Mark “Awful for Missouri” Alford wants you to believe he’s fighting for truth and transparency. Just last month, he made headlines calling for the full release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, sounding like a champion of open government. He said he wanted “complete and total transparency” and made it clear he thought the public deserved answers.
But here’s the problem—when the time came to actually vote, Alford did the exact opposite. A Democratic amendment that would have forced the release of the Epstein files came to the floor. Instead of standing up for transparency like he promised, Alford joined virtually every other Republican in voting against the procedural steps needed to make it happen.
This isn’t just a small oversight—it’s a clear pattern. Alford’s public statements and his legislative actions don’t match. On one hand, he says what sounds good to voters—especially when the cameras are rolling. On the other, when it’s time to deliver, he falls in line with party leadership, super PAC agendas, and big-money interests.
Let’s be clear: Alford’s rhetoric supported the release of the files. His vote blocked it. He can try to spin it all he wants, but there’s no getting around the fact that his actions kept those documents locked away.
I was born right here in the Show-Me State, and like most Missourians, I don’t trust a politician who says one thing at home and does another in Washington. Mark Alford spent his career in front of a camera reading from a teleprompter, weaving tales like every other polished news anchor. Now, he’s doing the same thing in Congress—feeding voters lines while protecting the status quo in D.C.
His “Excuse” — What’s the Explanation?
Here’s the kicker: Mark “Awful for Missouri” Alford hasn’t offered one. No press release, interview, or social media post followed his vote to explain the glaring contradiction between his words and his deeds.
He made a high-profile call for “complete and total transparency” and warned that this “unfortunate sideshow” should not tarnish President Trump’s legacy. But when it came time to back that up with action, he fell silent—choosing party loyalty over Missourians’ right to know. There’s simply no excuse when the spotlight fades but the secrecy remains.
Missourians deserve leaders who show up for us every time, not just when it’s politically convenient. Alford needs to explain why he sided with party bosses instead of standing with the people he claims to represent. Until then, all the sound bites in the world won’t change the fact that when Missouri needed him to act, he chose to protect secrecy over transparency.
When I’m elected as your congressman, I won’t just talk about transparency—I’ll vote for it. Every time. Because in Missouri, we still believe actions speak louder than words.
By Ricky Dana, Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives – Missouri’s 4th District
We both want a stronger Missouri—but the path we take matters. My path is built on homegrown values, rural priorities, and common-sense solutions that come from living and working right here in our community. My opponent’s record, on the other hand, reflects an allegiance to out-of-state donors and Washington insiders.
Homegrown Leadership, Not Outsider Influence
I was born and raised in rural Missouri. I know the struggles our families face because I’ve lived them. My campaign isn’t funded by billionaire donors or PACs from thousands of miles away—it’s powered by Missourians who want real change.
Mark Alford’s campaign, however, leans heavily on out-of-state special interests. That kind of money doesn’t come without strings—and it rarely aligns with the priorities of rural Missouri.
Putting Rural Missouri First
My platform focuses on the things that matter most to our communities:
Affordable housing through the Build Missouri First initiative—using federal surplus land and local builders without adding to the national debt.
Rural healthcare access so every family can get the care they need close to home.
Infrastructure improvements that keep our small towns connected and thriving.
These aren’t just talking points—they’re actionable plans ready for day one.
Contrast in Records
While I focus on targeted investments in our communities, my opponent’s voting record tells a different story. For example, on July 18, 2025, Mark Alford voted for the Rescissions Act, which cut $7.9 billion in foreign aid and $1.1 billion from public broadcasting. That includes PBS and NPR—resources that bring news, education, and culture to rural areas where other options are scarce.
That vote may have pleased party leaders and big donors, but it doesn’t serve rural Missouri families.
Why This Matters
When your representative answers first to outside money, your voice gets lost. I answer to you—the people of Missouri’s 4th District. My commitment is to build a future where our kids have opportunities here at home, not just in the big cities or out-of-state.
