The World Protest Against Shale Gas Fracking

by Mark Daniels

Global Political Awakening

Protests held today in several states including Arkansas against shale gas fracking. It's a process used to get natural gas out of the shale.  In Little Rock a small group at the state capitol gathered to express their outrage over what they say are the negative effects of fracking. 

Armed with signs that read  "I fought for my country in Vietnam I should not have to fight for clean drink water!" and "clean water is more valuable than gas" Arkansans fed up with a natural gas drilling process known as fracking joined forces on the steps of the State Capitol Wednesday to send a message and raise awareness about hydraulic-fracking. 

Donna Adolph, President of Arkansans for Gas Drilling Accountability says, "It's a process of extracting natural gas from shale layers underground with high pressure water, sand, and very toxic chemicals." 

A process Adolph, says is posing major health risks. 

Adolph says, "All over the world we are having water contamination from this process, air pollution that is unbelievable. The toxins cause cancers, all kinds of neurological diseases and especially in small children." 

Andy Cheshier, President of C.A.R.E., Citizens Against Resource Exploitation, says "The chemicals they are using we really don't know what they are because they say they are proprietary. They won't tell us. Thanks to the "Halibut Loophole" they don't have to tell us what these chemicals are. I can tell you they are very dangerous. There are up to 900 of them we know now. 

The protestors fear salt water injection wells used to dispose of the water from the fracking process are causing earthquakes. 

Adolph says, "These earthquakes can affect the casings that are suppose to protect our water and no one is checking them. " 

It's out of their love for the Natural State the protestors say they are speaking out. 

Adolph says, "It's just a call for people all over the world to take notice to this problem. This could be a greater natural disaster than the Gulf because it affects all of our water."    

The protestors are pushing for the Frack Act to pass on a federal level requiring companies to disclose the chemicals they are using in the fracking process. 

Meanwhile, the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission has proposed a rule that would require companies operating in the state to disclose the chemicals they used after a well is completed. That proposal will voted on at the next Oil and Gas Commission meeting December 7th.

For more information about the damage caused by Gas Drilling, please read Collateral Damage: A Chronicle of Lives devastated by Gas and Oil Development and the Valient Grassroots Fight to Effect Political and Legislative Change ... Gas and Oil Industry in the United States and watch Gasland.

Press Release
Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2010 23:08:40 -0400

Arkansans for Gas Drilling Accountability
&
C.A.R.E
(Citizens Against Resource Exploitation)

Contact: Sharon Golgan
For Immediate Release
501-255-6961
email: sgolgan@cebridge.net


On Wednesday November 3, 2010
2:00PM
THE WORLD PROTEST AGAINST SHALE GAS FRACKING
Arkansas (Little Rock), Texas (Dallas/Ft Worth), Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh), New York
Australia, New Zealand

This is the very first World Protest Against Shale Gas Fracking! On Wednesday, November 3, we will come together on the Arkansas State Capitol steps to join our voices with thousands of people across the world as we express our outrage in unison over the negative effects of shale gas fracking.  Simultaneously,  delegations from seventeen countries will attend the World Shale Gas Conference and Exhibition in Dallas to discuss investment and profit opportunities in shale gas while shale gas operations are making people sick in communities just a few miles away.

Citizens are being devastated by chemicals used in fracking fluids. They have recently been found in people’s blood, and private drinking wells, and people are becoming ill from breathing air contaminated with toxic emissions. Sadly, private land is being seized through abusive eminent domain practices, and dumped on legally and illegally through  land applications of toxic produced water, land farms, dumping in our streets and waterways, and injection wells.  Additionally, injection wells and fracking may also bear some culpability in the recent onslaught of earthqakes that have been rocking our state on a daily basis, while  the regulators do absolutely nothing other than facilitate more drilling and fracking.

 Now, because of the "Haliburton Loophole" signed into law by George Bush in 2005,  these gas drillers are not obligated to adhere to the Superfund, Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.  It has been relegated to the state level where the states involved do not have the funds nor the man power to properly oversee such massive production as we are witnessing in Arkansas.

