LETTERS

Not risking life for us

Recently you had an editorial about Little Rock’s excessive contribution to employee retirement plans.

As a taxpayer, I have no problem with my tax dollars going for military, police and firemen retirement benefits; they put their lives on the line every working day of their lives.

I do not want to support big retirement benefits for public employees who answer phones (when they feel like doing so) and any other public employees who do ordinary work, street maintenance, clerical, tax collections, etc. They should be in Social Security and IRAs; the taxpayers should not be paying for retirement benefits they cannot afford for themselves.

Please, all taxpayers, tell your elected representatives that you do not want to support excessive retirement benefits for employees who are not risking their lives for you.

VERNON V. LOTT

Springdale

Human rights

Shin Dong-hyuk has written a powerful column describing his experiences. He recognizes a few of the rights that Dennis Rodman enjoys as an American even while people suffer atrocities at the hands of dictators. This morning I saw a piece on the news where Mr. Rodman was quoted as saying to his friends that they should not be afraid to visit North Korea as it is “all love.” I was beginning to think we had it all wrong, that our government or the media was not being truthful. Then I read Shin Dong’s letter, and what he describes is not any kind of love I can comprehend.

In 1984 I shared a rental house with another family that lived upstairs who happened to be Vietnamese. The two children were excellent students and the parents were hard workers. On Christmas morning that year the patriarch visited me bearing a gift, and proceeded to tell me of his journey to this country. His wife and young son escaped communism in a small boat, bringing nothing with them to a foreign land so that they might have a better life. He expressed more gratitude than I ever had up to that point in my life. These former refugees went on to buy their own home three years before me and were living the American dream. They knew firsthand what life in their own country was like, just as Shin Dong-hyuk does.

I believe Mr. Rodman needs a reality check. It is interesting that he visits North Korea. I know that keeps him in the press and all that, but I would ask him to please stop benefiting while so many suffer.

CHARLES BOGERT

Fayetteville

Presidential demeanor

An opinion only: The president is so impressive in his manner and talk. That persona is artificial. I feel he is not a learned man. However, he is the president.

DERREL THOMAS

Searcy

‘Moderate’ definition

Mr. B. Scott of Rogers seems confused about what to call himself today. I would refer Mr. Scott to the book Great Moderates of Our Times. Oops, I’m sorry, looks like it has never been written. Webster’s dictionary defines “moderate” as avoiding extremes or to lessen the intensity. In other words,a middle-of-the road fence rider. Check the latest poll or see which way the wind is blowing before making a decision. Today the phrase would be RINO (Republican In Name Only). If the Tea Party forced you out, you were on shaky ground to start with.

He was correct in stating that the Tea Party is not Republican nor a party. It is a movement that is partly conservative, partly libertarian, partly populist, advocating a reduction in U.S. national debt and federal budget deficit by reducing government spending and taxes. It is composed of Democrats, Republicans, and independents.

The filibuster has not been used in the House since 1842. I suppose to his way of thinking, it is better to have bad legislation, aka Obummer care, than to have gridlock. Mr. Pryor cast the deciding vote on the ACA in 2010. The Democrats are running from this horrible piece of legislation. Senators Landrieu (Louisiana), Hagan (North Carolina), Pryor (Arkansas), Begich (Alaska), and Shaheen (New Hampshire) face tough re-election races. In addition, retiring Democrats in Montana, South Dakota, and West Virginia give the Republicans an excellent chance of taking over the Senate. Guess we’ll see how the new Harry Reid filibuster rule plays out.

GARY McDONALD

Heber Springs

Political correctness

I don’t normally comment on religious matters, but recent items in the news prompt me to make an exception.

The Duck Dynasty controversy with the A&E Network. I do not watch Duck Dynasty, but I am aware it is the most popular program on the airways today. With the program’s star, Phil Robertson, being suspended, the Robertson family has stated: “We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family, rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is his word.” I hope the Robertson family will stick together and put A&E on “indefinite” hiatus.

The Obamacare law, in total disregard of the Constitution, is forcing people to choose between their faith and the law. David Green, the founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby, has said he is guided by scripture that says, “The wisdom that comes from above is first.” Hobby Lobby, the nation’s largest family-owned arts and crafts retailer, has over 500 locations. Mr. Green is considering closing his doors rather than violate his faith by paying for drugs that might cause abortions.

A comment from the Obama campaign a few years back related to “rednecks” clinging to their Bible and their guns. I would like to provide President Obama and A&E an amplification of that remark. Let it read: “Christian patriots cling to their guns, their Bibles, their families and their Constitution.”

PHIL PHILLIPS

Fayetteville

Satisfied with his care

I believe the recent Perspective piece by Pete Hegseth, “Ask a veteran about health care,” is extremely negative toward the Veterans Administration and, though problems exist, it does not by any means convey or depict the experiences with the VA of myself and others.

I am a Vietnam veteran with service-connected disabilities; the VA has been there when needed. Am I 100 percent satisfied with the VA? No, but I am as satisfied with the care given there as I ever had been with a private physician. When I needed a new heart valve and bypass, the VA was there, having both done at UAMS with no cost whatsoever to me. I receive all my needed medications at no charge; as far as disability claims, I have filed at least a half-dozen and all were settled in six months or less. I attribute this to having the required documentation and working with well-qualified/experienced Veteran Service officers.

I have found the VA to have what I believe to be state-of-the-art equipment and very qualified professionals. Once again, I cannot speak for all veterans, but assume I speak for many, and wish speedy remedial and medical care for all those seeking claims and medical attention.

ED HENRY SR.

Mount Ida