Do more than repeat
The point used in the recent editorial about the C&H Hog Farm--that it isn't expected to result in irreversible resource commitments--is one of many in the draft environmental assessment that I believe inappropriately dismiss concerns raised about this concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO). Still, while the tone of the environmental assessment is overly optimistic, the underlying methodology (not provided in the assessment) does support the premise that Big Creek and the Buffalo River can accommodate the amount of pollution (nutrients) from one such CAFO, if it is operated well.
I have provided written comments to the address given in the "notice of availability" of the draft assessment, with the expectation that the final version will become more analytical and less promotional (and that several inaccuracies will be corrected). While this letter is not to debate specific wording, I would expect that your editorials do more than repeat assertions from the environmental assessment in support of the CAFO.
Our stewardship of resources succeeds best when we work together. The public becomes disappointed and even cynical when it senses it has had no voice in an issue of importance. The Buffalo River, our nation's first national river, is a treasure of the state of Arkansas, and that river should be given protection more than the minimum allowed. Let's work together to do that.
MICHAEL W. RAPP
Conway
In what reality is that?
In Mr. Thomas Sowell's most recent piece, he said, "Governors with superb records--such as Bobby Jindal in Louisiana and Scott Walker in Wisconsin ..."
Whatever Sowell is smoking, he should quit. These two governors have been disastrous to their states. And I am still laughing!
VICTOR LORD OLIVER
Bismarck
Just shows ignorance
I for one have gotten tired of all the ranting and raving from the ultra-liberal left regarding Confederate memorials and the history of the Civil War in general. Unless we are planning to rewrite American history, it needs to be pointed out that the American Civil War began primarily over the issue of whether or not states' rights and laws took precedence over federal rights and laws. Ken Burns probably put it best when he pointed out that prior to the Civil War it was that the United States "are" one nation, while afterwards it became the United States "is" one nation.
Two years into the war there were even riots in places like New York City where Northern men vowed that they would not fight to end slavery. Additionally, as shown in a recent motion picture, it was all that Abraham Lincoln could do to get the 13th Amendment to the Constitution passed with a Congress composed solely of representatives from the Union States.
Therefore, people who want to act like the Civil War was only about slavery and that those things that remember the Confederate states are like commemorating the Nazis are just showing their ignorance.
JOE WHALEN
North Little Rock
Problems for children
Thanks to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and to reporters Doug Thompson and Chad Day for writing outstanding articles focusing on two of Arkansas' greatest and most tragic problems. Thompson's article dealt with foster care and the shortage of places to put children. These problems are long-standing and there never seems to be enough money or effort committed to the Department of Human Services to help families and children most in need.
Chad Day's article once again called attention to a cruel and failed system at our Alexander juvenile lockup. No, it didn't just happen. It has gone on and on and on for years. That place needs to be closed as soon as possible. There are other ways to house and improve the problems of juveniles. Being there should not result in a badly broken arm, or marks all over a 13-year-old.
I find it difficult to believe children that we hope to return to a community undergo such treatment. The shame is ours!
Only when the people of Arkansas demand changes will these situations get better. Call your senator, representative, etc. No, better--next time vote for someone who promises to try to make things better for those least able to help themselves.
BONNIE BARTON COOK
Fayetteville
Encouraging vandals
In all my 50+ years of reading newspapers, I have never read a more ridiculous, stupid, moronic article than the one written by reporter Emily Van Zandt about the great North Little Rock family "tradition" of vandalism, trespassing, curfew-violating and littering referred to as "Senior Roll Night." How could she and her editors be so stupid to think that a article glorifying this activity was appropriate for the Family section (or any section) of this paper?
If you have had your home or a neighbor's home trashed in this manner, then I don't have to tell you about the mess that is left and lasts for months as the paper shreds and blows from yard to yard. Just ask my late 90-year-old neighbor who had to pick this trash from his yard in 90+° heat. I also have a neighbor who thinks this is cool and even drives the little thugs around while this great "tradition" is carried on.
Where are the parents that should be teaching their kids to obey the law and respect the property of others? Where are the school officials that should be speaking to the little punks who are doing this in the name of the school? I sure did my share of stupid stuff when I was in high school, but I made sure my son was not involved in the destruction of other people's property.
North Little Rock has had an image problem since its "Dogtown" days, and Mayor Joe Smith has worked hard to improve the image and the lifestyle of our city. I hope he can do something about this problem before we become known as "TP Town."
BILL SOSEBEE
North Little Rock
Look forward to ice
The Big Rock interchange is swell. Is there a plan when the first dose of freezing rain starts to fall? The flyovers might turn into launching ramps?
ART PFEIFER
Little Rock
Editorial on 08/30/2015