Where emphasis lies
Just a thought about the plaque on the Capitol grounds displaying the Ten Commandments: Why didn't the Legislature include the other 600 or so commandments in the Old Testament if that is where their emphasis lies?
Perhaps the good Christian politicians might simplify the process by using the New Testament and quote our savior, who said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." And the second was "Love your neighbor as yourself." He went on to say that all the law and prophets rest on those two.
Maybe it is the second command that they have problems with. After all, the lies and innuendos used against their opponents and the disdain for certain groups hardly comply with that commandment.
ED HUDNALL
Bryant
His childish behavior
Until now, I was content to sit on the sidelines with regard to Sen. Tom Cotton's letter-writing antics to the Iranians. But, with this latest stunt of his, I feel I must express my opinion.
Senator Cotton seems intent on using his position in Congress for his own personal political agenda. He is running roughshod over established protocol, as if he and he alone knows best how to deal with the Iranians. His big mouth is overshadowed only by his even bigger ego. And his oft-touted Harvard law degree pales in comparison to the experience and wisdom of his older and wiser colleagues in the Senate.
I believe Mr. Tom has been pulling the "Cotton" over our eyes long enough. He is a loose cannon in the Ship of State, and needs to be given a lesson in statesmanship, and the proper way for a senator to behave. He has become an embarrassment to himself, the Senate, and the country at large with his childish behavior. This tit-for-tat email nonsense is what one might expect for high school teenagers.
Mr. Cotton is nothing more or less than a freshman senator, and should sit down and shut up, and keep his eyes and ears open so that maybe he'll learn how to properly represent the constituents who sent him to Washington in the first place to represent their interests and their concerns. Senator Cotton should leave the diplomacy to the diplomats in dealing with such grave matters that have dire consequences for us all, should they be unsuccessful due to the interference of amateurs.
RICHARD SCHREIBMAN
Fayetteville
Safety on motorcycles
I have always admired people who ride motorcycles, and I am saddened when I read about their deaths in a road accident. Some of these occur when the motorcyclist is hit by another vehicle due to poor visibility. My observation concludes that many riders wear dark clothing while riding their motorcycles, thus making them difficult to see quickly. And many motorcycles have only one headlight and one taillight.
"Look Twice Save a Life" is a great slogan for safety, but it could be enhanced greatly if motorcyclists would wear reflective and bright-colored clothing/helmets, and if their bikes had more lights/reflectors.
NATHAN GREGORY
Little Rock
Climate change here
Mr. Larry Anderson's recent letter to the editor was, I believe, incorrect and misleading at best. He claims there is no consensus regarding climate change. A simple search on Wikipedia for scientific opinion on climate change notes a long list of national and international professional scientific groups, associations, and academies (95 percent) that support the findings that most of the global warming since the mid-20th Century is very likely due to human activity. It's interesting that the 5 percent not in agreement with man-made climate change are the geological and petroleum associations and societies.
Mr. Anderson refers to the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow for his research and conclusions. It does not take much research to find that this group is backed by big oil and the Koch family.
Presently, the climate change language has moved from preventing climate change to adapting to it. Mr. Anderson, climate change is here. The question is how we are going to slow it and live with it. It is a threat to our nation and the world now and tomorrow.
The U.S. Department of Defense recognizes climate change as a national security threat. Last year (and again this year) Pope Francis acknowledged climate change and called on Christians to become "custodians of creation." He noted that "if we destroy creation, in the end it will destroy us," only to be attacked by conservation groups.
I respond to Mr. Anderson's letter for one reason. I'm concerned and frankly worried about what world my children, grandchild, and great-grandchildren will inherit. I believe the science is clear--climate change is present, we are responsible, and we need to take action to slow its progress and take measures to adapt to it now.
JIM LEWIS
Lincoln
Delicious competition
Ah, the field is beginning to take shape for the presidential campaigns. Hillary Clinton announced, as have Marco Rubio and Rand Paul.
Yes, the competition is going to be fierce, and the Grill Party welcomes the challenge. Not to prove superiority or to demonstrate that it alone has the answers to all the questions, but simply to inject some levity and fun into the proceedings, not to mention some darned good food.
I continue to expound upon the Grill Party Platform and now include such issues as why car manufacturers no longer include turn signals as standard equipment. Judging by the paucity of turn indicators actually being used, I can only surmise that they are no longer available. The Grill Party promises a full investigation upon election.
I continue to be an advocate for a National Everyone Shut Up and Just Listen Day. Use those two devices on the side of your head and forgo for a day operating the big one in front. Crank up the Bach, serenade the neighborhood with James Taylor or Steely Dan, simply enjoy what the sounds of nature can inspire. Simply listen.
The Grill Party also issues an invitation to the other candidates, not for a debate, but for a tasting session, a participation in variety and flavors. Please stay tuned for further announcements from the offices, or the grills, of the Grill Party.
DAVID KELLEY
Fort Smith
Editorial on 05/05/2015