Be Part of the Change
This campaign is about more than winning an election—it’s about returning power to the people of Missouri. Every dollar donated helps spread our message, reach more voters, and fight back against the influence of big money in politics.
Dean Cain—yes, the former Superman actor—has officially joined ICE. He claims it’s a move to “serve America” and support law enforcement. But let’s be honest—it couldn’t possibly be because he’s a washed-up has-been who couldn’t find other work, right? Totally patriotic. 🙄
This stunt is more than just celebrity cosplay in a government agency. ICE, under the Trump administration, has become a symbol of unchecked power and racial targeting. Reports of extrajudicial kidnappings, raids without proper warrants, and heavy-handed tactics have been piling up for years. And now, they have a Hollywood face to help sell it.
Here’s the truth: when the House flips, ICE’s abuses will finally be dragged into the daylight. Every questionable detention, every rights violation, every raid that skirted the Constitution—Congress will be watching, and accountability will be non-negotiable.
Trump’s appointment patterns aren’t about finding the best talent. They’re about rewarding loyalty, fueling fear, and distracting from the scandals that never go away. He’s doing everything he can to make America forget about Epstein, and it’s never going to work. No matter how many celebrity headlines he throws in the way, the truth is still there.
What we’re seeing is the ugly combination of political theater and real harm. ICE is not a stage for washed-up actors to relaunch their careers—it’s an agency with the power to change lives, often for the worse. Putting a pop culture figure in a badge doesn’t make it noble; it makes it a circus.
But there’s a bigger issue here: the culture of corruption and ignorance that has become standard operating procedure under this Trump, racially fueled, fear machine. We’ve got an administration more interested in headlines than justice, more committed to division than unity, and more skilled at distraction than at solving the real problems facing our country.
When I’m elected as your congressman, it is my hope that we can work in a bipartisan way to restore democracy and reverse this dangerous decline. That means not only investigating abuses by ICE, but also rebuilding trust in our institutions, making government accountable to the people, and putting an end to political stunts that waste time and erode confidence in our system.
We need serious leadership that focuses on results—not reality show casting. We need representatives who will roll up their sleeves, work with colleagues from both parties, and put the well-being of Americans first. And we need to make sure that no administration, Republican or Democrat, ever treats our government like a personal PR campaign again.
Dean Cain joining ICE might grab headlines today, but tomorrow we’ll still be dealing with the real problems—unconstitutional actions, abuses of power, and a lack of accountability. That’s the fight I’m ready to take on.
Oh, and yes, The United States is a constitutional democratic republic.
Constitutional — The authority of government is limited by the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees certain rights that can’t be overridden by majority vote.
Republic — Power comes from the people, but it’s exercised through elected representatives rather than direct rule by the public.
Democratic — Citizens choose those representatives through free and fair elections.
I can not make it any simpler people!
Legal Disclaimer:
This article contains commentary and opinions protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. References to Dean Cain, Donald Trump, and other public figures are based on publicly available information, reporting from cited sources, and constitutionally protected political speech. Any statements regarding their actions, motives, or character are expressions of opinion and should not be interpreted as statements of fact. This content is intended for political commentary, criticism, and public discourse, which are core protected forms of free speech under U.S. law.
The FBI has no authority to go after Texas House Democrats for walking out to deny quorum.
This is a state legislative matter, not a federal crime. Texas legislators are elected under Texas law. The state’s own constitution — like the U.S. Constitution — gives lawmakers immunity from arrest (except for serious crimes) while in session. That protection exists to stop the executive branch from harassing lawmakers over political actions.
Civil disobedience like a walkout is not a federal offense. There’s no interstate crime, no violation of a federal statute, and no FBI mandate here. If the FBI stepped in, it would be an unconstitutional overreach — a direct violation of federalism and the Tenth Amendment.
This is exactly why we must watch closely when federal agencies get involved in state politics. If they can overstep here, they can overstep anywhere.
