Hillbilly wisdom: follow the money. If that doesn’t work, follow the money. Shortly after the primary elections in Arkansas, I congratulated the Republicans in general and Tom Cotton in particular for their ultimate victory in November over their political foes. Prior to the primaries, I incorrectly thought that there might actually be an election as Tom Cotton had not one but two opponents for the Republican candidate in the fall. This was a new political reality as Cotton did not have opposition in his prior election. Was I wrong or what? The combined total of votes was around 18% against and 82% for Cotton. Arkansas will be red in the fall.

There are many reasons why a changing of the guard might be needed. Tom’s democratic opponent in the fall Shoffner formerly ran a family farm. Arkansas leads the nation in farm bankruptcies and this appeared as a chink in the armor of the Republican party’s control in Arkansas. The mathematical probability of a democrat winning is in my mind near impossible. Now, 2.3million is contributed to the republican party? Although this seems large it is not. This is approximately the same amount given in the two prior elections. Therefore, this may be nothing short of speculation but something is not adding up. Our representatives’ solidarity with Trump’s policies is unquestioned. Arkansas is red. How can our representatives stand and vote for a conflict that is raising prices (fertilizer and diesel) for the farms of Arkansas? Arkansas will probably continue to lead the nation in farm bankruptcies. A big Thank you to Cotton, Bozeman, Crawford, Hill, Womack and Westerman (2×3= the six musketeers). 2.3 million to keep doing business as usual. Arkansas is bought and paid and the price is 2.3million again.

If you are happy with things as they are, stay home and don’t vote in the fall. Business as usual.

Business as usual. Senator Bozeman is introducing legislation that will allow farmers to borrow more money which allow them to fertilizer their crops. Crops which are sold abroad. It is good that he realizes farmers need help. But Throwing money at a problem is treating the symptoms not the problem. It is strategy followed by those representing Arkansans in D.C. This strategy has DIRECTLY contributed to the situation in Arkansas. Under Trump’s second administration agricultural trade has been reduced because of the tariffs imposed.

The blockage of the Strait of Hormuz has effectively increased production cost for crops which are not marketable. This will lead directly to more farm closures. Our representatives stand in solidarity with Trump and his policies. Not once has any of them even hinted that maybe what Trump is doing is wrong. Between them they have the votes necessary to stop this. 2.3 million for the Republican Party is not enough for selling out the people of Arkansas, they chose to continue to go against the well being of the people, not only of Arkansans.