Saturday, November 21, 2009 - 15:32:29
Have at it.
Celebrate a Hog win with visions of even better in 2010. Schedule announced today. Tenn. Tech., Louisiana-Monroe and U Texas El Paso are what the late Kim Brazzel called the "chitlins" of the schedule. Monroe and LSU in Little Rock.
Saturday, November 21, 2009 - 15:02:15
ABOVE: Cancer patient with an abscessed tooth and no health insurance.
MORE FROM CLINIC: The Times' Leslie Newell Peacock captured this video.
PATIENT TO POLITICIANS: 'Stand in these lines. Talk to these people.'
A doctor friend, who served a stint in today's clinic, writes:
What type of event in downtown LR do you carry your folding camp chair to in November?
Free concert
Fireworks
A free clinic.
Continue Reading »
Saturday, November 21, 2009 - 14:18:19
As predicted Sen. Blanche Lincoln won't kill health reform legislation yet. She'll vote to open debate on legislation. Here's her speech. She indicated, however, that she WILL vote to filibuster a bill that includes a government-administered health option. I hope she gets that chance. And I hope she pays if her vote preserves the status quo -- a shameful system that sent 1,500 people of the world's wealthiest country to the Statehouse Convention Center today for services every other developed country believes belong to its citizens by right.
Lincoln mostly re-read the speech in a conference call with reporters. She sounded a touch combative in saying her position was influenced by what she thought best for Arkansans, not special interests of any persuasion or her political party.
Gilbert Baker appeared to be the first Republican out of the box with a critical news release blasting Lincoln's vote for cloture as a vote for government run health care. (Not true, it should go without saying, but must be repeated because of the misrepresentation, a talking point from the National Republican Senatorial Committee as well.) Republican candidate Conrad Reynolds won the metaphor battle: "She has pushed the rock over the cliff which will lead to an avalanche of government intervention in our lives." Reynolds, by the way, spent 30 years on a federal government payroll and enjoys a government health care plan for that service. Curtis Coleman says Lincoln is "disrespectful of her constituents" in voting to allow the Senate to consider health care legislation. Really. He said that. At least a half-million uninsured Arkansans and untold thousands of underinsured, undercovered and overbilled Arkies, would disagree.
Saturday, November 21, 2009 - 12:48:19
Lobby of Convention Center. Photo by Brian Chilson.
Just a half hour after the noon opening of the C.A.R.E. free clinic at the Statehouse Convention Center, 200 patients have signed in and more are lined up outside the door. Entering patients are being greeted with loud cheers and applause from a sea of red-shirted volunteers; these folks, sign-in people, escorts, technicians, nurses, doctors, are making things go smoothly. At the sign in tables: Lt. Gov. Bill Halter and his wife, Shanti. Video and photographs momentarily.
Matthew Carey of Grapevine has his blood pressure taken.
Saturday, November 21, 2009 - 06:58:04
Has it peaked? Maybe. But some are still predicting a third wave. The South specifically mentioned.
Saturday, November 21, 2009 - 06:09:33
Some 1,500 uninsured people are expected to seek medical attention at a free mass clinic at the Statehouse Convention center from noon to 7 p.m. today.
It might be that, sometime during the clinic, Sen. Blanche Lincoln will cast a deciding vote on whether to let the Senate debate health reform legislation. She's been quoted as saying that the free clinic in Little Rock is a nice thing, but no solution to the country's health care problems. Indeed. But it's better than doing nothing. Remember that your friends at the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce have vigorously advocated the do-nothing course in pressing Lincoln to filibuster even the motion to open debate.
Here's a fact sheet on today's clinic that might be of interest.
Also, Brummett writes about the Halter-Lincoln political overtones of today's event. What's wrong with being a political opportunist if the result is medical attention for 1,500 people in sore need?
As a reader noted last night, however, former President Clinton will be avoiding the clinic because it has been too politicized by Keith Olbermann. Of course, Clinton has reason not to associate with Olbermann causes, on account of Keith's trashing of Hillary in 2008.
ALSO: Brummett predicts Blanche votes yes, following the Mark Pryor and Ben Nelson templates. Safe bet. I think she added to her own woes by not saying what Pryor said days ago. She created more drama for herself. Her own statement earlier hinted at a "yes" vote by its reference to debate being only a starting point.
UPDATE: She'll announce her decision in a conference call with reporters at 2:30 p.m.
A doctor who'll be providing services today provides a photo of the convention center setup and a comment for the doctors' wives who berated U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder for voting to expand health care for U.S. citizens: "Is this where YOU want to receive YOUR health care? Is this where you want you children or your parents to receive THEIR care?"