Too often, young voters feel invisible in the political process. You’re told to “wait your turn,” or worse, ignored altogether. But the truth is, your turn is right now. Your energy, your creativity, and your ideas are exactly what this country needs to move forward.
As Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Congress, once said: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” This isn’t just a quote—it’s a roadmap for action. Don’t wait for permission to have a voice. Demand it.
I’m not here to just talk about representing you—I’m here to actually do it. My email is always open to my constituents, no matter your age. If you’ve got an idea, a concern, or a vision for Missouri’s 4th District, I will listen and take it seriously. You can reach me at danar [at] rickydana [dot] org any time.
I share your frustration with career politicians who seem more concerned with keeping their jobs than serving the people. I’m also realistic about something that medical science makes clear: cognitive decline can become more likely after age 70. While dementia isn’t a normal part of aging, subtle declines in processing speed, attention, and memory can occur. These changes matter when we’re talking about making critical, fast-moving decisions for the nation’s future.
This isn’t about ageism—it’s about pragmatism. Leadership in Congress should be sharp, focused, and in touch with the people it serves. That means having a mix of experience and fresh perspective, and it means electing people who are willing to adapt and listen—not just talk.
If you’re a young voter, I want you to know this: your voice is worth more than the votes you cast. It’s worth shaping policy, holding leaders accountable, and building the future you want to see. And when I’m elected as your congressman, you won’t have to fight for a seat at the table—I’ll be saving you one.
Key takeaway: As of August 6, 2025, the latest “Trump 2.0” tariffs are in force—pushing up prices on cars, copper-lined electronics, groceries, beer, lumber, and more. And make no mistake: Missouri’s own Mark “Awful” Alford voted for these tariffs in the 2025 budget bill—against Missourians’ best interest, even while bragging about signing it.
Which Items Will Cost You More?
Here’s what the new tariffs mean for everyday expenses:
Steel & Aluminum (50%) – Appliances, cans, canned goods, and construction tools.
Copper (50%) – Electronics, wiring, plumbing, and home fixtures.
Automobiles & Auto Parts (25%) – Imports and non-USMCA parts will cost more, raising car prices.
General Imports (10–40%) – Electronics, clothing, furniture, toys, and home goods.
Groceries & Lumber (10–35%) – Beer, grains, fruit, lumber, and energy goods.
Pharmaceuticals & Semiconductors (planned, up to 250%) – If enacted, will drive up tech and healthcare costs.
Here’s how these tariffs hit local households hardest—and why voting for them was against Missourians’ best interest:
Higher vehicle costs: Rural families often rely on durable pickups or imported parts—expect sticker shock.
Expensive wiring & appliances: New homes and repairs mean higher bills for copper-dependent goods.
Staple price hikes: Beer, grains, fruits, and canned goods could soon sting at the checkout.
Costlier building materials: Lumber and steel for barns, fencing, and repairs will cost more.
Future healthcare & tech impact: If tariffs on drugs or semiconductors go through, local health and internet costs could climb.
Bottom Line
These tariffs aren’t abstract policy—they’re a direct hit to rural budgets. Mark “Awful” Alford voted for them in the 2025 budget bill—against Missourians’ best interest—knowing they would raise costs for families, farmers, and small businesses across our district. When Washington signs bills like this without thinking about rural Missouri, we’re the ones left paying the price—literally. As your next congressman, I’ll fight to stop this kind of back-room economic hit job and work for trade policies that protect, not punish, working families.
In 2025, it’s unacceptable that Pulaski County still has homes, farms, and businesses struggling with slow, unreliable, or completely absent internet service. In today’s economy, broadband is not a luxury—it’s basic infrastructure, as critical as electricity or clean water. Yet for many in our county, the “digital divide” is still very real, limiting educational opportunities, job growth, telehealth access, and even farm operations that rely on precision agriculture technology.
