Remarkably typical
The first thing I read in last Sunday's paper was Paul Greenberg's column, which took the Obama administration to the woodshed over an energy report. It seems Greenberg's beef was that the report touted an increase in the domestic production of natural gas while ignoring the person largely responsible for the increase, George P. Mitchell, chief cheerleader of fracking.
The column opened with two short sentences: "Remarkable. But typical."
Then I flipped over the page, (carefully turning down the curling corners) and slogged through "Iraq Agonistes," your editorial about the failed policy that is nation-building in Iraq. Your writers managed to once again thump Barack Obama, and even take a swing at poor old Jimmy Carter, but never once mentioned the person I believe to be most responsible for the debacle, George W. Bush, chief cheerleader who took us to war in Iraq.
Remarkable. But typical.
CHARLIE HUGHES
Fayetteville
Say it ain't so, Harley
My world shattered when I read that Harley had done the unmentionable: built an electric hog.
Are they trying to rob the American male of the sound that only a hog can make? Can you imagine trying to impress beautiful women with two wheels that sound like a hair dryer? That deep rumble awakens the pagan in our soul.
Visualize going to Daytona or Sturgis and getting tangled up in all the charging cables. Are the drag bikes that shatter the sound barrier gone forever?
In my misspent youth, I used to watch the bikers going to Laconia, N.H. The sounds were staccato music to my young ears. Fast forward 50 years and envision the limp excuses. No barking chrome exhausts, no transmission, saddlebags replaced by batteries, and no leaky engines.
It simply makes you want to take to the open road with Linda Lou and never return.
ROBERT SPENCER
North Little Rock
Study was discredited
Being curious by nature, I decided to research the studies Don Eckard referenced in his letter regarding Judge Chris Piazza's decision on same-sex marriage.
Contrary to Mr. Eckard's assertions, Mark Regnerus' study, supposedly showing that children raised in a homosexual environment do not do as well as those raised by heterosexuals, has been discredited. Regnerus has admitted that the foundation of his study is too weak to draw the conclusions that may have been made. His study was financed by the Witherspoon Institute, whose stated mission is to understand the "moral foundations" of societies.
The American Psychological Association has said there is no scientific basis for believing that gays and lesbians are unfit parents based on sexual orientation.
Due to space issues, I will leave to others a rebuttal of Mr. Eckard's A, B, D and E responses. But in this political season, we all need to check sources for veracity and bias.
SUSAN S. HENLEY
Cherokee Village
Eh, same difference
I believe John Brummett and Wally Hall are the same columnist. Has anyone actually seen them both at the company picnic?
SCOTT BREED
Winslow
Grounds for grumble
The editorial, "A trashy proposal," seems to ridicule our concerns about contamination of the Buffalo. It dismisses doubts about research that shows little possibility of harm even though many articles about this issue make it clear that any such research is overwhelmed by learned opinion that there is very significant risk of great harm. The editors elect to ignore science and fact-based opinion. I believe "trashy" arrogantly and without basis disparages the National Park Service as lacking common sense because they are bureaucratic types. They say we grumble.
Maybe the editors simply need more information. May I introduce Mike Masterson and refer to a few articles in this very newspaper? Nov. 1, 2013, Emily Walkenhorst, problems with rivers in North Carolina. Aug. 7, 2013, Ryan McGeeney, suit filed by the Buffalo Watershed Alliance about failures in environmental review. March 23, 2014, Gordon Watkins, noting 6,500 swine, two million gallons of feces and urine, discharged annually, held in clay lagoons, then spread over porous limestone terrain a few miles upstream. To rely on the research cited by the editors repels the mind and common sense.
Why do the editors write with such hubris? Why, in the edition April 26, 2014, does state Rep. Dan Douglas warn about moratoriums on the issuance of additional CAFO permits? Let's see. Cargill is the largest privately held corporation in the United States in terms of revenue, according to Wikipedia.
Will the editors be applauding the next CAFO in the watershed? Will they blame Nancy Pelosi when the river is contaminated?
How embarrassing. Let's get ready to GGRRUUMMBBLLEE!
ROLAND ROBINSON
Maumelle
Reality not the same
I have read numerous articles regarding the problems at various VA facilities whereby they prolonged waiting times for veterans to obtain health care. These stories have been very disgusting.
According to one source (Wall Street Journal), five VA hospitals have consistently ranked at the bottom of the VA's quality rating since at least 2011. The roster of under-performing hospitals has expanded to at least seven, with the VA in Little Rock being one of them. "Compared with an average of the top VA hospitals, Little Rock's had a 108 percent higher rate of in-hospital mortality for acute care," the story revealed.
I believe those who are guilty of lying on those records need to be penalized for their actions. Our men and women have made many sacrifices to protect this country. They deserve better treatment. I am a proud supporter of all who have served this country through the various armed forces. The sad part is that we often hear and sing, "God Bless the U.S.A.," and most of our mouths state that we love and support veterans. Yet, the actions of those who are "in charge" reflect something totally different.
Shame, shame, shame!
CAROLYN A. COOLEY
North Little Rock
Editorial on 06/29/2014