steadily observes those moral precepts in which all religions concur, will never be questioned at the gates of heaven, as to the dogmas in which they all differ. That on entering there, all these are left behind us, and the Aristides and Catos, the Penns and Tillotsons, Presbyterians and Baptists, will find themselves united in all principles which are in concert with the reason of the supreme mind. Of all the systems of morality, ancient and modern, which have come under my observation, none appear to me so pure as that of Jesus.

To the corruptions of Christianity I am, indeed opposed; but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus himself. I am a Christian, in the only sense in which he wished any one to be; sincerely attached to his doctrines, in preference to all others.

But the greatest of all the reformers of the depraved religion of His own country, was Jesus of Nazareth.

In fact, Jefferson thought Christianity so important that he personally authored a work for the Indians entitled The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth which set forth the teachings of Jesus as delivered in the Gospels. (The Fifty-seventh Congress ordered a reprint of his work. ) Many people have claimed that Jefferson omitted all miraculous events of Jesus from his so called “Bible.” Rarely do those who make this claim let Jefferson speak for himself. Jefferson’s own words explain that his intent for that book was not for it to be a “Bible,” but rather for it to be a primer for the Indians on the teachings of Christ (which is why Jefferson titled that work, “The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth“). What Jefferson did was to take the “red letter” portions of the New Testament and publish these teachings in order to introduce the Indians to Christian morality. To deny this is to deny that he swore “upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”

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This is a profile from the Morning News from 2009 of State lawmaker Mary Slinkard.

Mary Slinkard

Wed, Jan 7, 2009

Legislators, Representative

R-Gravette
House District 100
Freshman
Committees: Judiciary; State Agencies.
Special connections: Benton County clerk until her swearing in at the House.
How to reach her: House in-session number: 501-682-6211. On weekends: 479-616-2010.
What you should know: Asked for and traded her slot on another committee to get to State Agencies, which oversees election law.
Her priority: “First will be to learn. After that, I’d like to see a firm deadline for persons to get their names on the ballot, preferably earlier so we can get ballots printed. I want to clarify election law. I just want things to work.”
Her biggest fear: “Being a newbie.”

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in David Barton, Unconfirmed Quotes of Founders | Comments (0)

Correlation between gun control and murder rates?

January 8, 2011 – 1:02 am

HALT:HaltingArkansasLiberalswithTruth.com

Series on Gun Control: Part 5

Video on Crime Rates in Switzerland

Both John Brummett and Max Brantley have made it clear that they support gun control. They really believe that we should follow the lead of many of the foreign countries that have more strict gun control laws. However, is there a correlation between gun control laws and murder rates?
This is the fifth in a series on Gun Control. During this series on gun control, I will be quoting from an article “Gun Control:Myths and Realities” by David Lampo of the Cato Institute.
6. Lower murder rates in foreign countries prove that gun control works.

False. This is one of the favorite arguments of gun control proponents, and yet the facts show that there is simply no correlation between gun control laws and murder or suicide rates across a wide spectrum of nations and cultures. In Israel and Switzerland, for example, a license to possess guns is available on demand to every law-abiding adult, and guns are easily obtainable in both nations. Both countries also allow widespread carrying of concealed firearms, and yet, admits Dr. Arthur Kellerman, one of the foremost medical advocates of gun control, Switzerland and Israel “have rates of homicide that are low despite rates of home firearm ownership that are at least as high as those in the United States.” A comparison of crime rates within Europe reveals no correlation between access to guns and crime.

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Today I am profiling the State lawmaker David Branscum.

Branscum, age 50, is a 1977 graduate of Marshall High School and he earned his BA in Ag-Business from the University of Arkansas in 1982. He is President of Branscum and Harness Lumber, Inc. a hardwood sawmill business in Marshall. He is also owner/operator of Branscum Farms, a commercial cow/calf farm operation.

Branscum has served on the Searcy County School Board since 1997. His service has included three terms as Board President.

Branscum, and his wife of 27 years, Judith have 5 sons. The Branscums are members of the First Baptist Church in Marshall.

Address:

P.O. Box 370
Marshall AR 72650

Low Resolution

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in Cato Institute, Gun Control | Comments (0)

Two Unconfirmed quotes attributed to Noah Webster

January 7, 2011 – 9:58 pm

1 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

2 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

3 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American

Heritage Series / David Barton

4 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

5 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

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3 Of 3 / Faith Of The Founding Fathers / American Heritage Series / David Barton

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 1 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 2 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 3 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 4 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 5 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

The last few days I have been looking at this issue of unconfirmed quotes that people think that the Founding Fathers actually said and the historical evidence concerning them. David Barton has collected these quotes and tried to confirm them over the last 20 years. These unconfirmed quotes are used every single day and unfortunately my group of conservatives have been guilty of using them more than the liberals have. This website HALT (HaltingArkansasLiberalswithTruth.com) includes the T for the word ‘truth” and I want to be totally honest concerning the scholarship of the works that I quote.

