ARDem here, and welcome to Blue Arkansas. I’m a Democrat…a REAL Democrat, and by that I mean I’m a liberal/progressive Democrat and damn proud of it. It’s not easy being a left winger in Arkansas, but it’s not just the Republicans that make it so, it’s also the endless sea of conservative Democrats, the Blue Dogs and their ilk that push a corporate agenda with no concern for people, that don’t care about the poor, minorities, the environment, or the victims of war. And that’s where this blog comes in.
My greatest ambition is to grow this site to become a real force in the Arkansas political landscape the way other political blogs have across the country. That will take a lot of time and effort, but it’s worth it, because I want to see this state change for the better. I want good government, sound public policy, and a successful progressive agenda advanced at the local, state, and federal levels. I want to give the progressive community in Arkansas a place to come together, both to unwind and, more importantly, to organize. I want to provide a counter voice within the party to the do nothing, so called “moderates” and right wing Democrats that do more to thwart progressive policy than any Republican could ever do. I want Blanch Lincoln, Mike Ross, Marion Berry, Dustin McDaniel, and all the rest to be held accountable and made to do far better than what little their sorry lot has given us. It’s a tall order, but in due time it will be reality, and in the meantime it will give me a place to rant.
So, to the progressives and liberals that might be reading I say let’s come together and strengthen the hand of our community here in the Natural State. To those that are unaffiliated or don’t follow politics I invite you to listen, talk with us, and learn. To the wingnuts and Republican goons I simply say enjoy your straight jackets and please, please, please keep providing us with entertainment and reminders of why no one should be on your side of the fence. And to the so called “moderates”, the Blue Dogs, and the Democrats that do nothing but whine about liberals and complain that we’ll lose if we, God forbid, stand on our principles-shut up and get out of our way. Blue Arkansas is up, running, and ready to go.