Lincoln's First Six Months as the First Republican President

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, assumed office on March 4, 1861, at a time when the country was deeply divided over issues of slavery and states' rights. The first six months of his presidency were marked by several significant events and decisions that set the stage for the Civil War and shaped the course of American history. As the first Republican President, Lincoln was seen by many as the voice of the abolitionist movement.

Lincoln moved quickly as he took office, one of his first acts as president was to take steps to preserve the Union. He believed that secession was illegal and refused to recognize the Confederacy as a legitimate government. He also called for volunteers to put down the rebellion and authorized the blockade of Southern ports. These actions were met with resistance from many in the South, who saw them as an act of aggression.

Another major issue that Lincoln faced in his first six months as president was the question of slavery. He had campaigned on a platform of limiting the expansion of slavery into new territories, but many in the South saw this as a threat to their way of life. In April 1861, the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in South Carolina marked the beginning of the Civil War and further intensified the debate over slavery.

During this time, Lincoln also struggled to find competent military leadership. He appointed several generals who proved to be ineffective or disloyal, including George B. McClellan and John C. Fremont. It wasn't until the appointment of Ulysses S. Grant as commander of the Union Army in early 1862 that the North began to make significant gains in the war.

Despite these challenges, Lincoln remained committed to his vision for a united and free America. He delivered several influential speeches in his first six months as president, including his first inaugural address and his message to Congress on July 4, 1861. In these speeches, he emphasized the importance of preserving the Union and the need for a strong, united effort to defeat the Confederacy. His main focus was always preserving the Union.

Overall, the first six months of Abraham Lincoln's presidency were marked by challenges and decisions that would shape the course of American history not only during his lifetime, but for the next hundred years or more. His commitment to preserving the Union and his steadfast opposition to slavery set him on a course that would lead to the ultimate defeat of the Confederacy and the eventual end of slavery. Lincoln remained focused on his goals and worked tirelessly to achieve them.

Proposed County Noise Ordinance Raises Noise on Social Media

A proposed noise ordinance in Miller County has some county citizens wanting to make some noise of their own. A planned prayer event will be held on the courthouse lawns at the next Quorum Court Meeting on March 13.

An ordinance proposed by the Quorum Court and currently under review would place noise level restrictions in the county on all citizens. According to the ordinance, a violation will be “noise that is excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud within the confines of Miller County which could annoy, disturb, injure, or endanger the comfort, peace, safety, or health of its residents or other persons.” The proposal lists potential fines starting with the first offense set at two hundred and fifty dollars. The proposal does offer exemptions for certain events, including church meetings, athletic events, parades, as well as events obtaining an exemption.

Citizens immediately took to social media to express support and opposition to the proposed ordinance. Some comments called the proposal “unnecessary,’ or a “waste,” while others said it was needed. From a casual review of the comments, it did appear a large number of people are opposed to the ordinance.

Several people on social media contacted the Dancing Ranch Farm representative Ronnie Dancer. Dancer stated that many wanted to protest the ordinance at the next meeting but that it was proposed to have instead a prayer meeting outside the courthouse on the day of the event. Dancer said he wants people to talk with the JP members and express concerns about the ordinance or support for the ordinance. Dancer pointed out that events at Halloween and Veteran events with fireworks mean that the Dancing Ranch Farm could violate the ordinance if it goes into effect. The Dancing Ranch Farm has been in operation for a little over two years and has seen success in offering a safe environment for kids and teens to host events and parties. When asked if he could possibly obtain an exemption or waiver as noted under Section 4 of the proposed ordinance, Dancer said he had no way of knowing if an exemption or waiver would be granted or what the ordinance’s requirements for such an exemption or waiver constitutes.

Dancer and others plan to meet on the courthouse lawn on March 13th at 5:00 p.m. They play to pray and hopefully talk with some of the JPs about the ordinance. Dance said several people have already been contacting their respective JP representatives. He noted that telephone numbers and contact methods have been posted on social media and can be found on the county website.

Originally published on the Four States News (https://www.fourstatesnews.us/2023/03/01/proposed-county-noise-ordinance-raises-noise-on-social-media/) reprinted here with permission.

Governor Sanders on Biden's State of the Union

Republicans selected Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to give a response to Biden's state of the Union address. Not only did Sanders nail it with her response, but she also brought out key important parts that the current administration seems to ignore.

Governor Sanders pointed out problems of inflation, high gas prices, empty shelves in grocery stores, and bills the average American simply can not pay. The Governor also zeroed in on the current trend of teaching hate to younger generations based on race. While Biden seemed content to act as if everything is excellent for the economy, Sanders boldly pointed out the issues and the failure of the current administration to address those issues.