Below are two unconfirmed quotes that have been attributed to Noah Webster in the past.

7. The principles of all genuine liberty, and of wise laws and administrations are to be drawn from the Bible and sustained by its authority. The man therefore who weakens or destroys the divine authority of that book may be assessory to all the public disorders which society is doomed to suffer. — Noah Webster (unconfirmed)

8. There are two powers only which are sufficient to control men, and secure the rights of individuals and a peaceable administration; these are the combined force of religion and law, and the force or fear of the bayonet. — Noah Webster (unconfirmed)

These words are entirely consistent with the life and character of Noah Webster. His conversion in 1808 to true Christianity, as opposed to a reliance on outward works and moral duties, is well-documented in his letters. And his attitude on the relationship between government and religion is clearly revealed in his writings. Concerning the origin of civil liberty, he declared:

Almost all the civil liberty now enjoyed in the world owes its origin to the principles of the Christian religion.
. . . . . . . . . .
[T]he religion which has introduced civil liberty, is the religion of Christ and his apostles.
. . . . . . . . . .
This is genuine Christianity, and to this we owe our free constitutions of government.

This is but a small portion of Webster’s thought on the subject of religion and government. Whether he stated the quotes in question or not, they sound like Webster. There is far too much evidence to deny this. Despite this consistency, we recommend avoiding the unconfirmed quote and using the numerous Webster quotations that have stronger supporting documentation.

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By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in David Barton, Unconfirmed Quotes of Founders | Comments (2)

Max Brantley and Betsey Wright on Death Penalty

January 7, 2011 – 4:12 pm

HALT:HaltingArkansasLiberalswithTruth.com

(2 min Mike Huckabee on Death Penalty in Republican Primary)

Max Brantley rightly noted that “no one has been executed in Arkansas since 2005” (Death Penalty in Decline, Arkansas Times Blog, Dec 27, 2010). However, the debate is clearly not over. In the July 13, 2006 article “Waiting for Death” by Max Brantley and Betsey Wright there is a case put forth on biblical grounds for rejecting the death penalty. Mike Huckabee is addressed in the article as “my brother in Christ,” and an appeal is made to Huckabee to listen to Christ’s words: “Love your enemies.”

To her credit Betsey Wright is true to her convictions no matter what circumstances she has encountered in her life. I was quite saddened to learn of the death of Mrs Wright’s niece in the May 11, 2006 article “Tested on the Death Penalty” published by the Arkansas Times . This violent death was senseless and Mrs Wright wants to see justice done. I hope to deal with this issue in a logical way.

First, the biblical issue has been brought up by Mrs Wright. According to Genesis 9:6, capital punishment is based upon a belief in the sanctity of life. It says, “Whoever sheds man’s blood by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God, He made man.”

Second, if someone is not punished by the death penalty then there is always a chance they will kill a guard later in their life. Others like Arthur Shawcross have been paroled. This occurred after serving 15 years for the brutal rape and murder of two children in upstate New York. In a subsequent 21 month killing spree, he took 11 more lives before being caught.

Third, I think it is great that Christian ministries are trying to reach prisoners with the gospel but I do not want to be a part of trying to get these prisoners weapons so they can try to escape.

Ex-Clinton Aide Betsy Wright arrested in death row smuggling case

By Patrick McMahon.

Betsy Wright, former chief of staff to then-Governor Bill Clinton, is facing felony charges for trying to smuggle in numerous illegal items to prisoners on Arkansas’ death row.

Wright, 66, was caught trying to smuggle contraband during a visit to the state’s death row prison called the Verner Unit. A guard noticed items in Wright’s bag as it went through an X-Ray machine in May. Among the items found include a knife, a box cutter, tweezers, and 48 tattoo needles concealed inside of a bag of Doritos. Yesterday, prosecutors filed 51 charges against Ms. Wright, who is an outspoken death penalty opponent. In an interview, Wright denied the charges against her and of any wrongdoing. She claimed to have found the bag containing all of the illegal items, not knowing what was in it. “Inside of a prison, not only could (tattoo needles) potentially be a weapon, but they most definitely can be a health hazard,” State Prison spokesperson Dina Tyler said. Hepatitis has been on the rise throughout the prison system and the needles are said to be one of the prime reasons.

For further reading check out a fine article by Kerby Anderson or go to probe.org and search “Capital Punishment,” or check out a short article by my former pastor Adrian Rogers called “Is capital punishment contrary to the word of God?”

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I am profiling today State Senator Johnny Key.

