Letters

Pork-barrel project?

Re a headline in a recent Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Groups apply for fees in hog suit/After filing, joint request made to halt more materials.

Apparently a shortage of materials and rising tailor fees are causing ham to be exposed. Might they be arrested for low-riding pants? Will hogs be required to join a gym to reduce waistlines? Will increased expenses and lack of materials bring a return of polyester leisure suits?

Thank you for informing us of this crisis.

KAY HICKS

Little Rock

Outstanding example

My thanks go to Dana Kelley for his most informative column on Booker T. Washington. I particularly appreciated the direct quotes from this truly outstanding man. His remarks made in 1895 and in 1901 are certainly pertinent today. What a shame that Michelle Obama chose not to acclaim this trailblazer for his race!

But then, is anyone surprised?

CAROLYN TERRY

Magnolia

Sanders a real leader

This letter is to thank Mr. Robert G. Hall of Jacksonville for his letter in support of Bernie Sanders. It is so refreshing and gratifying to know there is someone else in the state of Arkansas who knows and appreciates Bernie Sanders, what he stands for and how his strong belief system would benefit not just Arkansas, but all of America.

From the first time I heard him speak well before he decided to run for president, I just knew this was the type of person we need in the White House. A real leader that tells us what is needed and what it will take to give this country back to all the people, not just the ones who want to buy our government or work behind closed doors for secret trade deals that only hurt all workers. We don't need any more giveaways.

A lot of people, actually thousands, wanted Elizabeth Warren to run for president. But I think she knew she can do more for all of us in the Senate; she has the same strong beliefs and caring personality as Bernie. They both have proven how hard they will work for all of us.

Therefore, since I know there is one more Bernie Sanders supporter out there, I have a challenge for fellow Arkansas Democrats and independents to write a letter to the editor explaining how they believe Bernie is the best candidate for president, what they are willing to do to bring him to Arkansas, to hear how passionate he is and to get him elected. Don't snicker--yes, we can do it. If you really care about yourself, your family, your state and your country, it's time to roll up our sleeves, get to work and really get involved. Time to give a damn--time to get out and vote!

PHYLLIS LAFFERTY

Bella Vista

A seeming obsession

Re Gary Lemon's recent letter, he did the same thing seven years ago--letter after letter, over and over again, about poor Hillary. What did we get? Obama--repeat--we got Obama. This time we'll likely get Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren, moron socialists.

Sometime Gary must take the least of evil, poor Hillary. Leave her alone, I'm voting for Marco Rubio.

RICK JOHNS

Hot Springs Village

Let us be comfortable

Nowadays it seems public school policies lean toward girls. They can't wear too tight of pants like leggings and yoga pants and we can't wear too short of shorts.

When we come to school we want to be comfortable and to girls, leggings and yoga pants are comfortable.

Our shirt sleeves can't be smaller than the width of an ID badge, which is ridiculous. Girls get in trouble for it because it distracts the guys from learning. It's not our fault they can't be mature and not focus on their work.

Lately people have been saying that it's girls' fault for getting raped because of what they're wearing. That's basically saying we can't wear what we want. People need to stop blaming rape on a girl's choice of clothing.

The apparent reason for the policies is so guys won't get distracted. Guys get to come to school and wear whatever they want. They don't have all the restrictions like girls do and that isn't fair.

Yoga pants and leggings are pieces of clothing in a girl's wardrobe but we can't even wear them to school. School is a place to learn, so why can't we be comfortable while doing it?

When it's hot outside and you're wearing pants, it's not the most comfortable thing. So why can't we wear shorts?

The policies need to change and let us wear what we want.

EMILY MORTON

Sherwood

Belongs in a Western

In defense of all citizens of the state of Arkansas who are of Native American ancestry, I am appalled at the extremely poor choice of phrases used in the editorial titled "A bad deal."

To use a phrase so racially stereotypical as "Red man speaks with forked tongue" belongs in a Hollywood Western movie, not in a newspaper of the caliber of the Democrat-Gazette. I must say that, at the very least, this is very poor journalism and the editor owes an apology to all of our citizens of Native American ancestry who subscribe to and read this newspaper daily. Aho!

GEORGE GRAY MAJOR

Little Rock

A point of confusion

Paul Bowen's column listing his pearls of wisdom for 2015 graduates may have confused some readers who are convinced that matriculate means graduate. Or is it just my misunderstanding of the definition?

Matriculate: to enroll in a college or university as a candidate for a degree.

Carry on.

JOHN FIELDS

Little Rock

Editorial on 05/29/2015

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