I've had the opportunity through an employer to observe nearly every session of the Arkansas State Senate this session, in the year of our Lord 2013. The most restrictive abortion regulations in the nation have been passed, vetoed, and vetoes have been overridden. The passage of a 20 week ban on abortions was surpassed today by a 12 week ban abortion. This law, formerly SB 134, was championed by the now infamous Jason Rapert.
This year has proven to be abnormal and is expected to be the new normal in what was until recently the last Democratic stronghold in the South. Conservative legislators have been sincere and driven in pushing conservative, Christian values. The Rapert tale goes much deeper than his widely seen speech expressing a desire to stop blacks, Muslims, and minorities from "running roughshod" over America. Senator Rapert frequently tweets (and deletes tweets) about the righteousness of his cause. In no uncertain terms he testifies to his devotion to bringing about God's Law to America and his frustration with the intimidation from leftists and athiests. He is not isolated, a prominent personality, or an extreme example of a State Senator in Arkansas. Issues of conservative social engineering have been promulgated by a cohort of legislators on issues of Voter ID requirements, gun legislation, bans on scarification and dermal implants, and continual invitations to radical pastors into both houses of the Arkansas General Assembly.
The last stronghold of Democratic power in the state is the Governorship, held by the popular Mike Beebe. Although typically cautious, Beebe has issued definitive veto messages on both the 20 week and 12 week abortion ban. But Arkansas code requires only a simple majority to override a veto, leaving Conservatives on both sides of the aisle with a truly powerful legislature.
Be on the lookout for Arkansas to be on the rise as a prominent example of what conservative religion and ideas of Americanism and citizenship look like in practice. Recent polling has consistently shown the populace of the state are in support of their legislature. It'll be interesting to see Arkansas law make it's way through the court system and if it will effect the conservative effort. The sincere drive of Rapert and his colleagues to bring about their construction of an ideal community will remain a pervasive influence and powerful force, continually pushing to make their values universal. Talk about big government and social engineering...