Senator Johnny Key of Mountain Home represents Senate District 1, which includes all of Baxter and Marion counties and the eastern half of Boone County. Senator Key has been in public service since 1997, when he was a justice of the peace on the Baxter County Quorum Court.

In 2003 he began a six-year term in the Arkansas House of Representatives and in 2009 began serving in the Arkansas Senate.
Currently, Senator Key is chairman of the Academic Facilities Oversight Committee and vice chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Retirement and Social Security Programs. He is a member of several committees and subcommittees including the Senate Education Committee; Senate Committee on City, County and Local Affairs; Joint Budget Committee;
Legislative Joint Auditing; Arkansas Lottery Commission Legislative Oversight Committee; and Joint Adequacy Evaluation Oversight Committee.

Regionally, he serves on the Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC)
and the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB).
Senator Key has a conservative political philosophy and his legislative priorities are a reflection of his beliefs. He has sponsored legislation to reduce taxes on families and businesses. He was a sponsor of the bill cutting the sales tax on groceries in half and also sponsored legislation to exempt retirement and pension income. He sponsored legislation to
authorize Eden Alternative and Green House projects, which are long-term care facilities that emphasize quality of life.
2
A supporter of higher education, Senator Key has allocated a significant share of General Improvement Funds to Arkansas State University at Mountain Home to pay for capital projects. Additionally, he sponsored legislation to make it easier for families to save for college tuition through tax-deferred savings allowed under Section 529 of the IRS code.
He has consistently supported expanded job training and technical education for students who do not go to college and need job skills. Key has also worked with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to curb drinking by teenagers, successfully supported legislation to create drug
courts, expand criminal drug task forces and give law enforcement the tools needed to control the growing abuse of methamphetamine.
Senator Key is a graduate of Gurdon High School, Class of 1986, and in 1991 earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering at the University of Arkansas. Key and wife Shannon own three childcare centers, two in Mountain Home and one in Flippin.

They have one son and one daughter, and are members of First Assembly of God Church in Mountain Home.

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in Adrian Rogers, Capital Punishment, Mike Huckabee | Comments (0)

Bill Clinton: Brady Bill’s waiting period saves lives

January 7, 2011 – 12:49 pm

HALT:HaltingArkansasLiberalswithTruth.com

Series on Gun Control: Part 4

John Stossel on Gun Control (2003 clip)

Bill Clinton asserted, “The Brady Bill [is] a commonsense law that establishes a five-day waiting period and a background check that has already kept handguns out of the hands of some 60,000 felons, fugitives, and other criminals.”
However, what do the studies have to say about this assertion of President Clinton?
This is the fourth in a series on Gun Control. During this series on gun control, I will be quoting from an article “Gun Control:Myths and Realities” by David Lampo of the Cato Institute.
5. Waiting periods lower crime rates.

False. Numerous studies have been conducted on the effects of waiting periods, both before and after the federal Brady bill was passed in 1993. Those studies consistently show that there is no correlation between waiting periods and murder or robbery rates. Florida State University professor Gary Kleck analyzed data from every U.S. city with a population over 100,000 and found that waiting periods had no statistically significant effect. Even University of Maryland anti-gun researcher David McDowell found that “waiting periods have no influence on either gun homicides or gun suicides.”

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I am profiling State lawmaker John Burris today.

John Burris
By Arkansas Business Staff
11/9/2009

Change font size

John Burris, 24

State Representative

Harrison

Most politicians establish their careers and then run for office. John Burris has done it backward.

Burris, who grew up at Dirkman and earned a degree in history and political science at Arkansas Tech University, has put his career plans on hold in the year since he became the youngest person currently serving in the Arkansas House of Representatives.

“I was in a spot where I could do it, and that’s one of the reasons I decided to do it when I was young. I knew I wanted to do it, but I wasn’t sure I could win.The same November 2008 election added an even-year legislative session to the state’s Constitution, and that means “it’s very difficult to do anything full time and full faith while being gone four or five months a year.”

Burris, who described himself as “a loyal Republican,” has worked in real estate and as a substitute teacher. “First and foremost, I want to serve my district well. … As a legislator, you can’t change the world, but you can help people one at a time.”

Issues he wants to address during his tenure in the Legislature include education, protecting the rural way of life and “a little finer focus of our tax structure.”

“We’re not competing with Washington. We’re competing with Tennessee and Louisiana,” he said.

