Let us call writers out
In his recent Voices letter, Bill Bundy made it pretty clear to me that he didn't care for either rural folks or religious folks. He never really got around to making a point with the letter, but sure had a fine time reeling off offensive stereotypes--snake-handling, wacky tobacky, homemade likker, etc. The words and the spelling are his.
I wonder how Mr. Bundy would respond to a similar letter, but one aimed at other groups. Maybe one talking about watermelon-eating, Cadillac-driving welfare queens. Or perhaps raghead camel jockeys. Or perhaps similar statements playing on stereotypes about women, gays, Jews, etc.
I'm just guessing here, but I bet Mr. Bundy would come unglued at such a letter, that he would be outraged, that he would be stunned such a letter could be published. Which would be something of a double standard, wouldn't it? Offensive stereotypes directed at groups he disapproves of are just fine. Otherwise, not so much.
Now I'm not arguing against Mr. Bundy's letter being published. I think everyone ought to be published. I'm a believer in letting idiots provide their own evidence against themselves. Like the Jacksonville lady who insisted a couple of years ago that Fox News is left-leaning mainly because they have never had a family member raped. (Nope, I'm not making that up.) Or the Little Rock lady who recently insisted the Tom Cotton letter was only motivated by his racism.
Let 'em be morons, but let us call 'em on it!
RICHARD BEARD
North Little Rock
Cartoon a cheap shot
I realize that the Democrat-Gazette is staunchly in the Republican camp, regardless of its full name. It is obvious to me that the editorials and cartoons will insult and vilify Democratic politicians and candidates at any opportunity. As such, I am used to having my intelligence and political attitudes insulted, as well. However, a recent Mallard Fillmore cartoon goes too far.
I realize that in his capacity as a partisan cartoonist, he is something of a political idiot, but how can you justify insulting an entire party demographic? It is clear the current GOP's primary concerns are protecting the wealthy class and corporate economic interests, while the Democratic Party tends to care more about everybody else (the majority of Americans). For Bruce Tinsley to imply that the Democratic Party is a "perfect fit for the lazy and apathetic communities" is a cheap shot.
I'm sure that Tinsley and his corporate bosses want to discourage voting among the working folks as much as possible, as evidenced by all the legislative obstacles to it in the name of "voter fraud." Many, many people in the lower economic brackets feel entirely disenfranchised from the political process, and rightly assume that their interests and concerns are not shared with the majority of the elected. We are increasingly becoming a nation of the uber-rich and those that are trying to make it week to week.
Have you not considered that your readership is declining due to editorial bias? I subscribe only because there is no other option for local news, but it is getting ever more difficult to justify the expense and the elevated blood pressure. I miss the Old Gray Lady. She's just a GOP zombie these days.
STAN LANCASTER
Fayetteville
Mail service terrible
It seems that almost once a year, the U.S. Postal Service raises the cost of stamps. I would not have a problem with this if its service got better, but it seems it gets worse every year.
Our son mailed a letter from Jonesboro, and it took five days to get to us; in turn, my wife mailed a card to Corning, and it took seven days. I wish someone could explain this problem.
JOHN P. SELIG
Mountain Home
Masterpiece wrecked
Now that the Ricketts family has screwed up beautiful old Wrigley Field in Chicago, maybe they can move on to the Mona Lisa.
You know, Mona could use some airbrushing on those chubby cheeks and her chicken lips could use a little collagen. And her hairdo is so yesterday.
SCOTT T. VAUGHN
North Little Rock
Not backwoods spot
As the mayor of Elm Springs, I felt it necessary to address some of the opinions expressed by a citizen in a recent letter to the editor. In short, this citizen is misinformed if she believes the Elm Springs City Council is against growth and prosperity for our community. In fact, we encourage and embrace growth so long as that growth is consistent with our community standards. The wind farm in particular is a project that I personally endorse and firmly believe most of our city council will see as a positive project for our community and hopefully will support it when the time comes.
That citizen was also mistaken when she claimed that they needed to go to Springdale for sewer, fire and ambulance. Sewer services are currently provided to most of our town, as well as that property, and we are in the process of expanding service to accommodate more homes and continued growth. We are also in the process of finalizing an agreement that will ensure that ambulances will continue to run next year and every year after. There is even a fire station right here in town.
This "little backwoods spot" has lots to offer its citizens and we work constantly to improve on those services while maintaining our rural identity. Check us out on the Web at elmsprings.net, follow us on Facebook, and come visit us at our council meetings on the third Monday of each month to find out more.
HAROLD DOUTHIT
Elm Springs
Arkansas entertainers
Sean Clancy's story about Sister Rosetta Tharpe was quite interesting, though he erred in stating that Cotton Plant is in Monroe County. It is in Woodruff County.
Another important entertainer, born in Tennessee but who grew up in Cotton Plant, was William Bunch, better known as Peetie Wheatstraw, who also played both guitar and piano. He died in a car wreck in 1941 and was buried in an unmarked grave in the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. His first records were produced by Vocalion in Chicago in 1930.
A few years ago, Mick Csaky, a producer and director, came from England to Brinkley and Cotton Plant as part of the preparation for a documentary about Sister Rosetta Tharpe for the British Broadcasting Corporation. He used very little of the film made in the area. The film is titled The Godmother of Rock and Roll: Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and Csaky did a masterful job of creating it.
Csaky said the documentary would probably eventually be shown by PBS in this country. Whether or not it has already been shown, I do not know. Early on, Csaky sent me and others copies of the documentary. I hope interested readers also have the joy of seeing it.
BILL SAYGER
Brinkley
To head off a problem
I believe the Little Rock city engineer might want to examine the traffic-light sequence on Scott Street heading north across the Main Street bridge prior to the closing of the Broadway bridge.
If not, the streets in and around Scott Street will become parking lots during high-volume times.
BRAD CROMLEY
Little Rock
Editorial on 04/18/2015