I wonder if that teabagger who attended the Children's Hospital forum, another doctor's wife who objected to health legislation, has turned her heart surgeon husband out as a volunteer today. She had told us he provided tons of free care. Perhaps she thinks she can take back America by letting these sick eat cake.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 21:04:17
I forgot to open the line.
I went to a party for former Bill Clinton staffers tonight. Saw, among many blog readers, Charles Eddie Smith.
Drove past teabaggers (40 or so?) with candles outside Blanche Lincoln's office. As a Democratic employee of a.g. McDaniel noted about the day, you've got Republicans fighting like crazy to stop the expansion of heatlh care for Americans and you have Democrats providing free healthcare clinic for needy in LR tomorrow. Which is better?
Over to you.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 15:47:49
North Little Rock Alderman Cary Gaines, who represents Ward 3, has resigned from the City Council. He confirmed to me last week that he faced federal investigation related to the indictment of an accused Cabot bookmaker and drug dealer who was also accused of trying to influence Gaines to steer city business to an unnamed contractor to generate kickbacks to repay debts owed the Cabot man by Gaines and the contractor.
Here's Gaines brief resignation letter. He had called me to say it would be coming and that he would have no further comment, on advice of his attorney, Chuck Banks.
Gaines was elected to a four-year term in 2006. The Council can fill the remainder of his four year term by appointment or special election.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 15:14:03
Columnist Joe Conason, in Little Rock this week to follow Bill Clinton for a coming book, dipped into senatorial politics and found an incumbent U.S. Senator, Blanche Lincoln, looking weak rather than thoughtful. He found pressure from Lt. Gov. Bill Halter and a free health clinic and a not-thinly-veiled bit of advice from Clinton, whose political sense is pretty good.
On the very same day that Blanche Lambert Lincoln will finally vote on whether to allow healthcare reform to reach the Senate floor, thousands of the dithering Arkansas Democrat's uninsured constituents will be lining up to see doctors at a free medical clinic in Little Rock. Anticipating this remarkable coincidence, Lincoln may even realize that conservative ideologues and insurance lobbyists are not the only voices that should command her attention during this debate.
Then, recalling Clinton's speech:
Clinton asked his audience, which included hundreds of Democratic donors and activists, to imagine a scenario in which he could somehow run for a third term as president (which drew enthusiastic applause). Then he asked them to consider what would happen if he offered the following campaign promise:
"If you elect me again, the first thing I'm going to do is put a $900 billion tax on you ... I'm going to have the government print the money, and put it on elevated flatbeds, and display it along the national mall. And we're going to broadcast this ceremony on national television. And then I'm going to motor myself from one end of that $900 billion to the other, sprinkling Kerosene on it, and then I'm going to set it afire and watch it burn.
"How many people do you think would vote for me?" he demanded. "If you don't want to reform healthcare, that is your position. That is what you are advocating."
Lincoln wasn't there, but she could have heard the roaring laughter all the way back in Washington.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 12:43:39
Rock Candy, our entertainment blog, has details on cancellation of Billy Joel/Elton John concert at Verizon Arena.
Says here that FBI is taking a look at a cop's Tasering of an Ozark girl, 10, who refused to take a shower.
Jordan Johnson tweets and twitpics that students at the Clinton School of Public Service (above) are getting some words of wisdom from a sure-enough public servant.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 12:02:26
State Supreme Court Justice Annabelle Clinton Imber has announced her retirement, creating a position for Gov. Mike Beebe to fill by appointment for a year until an election in 2010.
How's this for an intriguing candidate for that appointment -- Bill Bowen, retired lawyer, banker, gubernatorial chief of staff, UALR law school namesake? He's a spry 86.
The governor's office isn't saying, of course. But his name is going around.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 11:41:07
Not all doctors are on the Republican bandwagon. One writes to me:
All the anti-reform 'no gub-mint' in health care Docs had ALL of their salary during their residency paid for by the Feds. If they hate the govenment so much, how 'bout they repay all that, with interest?
FYI, for this year, interns, i.e. first year after graduation, is about $45,000.
If it were up to me, I would make med school tuition free and strictly merit based. As it is now, folks graduate w/ $100k in student loan debt, and it is patients who re-pay that plus huge interest. You could cut physician salaries right off the bat.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 11:14:27
Surprise. The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce does not want debate to open on health care legislation in the Senate. It wants it killed dead, now. It is rallying troops to pressure Sens. Pryor and Lincoln to filibuster what is traditionally a routine procedure to open debate.