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in Bill Clinton, Cato Institute, Gun Control | Comments (0)

Unconfirmed Quote attibuted to Patrick Henry

January 7, 2011 – 12:45 pm

1 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

2 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

3 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American

Heritage Series / David Barton

4 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

5 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

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3 Of 3 / Faith Of The Founding Fathers / American Heritage Series / David Barton

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 1 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 2 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 3 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 4 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 5 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

In the next few weeks I will be looking at this issue of unconfirmed quotes that people think that the Founding Fathers actually said and the historical evidence concerning them. David Barton has collected these quotes and tried to confirm them over the last 20 years. These unconfirmed quotes are used every single day and unfortunately my group of conservatives have been guilty of using them more than the liberals have. This website HALT (HaltingArkansasLiberalswithTruth.com) includes the T for the word ‘truth.” I want to always tell it like it is and that includes this fact: Conservative Republicans will be more likely than their liberal counterparts to stand up today in state legislatures all across the country and use quotes that have not been confirmed with original sources linking them to the Founding Fathers.

I am not really that upset about this Patrick Henry quote since I know that he was definately an evangelical Christian. Plenty of evidence exists that he believed what is in this quote. Take a look.

1. It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ! — Patrick Henry (unconfirmed)

Few could dispute that this quotation is consistent with Henry’s life and character. (Interestingly, those who advocate a secular society today view Henry as an arch enemy.) One early biographer describes how Henry reprinted and distributed Soame Jennings book, View of the Internal Evidence of Christianity, and also that Henry looked to the restraining and elevating principles of Christianity as the hope of his country’s institutions. Bishop Meade, writing of Virginia families in general, says of Henry that, despite possible periods of alienation, his attachment to the [Episcopal] Church of his fathers is clearly established. In one of many courtroom speeches, Henry offered these thoughts (one need not agree with his ideas to understand the context):

I know, sir, how well it becomes a liberal man and a Christian to forget and forgive. As individuals professing a holy religion, it is our bounden duty to forgive injuries done us as individuals. But when the character of Christian you add the character of patriot, you are in a different situation. Our mild and holy system of religion inculcates an admirable maxim of forbearance. If your enemy smite one cheek, turn the other to him. But you must stop there. You cannot apply this to your country. As members of a social community, this maxim does not apply to you. When you consider injuries done to your country your political duty tells you of vengeance. Forgive as a private man, but never forgive public injuries. Observations of this nature are exceedingly unpleasant, but it is my duty to use them.

In a 1796 letter to his daughter Henry stated:

Amongst other strange things said of me, I hear it is said by the deists that I am one of their number; and, indeed, that some good people think I am no Christian. This thought gives me much more pain than the appellation of Tory; because I think religion of infinitely higher importance than politics; and I find much cause to reproach myself that I have lived so long and have given no decided and public proofs of my being a Christian. But, indeed, my dear child, this is a character which I prize far above all this world has, or can boast.

Bishop Meade, mentioned above, also describes a letter from Rev. Dresser, who was addressing two Church historians. Concerning Patrick Henry, Dresser wrote:

It is stated, in an article which I saw some time ago, from the Protestant Episcopalian, and, I presume, from one of you, that Patrick Henry was once an infidel, &c. His widow and some of his descendants are residing in this county, and I am authorized by one of them to say that the anecdote related is not true. He ever had, I am informed, a very abhorrence of infidelity, and actually wrote an answer to Paine’s Age of Reason, but destroyed it before his death. His widow informed me that he received the Communion as often as an opportunity was offered, and on such occasions always fasted until after he had communicated, and spent the day in the greatest retirement. This he did both while Governor and afterward. Had he lived a few years longer, he would have probably done much to check the immoral influence of one of his compatriots [?], whose works are now diffusing the poison of infidelity throughout our land.

Henry’s religious persuasion is well-established. However, there is more evidence that should be considered. Biographer William Wirt Henry relates that a visiting neighbor recalled Henry holding up the Bible and stating:

This book is worth all the books that ever were printed, and it has been my misfortune that I have never found time to read it with the proper attention and feeling till lately. I trust in the mercy of Heaven that it is not yet too late.

Despite his regret for not having spent more time in the Bible, Henry knew the value of Scripture. Taken together with his efforts while in public life, there is an ample foundation for this excerpt from his Last Will and Testament:

This is all the inheritance I can give my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.From a copy of Henry’s Last Will and Testament obtained from Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation, Red Hill, Brookneal, VA

As a final thought, there is a possibility that the unconfirmed quote came from Henry’s uncle, the Reverend Patrick Henry. We find no record of the Reverend’s letters or writings. Therefore, until more definitive documentation can be presented, please avoid the words in question.

