Letters

Shows stark contrast

The recent GOP debate (not really a debate, but rather a series of interview questions with little candidate interaction) served to illuminate a stark contrast between our president and his would-be successors.

I believe President Barack Obama presents himself as a true statesman, a quality not seen in any of the 16 Republican candidates. His superior intellect, charisma, dignity, vision for America and, especially, wisdom set him apart as well. His naysayers and denigrators should peruse the more than 200 verified accomplishments of his administration listed on various websites on the Internet, a list that probably will not be discussed on Fox "Noise."

I believe his legacy as a good liberal will put him in good stead with other outstanding liberal presidents such as Teddy and Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman and John Kennedy.

LYLE A. McBEE

Mena

You'll vote for Trump

A number of you are in a state of shock after reading the title. Cut this out and keep it somewhere safe.

I believe Donald Trump will be the Republican party candidate in 2016. His popularity is rooted in the discontent of the majority of voters in this country.

Many like myself don't participate in polls and never appear on mass media. We the people have strong opinions and express them through our vote. We listen to what is said by others because we are polite and interested in their thoughts and opinions.

The Democratic Party shot its wad on the current administration and is perceived as coming up short. Does anyone really want Bill Clinton to be America's next first lady?

JIM LITE

White Hall

Coach teaches respect

A reader recently stated his disgust with Coach Bret Bielema and his staff for measures of discipline.

Let me tell you, my friend from Pottsville, I think a lot of people, including the parents of these players, should thank Coach Bielema and his staff for trying to install words such as "code," "honor" and "respect" into these young men. If needed, he can remind them that they have been given a chance that a lot of other prospective athletes from around the world did not get, to complete a sound education with the great benefits of a top-notch university.

Whether it be three seconds or 30 seconds, being on time is respect, not only to yourself but the people who work with you and around you.

From the sound of your letter, an investment in a good watch or alarm clock would be a great start for you!

CHARLIE JOSLIN

Mayflower

Unfair state tax policy

In regard to selling Arkansas rice and poultry to Cuba, Gov. Asa Hutchinson says "agricultural products shouldn't be used as a tool of foreign policy."

Governor, we ask: Ought agricultural products be considered a tool for state tax policy?

Arkansas has an exceptionally high percentage of impoverished people and hungry children. Every extra penny-and-a-half state tax on a dollar hits them in the belly. Literally. And that's for fresh produce and meat. If they buy a rotisserie chicken (a fairly healthy convenience) or, say, Kroger brand bread (innocently assuming private labels generally cost less), they get hit with a 6.5 percent state tax if it's prepared on-site. What's more, making it more punitive, counties and cities add their own taxes. And unlike for big-brand bread that is imported across state lines, local grocery-store bakers are part of the Arkansas job force and contribute to our economy.

Arkansans are very generous--witness the tons of canned goods and cereals contributed to food shelves and the thousands of Christmas and Easter food baskets delivered every year. But please consider: Every donor is taxed on what they give away as well as what they eat.

While we'd be hard-pressed to include prime rib steaks, lobster in the tank or even sacks of potato chips as necessities, perhaps discussions could begin with eliminating the cruel food tax on rice (1.5 percent) and roasted chicken (6.5 percent).

MARY and ALAN SENANDER

Hot Springs Village

Still months left to go

John F. Kennedy was elected president on Nov. 8, 1960, after announcing his candidacy on Jan. 2, 1960, a 10-month (311 days) campaign. Ted Cruz, the first major candidate for 2016, announced on March 23, 2015, a one-year, eight-month (596 days) campaign. On Jan. 14, 2016, we will have suffered through only half of this campaign.

So far in this process, the intelligence, forbearance, trust and money of our voters have been assaulted for several months, and we still have 15 months of this garbage left. Of the approximately 463 current and potential presidential candidates, the only subjects of their campaign speeches are: "She said ... about me," "He said ... about them," "No one should listen to ... because they don't like me." When the speeches should be: "As president of the U.S., I would ...", "If elected, I would do ... for our economy," etc.

This election is populated with candidates who are nothing more than self-centered, I-am-for-myself-alone egotists who are interested in the presidency for the ego boost, not as a chance to do anything positive for the U.S. or its citizens. There should be a constitutional amendment with an automatic, mandatory life-without-parole imprisonment for anyone who announces for president before January 1st of the election year.

But, I mu$t remember the$e candidate$ are running to $upport u$ a$ citizen$ of the United $tates$; there cannot be $ome other $ecret rea$on the$e people would want to be pre$ident.

MIKE VOWELL

Little Rock