Comments on: Lottery – Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?

By: Jill

Jill — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 04:30:21 +0000

I have heard a lot of talk about how it is the democrats to blame on this, and I will agree to a point. Why did we not stand up and make some noise if we thought it was wrong? I hear that some made their thoughts known, but it must have been among other legislators because I sure did not see it in the media. Let’s face it we blew this one. The blame is our’s to share. It is time to get past the finger pointing and fix it. Senator Madison you deserve a pat on the back for having a back bone and standing up.

By: JS

JS — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:18:43 +0000

Something to consider, as I’ve thought about it: Repealing the lottery legislation would not go around the will of the people. Doing such a terrible act would require that the legislature repeal the constitutional amendment that Arkansans passed–and the legislature has no authority to do so. Repealing the enabling legislation is simply a do-over, and it seems to me that most Arkansans could get behind that.

By: RobbieRocks!

RobbieRocks! — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:33:54 +0000

Steve & Roy – I would hate to think that if elected Trevor would want to tread on state’s rights by exercising influence in matters not related to his position in the US Senate. That would be a pretty liberal abuse of the office. I would hope he was running to be above that type of politics.
“So once again what influence does the legislature have, if they don’t exercise it?” – Guess that was my point. If he believes that the state legislature is not doing right, then he could be the one member that would be willing to be heard and make it right. The people voted for the lottery, so I am assuming that Trevor is arguing that problems are found in the legislation approved by the general assembly? What particular parts of the legislation would he like to see changed? I think that he should send a memo to our state legislators letting them know – so that they can make the changes under his needed direction.
Nonetheless, I look forward to hearing about his positions on national matters.

By: Roy

Roy — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:45:25 +0000

I see Steven made some good points. I would only add, too often leaders duck and run and worry about the political implications of their decisions in future races. To filter your decision making process based on a future election is a flight or fight reaction. In most cases for most politicans it is flight. For Senator Madison, she has shown true leadership by fighting. Good for her!

By: Steven

Steven — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:34:59 +0000

Actually, Robbie, your statement in itself is false and the posting above prove it. First of all it appears by all the postings above that even the Arkansas legislature has no influence on the lottery. Look at how it is already out of control. Furthermore, many of the posters on this thread, believe it should continue to stay out of control until the people can get together and vote again one way or another. So once again what influence does the legislature have, if they don’t exercise it.

Second point US Senate: for anyone to think a US Senator from a state doesn’t have influence is to believe the moon is made out of cheese. While they do not write bills or cater to lobbyists or even vote on internal state issues, trust me a US Senator of the State they represent has a lot of influence. Why do they make a big deal about all the pork they bring in. At a minumum they should be listening to the people they represent at all levels and try and facilitate problems and issues, even if it is in the background. To ignore the people is to commit political suicide.

By: RobbieRocks!

RobbieRocks! — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:16:32 +0000

“…an actual elected leader in the state of Arkansas who joins Trevor Drown and dares to make a difference…”
Roy – Does Treavor realize that the office of US Senate has no influence on the Arkansas Lottery? He should really run for a position in the Arkansas legislature.

By: Brett

Brett — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:47:11 +0000

Jason I think that is a good idea. All you have to do is pick one issue and continually beat it to death. Then talk about how you’re the one talking about that issue. You probably have more name recognition than most of the candidates. However we would have to do some serious polling on if that is positive or negative recognition…..I’m not too sure.

By: Jason

Jason — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 04:15:37 +0000

Good point, Brett. Maybe I should run for Senate. Although I am not sure anyone would notice.

The ArkPo down? I hope not. That would leave a hole in the Arkansas Blogosphere that Gov. Beebe himself could not plug.

By: Brett Hooton

Brett Hooton — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 03:51:53 +0000

Has the Arkansas Project gone down?

By: Brett Hooton

Brett Hooton — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 03:48:33 +0000

You know, Trevor Drown was not the only person every talking against the lottery. Jason has been on the case since the beginning before the vote.

I agree with Jason even though I voted against the lottery. It just doesn’t make sense economically. The people voted for the lottery; this is why we have elections. If we simply disregard this vote of the people, next time it may be your ideological opposites wanting to overturn a vote with which you agree.