Worthy of assistance
I have never been more determined to seek out an individual and encourage, with praise and financial donations, that person to continue a service that I feel is much-needed. My eyes have been opened by Darlene Lewis of Lewis-Burnett Employment Finders.
She is selflessly finding jobs for felons. She appears to be doing so with success and with cooperation and with much appreciation from parole officers.
The roots of her efforts go back to 1987. Initially, she prepared these less-privileged people for jobs at her kitchen table, helping to get them ready for GED testing, computer courses and interview skills, including how to dress for employment interviews. Darlene Lewis formalized her attempts in 1999. She does not charge for her services because she believes these people can least afford this help but need it the most.
I believe that this is an important Christian need that is Christ-like, if not more than what happens in our churches on Sunday morning, and it is what really needs to happen on our streets. Are we ready to emulate Christ?
Let us support people like Darlene with our love and our money. I sure plan to do so. I will contact her through her last-known landlord, the city-owned Willie Hinton Resource Center on 12th Street in Little Rock, and pledge my effort to her personally.
JOYCE PHILLIPS
Little Rock
Suffer consequences
I have given up on cyclists because it seems they are simply far too stupid and selfish to give a damn about the comfort of those other than themselves.
Indeed, it appears they require and inexplicably receive from the powers that be every conceivable consideration, and always to the detriment of both motorists and this city's long-suffering pedestrians. Cyclists apparently don't want some of Little Rock's roads and pathways in which to show off their fancy colored uniforms. They want them all.
Now, I have another complaint. Only this time it is against those who keep dogs.
Would dog owners permit their children to foul this city's streets and footpaths? Presumably, they would not, and yet they are quite happy to allow their pet dogs to do so. Is the latter so very different from the former?
Once again, it is the poor pedestrians who suffer the consequences of the mindless irresponsibility of others. It is high time that city planners designate some pathways strictly for use by pedestrians only.
WILLIAM G. CARLYLE
Little Rock
Cautionary warning
I had just read about some people having once again put tacks along a favorite cycling route. I debarked on my early Saturday afternoon ride and was crossing the Big Dam Bridge when I felt what I thought was a spider web on my face. It became more and more painful and as I looked at my bike, I noticed fishing line wrapped around me and my bike. Accident or the newest shenanigans?
Cyclists, be careful out there!
NICHOLAUS PAAL
Little Rock
Shameful campaign
On Oct. 5th, 1946, as an 18-year-old just getting out of high school, I volunteered for service in the Air Force, serving three years. As a veteran, I'm incensed when I see the despicable political ads being run by the Mark Pryor campaign against Congressman Tom Cotton.
After 9/11, Congressman Cotton volunteered for service in the Army, serving two tours in a war zone.
Now what was Mark Pryor doing while Congressman Cotton was risking his life in a combat zone? Raising money for his next campaign, of course.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I can't remember either Sen. Mark Pryor or his father, former Sen. David Pryor, rushing down to the recruiting station to offer to serve our country. I do believe they have spent most, if not all, or their adult lives with their noses in the public trough as career politicians and in that capacity enjoyed the protection of the State Police while here in Arkansas and the Capitol Police while in Washington, D.C.
I do understand why the Pryor campaign is running these ads. It seems when you have nothing in your own record to run on, you spend all your money, time and energy attacking the character and integrity of your opponent. In my opinion, it shows a total lack of class. Shameful!
As for this ol' vet, I will be pickin' Cotton the first Tuesday in November.
TOMMY SIMMONS
Mountain View
Cares about the state
I agree with Linda Farrell of Bella Vista who wrote in her letter that she believed the "Greedy Obstruction Party" had completely disregarded blacks, Hispanics, women and the average American.
Her letter presented a number of reasons to vote for Sen. Mark Pryor. I wish to add a personal reason to vote for this good man. Last year I had an occasion to call Senator Pryor's Little Rock office to help a relative who was having difficulties with a government program. The staff there was truly wonderful--courteous and helpful. Senator Pryor offered his help without delay and within a short time, the issue was resolved.
I believe that Senator Pryor truly cares about the people of this state. On the other hand, while Rep. Tom Cotton is certainly an intelligent and ambitious young man, his voting record seems to reveal a lack of compassion and concern for the average Joe and Susie Arkansan.
Let's vote for and keep Mark Pryor as our senator.
F.A. McMAHAN
Benton
Make taxes uniform
A bill before Congress concerns taxing Internet purchases. I do not mind paying sales taxes if they are fair. Arkansas needs to have a uniform sales tax, not a differing tax for every municipality.
I am sure my situation is not unique in Arkansas. I live in Gravel Ridge, which was annexed by Sherwood. I am a Sherwood resident. But I have a Jacksonville mailing address because the mail comes from the Jacksonville post office. Jacksonville has a 2 percent city sales tax, Sherwood has a 1 percent sales tax. When I purchase on the Internet, the merchant charges 2 percent sales tax because that is the address on my credit card.
I'm sure they can look up the address to determine it is not Jacksonville, but they do not want to do that. Jacksonville reaps a 2 percent city tax from a resident of Sherwood, and Sherwood reaps no sales tax. Is this fair? Does Congress have a solution to this conundrum?
CLAIRE LEHENY
Jacksonville
Editorial on 09/09/2014