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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Senator Lincoln Selling Earmarks and Globalization for Re-Election Bid

by Mark Daniels
Global Political Awakening

Danny Johnston / AP

In this photo taken Aug. 18, 2010, U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., is interviewed at her campaign headquarters in Little Rock, Ark. Ignoring Republican complaints about wasteful federal spending, Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln is reminding voters _ in dollars _ of what's she's done for Arkansas during nearly 12 years in Washington. Defending projects typically derided as pork is a tricky stance for a vulnerable incumbent, but Lincoln has turned her re-election fight into an argument for pet projects
Senator Lincoln held one of her now infamous "teletown hall" meetings last night, in which I participated (listened to her go on about how much money she has delivered to Arkansas special interest groups).. I've been trying to to gain a seat at the table with Senator Lincoln for some time now; therefore I wasn't surprised when she "didn't have time to get to me" during last nights' conference (She screens the questions before the voters are allowed speaking privileges).

I planned to ask her about why she has failed, along with 99% of Congress, to provide leadership in combating Washington corruption, especially the "Federal Reserve" system's criminal activities and the myriad of global threats, including the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change falsifying scientific data in order to sell the "global warming" hoax to the American people (Read Related Articles), Tax-Exempt Foundations, such as Rockefelller, Gates, Ford, Council on Foreign Relations, etc funding covert operations to destroy America's national sovereignty in favor of a global scientific dictatorship, and the Wall Street banksters getting away with the economic rape of the American people.

Of course, when I was asked by her "screener" what I wanted to ask the Senator, I simply told her that I wanted to ask about the effects of Globalization on our country.  Although time is limited, do not screen the questions if you truly want to hear from the voters.

Senator Lincoln seems to think Arkansas votes are easily "bought" with millions of dollars in earmarks during a time in history in which we are facing  tremendous economic uncertainty coupled with global threats from some very rich and powerful people.

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Concerning Earmarks

Associated Press writer, Andrew DeMillo reports:

Little Rock, AR-Ignoring Republican complaints about wasteful federal spending, Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln is reminding voters — in dollars — of what's she's done for Arkansas during nearly 16 years in Washington.

Nearly every day, her campaign and Senate offices trumpet money that she's helped secure for her home state — from $13,811 for the Hope Police Department to buy a new cruiser to a $102 million stimulus-funded grant for the state to pay for broadband Internet.

Defending projects typically derided as pork is a tricky stance for a vulnerable incumbent, but Lincoln has turned her re-election fight into an argument for pet projects — calling them the "great equalizer" for small, rural states like Arkansas.

"I'm going to fight hard for my state because, let me tell you, these dollars are going to go somewhere else if we don't get them," Lincoln told The Associated Press.

It's a return to the basics for Lincoln, who is trailing in most polls. She's faced anger from both the right and the left, with liberal activists trying unsuccessfully earlier this year to throw her out of office in the Democratic primary.

Her opponent, Republican Congressman John Boozman, also brought millions of dollars in projects to his Arkansas district before signing on to a House GOP moratorium on earmarks. Lincoln says he's sacrificing the state's interests for politics.

Lincoln co-sponsored 91 earmarks in the 2010 budget totaling nearly $115 million, according to Taxpayers for Common Sense. Boozman sponsored or co-sponsored 31 earmarks totaling more than $30 million the same year.

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Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) Give Responses about abolishing the Federal Reserve

Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) Give Responses about abolishing the Federal Reserve

by Mark Daniels

I recently contacted Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR) and Blanche Lincoln concerning the Federal Reserve's criminal activity.  I was not surprised by the response I received from them.

They both began by providing general information about the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Reserve system.  Both Senators pointed our recent legislation enacted to Audit the Federal Reserve.  Senator Lincoln gave credit to Congressman Ron Paul for introducing the original legislation in the House.  Neither Senator indicated that the legislation was significantly weakened before final passage.

As an Arkansan, I am ashamed of our Senators because neither of them have demonstrated leadership by introducing any legislation that would limit the Federal Reserve's criminal activity.  It was only after a long, arduous battle led by Ron Paul that the Audit the Fed legislation gained enough support for the Arkansas Senators to jump on board.  They certainly don't mind congratulating themselves for someone else hard work.

