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« January 2007 | Main | March 2007 »
Wednesday, February 28, 2007 - 17:20:59
Can we save our union
Not since the civil war has there been an issue that has so divided the citizens of our state. But, this issue goes to our identity - and what is good and valuable in our State. Of course, I'm speaking of a brewing fight in our state legislature as to whether the possessive form of Arkansas is Arkansas' or Arkansas's. This issue gathered national publicity today when Rep. Steve Harrelson, D-Texarkana, introduced a resolution to officially declare the possessive form to be Arkansas's. The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, always out of step with the current trends, has made it clear the only true possessive form is Arkansas'. What is their basis for their claim? For one, the Associated Press Style Guide. For once, I am sitting the fence on this issue and have no opinion. But the fact that it is the only piece of legislation to gather national attention is hilarious. At least its not something like public caning or creation - science for once. I'll take this kind of good natured PR over wacko legislation anyday. Here is the AP article on the issue and the extended entry includes that the U.S. Supreme Court has to say on the issue. Harrelson was on today's NPR - and I'll give him this. He was well spoken and certainly was a great advocate for his position.By Jon Gambrell
ASSOCIATED PRESS 4:54 p.m. February 27, 2007
LITTLE ROCK – Call it Arkansas' apostrophe act – or, as Rep. Steve Harrelson would have it, “Arkansas's apostrophe act.” Harrelson filed a resolution Tuesday to declare the correct possessive form of the state as “Arkansas's.” The resolution carries no legal weight, Harrelson acknowledged, but said a family friend who works as a historian asked him to carry the grammar fight to the floor. Advertisement San Diego Symphony “This is merely a favor,” said Harrelson, a Democrat. “He's been asking me to do this for years and years.” Rules on forming the possessive with the Natural State can be confusing. The Associated Press Stylebook calls for singular proper names ending in 's' to solely have an apostrophe. However, Strunk and White's “The Elements of Style” calls for “'s,” unless using it with an ancient name. Harrelson's friend, Parker Westbrook, describes himself as a “longtime practical Arkansas historian” and makes a case for the “'s” based on history. With English, French and Dutch explorers passing through the state, he said the state at different times was “spelled 70 different ways and pronounced 70 different ways” in its early history. “It is an esoteric subject, yes, but it is amazing how many people don't understand the possessive case,” said Westbrook, 81, of Nashville, Ark. After Arkansas became a state, confusion remained on its spelling and its pronunciation, as many maps from the time spelled it without its final “s.” A resolution by the Legislature in 1881 formalized its current spelling and pronunciation, making its final “s” silent. “What they neglected to do is go one step farther and say what we're saying now,” Westbrook said. To give the state a “possessive sound,” he said it should be spelled “Arkansas's.” If passed by the House, Harrelson said he'd seek a Senate sponsor for an identical measure there. The non-binding resolution would not affect Arkansans' use of apostrophes in Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts or neighboring Texas.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - 17:27:20
March Programs At The Clinton School
next month's lecture series. I already have my reservation for Karl Rove and now I just have to find the perfect tomato to bring him.....as a gift. March Programs at the Clinton School Visit www.clintonschoolresearch.com for more information. Murphy Oil CEO Claiborne Deming, “The El Dorado Promise” Thursday, March 1 at 11:30 a.m. -- Sturgis Hall, Clinton School of Public Service -Deming will discuss the $50 million gift from Murphy Oil that will cover college tuition and fees for all El Dorado High School graduates. Karl Rove, President Bush’s Senior Advisor Thursday, March 8 at 11:00 a.m. -- Statehouse Convention Center Gov. Hall (venue change) -Rove’s presentation will focus on an insider’s view to the American Presidency and comparing modern and historical presidents. Wendell Rawls, Director of the Center for Public Integrity in Washington D.C. Wednesday, March 14 at 6:00 p.m. -- Sturgis Hall, Clinton School of Public Service -Rawls, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, will discuss Arkansas lobby regulations and recent efforts at reform as it compares to other states. Steve Scully, C-SPAN Senior Executive Director Monday, March 19 at 6:00 p.m. -- Sturgis Hall, Clinton School of Public Service -Scully will discuss C-SPAN’s road to the White House. Former Brazilian President Fernando Cardoso Friday, March 23 at 6:00 p.m. -- Great Hall of the Clinton Library -President Cardoso will present "Democracy Today: The Experience of Latin America." *Attendees can make reservations online at www.clintonschoolresearch.com, by emailing Nikolai DiPippa at publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu or calling 501.683.5239.
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