State House 12
1. Abortion: The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization abortion decision.
David Barber (Democrat)
Oppose
I don't believe anyone gets an abortion for fun. I have two children, and they were wanted. In an ideal world, there wouldn't be a need for abortions, but I believe there are scenarios where they may be the most moral choice, a choice not mine to make or to be judged for. Is it murder to shoot your enemy on the battlefield?
I don't believe anyone gets an abortion for fun. I have two children, and they were wanted. In an ideal world, there wouldn't be a need for abortions, but I believe there are scenarios where they may be the most moral choice, a choice not mine to make or to be judged for. Is it murder to shoot your enemy on the battlefield?
2. Abortion: Arkansas' current law that prohibits abortion except to save the life of the mother in a medical emergency.
David Barber (Democrat)
Oppose
This law is only a little less archaic than a public stoning. Incubating and passing on the genes of your rapist should be optional.
This law is only a little less archaic than a public stoning. Incubating and passing on the genes of your rapist should be optional.
3. Education: The 2023 LEARNS Act passed by the Arkansas Legislature that makes comprehensive changes to Arkansas' education laws.
David Barber (Democrat)
Oppose
Some features of this act were warranted, such as increasing teacher pay, but I ultimately believe history will judge it as an ineffective waste of tax dollars that damaged rural schools, in particular. We rank almost last in education, so I'd guess we'll start paying students to look in the mirror and chant Dr. Seuss before too long, and it could help.
Some features of this act were warranted, such as increasing teacher pay, but I ultimately believe history will judge it as an ineffective waste of tax dollars that damaged rural schools, in particular. We rank almost last in education, so I'd guess we'll start paying students to look in the mirror and chant Dr. Seuss before too long, and it could help.
4. Marijuana: Legalizing recreational marijuana.
David Barber (Democrat)
Support
It's a plant. Too many people have suffered, not so much from using it, but from those who are out of touch with reality, those looking for easy ways to keep jails stocked.
It's a plant. Too many people have suffered, not so much from using it, but from those who are out of touch with reality, those looking for easy ways to keep jails stocked.
5. Guns: Banning firearms that are commonly known as "assault weapons."
David Barber (Democrat)
Oppose
In an ideal world, firearms aren't necessary, but this isn't an ideal world. "Assault weapon" is loaded terminology. If I'm defending myself, if we're defending our communities, our state, our country...we'll need to be armed with more than woke language. I'll take an AR-15, please.
In an ideal world, firearms aren't necessary, but this isn't an ideal world. "Assault weapon" is loaded terminology. If I'm defending myself, if we're defending our communities, our state, our country...we'll need to be armed with more than woke language. I'll take an AR-15, please.
6. Gender-Identity: Prohibiting minors from receiving puberty blockers, hormones, or surgery for the purpose of gender transition.
David Barber (Democrat)
Oppose
Given that most Christians already surgically alter the genitals of their boys without consent, I don't think it's out of the question for parents, minors, and physicians to work together for what's best. Woke restrooms are outhouses. Most popular sports involve balls and men. Hermaphrodites exist.
Given that most Christians already surgically alter the genitals of their boys without consent, I don't think it's out of the question for parents, minors, and physicians to work together for what's best. Woke restrooms are outhouses. Most popular sports involve balls and men. Hermaphrodites exist.
7. COVID-19: Allowing state government to close private businesses during a health emergency.
David Barber (Democrat)
Undecided
I'm conflicted here, and I guess it depends on the severity of the health emergency. I believe people will come together and do what's best, especially when their lives are at stake. I'd argue that being an average Arkansas citizen is dangerously close to being a health emergency.
I'm conflicted here, and I guess it depends on the severity of the health emergency. I believe people will come together and do what's best, especially when their lives are at stake. I'd argue that being an average Arkansas citizen is dangerously close to being a health emergency.
8. Nursing Homes: Letting nursing home residents voluntarily place cameras in their own rooms to enable their family members to see and hear them.
David Barber (Democrat)
Undecided
I haven't read about this issue until now, and will need to think about and research it more. My first thought is that family members could see and hear their loved one if they were around, no cameras needed.
I haven't read about this issue until now, and will need to think about and research it more. My first thought is that family members could see and hear their loved one if they were around, no cameras needed.
9. Freedom of Information: Further amending the Freedom of Information Act to prevent disclosure of deliberative documents such as government memos and letters, as discussed in the special legislative session of 2023.
David Barber (Democrat)
Oppose
I expect honesty and accountability from elected officials. Legislating dishonesty (what this essentially amounts to) feels wrong. There should be nothing to hide. If "safety" is the reason for this, let me remind you of all those who died serving this country.
I expect honesty and accountability from elected officials. Legislating dishonesty (what this essentially amounts to) feels wrong. There should be nothing to hide. If "safety" is the reason for this, let me remind you of all those who died serving this country.