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This below is a profile of a State Lawmaker from a 2009 interview from the Morning News:

Kim Hendren

Wed, Jan 7, 2009

Legislators, Senators

R-Gravette
Senate District 9
Serving his second term in the state Senate in the age of term limits, although he served earlier in the Senate from 1979 to 1983. Served one term in the House from 2001 to 2003.
Committees: Chairman of Energy; Rules; Joint Budget; Legislative Council; Education.
Special connections: An engineer and businessman whose interests include car dealerships.
How to reach him: E-mail address: hendrenk@arkleg.state.ar.us. Business number: 479-787-6500. “If my office doesn’t answer you’ll get my voice mail, which I check.”
What you should know: Has a special chagrin against state laws and regulations that try to micromanage school districts.
His priority: “Everybody’s priority is education, both higher education and general.” Will repeat earlier attempts to pass a law requiring that cell phones used in cars be hands-free. Wants state scholarships to higher education to include some “sweat equity” requirements.
Firmest prediction: “We will ask for more efficiency in the education area to save public money. There will also be resistance to any increase in taxes.”

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in David Barton, Unconfirmed Quotes of Founders | Comments (2)

PART 4: American Exceptionalism? Not exceptional people, just exceptional principles!!!

January 7, 2011 – 4:32 am

HALT:HaltingArkansasLiberalswithTruth.com

Milton Friedman takes a look at Adam Smith’s invisible hand of the market in the episode “The Power of the Market” in the film series Free to Choose. Letting the free market work has been one of the principles followed by the USA that has made our country exceptional.

Both Max Brantley and John Brummett have a problem with the issue of American Exceptionalism and I do too if the term is meant to imply that we have more exceptional people than other nations. It is my view that we have followed principles that have enabled our nation to thrive. One of those principles is that we have allowed the invisible hand of the free market to work without much regulation in the past and the result has been building a great society that benefits a great number of people.

Adam Smith wrote in the Wealth of Nations, “By directing that industry in such a manner as its produce may be of the greatest value, he intends only his own gain. . . . He is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention. . . . By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it.”

Milton Friedman observed:

Two hundred years ago in Scotland, Adam Smith taught at the University of Glasgow. His brilliant book, The Wealth Of Nations, was based on the lectures he gave here.

The basic principles underlying the free market, as Adam Smith taught them to his students in this University, are really very simple. Look at this lead pencil, there is not a single person in the world who could make this pencil. Remarkable statement? Not at all. The wood from which it’s made, for all I know, comes from a tree that was cut down in the State of Washington. To cut down that tree, it took a saw. To make the saw, it took steel. To make the steel, it took iron ore. This black center, we call it lead but it’s really compressed graphite, I am not sure where it comes from but I think it comes from some mines in South America. This red top up here, the eraser, a bit of rubber, probably comes from Malaya, where the rubber tree isn’t even native. It was imported from South America by some businessman with the help of the British government. This brass feral __ I haven’t the slightest idea where it came from or the yellow paint or the paint that made the black lines __ or the glue that holds it together.

Literally thousands of people cooperated to make this pencil. People who don’t speak the same language; who practice different religions; who might hate one another if they ever met. When you go down to the store and buy this pencil, you are, in effect, trading a few minutes of your time for a few seconds of the time of all of those thousands of people. What brought them together and induced them to cooperate to make this pencil? There was no Commissar sending out orders from some central office. It was the magic of the price system __ the impersonal operation of prices that brought them together and got them to cooperate to make this pencil so that you could have it for a trifling sum.

That is why the operation of the free market is so essential. Not only to promote productive efficiency, but even more, to foster harmony and peace among the peoples of the world.

The USA has followed the principles of the free enterprise system for a longer period of time than any other nation in the history of the world and that has played a big part of our success. We have been using the magic of the invisible hand (of the price system) to direct us, and the result has been a great economy.

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Today I profiling State Lawmaker Jonathan Dismang:

Arkansas House of Representatives

Family

Husband to Mandy Dismang

(Daughter of Dr. David & Beverly Staggs of Searcy)

Father to Cade (age 6) & Sawyer (born July 28, 2009)

Son of Paul & Nancy Dismang

(Retired Beebe Principal and School Teacher)

Brother to Willam, Kyle & Elizabeth (Mitch Breitweiser)

Brother in Law to David & Katy White

Member of the Beebe Church of Christ

Professional

Honor Graduate of Harding University with

Degrees in Accounting & Economics

Chairman of the National Association of

Royalty Owners, Arkansas Chapter

8 Years of Public Accounting

Experience with Emphasis in Taxation

Worked to Help Provide Guidance to Over

350 Arkansas Small Business Owners

Member of the Beebe Economic

Development Committee

Member of the Searcy Regional

Chamber of Commerce

Member of the Jacksonville

Chamber of Commerce

Member of the Beebe Chamber of Commerce

Political

Freshman Representative for District 49

Chair of the ALC-

PEER Committee

Vice Chair of the Income Taxes-

Personal & Corporate Subcommittee

Member of Revenue & Taxation Committee

Member of State Agencies &

Governmental Affairs Committee

Member of ALC Personnel Committee

Member of ALC Charitable, Penal, &

Correctional Institutions

Recent Honors

Named by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette as

One of the top Six Freshman to Watch

State Senate District 29 Candidate Rep. Jonathan Dismang Champions State Government Efficiency

Little Rock, Ark. – Candidate for State Senate District 29 Rep. Jonathan Dismang, R-Beebe, championed government efficiency Thursday when the state Board of Finance approved a plan to increase earningsfrom tobacco tax funds after recommendations he made in September.