We as citizens want to develop new standards to ensure that Arkansas remains the true Natural State, and that our beautiful rivers, lakes, and streams remain among the most pristine natural water sources in America.  We stand at a crossroads with the natural gas industry.  We can either continue to be the Natural State or we can go down in history as the state that sold our natural resources and our citizens health down a river of pollution in exchange for a fast buck.

Contacts for the day of event as follows:
Andy Cheshier, President of C.A.R.E.

Donna Adolph, President, Arkansas for Gas Drilling Accountability

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School Official Wants Gays Dead

ADVOCATE

Arkansas school board member Clint McCance believes "queers" and "fags" should kill themselves — that is, if they don't get AIDS and die first.

By Neal Broverman

While schools across the country are taking action against bullying and suicide, a board member of an Arkansas school district is using his Facebook page to encourage "queers" and "fags" to kill themselves.

Clint McCance is a board member in the Midland school district in northern Arkansas. Responding to a call to wear purple last Wednesday to support LGBT youth, McCance wrote the following message on his Facebook page: "Seriously they want me to wear purple because five queers killed themselves. The only way im wearin it for them is if they all commit suicide. I cant believe the people of this world have gotten this stupid. We are honoring the fact that they sinned and killed thereselves because of their sin. REALLY PEOPLE."

Initially, six people "liked" McCance's message. He also received supportive comments, though some challenged his statement. A commenter wrote, "Because hatred is always right." That led McCance to write, "No because being a fag doesn't give you the right to ruin the rest of our lives. If you get easily offended by being called a fag then dont tell anyone you are a fag. Keep that shit to yourself. I dont care how people decide to live their lives. They dont bother me if they keep it to thereselves. It pisses me off though that we make a special purple fag day for them. I like that fags cant procreate. I also enjoy the fact that they often give each other aids and die. If you arent against it, you might as well be for it."

McCance was again challenged on his statements — and his Christianity. Wrote one commenter: "YOU NEED TO STOP AND THINK FOR A SEC GREAT YOU BIG CHRISTIAN MAN ! SO KEEP ALL OF YOUR THOUGHTS TO YOUR SELF YOU DONT WANT PPL TALKIN ABOUT YOUR FAMILY SO DONT TALK BOUT OTHERS."

McCance responded with, "I would disown my kids they were gay. They will not be welcome at my home or in my vicinity. I will absolutely run them off. Of course my kids will know better. My kids will have solid christian beliefs. See it infects everyone."

It's not clear if McCance has taken down the thread, since his Facebook page is private — the messages were made available to The Advocate via a forwarded screen capture. The superintendent of the Midland school district was unavailable and a phone call to the principal of the Midland High School was not returned. There was no response to e-mails to the superintendent and to the secretary of the Midland school board.

"Clint McCance has put a face on the hate that devastates our young people," says Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese. "McCance shouldn't be allowed near children, let alone managing their education. We call for his immediate resignation from the school board."

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Bill Clinton Comes Home Again to Stump for Arkansas Democrats

Comment:  The only way to get rid of the corrupt politicians like Bill Clinton and Blanche Lincoln is to vote for an alternative, third party candidate.  The False Dichotomy of the Republican  and Democrat, Duality of Lies, Propaganda Party system is exposed and obsolete.


As reported by KARK 4 News , former President Bill Clinton is back home in Arkansas today to help out a few fellow Democrats. Click here to see the Twitter page of KARK 4's Sonseeahray Tonsall for pics of Clinton's visit.

He started the day with a meet and greet reception at Copper Grill for State Senator Joyce Elliott to benefit her campaign for U.S. Congress. After that, he gave the keynote address for Winrock International's 25th anniversary luncheon at the Clinton Presidential Center.

Tonight, he's teaming up with Sen. Blanche Lincoln at an event in Little Rock at Union Station to celebrate her one year anniversary as chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. 

She also has the former Chief Executive's support in her battle for re-election against Rep. John Boozman. The race also includes Green Party candidate John Gray, Independent Trevor Drown and write-in candidate Stephan Hercher. Polls of Arkansas voters suggest Boozman is heavily favored in the contest.