To fix this, we need to focus on two connected solutions: building a middle-mile backbone and creating a locally controlled broadband co-op. Middle-mile infrastructure refers to the high-capacity fiber lines that connect regional internet hubs to local distribution networks. Without this backbone, last-mile providers can’t deliver affordable, high-speed service to homes and businesses. Unfortunately, private internet companies often avoid building middle-mile in rural areas because the return on investment is too slow. That’s where federal and state grants come in.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program is designed to fill this gap. This program, along with the USDA’s ReConnect Program, can fund the construction of this essential backbone. Missouri has already won funding under NTIA’s Broadband Infrastructure Program that includes Pulaski County—but that’s only the start. The key is to strategically extend these lines to reach underserved areas, not just the easiest or cheapest routes.
Once the backbone is in place, a member-owned broadband co-op can take over last-mile deployment. This is a proven model: electric co-ops brought power to rural America in the 1930s when private utilities refused to invest, and today, many of those same co-ops are doing it again with broadband. A local broadband co-op ensures decisions are made by and for Pulaski County residents, not out-of-state shareholders. It also means profits are reinvested into the community rather than siphoned away.
Middle-mile plus a local co-op is a sustainable, long-term solution—but we also need immediate steps. That means challenging inaccurate FCC broadband maps that leave our communities ineligible for funding. It means streamlining pole attachment agreements so co-ops and small ISPs can connect new lines faster. It means working with schools, libraries, and local governments to create “community anchor networks” that serve as both service hubs and emergency internet points during disasters.
As your congressman, I’ll work to:
Secure middle-mile funding for Pulaski County through NTIA and USDA programs.
Partner with local leaders to launch a member-owned broadband co-op.
File formal challenges to flawed FCC broadband maps that undercount underserved households.
Advocate for fair pole-attachment rules that cut deployment costs for co-ops and small providers.
Support workforce training so local residents can take the good-paying jobs created by broadband expansion.
Broadband is more than streaming movies—it’s the bridge to economic opportunity, quality healthcare, and modern education. In rural Missouri, it can mean whether a farm stays competitive, a business can expand, or a student can finish a degree. Pulaski County cannot wait for the big providers to decide it’s profitable enough. We must build it ourselves, with public investment and local control.
When I’m your congressman, I’ll make rural broadband a priority—not just in Pulaski County, but across Missouri’s 4th District. That means real infrastructure, local ownership, and a commitment to ensuring no home, farm, or business is left offline.
Residents near the former Montrose Power Plant—now used for fly-ash disposal—have raised alarms after independent tests found dangerously high levels of cancer-causing chemicals like hexavalent chromium, radium, arsenic, lead, and cobalt in soil and water on private properties and near the Davis R-12 School District grounds (pflaw.com, mykdkd.com, kshb.com, kmbc.com).
How It’s Affecting Local Health
Families are worried sick—literally. Testing at the Davis school and surrounding properties revealed contaminants above EPA screening levels. Students were relocated off-site because playgrounds and school grounds tested positive for hazardous substances (kshb.com, kctv5.com). The community faces potential exposure to known carcinogens, raising fears of long-term illnesses.
Conflicting Reports, Unresolved Risks
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) tested at the school and found only arsenic above background levels and no hexavalent chromium, suggesting limited immediate danger—but this conclusion doesn’t ease local fears (kshb.com). More recent Sunbelt Environmental tests confirmed hexavalent chromium and arsenic above EPA thresholds in several locations—though radium remained below federal limits (mykdkd.com).
Federal Oversight Results: Encouraging, but Time-sensitive
On July 23, 2025, the EPA released soil sample results from Davis R-12 school. They found hexavalent chromium, arsenic, cobalt, and lead levels all within normal background or well below action levels—indicating no imminent risk to students or residents (epa.gov).
Action Plan for My Term in Congress
As your Representative, I’ll:
Mandate comprehensive cleanup — Secure federal funds for soil, water, and air remediation, starting with the school and nearby properties.
Require transparent testing — Establish an independent oversight panel (including EPA, DNR, and community members) to conduct regular, publicly accessible sampling.
