Use facts, not opinion
In Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, in the front-page article, headlined "Trump again draws outcry," the second paragraph states "The GOP presidential nominee falsely claimed that Clinton wants to 'essentially abolish the Second Amendment.'"
Please state the facts and not add your opinion to the article. It seems they felt like they had to add the word "falsely" to ensure you would assume their thought was legitimate.
If the news articles are to be opinions, it should be stated and not be shown as a news report. We have enough of this as is. I really wonder if the mainstream media care to report the truth or what they want you to believe.
We are in a sorry state of affairs when you can't trust any media source.
HAROLD L. SADLER
Cabot
Go forth and be love
When the Lord almighty created earth out of chaos, it's obvious that he thought occasional chaos was worth being. It might clear the air. It might put perspectives and values in better places. It might create energy and remind the earth of who's in charge. Man-made chaos is different. Usually it comes from the head, sometimes purposefully, causing confusion or ill will, anger or plain meanness. It can also teach hate and to kill, to terrorize and to spread and fan fear. Maturity and balance are needed these days, and we're not seeing much of either.
Anger is an emotion we all experience; there's nothing wrong with that, depending on our reaction to it. When anger is triggered within us, it helps to ask ourselves what we are really angry about ... existing resentments or jealousies, ego bruises or hurt feelings, and it helps to breathe deeply before any response. Tones and looks can cause anger. Shouting, name-calling, finger-pointing, and blaming can be disciplined kindly by age 6, or were when I was young. If we speak softly, it often quells outbursts and understanding may result.
These efforts are not going to solve the anger and rage of our world, but they will make a difference in our own small worlds. Goodness, like evil, spreads, especially if enough good people break the silence and speak from heart, not head. God, by whatever name called, is love, and love is power readily demonstrated. Loving and respecting each human being we meet throughout a day goes beyond liking or agreeing with them. It simply acknowledges their existence to be in the light of the Jewish God who called himself "I am." I've wondered if that suggests that God is a verb and we are all created in that image. If so, let us go forth and be love.
JUDITH BAUM
North Little Rock
Have no other choice
Like K.E. Pollock, I too would like to vote for someone who cares about our state, but I have to look at the bigger picture and choose from what I think is important for the entire nation.
As a Christian, I believe abortion is wrong and I'm for the sanctity of marriage. As a hunter and gun owner, I believe in the Second Amendment. As an ordinary citizen and caring who enters our country, I am for securing our borders. As much as I disapprove of Donald Trump, I have no other choice but to vote for him.
DONNA BRYAN
Mabelvale
Here, birdie, birdie ...
An old saying is birds of a feather flock together. Donald Trump appears to be a bully, so I think his followers are of the same feather.
If the shoe fits ... wear it!
INA M. MAULDIN
Hot Springs
Should disqualify him
Donald Trump's ignorance of the U.S. Constitution is inexcusable. This alone should disqualify him from running for the presidency. FYI, Hillary Clinton cannot, I repeat, cannot change or repeal the Second Amendment whether she is president or not. Furthermore, Supreme Court justices (liberal or conservative) cannot change or overturn a constitutional amendment; they can only interpret the meaning and intent of an amendment. A constitutional amendment can only be repealed by replacing it with another amendment as the 21st Amendment repealed Prohibition (the 18th Amendment). And it takes approval of three-quarters of the states to ratify a constitutional amendment--the president and the Supreme Court are irrelevant in this case.
Does he (and the NRA) honestly believe that 37 states would vote to repeal our right to bear arms? Of course not. He just wants to add another lie to his pile to go along with his childish name-calling, pie-in-the-sky promises, fearmongering, bullying, waffling on issues and allegiances, and whining about a "rigged election" three months before Hillary beats him. Talk about a "loser!" And by the way, it would be advisable to not call anyone "crooked" until after you release your financial information, IRS audit or not.
As for the most recent claim that Barack Obama and Hillary are responsible for ISIS? Clearly, he must be coming unhinged or has little respect for the intelligence of the American public. Besides, I think we all know who's responsible for ISIS. Smart Republicans just want to forget it.
FLEMING STOCKTON
Little Rock
Provides opportunity
Re Bradley Gitz's column, "Things I won't do." I agree with him on most of the things. I totally disagree on not going to church on Wednesday.
Mr. Gitz, I invite you to attend Union Grove Freewill Baptist Church on Wednesday night or any of the other churches in Atkins (a very small town).
You will find a large group of children having fun and learning about Jesus. The church provides transportation and a snack for them. Most of these children do not attend church on Sunday, nor do their parents.
During the summer they have the opportunity to attend a church camp for a few days where they meet new friends, have more fun and learn more about Jesus and gain knowledge about the Bible, no charge to the parents.
I am all for sports and Little League; however, Old Scratch seems to have a lot of influence on our youth. Let's do our best to get them to church on Wednesday nights.
DELOIS BURNETT
Atkins
Editorial on 08/15/2016