"As Chairman of the Senate Ag Committee, which oversees nearly one-third of our state's economy, my top priority is utilizing this leadership position as a pipeline for jobs and economic opportunity for our state. I am grateful for President Clinton's support in this election and look forward to celebrating what I consider 'Arkansas's Committee' with my fellow Arkansans on September 8," says Lincoln in a statement.

Clinton backed the two-term senator in the primary and campaigned in person with her in the days before June's runoff contest, helping the senator fend off a tough challenge from Lt. Gov. Bill Halter.

While in Arkansas, Clinton will also appear at an event with congressional candidate Chad Causey, who Clinton also backed in the primaries. Causey faces Republican Rick Crawford for the seat left open by the retirement of Democratic Rep. Marion Berry.

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High Speed Chase Ends in Officer Involved Shooting

by Mark Daniels


According to KATV News, "A high speed chase ends with the suspect shot in North Little Rock, Arkansas early Monday morning."

The report indicated that Arkansas State Police attempted to stop a vehicle being pursued by Sherwood Police just after 12:30. The suspect, Olajuwon L. Hicks, 27, of Sherwood was traveling southbound on U.S. 67 from Sherwood. 

Hicks continued to flee State Police and Sherwood Police onto Interstate 40 where Troopers "spiked" the tires of the vehicle.  Hicks then proceeded westbound on I-40, turning onto Interstate 30 westbound.

Eventually, Troopers were able to slow and stop Hicks west of the I-30 exit onto Broadway in North Little Rock.

The report alleges that Hicks rammed one state police vehicle then reversed and rammed a second patrol car to the rear, trapping one state trooper who had begun to exit the car in an attempt to arrest Hicks. 

The officer chose to shoot Mr. Hicks.  Apparently, Mr. Hicks' injuries were not fatal.  Hicks was transported to a local hospital. The state trooper was not seriously injured. 

What is not clear is why the officers chose to use "deadly force" against an already  immobilized vehicle occupant. Does this sound like a case of "excessive force"?

Lincoln, Chambliss Introduce Legislation to Halt EPA’s Effort to Over-Regulate Farmers, Foresters

Lincoln, Chambliss Introduce Legislation to Halt EPA’s Effort to Over-Regulate Farmers, Foresters
August 06, 2010

Lincoln, Chambliss Introduce Legislation to Halt EPA’s Effort to Over-Regulate Farmers, Foresters, Ranchers

Washington — U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Ranking Member Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) today announced they have introduced legislation that aims to clarify that additional permits are not required for pesticide application in accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).  The bill, S. 3735, will bring legal and regulatory certainty for our farmers, foresters and ranchers regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent actions related to the Clean Water Act.  

“Subjecting our farmers, foresters, and ranchers to an additional layer of bureaucracy under the Clean Water Act was never Congress’ intent,” said Lincoln. “Our legislation is very simple: as long as a producer is complying with FIFRA, then no Clean Water Act permit will be required.  During the more than 35 years since the enactment of the Clean Water Act, the EPA has never required a permit for the application of FIFRA-registered crop protection products.  Our bill would extend this common-sense approach and avoid duplicative, unnecessary burdens on our farmers, foresters, and ranchers.” 

“Once again the EPA has overreached its authority, causing serious consequences our agriculture sector,” said Sen. Chambliss.  “By refusing to defend current law and its own reasonable regulations, the EPA is unfortunately in the position to place unnecessary, burdensome and duplicative permit requirements on producers, mosquito control districts and states.  Our legislation would simply prevent the EPA from imposing an erroneous regulation that does absolutely nothing to further protect or enhance the environment.”    

American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman said, “American Farm Bureau Federation strongly supports legislation introduced today by Senators Lincoln and Chambliss to remedy the harmful effects of a court decision that puts farmers at risk of unnecessary and burdensome regulation.  This legislation does nothing more than clarify what has been the situation for nearly forty years – that lawful application of pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) does not trigger regulatory requirements in other programs.  Congress must step up and take action to clarify the questions raised by a flawed court ruling that, if left to stand, will have ramifications for farmers and ranchers around the country.  Farmers know the label on each chemical they use is the law of the land and that they must use chemicals properly.  Having additional regulations and bureaucratic red tape will not improve food safety or the environment. We commend the senators for their leadership on this important issue.”

