Early Deadline for Independents Ruled Unconstitutional

I was the plaintiff in this case. I imagine I will have a lot more to say about it, but this article in the Demo-zette was fair so I will let them tell it for now....

NSA "Regrets" Deleting More Documents

If the IRS ever audits you and demands past documentation, just tell them what the NSA and FBI tell Congress. That ought to work.....

Pet Peeve - Evading Dialogue through Appeal to Authority

"By any chance, does your claim appear in the scholarly literature?" - this is the trendy way that people who cannot address your arguments evade having to do so. It is really just the other side of the fallacy of "appeal to authority" formed as a question. Instead of using an appeal to authority to make a point, they use it to avoid having to consider one. 

They can insulate themselves from any claims that are outside their preferred academic circles. If you do happen to have some applicable scholarly literature they will invariably start looking for some reason why your chosen scholar doesn't qualify to rate being considered. Indeed it is probable that no scholar whose research contradicted their previously held opinions would be "qualified", because the primary motive for the charade is to insulate themselves from have to address the evidence for ideas which conflict with their own.

More UAMS Lay Offs?

Looks like UAMS wants to cut the lean at the bottom to keep the fat at the top. It is really a shame the system has the spending priorities that it has because when I say that higher-ed is over-funded in this state I don't mean higher-ed for medical training. Indeed, as Obamacare continues its slow painful collapse I think we are going to have a bigger need than ever for student-staffed, doctor and nurse run clinics in various parts of the state as a big part of the way to fill the gap. At least we could have if we would prepare that way. Sadly, the vision isn't there because hospitals and insurance companies like the current set-up just fine- even if its unsustainable.

Independent Ballot Access Battle Update

What I think is a pretty entertaining and informative up date with Paul Harrell...

Morgan Jumps in Governor's Race

Governor Asa Hutchinson has a challenger in the Republican primary. It is Hot Springs Gun Range owner and FOX News commentator Jan Morgan. Hutchinson has angered people on the right with continued big-spending policies and several instances where he successfully persuaded the legislature out of more forceful conservative policy. Basically, there is no deterrent to the Governor with a legislature dominated by the party which he heads, and he usually has the support of Democrats in the legislature too. His ability to "get things done" is very strong, but are those things getting done things that the voters will approve of ? The primary is May 22nd. Here is a link to Morgan's announcement speech.