From “Finance board OKs plan to earn more from tobacco funds,” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Michael Wickline, 10/1/10:

The state Board of Finance signed off Thursday on a plan to increase interest earnings on investments of tobacco settlement funds, a change that one official said could bring in $1 million more a year than those funds have been bringing in.

Autumn Sanson, chief investment officer for the state treasurer, said after the meeting that she expected the interest earnings for the Tobacco Settlement Commission to increase from about $49,000 earned in fiscal 2010 toabout $1.05 million this fiscal year.

The board’s action came a month after state Rep. Jonathan Dismang,R-Beebe, suggested the Legislature would manage the money if the board didn’t do better.

“Thanks to Representative Jonathan Dismang, the state will be earning over $1,000,000 in additional interest per year on tobacco settlement funds,” said Republican Party of Arkansas Executive Director Chase Dugger. “Dismang is the only candidate for State Senate District 29 with a proven record of increasing government efficiency and promoting fiscal responsibility in Arkansas. The Republican Party looks forward to the conservative leadership Dismang will continue to display as the next State Senator from District 29.”

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in Milton Friedman | Comments (0)

Samuel Adams Unconfirmed Quote was Confirmed Eventually

January 7, 2011 – 12:53 am

1 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

2 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

3 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American

Heritage Series / David Barton

4 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

5 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

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3 Of 3 / Faith Of The Founding Fathers / American Heritage Series / David Barton

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 1 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 2 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 3 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 4 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

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David Barton on Glenn Beck – Part 5 of 5

Uploaded by ToRenewAmerica on Apr 9, 2010

Here is another in the series of unconfirmed quotes that people think that the Founding Fathers actually said and the historical evidence concerning them. David Barton has collected these quotes and tried to confirm them over the last 20 years. These unconfirmed quotes are used every single day and unfortunately my group of conservatives have been guilty of using them more than the liberals have. This website HALT (HaltingArkansasLiberalswithTruth.com) includes the T for the word ‘truth.” .

Unlike the previous unconfirmed quotes on the list that David Barton compiled, this quote was later confirmed. This also disproves the theory that all these quotes are “Fake Quotes.” You got to remember that evidence is always turning up and this is a case below where an original source was found.

11. A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader. — Samuel Adams (unconfirmed confirmed!)

This is a perfect example of how we are able to verify quotations. Originally, the statement was suspect because the only source was secondary, and we were uncomfortable with the documentation. However, after acquiring a more thorough version of Samuel Adams’ writings, we found the statement in a letter to James Warren dated February 12, 1779

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Today the State lawmaker I am profiling is Karen Hopper

This is Karen Hopper

Baxter County resident 21 years.

Former Senior District Representative for U.S. Congressmen Tim and Asa Hutchinson, working on both legislative issues & individual constituency matters.

Worked continually in support of other conservatives seeking public office at the local, state & national level.

Former news reporter covering all levels of government.

Member N.R.A.

Member Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Recipient of the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce Opal Award for community service.

B.S. Journalism/Advertising, Murray State University.

Married 24 years to Fred Waddell

Associate Vice Chancellor for Research, Special Projects, and Distance Learning at Arkansas State University Mountain Home.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Campaign to Elect Karen Hopper–431-8934

April 28, 2008

Hopper Pledges To Work to Reduce Excessive Tax on Charitable Bingo

State Representative Candidate Karen Hopper (R) of Lakeview said today if elected she will work to reduce the excessive tax on charitable bingo that has left many local veteran’s groups, churches, and community organizations unable to fund their causes. Hopper is a candidate in the May 20 Republican Primary Election.

Hopper said information from the Bureau of Legislative Affairs, the research arm of the Arkansas General Assembly, indicates the state has collected in excess of $830,000 through March from a 1-cent per bingo card tax. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DF&A) had projected it would cost under $600,000 annually to administer the program.

“At this rate with three months to go in the fiscal year, the state stands to collect in excess of a half million dollars more than it needs to administer the program. This money should be in our communities funding the projects of our veteran’s groups, churches, and community organizations,” Hopper said.