“The rice industry has been greatly concerned about the overreaching of the Clean Water Act into areas that have been historically and successfully regulated by FIFRA, and the additional burdens that this proposal is going to bring to everyone that uses pesticides; and while we don't believe that this proposed permit system applies to rice production, we are pleased that Senators Lincoln and Chambliss are stepping up to provide legislation to correct this misinterpretation by the courts. The US rice industry works hard to provide a safe and affordable crop to both domestic and international consumers and the ability to do that is jeopardized whenever laws that were never intended to regulate a process are mistakenly used to do just that.  We believe that this legislation will put the Clean Water Act back on the course originally intended by Congress,” said  Ray Vester, Arkansas rice producer and Chairman of the USA Rice Federation's Environmental Regulatory Subcommittee.

“Once again Senator Lincoln is demonstrating her leadership and support for those issues important to Arkansas by joining Senator Chambliss in introducing this common sense bill that will allow the continued responsible, efficient, and cost effective use of pesticides by the forestry and agriculture community. We applaud Senators Lincoln and Chambliss on their quick response to this very important issue,” said Max Braswell, Executive Vice President of the Arkansas Forestry Association.
Why almost everyone is wrong about how to survive any food shortage or crisis!

“We applaud the efforts of Senators Lincoln and Chambliss in introducing legislation to allow the use of pesticides or herbicides in forestry operations without the need of a Clean Water Act permit so long as the pesticide or herbicide is being used in accordance with labeling requirements.  The requirement of a permit would be yet another stumbling block to an industry struggling to survive during financially hard times.  The timber industry is vital to Arkansas’ economy and Arkansas families and we are grateful for this effort to support the sustainability of our industry through some very difficult challenges,” said Larry Boccarossa, Executive Director, Arkansas Timber Producers Association.

“The proposed NPDES permit for pesticide use would provide no additional environmental protection yet would impose additional regulatory burdens on U.S. cotton producers. We commend Senators Lincoln and Chambliss for their foresight and diligence on this new bill which would ensure that U.S. agriculture is not subject to unnecessary and redundant regulations,” said Ronny Lee, National Cotton Council Environmental Task Force member from Bronwood, GA.

 “This bill will restore certainty for cotton farmers who use crop protectant products safely and responsibly.  Pesticides have been regulated successfully by FIFRA for years.  This bill will prevent EPA from imposing unnecessary, duplicative, and confusing regulatory burdens on farmers,” said National Cotton Council Chairman Eddie Smith, a Floydada, TX, cotton producer.

“NCGA is pleased that Senators Lincoln and Chambliss have taken a bold step towards restoring common sense pesticide regulations and appreciates the bipartisan effort,” NCGA President Darrin Ihnen, a farmer in Hurley, S.D., said.  “The new permitting program is scheduled to take effect in April 2011, and it is imperative that Congress take action on this bill prior to that date.”

“Senator Lincoln’s bill ensuring that the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) has primacy over the use of pesticides is a win for both the environment and agriculture. Extremely robust science must be collected under FIFRA proving the safety of a pesticide to water and a number of other environmental components.  The Sixth Circuit decision requiring water permits for pesticides would result in a bureaucratic morass, and unnecessary, costly and time-consuming procedures for farmers and applicators.  This would notably hamper their ability to provide food, fiber, bio-fuel and to protect the public health.  Senator Lincoln deserves the appreciation of American farmers and farm-service providers for all of her efforts to repeal the 6th Circuit’s decision in National Cotton Council, et al. v. EPA, 553 F.3d 927,” said Andrew D. Moore, National Agricultural Aviation Association Executive Director.

The bill makes it clear that producers that are in compliance with requirements of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) do not need to obtain Clean Water Act permits. The bill will protect public health and safeguard the environment by ensuring that producers are in strict compliance with FIFRA while simultaneously eliminating duplicative regulatory obligations that would be imposed if Clean Water Act permits are required. 

During the more than 35 years since the enactment of the Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency has never required a Clean Water Act permit for the application of FIFRA-registered farm chemicals.  The FIFRA Paperwork Reduction Act will prevent EPA from doing so in the future.