Since Jeff's comments were edited out, some clarification is in order:
1) The comment was made that if this tax passes, funding will go to Ozark Regional Transit. That may or may not be true, but there is nothing in the language of the measure as passed by the quorum court that guarantees that money will actually go to ORT.
2) The statement was made that ORT has a 35% increase in ridership every year. This is completely untrue and easily proven. In fact, if it were not for free rides offered in December, ridership would have actually decreased last year. ORT's statistic was unchallenged and merely reported as fact.
3) There is the insuation made that there is no possible way for disadvantaged people to get around unless we use a LOT of public money to do it. First of all, government cannot provide everything people want/need. Secondly, it certainly does not take this huge sum of money to accomplish that.
4) The pro-tax people are making the claim that this is a "freedom" issue. "Freedom" does not (and never has) meant "freedom" to enslave people with burdensome taxes in order to buy overpriced and unnecessary things for some people. That is not "freedom" by any definition of the word. For every increase in taxes there is an increase in the degree of slavery. People are still free to look for innovative ways to get transportation needs met. It's just that high dollar government-run programs should not be the first and only option on the table. ORT is not willing to have that conversation.
5) If this tax passes, how long until they will insist on raising the tax because they need even more money to continue their overpriced program?
A "Tree Party Rebellion" (A fascinating story of local government and a county sheriff standing up to federal control--and winning!)
"Communities all over the country feel that their hands are tied with one-size-fits-all DC Brand Red Tape. The rules and regulations prevent them from doing what is best for their specific circumstances. The situation has escalated to the point where elected officials are now taking charge to do what is local and logical.
What took place this weekend in the rural New Mexico town of Cloudcroft could become the model for all who want to cut the red tape. Hundreds of people were at what is being called the “Otero County Tree Party” in support of realigning the federal government and putting them back where they belong..." (Click here and here to read more of this story.)
Washington County Tea Party "billboard" in Springdale, AR (May 8, 2012):
***Special Announcement**
A video of the entire Freedom Fair on October 22, 2010 is now available for only $10.00 from Northwest Arkansas Citizens for Better Government. It contains hours of exciting, freedom-loving speakers. It's the next best thing to being there! You may order through PayPal on their web site (www.nwacfbg.org) or send a check to NWACFBG, 1541 N. Starr Dr. Fayetteville, AR 72701.
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Did you know about half the Christians in this country are not registered to vote? Do you realize how much influence you have? What can YOU do to get out the vote? Check out the 2-minute video here:
2 hour Very Informative DVD
$5.00 includes shipping
Check it out