I can give Senator Lincoln credit for her candor; she not only gave credit to Ron Paul, she also stated that she does NOT support any measures to abolish the Federal Reserve.  Senator Pryor ignored Mr. Paul's hard work and failed to directly answer my question about abolishing the Federal Reserve.

They both act like we are idiots!  I will never vote for another Republican  or Democrat as long as the Federal Reserve is allowed to continue it's criminal activity.

I have included both Senators responses to my question concerning the abolishment of the Federal Reserve below.

Senator Mark Pryor's Response:

Thank you for contacting me regarding oversight of the Federal Reserve System (Fed). I appreciate hearing from you. 

The U.S. central banking system was established in 1913 by the Federal Reserve Act (P.L. 63-43). The current structure of the Fed has three major components established by the original Act. First, a Board of Governors oversees the whole Federal Reserve and has responsibility for monetary policy. Second, there are 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks, which carry out supervision and examination of commercial banks that are Fed members. The member banks, all national banks and all state-chartered banks that choose to be members of the System, make up the third component.

I believe that Congress must achieve a balance between assuring independence for the Fed's operations and making the agency accountable for its actions. Congress exercises oversight on the Federal Reserve in a variety of ways. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve is required to send a Monetary Policy Report to the Congress twice a year outlining its monetary policy. Usually, the Chairman of the Fed testifies to Congress on this report. The Federal Banking Agency Audit Act (P.L. 95-320) was enacted in 1978 to enhance congressional oversight responsibilities. The law gives the Government Accountability Office (GAO) the authority to audit the Board of Governors, the Reserve Banks and branches. Such audits are limited, however, as GAO is prohibited from auditing monetary policy operations.

You may be interested to know that on May 11, the Senate voted 96-0 to require the GAO to conduct an audit of the Fed. I voted for this amendment that directs the GAO to include in its report details about emergency lending programs created by the Fed, the amount of financial assistance provided, and to whom this assistance was provided. The Fed will be required to publish this information on its website by December 1, 2010.

Although I am not a member of the Senate Banking Committee, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind regarding oversight and transparency at the Federal Reserve should any related legislation come before the full Senate.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I value your input. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my office regarding this or any other matter of concern to you.

Sincerely,

Mark Pryor

United States Senate

Senator Blanche Lincoln's Response:

Thank you for contacting me regarding abolishment of the Federal Reserve.

Congress created the Federal Reserve System and Board of Governors in 1913 as an independent agency to manage national monetary policy and provide oversight over some the country's national financial institutions. In the House of Representatives, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas has introduced legislation (HR 833) to abolish the Federal Reserve System. Similar legislation has not been introduced in the Senate.

I appreciate knowing your views regarding the Federal Reserve and our country's financial state. While I do not support abolition of the Federal Reserve, I do believe Congress should act to impose new transparency requirements on the Federal Reserve's portfolio and lending practices.

Over the past year, the Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Department of Treasury, has taken unprecedented levels of action in an effort to stabilize America's financial institutions. However, these efforts have been marred by an unacceptable lack of transparency regarding these agencies' use of taxpayer funds. Transparency is critical to maintaining support for Treasury's efforts in the financial sector, as the American public must have confidence that their money is being used in an effective and responsible manner.

In the Senate, I have co-sponsored the Federal Reserve Sunshine Act (S. 604), which would expand oversight and require greater transparency at the Federal Reserve. Specifically, this legislation would require a complete audit of the Federal Reserve by the Comptroller General and would require additional information be published on the Federal Reserve web site. The information to be published would include the names of any individuals, businesses, governments or entity who has received financial assistance from the Federal Reserve, the terms and amount of the assistance received and the rationale for each transaction.

This legislation is currently awaiting consideration in the Senate Banking Committee. Rest assured, I will keep your thoughts in mind and will continue working to bring about greater transparency and accountability at the Federal Reserve.

Thank you again for contacting me. To learn more about my work in Congress, I encourage you to visit my online office and sign up for my e-newsletter at http://www.lincoln.senate.gov.  I am proud to serve the citizens of Arkansas in the United States Senate and hope you will not hesitate to let me know whenever I may be of assistance to you.

 

Sincerely,

Blanche L. Lincoln

 

BLL:mc

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.
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“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.