In deep appreciation
In one sense, to appreciate means to hold in high regard, in another to be grateful; in a third, it denotes understanding. I write today to express my appreciation for Paul Greenberg.
I hold him in high regard for his obvious talents. I am grateful for his sometimes lovely use of language, especially for those softer, homey, personal pieces where he displays his gift for Southern storytelling. Who else, in a political commentary, can paint a poignant image of a young man calmly eating strawberries on the streets of Manhattan while the world market collapses? An image at once of disaster and hope, past and future.
I am grateful too for the opportunities he has afforded me to wallow in self-righteousness. Like JR, Paul Greenberg can so often be the man you love to hate! Or at least find endlessly annoying. So much partisan pugilism. So many incomplete sentences.
However, I will never understand Paul Greenberg: a Southern son with an Eastern European Jewish ancestry, a man who should not belong, yet does. He is a mixture of hard-nosed partisan and softhearted poet, two incongruent characters residing easily together, calling to mind the words, "the lion and the lamb shall lie down together." He is inexplicable, a force of nature and, in so being, he reminds us that our own lives are ineffable.
To convey with words that which is beyond words, therein lies the beauty and the gift.
Now, about that piece titled "Provocations" ...
KATHY CURTIN
Fayetteville
That makes sense how
George W. Bush has decided to start criticizing Barack Obama's Mideast policy.
Isn't that kind of like Custer writing a handbook on how to fight the Sioux?
GARY USELTON
Benton
Plagiarism just wrong
When a well-known columnist like Paul Greenberg states that "Plagiarism may be the highest form of flattery," it is truly disheartening.
Plagiarism, by definition, is using someone else's work as though it is your own creation. To cite it correctly is simple! If you quote someone's work or research, don't imply that the work is yours. Give the author credit. This should be especially true when writing a doctoral dissertation.
This should be obvious when, like Dr. Dexter Suggs (until proven otherwise), you quote or paraphrase large or small passages of someone else's research work. How would Mr. Greenberg feel about someone stealing a piece of art, music, or a script for a play or book before it is signed, signing it, and calling it his own? This basically tells students (high school and college) not to bother writing their own papers when it is obviously OK to turn in someone else's work and accept credit.
Plagiarism, under any situation, is just plain wrong and Mr. Greenberg should not minimize the offense.
DAVE VOLSEN
Little Rock
Have reason to worry
I'm worried! Ninety-seven percent of scientists surveyed believe we are undergoing climate change caused by waste products given off by using fossil fuels. Continuation of this will result in our world not being able to reverse the changes. Meanwhile, worldwide development and population growth have resulted in a large use of fossil fuel. We may be developing a climate that does not sustain our way of life.
A very well-written letter from an obviously intelligent gentleman, Larry Anderson, expressed doubts about the scientists' conclusions. I cordially tend to disagree with Mr. Anderson and believe that this looming possible occurrence deserves our national attention and that we should assume world leadership in developing a plan to prevent such a catastrophic happening.
Our 535 elected lawmakers in Congress should stop dilly-dallying over political things and spend great effort in determining the veracity of the scientific conclusion mentioned above and if necessary, develop a prevention plan.
Note: I surely hope Mr. Anderson is correct, but what if he isn't? After all, fossil fuel is limited. I do not see too much wasted effort in Congress following my suggestions, and having no plan could result in national suicide. I am still worried.
DOYLE E. COLLINS
Arkadelphia
Fix up those houses
I can't help but notice the run-down houses on my way to UALR, near the campus, and throughout the older parts of Little Rock. I am not just talking about three or four houses, but many houses in a row. It seems most of these houses have actually been abandoned by the owners. Some of the houses are inhabited and are even used for business, which is more reason why they should be renovated. I think those people living in those houses should actually be forced to renovate them.
These houses cause land pollution, and they drive investors away because they are ugly and give the appearance of an unsafe community. That land could be used for something else if they are brought down or, if necessary, renovated. If investors start investing in these houses, I believe businesses will start moving back to the central part of Little Rock. Apparently major businesses are moving to the periphery of the city, and so is the population, which is the cause of the run-down abandoned houses.
I don't know whether I am being too sensitive, but I think that these run-down houses should be renovated or demolished.
JOSEPHINE NYANGWESO
Little Rock
Pay raises too much
The headline, "Pay commission: Give prosecutors 23 percent more," caught my eye. You must be kidding! Also 14 percent for circuit judges, and 25 percent for three part-time prosecutors! Really? Before I retired I had never in 45 years received more than 5 percent to 10 percent. Even now Social Security usually only goes up no more than 5 percent, if that.
These three positions are probably valuable to us, but that valuable? I think not.
GARY F. GRAVES
Rogers
Editorial on 05/03/2015