December 2014 – Page 7 – Family Council

Atheists’ Billboard Encourages Arkansans to “Skip Church”

Dec 2, 2014Jerry1 CommentChristmasAtheism, FFRF, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Religious Freedom, Religious Liberty

According to 40/29 News, the group American Atheists has placed a billboard along I-49 near Springdale that reads, “Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is to…SKIP CHURCH! I’m too old for fairy tales.”

According to a press release from American Atheists, the billboard is part of a campaign to promote atheism in the South ahead of the group’s convention in Memphis this spring.

This billboard is the latest in what seems to be an anti-Christmas tradition with some atheist groups any more.

In 2008 the Freedom From Religion Foundation placed a billboard in downtown Little Rock that read “Beware of Dogma.”

Last year atheists in Florida hung a banner depicting a few Founding Fathers gathered around a manger holding a copy of the Bill of Rights. They also placed signs alongside Christmas decorations in some state capitols claiming there are no gods, no Heaven, and no Hell.

Different groups have gone after everything from simple Nativity scenes in front of courthouses to Christmas tree lighting ceremonies. And then, of course, there is the shrine to paganism and nature-worship local atheists have placed on the Arkansas Capitol lawn every December since 2009.

This newest billboard raises a lot of questions. The big one I have, frankly, is what’s wrong with people celebrating Christmas? Christmas in this country has always been a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. If people want to go to church as part of that celebration, what’s wrong with that?

Photo obtained from 40/29 News website here.

Two Ways to Win an Autographed Book From Mike Huckabee

Dec 2, 2014JerryJust for FunContests and Giveaways, Just for Fun

This month we are giving away two free, autographed books from my friend, Governor Mike Huckabee.

The first book is Character Makes a Difference. The second is A Simple Government.

There are two ways to enter to win:

Method #1: Join Our Email List to Win

To register to win by joining our email list:

Simply click here.
Enter your name and email address.
Check the box to be added to Family Council’s email list.
Click the button that says “Subscribe to list.”

You will receive regular updates and information from me and the rest of the team at Family Council, and you will automatically be entered into a drawing for a free, autographed copy of Mike Huckabee’s book Character Makes a Difference.

Method #2: Like and Share on Facebook

To register to win via Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/familycouncil and click “Like” to Like our page.

Next “Share” this Facebook post from us on your Facebook timeline (click here, and then click “Share”).

Everyone who Likes Family Council and publicly shares the post will automatically be entered into a drawing for a free, autographed copy of Mike Huckabee’s book A Simple Government.

Please Note: You must Like the page and Share the Facebook post to qualify for the drawing.

Deadline to Enter is December 18

The deadline to enter is 4:00 PM (CST) Thursday, December 18. Winners will be announced the following day.

Rules: No purchase or financial contribution necessary to win. Limit one book per person. Winners will be announced online and notified to the best of Family Council’s ability. If Family Council is unable to locate a contest winner for any reason within 24 hours of announcement, a different winning entry will be drawn.

AR Lottery Consistently 8% – 9% Below National Average on Education

Dec 1, 2014JerryArkansas LotteryArkansas Lottery

From 2010 through 2013, the average state lottery paid out approximately 29% of its gross revenue to the state for education funding, scholarships, or other purposes. During that time the Arkansas Lottery only paid out 20.5% – 21.6%–roughly 8% – 9% below the national average.

This is based on research we have assembled this year. We have reviewed annual reports from every state lottery for fiscal years 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. The findings are not good for Arkansas.

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