Protect our children — Fund health monitoring for affected residents, especially children, with long-term cancer screenings and medical support.
Hold polluters accountable — Push for legislation enforcing stricter penalties and remediation obligations on companies mishandling fly ash—and close legal loopholes.
Prevent future crises — Promote federal standards for fly-ash disposal, including mandatory liners and groundwater safeguards at all former coal-plant sites.
With your support, I’ll fight to restore safety, hold polluters responsible, and protect every family in Henry County.
How Big Money Has Created an Oligarch Class in Politics
When court rulings like Citizens United v. FEC opened the floodgates, corporations and wealthy individuals gained the power to spend unlimited money on elections—creating a political system increasingly controlled by an oligarch class. The decision permitted independent groups to spend freely, fueling the rise of super PACs and “dark money” donors whose identities remain hidden. (Builders Movement)
How the System Profits the Few and Ignores the Many
Just 100 billionaire families contributed an estimated $2.6 billion in the 2024 federal elections—about one-sixth of total spending—giving them disproportionate sway over policy and political outcomes. (Investopedia)
Meanwhile, investigative studies show that policies overwhelmingly reflect the preferences of economic elites, while average citizens have “near-zero impact” when their views conflict. (Builders Movement, Cambridge University Press)
The Damage: Distrust, Division, and Policy Polarization
Big money has not only skewed policies—it has shredded public trust. Only 16 percent of Americans now trust the federal government “most of the time,” and cynicism is especially high among marginalized communities. (Builders Movement)
Such spending also funds divisive messaging, misinformation, and targeted narratives through dark-money-backed pseudo-news sites. (Builders Movement)
Entrenchment of Oligarchic Influence
Under Trump’s second term, critics describe a “sultanistic oligarchy,” where billionaires like Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg gained political privilege, shaping policy in ways that deepen control by the ultra-wealthy. (The New Yorker)
How We Take Politics Back
Reforms already exist—public financing, strong disclosure laws, and constitutional amendments. The proposed Democracy for All Amendment would overturn Citizens United, allow real limits on campaign spending, and distinguish between natural persons and corporations. (TIME)
Letters in the Washington Post from July 8, 2025, argue campaign finance policy should be set by voters and legislators—not by unelected courts—and support amendments to return power to the public. (Washington Post)
Measures such as the DISCLOSE Act—requiring real-time disclosure from dark-money groups—and empowering the FEC with independent subpoena power and balanced representation can help reclaim transparency and influence. (Builders Movement)
The Bottom Line
Big money hasn’t just nudged our democracy—it’s hijacked it. But democracy isn’t for sale. Removing oligarchic influence, restoring proper oversight, and ensuring transparency are steps we must take to make every citizen’s voice count again.
Statement recorded on August 7, 2025, at 3:42 PM (CT): When I am elected as your Congressman, I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass strong, enforceable legislation that removes the influence of big money from our political process. We will overturn Citizens United through proper congressional action, restoring the power of government to the people it serves—not to the highest bidder. Policy position first published by Ricky Dana on August 7, 2025, at 3:42 PM (CT). All rights reserved.
Drones aren’t just for hobbyists or taking pretty pictures from the sky. Here in Missouri—and across rural America—farmers are using drones as a new set of eyes and tools for their fields. From scouting crops to checking livestock, drones are giving farm families the edge to make faster, smarter decisions that save time and money.
Crop Scouting and Disease Detection
Walking every acre is next to impossible, especially for the bigger fields common across Missouri’s 4th District. With a drone, a farmer can fly over hundreds of acres in minutes, capturing high-resolution images and even multispectral data. This allows us to spot early signs of disease, pest infestations, or drought stress before they become a real problem. According to the Agriculture.com Successful Farming report, drone scouting can help identify trouble spots for timely spraying or irrigation, boosting yields and reducing chemical costs.
