Capitalism = freedom
I thank David Sixbey of Flippin for the civil conversation on utopianism. I don't think Mr. Sixbey has refuted my points on religion or environmentalism, but do wish to return to economics, the point of both socialism and capitalism.
He mentioned Adam Smith, whose "invisible hand" of capitalism was just all of us making decisions in our own interests, and thereby making the economy more efficient and all of us better off. When central planning is introduced to restrict our ability to make those choices, the things we want become scarcer, of lower quality, more expensive, and less suited to our particular needs. Compare your local grocery to the sorry choices of the poor Venezuelans, who today reap the bitter fruit of Hugo Chavez's form of socialism.
Sixbey cited Thomas Piketty, a French neo-Marxist, whose scholarship is in some ways impressive, but whose conclusions and solutions have been largely debunked, by Matthew Rognlie and Jim Manzi, for instance. Of course I agree with Mr. Sixbey that we should seek pragmatic and not utopian solutions, and that we should protect our environment.
Returning to my original point, we will not help the environment, our own economic prospects, our country's future or our happiness by electing socialists. Our country was founded on the idea of individual liberty, and it is our dedication to and defense of liberty that has made us prosperous, happy and a beacon of hope to the world. Adopting the failed collectivist systems of the nations our ancestors fled will betray the promise of freedom that brought them here. I recoil from this betrayal of our country, its founders, our forebears and our children's futures. Capitalism is just the economic expression of freedom, and while respecting our neighbors' rights, each of us deserve to have all the freedom we want. It's the American way.
KARL T. KIMBALL
Little Rock
Train station disgrace
Arkansas prides itself on being attractive to tourists, and our economy depends on tourism. So it is imperative that our state make a good first impression on people, and that they leave with a good impression of our state. This promotes tourism.
However, if they enter or leave Arkansas via the Little Rock Amtrak station, they cannot help but be disgusted by the impression it gives them. Recently, traveling by a train which arrived at 11 p.m., a small crowd of us stood in the rain waiting for the train station to open; we had no shelter and no access to toilets. When we were finally allowed inside, the men's restroom was filthy, one of the urinals was broken and in disrepair, neither stall had toilet paper, the trash bin was overflowing, there were no paper towels in the dispensers, and only one of the soap dispensers worked.
Do you think a visitor to Arkansas would want to come back here when faced with such a shameful scene? Do you think Arkansas residents are encouraged to use our Amtrak facility when faced with such a filthy venue? It is a disgrace to our state.
ROBERT MOORE
Monticello
Was a delightful day
"Lunch at the People's House," hosted by Friends of the Mansion, was a delightful event. This was a very lovely, clever fundraiser. How nice to stroll the beautiful gardens and see the rooms displayed with Arkansas history items.
Friends of the Mansion have done a great job raising funds to decorate the "People's House." Our gracious first lady, Susan Hutchinson, maintains a home worthy of the people of Arkansas. The first lady is a delightful, gracious hostess. There is a charm, warmth and smile that includes everyone.
Guests from around the state enjoyed the lovely luncheon, and the guests contributed to keeping the Arkansas Governor's Mansion an elegant location for Arkansas events.
Hats off to Friends of the Mansion and Mrs. Hutchinson for hosting a lovely event.
JUNE MATHENY
Little Rock
Before judging others
I find it interesting that an ordained minister would ask a Donald Trump supporter to think again before calling themselves Christians. Where is the evidence of Hillary Clinton being a Christian or having the principles thereof?
Yes, we are to help those in need. So I would like to ask Ms. Wiggins if there is a fund in her church to be used only for helping those who need help. If not, why not start one? Maybe she would have something to do besides judging others.
MCK NORDBERG
Almyra
From biased sources
Re Mike Masterson: For over 100 years the land-grant college system that the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is a part of has functioned as an unbiased source of research-based information. I think it's time Masterson accepts the fact that our state is doing the right thing monitoring the Big Creek project in relation to hog waste and Buffalo River.
I believe people are tired of reading his negative comments based on biased sources (Buffalo River Watershed Alliance, Ozark Society, Arkansas Canoe Club). Maybe they need to monitor the waste those groups seem to put directly in the river or on the bank of the river in little piles, the elk and deer with their chronic wasting diseases, and other wildlife deposits.
Instead of taking a positive approach and following the best research available, it seems those groups just complain and use the Freedom of Information Act, wasting our tax dollars on ever-continuing complaints.
I'm fairly sure those groups could raise enough money to purchase the hog farm and return it to its natural state of existence, then donate it back to the family that owns it in the first place.
Put your money where your mouth is or shut up. Time to move on.
TOMMY THOMPSON
Morrilton
Character considered
I am 87 years old. Do you suppose I am getting senile in believing character counts? I was married 60 years to my soul mate. We loved and respected each other and took our vows seriously. We weren't perfect. We had our disagreements, but our love was stronger.
It saddens me to see the sanctity of marriage and commitment ignored. I've seen too many families destroyed and children traumatized by this "me first" generation.
I am shamed that my generation has failed to fight against the liberals who have championed rights over values. I am shamed to see and hear people who claim to be Christians champion whoever the world endorses. I am shamed to see and hear reasons for killing a precious child who God has known from inception. I am shamed when people condemn gay people but accept adultery as the norm.
I pray daily that God's will be done and good people will do something.
MARGARET A. PARK
Little Rock
Shouldn't be possible
When I first heard of an Arkansas murderer escaping from prison, I wondered how that was possible. When I later learned that he did not escape from prison but from a worksite miles away, I thought it seemed strange. How can a convicted murderer serving a life sentence (a 36-year-old given 60 years without parole is essentially serving a life sentence) be allowed outside the walls of a prison?
Anyone who dodges the death penalty and gets life without parole should only leave those prison walls when a hearse arrives to transport his body. I am against the death penalty, but might have to reconsider when I read of convicted murderers leaving their prison on work details.
DOUGLAS MacARTHUR
Cherokee Village
Editorial on 07/02/2016