Voters in 2006 approved a constitutional amendment legalizing charitable bingo and raffles. Act 388 of 2007 established the rules and regulations for operators, including a method of taxing the games. Under the rules established by Act 388, groups must purchase a license and then pay a 1-cent tax on each bingo game card or “face” sold. The Act also requires charities to purchase bingo and raffle licenses.

Hopper said despite the legislature having input from representatives of community organizations around the state as the terms of Act 388 were hammered out, DF&A’s interpretation of the rules has lead to the excessive collections.

“The result is that community organizations across the state are suffering to the point they are not able to fund their causes. The Alley-White American Legion Post 52 of Mountain Home advises it cannot meet its overhead and has resorted to holding a monthly pancake breakfast to generate additional income,” Hopper said.

“We need to reduce this excessive tax so that our local community organizations are able to fund college scholarships, Boys and Girls State delegates, and numerous other activities,” Hopper added. While efforts have been made requesting DF&A reduce the tax, officials with that state agency maintain any changes must be made legislatively.

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By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in David Barton, Unconfirmed Quotes of Founders | Comments (0)

Could Gun Control stop school shootings?

January 6, 2011 – 2:06 pm

HALT:HaltingArkansasLiberalswithTruth.com

Series on Gun Control: Part 3

Glenn Beck on School Shootings video clip

Just yesterday another school shooting occurred. This one in Omaha, Nebraska:

An angry online posting from the 17-year-old boy who opened fire at a Nebraska high school, fatally wounding an assistant principal before later killing himself, offers some clues about why the son of a police detective turned violent a couple of months after transferring there.

As authorities sort out what may have led to Wednesday’s shooting, those who knew Robert Butler Jr. are struggling to reconcile his final actions with their memories of the fun, outgoing student who liked to make jokes and sometimes got into trouble for talking in class.

The gunman, who had attended Omaha’s Millard South High School for no more than two months, also wounded the principal before fleeing from the scene and fatally shooting himself in his car about a mile away.

“It’s just unreal,” said Robert Uribe, Butler’s stepgrandfather. Uribe said nothing appeared to be wrong when he last talked to Butler briefly a month ago. He said the polite young man he knew didn’t seem a likely gunman.

“I don’t know what would possess him to do that,” Uribe said.

Assistant Principal Vicki Kaspar, 58, died at Creighton University Medical Center Wednesday evening, hours after the shooting. Principal Curtis Case, 45, was in serious but stable condition.

The Jonesboro school massacre occurred on Tuesday, March 24, 1998, in Craighead County, Arkansas, near northwestern Jonesboro. Four female students and a teacher were killed, and nine other students and a teacher were wounded, by two armed middle school boys. Could have been avoided by strict gun control?
This is the third in a series on Gun Control. During this series on gun control, I will be quoting from an article “Gun Control:Myths and Realities” by David Lampo of the Cato Institute.

3. The tragedy of school shootings illustrate the deficiencies of current gun control laws.

False. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold of Columbine violated close to 20 firearms laws in amassing their cache of weapons (not to mention the law against murder), so it seems rather dubious to argue that additional laws might have prevented this tragedy. The two shotguns and rifle used by Harris and Klebold were purchased by a girlfriend who would have passed a background check, and the TEC-9 handgun used by them was already illegal. The Jonesboro shooters stole the firearms from the grandfather of one of the shooters.

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Today I am profiling the State lawmaker Lori Benedict.

Don and Lori Benedict have been in the dairy farming
and or beef cattle business for over 30 years.

They were named the Fulton County Farm Family of the Year.

Lori Benedict was named Fulton County Business Woman of the Year. In addition to their farming business, they also operate the fixed base operations of the Ozark Regional Airport in Mountain Home.

Worked under the Direction of NASA utilizing their attack command center to direct 18 helicopters and 300 ground crew assisting in search and recovery of the Space Shuttle Columbia.

Appointed by Governor Mike Huckabee to the
Arkansas State Election Commission, Lori played
a key role in eliminating election fraud by
implementing voter ID regulations.

Lector and Member of St. Mary of the Mount Catholic Church in Horseshoe Bend, Lori supports and defends Christian ideals and values.

Protector of State Rights, Lori believes the Federal Government
is imposing too much “big government” and power over
individual state rights.

Strong Supporter of “The Right to Keep and Bear Arms”, Lori is a Senior Ladies World Champion Cowboy Mounted Shooter.

Defend our Constitution and hold all elected offficials to this same standard.

Active in supporting private property rights, Lori would sponsor legislation to help accomplish these goals. Her and her husband own a 1000 acre farm.

Concerned some of our school children are not allowed to pray in public or refer to God and religion in school.

Lori’s Dad, Joseph Klimala, WW II Veteran received a
Purple Heart and Bronze Star from his service at the Battle
of The Bulge.

