Letters

Rational conversation

We live in a country in which a person cannot get elected president if he or she were to openly admit to doubting the existence of heaven or hell. In a presidential election, any halfwit who reads his or her Bible would most certainly defeat an astrophysicist who does not. It would seem the only qualification needed to govern a modern superpower is to be a good fundraiser, be entertaining, and embrace certain myths of long-dead Middle East tribesmen.

It is frightening to know some clown could be given the power to make war and national policy and make decisions that could affect human life for generations. However, I freely admit I am not amazed at this condition, for I believe a large percentage of Americans are delusional and would have it no other way.

I think it is high time politicians, Christians, Muslims, and whoever admit that there is no evidence that any of their holy books were authored by the creator of the universe.

Rational dialogue must rise above religious, ethnic and national confines. That of course would be extremely difficult because strongly held beliefs without evidence are immune to the power of rational conversation.

As religiously inspired fanatics continue their bloody onslaught, our backward politicians' only solution is gun control. Mad men do not need guns to kill, only religion and technology.

As we stride boldly into the Dark Ages may we yet seek the light.

AL CASE

Onia

Choices for president

What if one or both of the present winners of their primaries were acutely aware that, for a great many Americans, the present presidential choices present a situation unique in presidential politics? Many voters who have not voted yet are in a quandary. For personal reasons, they don't like one of the candidates, or both, but have come to realize that their duty will be to vote for one, knowing they would lose and the other one, whom they dislike also, would become president and the nation would be worse off than ever before. Quite literally, whether the U.S. will become a European-style socialist nation or not could be riding in the balance.

Which one do you think would rather do something in the best interests of the nation, regardless of how it affects their personal race? Which one would have the courage and love of country to announce to the American people something like this? "My fellow Americans, I realize that we are facing a crisis for our national future and that my candidacy may be a problem for some of you. I therefore pledge herein that any and all delegates pledged to vote for me at the nominating convention are hereby released from any previous commitment, and may cast your vote for the person, whether a candidate or not, whom you feel would better serve our nation. This is what the election should be about, not the ego or political interest of someone with dreams of personal power. Vote for the one you feel in your heart will be the best for our nation. I will abide by your decision. If electing me as president is not in America's best interests, then I do not want it. God bless the United States of America and guide those who will choose its leader."

WALTER SKELTON

Little Rock

But luxury seats, yes

You can tell that the cost of higher education has gone through the roof when $160 million won't even buy a single new textbook, build one classroom, or hire a new instructor.

DON SHORT

Farmington

Fight light pollution

The recent article about the adverse impacts of light pollution was much appreciated as this is a vastly under-appreciated environmental issue. The local chapter of the International Dark Sky Association (darkskyarkansas.com) is working to promote awareness of the problem and the potential for win-win solutions.

For one, dark skies are an increasingly rare and valuable asset. Dark Sky Parks turn these into vistas where the public can experience our place in the universe and nature's grandest spectacle, our Milky Way galaxy, firsthand. Tennessee and Texas have both already established certified Dark Sky Parks. With three national forests, Arkansas has an untapped resource in its remaining dark skies.

But solutions are needed as well. Fortunately, light pollution is relatively easy to mitigate at its source, if we use proper outdoor fixtures and light thoughtfully, and there is an economic dividend as light pollution is fundamentally wasted light.

An initiative is underway to encourage the city of Little Rock to adopt a responsible outdoor lighting plan around the recommended practices of the Illumination Engineering Society of North America. To date, this has the endorsement of the Arkansas Association of Energy Engineers, the local chapters of the Audubon and Sierra Club, Interfaith Power and Light and the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society.

A modern lighting system would use less energy, produce less pollution (of all kinds), reduce the city's impact on the surrounding nocturnal habitat, and provide a more pleasant, safer city. We believe that responsible citizens want to live in a responsible city.

DARRELL RAY HEATH

Little Rock

Differences in beliefs

While I agree with Ken Miller's assertion that judicial appointment types are likely to be very different between the two presidential candidates, I believe there is another very important reason to remain in the election and select one of the two. It is the huge cultural difference between the Islamic and Christian beliefs and practices of marriage. I believe one of the candidates would resolve these before mass immigration. The other would just leave it to the courts to decide--as if the courts always agreed among themselves and didn't have enough to decide already.

One of the Islamic Bosnian immigrants in St. Louis told me he had two wives in Bosnia but that he only brought one to this country when the U.S. military offered refuge for him and one wife. He plans to bring the other when he can afford her flight.

Of course, there are other important differences but, rather than pretend to be an expert, I leave readers to their Internet searches to find them and assess the future impact on their families and the benefits in this country.

RON HALE

Pea Ridge

Lumped all together

While applying for a position with Dollar General, I completed the online application process. At one point, IRS Form 8850 was involved. In it, it lists felons and veterans under the same check box.

Personally, as a veteran, I am insanely offended. But since it's not a transgender bathroom, no one will care.

DAVID KENEFICK

Batesville

Editorial on 06/25/2016

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