Arkansas Blog

Why would it matter how the effect of the grocery tax is eliminated? A targeted grocery tax rebate program would provide more relief to those struggling to make ends meet. Tourists and the very rich would continue to pay the tax allowing for larger relief for lower income Arkansans.

A look back at the term of Governor Mike Beebe

December 28, 2010

"What could have been". Most conversations in coffee shops and diners across Arkansas included that phrase, referencing the condition of the state since Mike Beebe took office four years ago. Beebe took control of a state riding the wave of prosperity, advancement, and optimism.

Beebe was swept into office on the coat-tails of a national resentment against Republicans in the mid-term elections of 2006. The first year of his term, Beebe was given a free pass by a large contingent of media, still savoring in the honeymoon of good feelings.

Brummett, Lancaster, Max Wrently, and many more were like school girls gazing in amazement as their fearless leader took to the steps of the capital that fine January morning in 2007. Their faces shone will glee as Beebe put forth his vision for Arkansas. At one point, an observer witnessed an incredible sight. As Beebe artfully weaved a picture that would make Orval Faubus grin from the grave, Brummett quietly reached into his coat pocket, pulled a tissue out, and gently wiped the tears from Wrently's face. Max was so moved by the emotions of the day, he could no longer contain them.

Sadly, four years later, there are others crying. Same emotions that cannot be contained, this time, however, they are coming from the separate end of the emotional spectrum. A single mother, Kim Thomas, was continuing to struggle after four years of Beebe controlled state government.

"We were promised tax relief. It never came. I work a factory job to provide to my child and I still pay taxes on my groceries. Beebe promised us one thing, and then turned his back on us."

These are the voices of everyday Arkansans. Sure, I know what you are saying, what about all those people that supported Beebe. Well, Barbara Streisand is, well, she is doing just fine. Lee Scott continues to run the biggest company in the world. Max Wrently continue to type on a keyboard. Brummett has improved his tennis game, and probably the biggest winner in four years of the Beebe administration has been Seth, Too Tall, Blomley.

You see four years ago, Too Tall Blomley had fallen on hard times. He covered Mike Huckabee's last Christmas Gala is hiking boots, Jeans, and a polo shirt. Four years of Beebe have been good for Seth. Lets just say he would have won the award for best dressed this past year.

But I digress. And I guess have not been fair and balanced. Let me highlight the accomplishments of Beebe these past four years.

- Saved the state money on Education (shut down more schools)
- Created more state funded programs
- Got rid of that pesky surplus
- Diversified the state's population (again this one is more difficult to gauge, since most of the Hispanic population that has moved into the state are untraceable.)
- .and last but not least, moved Arkansas out of the Dark Ages and restored liquor to the Governor's Mansion

But alas! There is rejoicing in the state once again, for it is election time! Time to write those checks and be amazed as Beebe paints a picture for the next four years.

Is it too late to ask for one last Christmas present?

Well done, Maxwell!

Thats awesome.
too bad your others are too graphic to post.

December 28, 2010

Former President George W. Bush begins his 2nd year in prison laying on his belly in the prison infirmary recovering from a giant ass attack while showering earlier in the week. This is the 4th reported incident of this type since Bush began serving his 24 consecutive life sentences for international fraud, treason and war crimes.

Morning brings the news that the grave of former Vice President Dick Cheney was again desecrated by unknown vandals the night of the 21st. An unnamed FBI source reported 387 lbs of dog feces mixed with little paper flags bearing the likeness of former President Bush was dumped on Cheney's grave.

Further, untold gallons of liquid rumored to be horse urine was standing in foul puddles ankle deep in and around the gave of the former VP. Cheney was found choked by a long rake handle in his cell last January. "Dang near went out his butt", a prison trusty was quoted as saying.

In Arkansas former Governor Mike Huckabee was arrested while shoplifting in a North Little Rock Wal-Mart over the weekend. Unshaven and wild eyed, he was caught with 4 large tubes of Vagisil, in his coat pockets.

Mostly incoherent, Mr. Huckabee screamed something that sounded like, "she's itching all night, all day and I can't get no sleep. The former governor hit hard times after a conviction of election fraud cost him his PAC and forced him into bankruptcy in 2009.

In other news Kim Thomas was sentenced to 8 years in prison for attempting to sell her child to a sexual predator from Ohio on eBay after being arrested for prostitution a month earlier.

Tonight all of Arkansas gathered in Little Rock to see Governor Mike Beebe awarded by the National Governors Association for single-handedly pulling Arkansas out of 49th place to its current ranking of 24th in 4 short years.

Keynote speaker Vice President Barack Obama, filling in for President Hillary Clinton who is in Oslo to pick up her Nobel Peace Prize for ending the Iraq Oil War, stated that the amazing turn-around by the nation's 25th state was just short of a miracle.

Vice President Obama praised Beebe for his leadership that jettisoned this once lowly banana republic state into the middle of the pack, "If I'm not careful Mike will have my job.", Obama said before handing Beebe the Medal of Honor once given to Paul Bremer as a token of affection from the White House.

"This medal, like the State of Arkansas, was wrestled from the clutches of a bad man, and it gives me great pleasure to give it a new home in the office of best darned governor in the South today!"

Ahhh....Christmas comes in January this year. Felice Navidad buckaroos and buckarettes!

Graphically inspiring DBI. One of your best !
_

Yes, it DOES matter how the grocery sales tax is eliminated for the poor. Many of the poor DO NOT file taxes at all, because they don't have to since they make so little. Those folks wouldn't get ANYTHING with a rebate.

On the other hand, lowering or eliminating the grocery tax would do the trick.

Besides, those that are tourists and the more wealthy eat out, have caterers, or order in a lot more, so they really aren't paying as much in grocery taxes as the middle class and poor are anyway.

In fact, if it is a problem, the taxes on things like caterers and restaurants should be raised to offset the grocery tax. That would solve that issue.