Pryor has already indicated he'd allow debate. Lincoln has been holding out, but Sen. Ben Nelson provides the template for an aye vote to open debate:
This weekend, I will vote for the motion to proceed to bring that debate onto the Senate floor," Nelson says. "The Senate should start trying to fix a health care system that costs too much and delivers too little for Nebraskans."
"In my first reading," Nelson said, "I support parts of the bill and oppose others I will work to fix. If that's not possible, I will oppose the second cloture motion--needing 60 votes--to end debate, and oppose the final bill."
On the jump is the chamber's e-mail to its people (you can use the same instructions to send a different message to the senators):
Continue Reading »
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 09:59:47
The
unemployment rate in Arkansas rose from 7.1 percent in September to 7.6 percent in October.
National details here.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 09:22:08
Law enforcement sources say two suspects are in custody following the shootout Thursday night that left a Garland County sheriff's officer wounded and a suspect dead in a raid aimed at suspects in five slayings in Garland County Nov. 12.
The basics as told to me: Information was developed that led to issuance of a search warrant related to a weapon taken from one of the two nearby homes in which five people were found slain in rural Pearcy on Nov. 12.
Shooting broke out at a Hot Springs motel when officers tried to enter Thursday night. Deputy Jason Lawrence suffered wounds to the head and is in serious but stable condition today at UAMS. Another deputy suffered minor injuries. One suspect was killed. Two suspects fled. Authorities later arrested them without violent incident in traffic stops early this morning in Hot Springs.
Drugs will be involved in the unraveling of this tale, my source says, though Hot Springs authorities have been tight with details so far.
The sheriff's office has identified Marvin Stringer, 22, as the suspect killed by officers Thursday night. In custody are Samuel Conway and Jeremy Tickney, both 23. They are expected to be accused of stealing items from those slain at Pearcy along with capital murder charges.
Fox 16 has photos of the dead suspect and the two in custody.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 09:11:01
Copy to Sen. Lincoln:
Survey says an overwhelming majority of Arkansas voters -- regardless of feelings on the legislation itself -- want debate in the Senate on the health reform bill. AND an up or down vote on the bill.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 06:29:09
From KARK Facebook page:
A 68-year-old woman was accidentally shot in the thigh by her husband while hunting in Grant County. He thought he was shooting at a deer. She's expected to make it.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 06:23:03
There are many lies from which to choose. Joan Walsh points out one Republican lie about "breast panels."
Republicans claim bureaucrats will deny mammograms to women under 50 thanks to Obama's push for reform.
It's an enormous lie. Various government advisory panels have been trying to ratchet up the age for women to begin routine mammograms (from 40 to 50) going back to the Clinton administration through the George W. Bush administration and now, again, in the Obama administration. I'm not sure which side is right; I know doctors and breast cancer advocates on both sides of the issue. All I know is the recent recommendations have nothing to do with so-called Obamacare.
Friday, November 20, 2009 - 06:19:16
Will Phillips makes the Daily Show. And wrestler Mick Foley promises to bring a world of pain to anybody who messes with him.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 17:07:07
I'm moving to the Hillcrest bureau.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 15:49:14
St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center is opening a neuroscience institute with a team of three
neurosurgeons, including two big name doctors who recently departed UAMS --
Dr. Ali Krisht and
Dr. Osama Al Mefty.
Continue Reading »
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 15:28:48
Despite a change in federal recommendations,
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its related
Health Advantage will continue to cover
mammograms for women 40 and over who have "wellness" coverage.
Release here.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 14:26:40
Huffington Post takes note of a lightly covered speech by Mike Huckabee in which he termed "deplorable" and "shameful" the actions by Republicans who criticize every act by President Obama. He mentioned those who accused Obama of setting up a photo op by meeting the returning bodies of dead service members at a Delaware base and who criticized Michelle Obama for welcoming trick-or-treaters at the White House.
The underlying point, Huckabee concluded, was that knee-jerk criticism to the president was counter-productive to civil debate. "I hated it when people did that to George Bush," he said. "They couldn't even laugh at the man's jokes they found something wrong with everything and if we do that to Barack Obama, then shame on us, shame on us. No wonder our country is so divided when that happens."
Good for Huck.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 13:34:20
The Billionaire Koch Family's snake oil show, Toe-sucking Bro. Dick Morris lead pitchman, apparently has arrived in town to peddle its anti-healthcare sermon. A note from Capitol observer:
The "we hate poor people" bus is here. Looks like about 200-250 people, age range 40-70 (plus a few kids who should be in school), and I've only counted two non-white people in the crowd. Lots of yelling and booing, though.