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in Cato Institute, Gun Control | Comments (0)

Bill Clinton: Gun Show Loophole must be closed

January 6, 2011 – 1:33 pm

HALT:HaltingArkansasLiberalswithTruth.com

Series on Gun Control: Part 2

Glenn Beck’s guest mentions Mike Ross and 65 other Democrats upset at Gun Control bills sent up by White House

“I would close the gun show loophole…” President Clinton on NBC’s Tom Brokaw discusses gun control with the president, April 12, 2000)

This is the second in a series on Gun Control. During this series on gun control, I will be quoting from an article “Gun Control:Myths and Realities” by David Lampo of the Cato Institute.

2. Gun shows are responsible for a large number of firearms falling into the hands of criminals.

False. Contrary to President Clinton’s claims, there is no “gun show loophole.” All commercial arms dealers at gun shows must run background checks, and the only people exempt from them are the small number of non-commercial sellers. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, at most 2 percent of guns used by criminals are purchased at gun shows, and most of those were purchased legally by people who passed background checks.

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Today I am profiling State lawmaker Dennis Altes.

Get to know Denny Altes

southside graduation Raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas, I grew up in a modest home. What we lacked in material things, we made up for with discipline and hard work. My parents, Bob and Lucy Altes, worked hard to start and maintain a local refuse hauling service from one old flatbed truck. That business, called Altes Sanitation, has grown strong and is now run by my son and mother.

Education & Military Service
denny altes I was a part of the very first class and the very first person to graduate from Southside High School here in Fort Smith and am a graduate of Arkansas Tech where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. While I was attending Arkansas Tech in 1969, I was drafted into the Army and served in Korea as an MP Security Guard until I received an honorable discharge in 1971. Following my experiences from the Army, I am proud to be a member of the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Small Business Owner
Denny’s mother and father started in the waste hauling business with just one truck. Denny founded Altes Waste Management in 1974. This successful trash hauling company began modestly with one truck and grew into a leading enterprise serving nine counties with two class I landfills, 17 trucks and over 150 employees. The company was sold in 1989 to what is now Waste Management of Western Arkansas.

In 1982, Altes started another new business called Resourect Recycling and began recycling over 1,000 tons per month. In 1991 the company became Fibresource and steadily expanded, buying a competing wastepaper business in Springdale and adding a new recycling facility in Johnson, Arkansas. In 1995 a new plant was started in Oklahoma City and the business grew to 12 truckloads (18 wheelers) per day and recycled 4000 tons per month. Altes expanded again in 2003 buying another recycling company in North Little Rock.

Redirecting his focus to serving the people of Arkansas, Altes sold Fibresource in 2007 to Orange County Container Group.

Family Man
My wife, of over 40 years, Susan and I have been blessed with two beautiful children; Bobby who is currently running the family business here in Fort Smith and Ana who lives and teaches school in Plano, Texas and two grandchildren, Cole and Caroline.

Political Background

political background Having served one term in the House as State Representative for District 63 prior to being elected to the Senate, I have valuable experience in the Legislature. If elected as your State Representative, I would bring continuity of leadership and institutional memory to the floor; this is a unique situation in the current house as the term limits are such now that current state representatives are short lived and hold little “on the floor” political experience.

I consider myself to be a humble servant meeting the people’s needs and sponsoring bills that I believe positively affect our community. I thank the Lord for where I am in my life today and pray that I may continue to serve Him by serving you as your State Representative.

Click here to read the
official State Senate
Biography of Denny Altes.
[PDF]

I am proud to currently serve on the these committees:

Joint Performance Review
Arkansas Legislative Council
Joint Budget Committee
Joint Revenue & Tax
Senate Rules Committee
Senate Transportation & Technology Committee
Insurance & Commerce Committees

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in Bill Clinton, Cato Institute, Gun Control | Comments (0)

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Yearly Archives: 2011

1 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

2 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

3 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American

Heritage Series / David Barton

4 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

5 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

3 Of 3 / Faith Of The Founding Fathers / American Heritage Series / David Barton

This is a profile from the Morning News from 2009 of State lawmaker Mary Slinkard.

1 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

2 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

3 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American

Heritage Series / David Barton

4 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

5 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

3 Of 3 / Faith Of The Founding Fathers / American Heritage Series / David Barton

1 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

2 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

3 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American

Heritage Series / David Barton

4 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

5 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

3 Of 3 / Faith Of The Founding Fathers / American Heritage Series / David Barton

State Senate District 29 Candidate Rep. Jonathan Dismang Champions State Government Efficiency

1 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

2 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

3 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American

Heritage Series / David Barton

4 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

5 Of 5 / The Bible’s Influence In America / American Heritage Series / David Barton

3 Of 3 / Faith Of The Founding Fathers / American Heritage Series / David Barton

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