LETTERS

LITTLE ROCK — Politics impeding sound energy policy

Once again it looks like politics is standing in the way of creating an energy policy that makes sense for families and small businesses. Democrats, bent on ramming their tax-and-spend policies through Congress, have adopted closed-door negotiations in hopes of bypassing formal bipartisan conference committees.

The pending showdown in Washington couldn't come at a worse time. Oil prices are on the rise due to international tensions. Gas and heating oil prices are expected to increase this winter. It's bad economic news not just for the already troubled housing market, but for small businesses that are struggling to pay higher costs for health insurance and taxes. Adding higher energy costs will surely force some to shut their doors.

Raising taxes on U.S. energy companies will do nothing to increase our supply of domestic production even though we and other nations are consuming more and more energy. It will surely lead to increased imports and more instability in the energy market.

Congress has to agree on proposals that will encourage more energy production now. The fact that congressional leadership wants to meet behind closed doors tells us that something is awry and that they are keenly aware that they are in for a fight among the American people. They want time to figure out how to circle the wagons so they do not have to give up their plans to increase taxes. We need clarity in our process, and we should demand policies that don't harm small businesses or working families.

JOSH LANE Benton

Shot may be dangerous

I hope you will warn your readers that an attempt to protect themselves and their children with a flu shot may well backfire. Flu shots contain mercury,which is a dangerous neurotoxin. Ask to see the ingredient list. The word you're looking for is "thimerosal," but you might take note of some of the other dangerous ingredients in thisvaccine such as chick embryos, formaldehyde and antibiotics.

A week of the flu is miserable, but it only lasts a week. Mercury buildup in the body can last a lifetime and has been implicated in numerous disorders. Please think twice before allowing this substance to be injected into those you love. Last spring, we at the National Autism Association supported legislation that would have required doctors to let you know about the mercury content, but doctors and health officials quietly lobbied against it. I feel that patients have the right to make a fully informed choice when it comes to medical care.

CARRIE ELSASS Conway

U.S. is on slippery slope

James C. Parkinson said it right in Voices: Much commentary is rubbish. The editorials in the Democrat-Gazette are very pro-war.

I certainly do agree with Parkinson that the editorial suggestion that George W. Bush and Alberto Gonzales have alawyer/client "privileged information" status is as bogus an argument as can be put forward. The attorney general is responsible to assure that the rule of law is observed. He is not the president's personal attorney and is forbidden that role by the Constitution.

I recently wrote an article on the Internet about the Protect America Act and the Bush push to get laws changed retroactively to forgive the communications media for the laws they violated and asking that they be made immune from prosecution for their law violations. When asked to name the violations, his retort was something akin to "It's none of your business." He wants us to forgive their crimes without knowing what they did. This administration and the complicit Congress have our country sliding down a slippery slope to anarchy.

Naomi Wolf has a good book out, "The End of America," that outlines this trend and presents parallels in history of countries that have gone the way of anarchy. It should be required reading.

CLIFF CARSON Hampton

Consider another office

Re the letter from Dorothy Meyer of Maumelle, "Postal system inefficient": It's hard to believe that it happens at the U.S. Post Office. Maybe they think it's just a small town, so who care?

But we all care, and I know how that feels. Just to do the mail takes so long, and that's bad.

Talk to the manager about this problem. If that's not working, try again at the headquarters in Little Rock and tell them about what needs to be done. I'm sure they will fix it. It's nothing to be joking about. It's a very serious thing in daily life.

They have one North Little Rock post office next to the police department. They are good people, good workers quick and friendly, and give satisfaction all the time. Meyer will like it.

KRAJAB K. SMITH North Little Rock

Good work appreciated

Bouquets to the Pulaski County Sanitation Department and Waste Management for the good job they are doing picking up our garbage and trash.

This letter I've intended for some time.Today is a good day to get it done. Last night the wind brought down a sycamore tree out by the pond, plus some cedar and other limbs. Once I get those cut up and in a reasonable pile out by the street and give them a call, they will be out within seven days. They also will pick up other junk such as old furniture and carpets.

Recently, they gave us a large green container for the bagged garbage. This we pull out to the street once a week for pick-up. There is no reason for anyone to have a junked-up home place. Now if we could somehow stop the uncaring sorts from trashing our highways. Batesville Pike has got to be the worst.

ROWAN KEATHLEY North Little Rock

Try resolving problems

If there is one thing that I have found being a vocal advocate of schools in Little Rock, it's that the truth means little unless you have a so-called balanced viewpoint.

I looked for misdeeds first and then put names to them, so if I am criticized for mentioning only African Americans, then I would have to say that it is African Americans committing the misdeeds.

The problem is that instead of curing the problems, certain people use onesided information as leverage to promote their own power base while portraying themselves as saviors to their community. Anyone can petition the Little Rock School District. There is no magic to it, just a lot of work. Yet no one has disputed anything I've found. Nor have they raised concerns regarding the non-African American employees or board members.

Just like the recent sentencing of the young man in Jena [whose sentence was revoked]. The real questions are being sidetracked. Did he assault another kid?

If he did, he should be punished, not released because of the color of his skin.

The same is true in Little Rock. [Was state law broken] by accepting grant money? The question about race should not enter into the question of guilt or innocence.

It's time to start working together. I have tried but was harshly rejected by these community leaders in the early stages of organizing. None has approached me in an attempt to work together.

BOB POWERS Little Rock

Feedback

Allegiance has to be earned

Patriotism shouldn't be free. Nations must earn it by respecting freedom, liberty and equality. One thing that Republicans, the Bushies and their neo-conservative shills have done effectively is to make global citizenship a viable alternative to American patriotism.

When our country's government continuously and unapologetically does the wrong thing in virtually every situation, we begin to realize that America no longer holds the patent on freedom in the world. In the long run, nations will bid for a freedom-loving, fair-minded populace. America included. Pledge your allegiance wisely.

LARRY SEIFERTH JR. North Little Rock

Good meals available

To clarify my comment in the recent news story, "Natural gas prices dent Fayetteville shale action," I wouldlike to assure any and all who come to the town of Damascus that they will find a good place to eat. We have a number of good eating establishments. All of these places provide very good meals. If I left the impression that Damascus was without any place to eat, I am deeply sorry.

L.B. PAVATT Damascus

L.B. Pavatt is the mayor of Damascus.

Nutt needs a new job

Re the story headlined, "Nutt: Criticism doesn't faze him": Perhaps Houston Nutt should resign as coach of the Razorbacks and run for president of theUnited States of America.

RICHARD HOLDEN Searcy