If you must have some straight coverage ...
ALSO: The Democratic Party backgrounds these bozos. Its news release:
Continue Reading »
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 13:26:17
Might this statement mean Sen. Lincoln might actually allow debate on a health care bill?
Key sentence:
Importantly, even if the Senate decides to open debate on this measure, there will be many days and weeks of efforts to improve it and I will look forward to your comments and observations.
Maybe she hears Bill Halter's footsteps. National writers are prowling all over Arkansas today. They saw Olbermann last night. They noticed a simple two-letter word -- no -- was missing when he was asked if he was considering a run for U.S. Senate in the 2010 Democratic primary. He essentially declined to answer the question.
Here's an article out on the pressure Halter is putting on Lincoln from the Democratic side. There's a minor jumble on something attributed to me regarding the Progressive Change Policy Committee. I know nothing about them. I had made a remark about some differences on polling methodology by someone else. Also, just to be clear, I didn't describe Halter as an outspoken supporter of gay rights. I mentioned only that he'd declared his opposition to initiated Act 1, meant to ban adoption by gay couples. That's enough to get the more sweeping brand with some, of course.
Noted: White House heaping praise on Lincoln for her constructive work to make a better health care bill. But wait: Is a recommendation from Hussein Obama really what a candidate for office in darkest Arkansas wants these days?
ALSO: Zogby polling shows Lincoln in a little better shape against Republican opponents than some other polls, but still indicates health care a death vote. I still say health care is a negative in a vacuum, but not necessarily if Congress actually extends health care to millions more Americans, ends arbitrary insurance company rules, etc.
Continue Reading »
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 11:32:06
Looks like Entergy Arkansas is going to be able to get out of its system agreement with Entergy operating companies in other states. The deal allowed for rate equalization among the states, generally a bad deal for Arkansas.
Here's the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission news release.
FERC chairman notes there will be a new system agreement, so vigilance will be required.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 09:30:07
From this week's Insider: Two weeks ago we reported on the efforts of the Arkansas Society of Freethinkers to put up a winter solstice display on the grounds of the state Capitol. Their application was denied last year because the secretary of state's office said it was not clear on the type of display to be erected. This year, the group submitted a detailed description along with a website, complete with pictures, showing exactly what they had in mind. Their request was, once again, denied.
The reason? Tod Billings, founding member and president of ASF, isn't so sure. The letter the organization received from Charlie Daniels' office simply said their request had been denied and offered no further explanation.
“It's totally a joke,” Billings says. “That letter does not explain what is going on. If there was something offensive in it, they could have pointed that out. But we didn't attack anybody. What other conclusion could be reached other than they are just summarily saying no and free speech is just a sham? That's all there is to it.”
A spokesperson for the secretary of state said the display was not "consistent with the holiday tone" they are trying to create on the Capitol grounds.
Continue Reading »
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 09:29:44
Through Wednesday afternoon, more than 900 people had signed up for appointments for free medical checks at the mass free clinic to be held from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Statehouse Convention Center. A spokesman said on the radio this morning that the doctors and nurses will also try to accommodate walk-ins, but ulimately time will limit how many can be seen.
The Obama organization is organizing volunteers to staff the event to encourage participants to call their congressmen in support of health reform legislation. (PS: these workers won't be inside at the clinic itself, which is non-partisan. But they'll be free to to roam outside, as are teabaggers, etc.)
UPDATE: A spokesman for the national free clinics group said more than 1,000 have signed up for reservations and, with 1,200 medical volunteers ready to work, the clinic should be able to accommodate up to 1,500 patients. (In case you wondered, volunteers have to provide licenses and those licenses are double-checked with licensing agencies for validity before the volunteers can work.) Little Rock turned out more volunteers than Houston, Texas did. That's pretty amazing.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 09:24:35
Roby Brock's Talk Business is reporting a round of layoffs at
Verizon Wireless' big Little Rock operation, the former
Alltel workforce. Numbers are not being released. Verizon says they are not substantial, but Roby's reporting hints they are not insignificant either. Laid-off workers will be eligible, a spokesman notes, for call center jobs Verizon is filling.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 08:12:28
Business Week says Springdale is again this year the best city in Arkansas for raising kids. Criteria: School performance, number of schools, household expenditures, crime rates, air quality, job growth, family income, museums, parks, theaters, other amenities, and diversity.
Affordability, safety and school test scores were given the greatest weight.
Runners-up were Fayetteville and Rogers.
SPEAKING OF CHICKENOPOLIS: Tyson Foods has a new CEO, Donnie Smith, who'd been a senior VP.