More shut-ins
There are always Arkansas lawmakers who want more guns in circulation, and the Newtown, Conn., massacre only whetted their appetite for additional firepower. Elsewhere, this would seem counterintuitive, like asking for more flu. In Arkansas, though, tightly controlled by the National Rifle Association, it is all too predictable.
Arkansas law currently bans guns from churches, a surprisingly rational public policy as well as acknowledgement of the Biblical decree that peacemakers are among the blessed. Sen. Bryan King, R-Green Forest, thinks blessings should be for sharpshooters too. His bill, SB 71, "The Church Protection Act," would allow churches and other places of worship to decide for themselves who can pack during services. A similar bill cleared the Arkansas House of Representatives two years ago, but died in the Senate. With Republicans now holding a majority in both houses, SB 71 will likely pass. Expect a decline in church attendance.
Latest in Editorials
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Listen, UA
Any public-university trustees considering merger of their tax-supported teaching hospital with a Catholic hospital should ponder these wise words from Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
- May 16, 2013
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Semi-tough
The 2013 legislature was protective of gun-carriers and red-light runners, but it came down hard on voters. The first two groups might kill a few people, (or a lot). The third might remove from office a few Republican legislators. This was seen as the greater danger by Republican legislators. Their priorities are different from normal people's.
- May 9, 2013
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Which one?
The city of Beebe or Mike Beebe? It's not an easy question. They're both from White County, both have their merits, and their advocates. The town has gained fame for its dead birds; the man as a competent and moderate governor, perhaps the last of his kind.
- May 2, 2013
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Event Calendar
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Re: Listen, UA
- on May 16, 2013
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Re: Listen, UA
It's been a long time coming.
“We have just enough religion to make us…- on May 16, 2013
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Re: Listen, UA
Thanks
- on May 15, 2013
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