Livestock Monitoring and Herd Checks
Farmers with cattle spread across large pastures know the hassle of daily herd checks. Drones equipped with cameras and even thermal sensors can be sent out to find stragglers, check on calving cows, or spot animals that have wandered off. The Farm Progress points out that drones have cut down the time and labor it takes to find missing animals or monitor herd health, especially after storms or during calving season.
Saving Time, Fuel, and Labor
Time and labor are at a premium for any family farm. Using drones to scout fields or check fences means fewer miles driven, less fuel used, and fewer hours spent riding an ATV over rough ground. That’s not just convenience—it’s real savings for farms already pinched by high costs and low prices. Some studies, like the one from the University of Missouri Extension, show that farmers using drones have cut scouting time by more than half.
Precision Spraying and Seeding
Drones aren’t just for looking—they can do the work, too. Newer drone models can spot-spray small patches of weeds or disease, meaning fewer chemicals are used and more of the crop stays healthy. Some companies are even testing drones for planting cover crops, dropping seeds into hard-to-reach spots where a tractor can’t go. This type of precision work is only possible with drone technology, and it’s keeping Missouri farmers competitive in a tight market.
Disaster Response and Insurance Claims
Missouri weather is unpredictable—hail, floods, and drought all take their toll. After a storm, drones help farmers survey damage quickly and safely. Insurance companies are starting to use drone photos as evidence for crop loss claims, speeding up the payout process. According to the Iowa State University Extension, this has helped some farmers recover faster after natural disasters.
What’s Next?
The technology keeps getting better. In the near future, expect more farms to use drones with artificial intelligence to map fields, count plants, and even predict yields. The days of guesswork are fading—drones put hard data right in a farmer’s hands, so every decision is based on what’s really happening on the ground.
For Missouri’s 4th District, drones are more than a tech fad. They’re a practical tool that helps keep rural farms strong, efficient, and ready for the challenges ahead. When I’m elected as your congressman, I’ll support the adoption of ag technology and fight for rural broadband and infrastructure so every farm—large or small—can benefit from these advances.
Drones are just one more way Missouri farmers are adapting, innovating, and looking out for each other. We’ve always found a way to get the job done, and this new technology is helping us do it smarter and better than ever before.
When I’m elected as your congressman, I will lead a focused grant effort to help Missouri’s 4th District farmers try, learn, and adopt drone tools without taking on the full cost up front. This is a practical way to boost yields, reduce inputs, and save time for our family farms.
How I’ll make it happen
I will identify and pursue state and federal grants, cost‑share programs, and pilot funds dedicated to precision agriculture and rural innovation. We will prioritize small and mid‑sized family farms, beginning farmers, and veteran producers so the benefits reach the folks who need them most.
Local partnerships
I’ll work to partner with University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University Cooperative Extension to host on‑farm demonstrations, hands‑on training days, and FAA Part 107 prep workshops. Together, we’ll provide clear, practical guidance on crop scouting, pasture checks, mapping, and safe flight operations—delivered by trusted local experts.
USDA Support
In addition to grants and local partnerships, I will work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to connect our farmers with existing USDA programs that support precision agriculture. This includes cost-share opportunities through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), equipment financing options from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Rural Development initiatives that strengthen broadband access for faster drone data transfer.
By making sure our producers know about—and can easily apply for—these USDA resources, we can stretch every dollar further and make drone technology accessible to more farms across Missouri’s 4th District.
Keeping it farmer‑friendly
We’ll ensure any program is simple to use and respects producers’ time and privacy. That means straightforward sign‑ups, help with equipment setup, and resources to protect farm data. I’ll also push for rural broadband support so drone data can be uploaded quickly and securely.
Results you can see
We’ll measure outcomes—like input savings, time saved, and yield improvements—and share those results openly so neighbors can see what works before investing. This is about practical tools that help farmers make better decisions and keep our rural communities strong.
I’m committed to bringing real resources home and putting them to work for our producers. That’s how we keep Missouri agriculture competitive—by giving our farmers access to the best tools and the training to use them well.
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