At one point, Biden outright attacked Republicans stating they wanted to limit programs like Social Security and Medicare, to which Republicans in attendance responded verbally and loudly. Sanders took the charge further in remarks concerning Biden. She stated he is “unfit to serve as commander in chief.” The Republican Governor, sounding more like a Presidential candidate than a Governor, pointed out that Biden's “weakness puts our nation and the world at risk." Once again, Sanders shows how much more in touch with reality she is than the current administration.

Sanders is one of the top rising stars of the Republican Party. She is already breaking records from fundraisers to serving as the first female Governor of Arkansas. Speaker McCarthy called Sanders “a servant-leader of true determination and conviction.” McCarthy could not be more correct as Sanders continues to show the nation what true leadership looks like during a failing Biden administration which appears to lack the ability to know which way is up and which way is down.

Biden Says Chinese Spy Balloons Over the U.S. During Trump Administration

Biden now claims that Chinese spy balloons were "undetected" during the Trump Administration. Does anyone else have an issue with that entire sentece? Let's be logical here for a minute and think about this entire event. If a spy balloon is "undected" then doesn't that mean we don't know about it? If we don't know about it, then how can the Biden Administration claim the spy balloons were over the U.S. during the Trump Administration?

Done thinking? Well, let's be logical now - the entire statement seems to imply that someone knew the spy balloons were over the U.S. during Trump's Administration, but that someone said nothing and left them listed as "undetected. Here's the reason I have a major problem with this thought process:

1. If the Democrats knew about the spy balloons during the Trump Administration, they would have used that knowledge immediately during the campaign season to attack Trump...they did not. 2. If Trump had known about the spy balloons during his administration, there would have been immediate and swift action - like him or not, you have to admit that he responded from almost the first days in office to any threats against the U.S. - just like any president would and should. 3. How does the U.S. suddenly know that there were spy balloons over the U.S. at any time prior to the one we have been infromed about and they shot down? If they did know about it, why was there no action until now and why do they keep saying the spy balloons were "undetected."

No, like or hate Trump, it really doesn't matter, but the fact is it is doubtful any spy balloons were over the U.S. during the Trump Administration. The informaiton about potential spy balloons would have been too good for any campaign running against Trump to overlook. It only now seems, in someone's mind, logical to say that the balloons were over the U.S. during the Trump Administration because Trump is once again running for President. Sadly, there is a potential nationial threat and instead of focusing on the threat and how to deal with it in the future, the Democrats in the White House only point to point fingers at Republicans. So, the cycle of politics continues as the Democrats play games.

Miller County Elections Commission Elects New Chair for 2023-2024 Term

The Miller County Elections Commission met on Friday, January 28th, for the first meeting of the 2023-2024 Elections Commission Term. Returning members included Democrat Brandon Cogburn and Republican Judy Hardin. Charles Cooper, a former Board Member for the City of Fouke, joined the commission as the second Republican member. At the meeting, Cooper was nominated and elected to serve as chair for the 2023-2024 session.

The elections commission of each county in Arkansas serves as the cornerstone for fair and trusted elections across the state. At one time, the commission was made up of one member from each major party and a third member appointed by the Governor. When Mike Huckabee became governor of Arkansas, the house and senate in Little Rock voted to change the appointment process. At that time, the state changed laws to allow the party holding the majority of the state Constitutional offices to appoint the third member to the commission. Not surprisingly, Huckabee was a Republican, and Democrats controlled the senate and house. To further support the change, Democrats noted that they held the majority of the state's Constitutional offices under Huckabee. The commission consisted of two Democrats elected by the county Democrat party and one Republican elected by the county party.

When the Constitutional offices in Arkansas flipped control and Republicans dominated the positions, legislation was presented by Democrats to change the rules again. Fortunately, Republicans controlled both the house and the senate, and that legislation, which would have changed the laws concerning how the commission could be set up, was crushed. Today the party with the majority of Constitutional offices still holds a two-to-one majority in all county election commissions.

The Miller County Elections Commission is supported by poll workers, judges, a coordinator, and the County Clerk's office. Working together with the clerk's office, the commission is responsible for ensuring ballots are accurate, machines are tested and operating correctly, and that all staff receives training to conduct elections. Commissioners themselves are required to attend training and pass written exams regarding state laws about elections. More information about the role of the elections commission can be obtained online at the Arkansas State Board of Elections Commissioners.

Congratulations to Chair Charles Coopper and commissioners Judy Hardin and Brandon Cogburn. The commission will now be tasked with ensuring elections in 2023 and 2024 are conducted fairly for all candidates and that the laws of both Arkansas and the United States are upheld for the integrity of the election process in the county.