Paul Harvey dead

The Chicago Tribune reports here.

The Arkansas Times Blog – UPDATE

It’s been down all day. I am trying to find out what has happened.

UPDATE – All it took was one email from Lyncho, and Max had the thing right back up.

Seriously, It’s back. I have no idea what happened. Maybe Max will comment.

The sound of oxes being gored

Senator Lincoln strikes again. I was sure I heard a distinct “ouch” during the president’s speech.

Lincoln Reaction to President’s Budget

Washington – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) today thanked President Obama for presenting the first federal budget in eight years that is transparent on proposed spending.  However, she cautioned against some provisions in his budget that would further damage the precarious rural economy.

“I am appreciative of President Obama’s efforts to craft a budget that reduces the deficit while addressing the needs of our working families across the country,” Lincoln said.  “And I commend the President for presenting an honest budget.  After years of budget tricks by the Bush Administration, Americans deserve a true representation of their government’s spending priorities.

“However, the President’s budget would break the contract our federal government made with rural communities in the 2008 Farm Bill, which was fully paid for.  The President has called for shared sacrifice from all sectors of our nation.  I believe that production agriculture has already paid that price and then some.  We should not threaten the safety net that enables our producers to provide a safe and abundant supply of food and fiber by reopening the farm bill, which was completed less than a year ago.  Further, the farm bill is a multi-year contract with growers, which they have a right to rely upon in making future decisions.  It is unfair and unwise to change the rules before the bill has even been implemented.

“I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues in Congress on a responsible budget that cuts the deficit without jeopardizing the safe and abundant supply of food that is taken for granted all too often.”