Our, not ‘the’ government
We wake up in America having questions about what's next, why and how. But here's the little secret we can share with those who observe our process from the outside and think that America can't possibly stand after this: We go on strong, even when we stumble because it's in our nature, it's what we do. You see, we still have something in this country that many in this world do not have--a right to choose--and no matter your political, religious, intellectual or moral belief, it is that singular right that I will defend until I have no more breath to speak.
I have struggled for a long time with a statement I hear many of my fellow countrymen/women make, that, if it continues to occupy our language and actions, I believe will be our undoing. It is a simple statement, and most people let it roll off their tongue without much thought, but it is insidiously distinctive; most people now say "The Government." When a people detach themselves from their government, they let that government separate from them, it will inevitably act in its own interest, and history tells us that this does not end well.
If we have an Achilles heel, it is made up of apathy, ignorance, self-centeredness and maybe worst of all, thoughtlessness. I was told something in a Cognitive Psychology class that has stuck with me throughout my life--we are "cognitive misers," because thinking, folks, is hard work.
For those of you who have detached yourselves from the responsibility of acting, doing and thinking, I will make a prediction: Four years from now you (and your communities) will still be where you are, wondering what "the government" has done about your predicament, and still blaming it. It is easy to blame "the government" for your situation. It is much harder to blame yourself and the outcomes of "your government" when you cede control.
JULES CARNEY
Little Rock
Can do without them
There have been a variety of events triggered as a result of the recent election. Among them is the realization to three segments of our society. I refer to the mainstream-media folks, Californians and New Yorkers.
I believe Mr. Trump's election is a reminder to all three that the United States of America can function on its own, free from their support if need be. Hopefully their eyes will be opened and soon they will observe some very significant improvements on many fronts. God bless America.
L.J. MICKEY JORDAN
Hot Springs Village
Safe spaces ridiculous
In the Sunday paper I saw an article with the photo of a teacher at Mills High School in Little Rock who was posting a sign designating a safe space for students who were traumatized by the election. Really?!
It seems we have a lot of our young generation that is mentally and emotionally weak. How will they ever cope with anything life throws at them if they are always coddled? When they get a job interview, will they need a safe space to handle the trauma if they don't get the job? Or, will they learn to press on and keep trying like the rest of us? This situation has become ridiculous.
SABRINA R. BUTLER
Kensett
We blew our chance
Well, America, you blew it. On Nov. 8, we had a chance to start to rid ourselves of Citizens United, the odious Supreme Court ruling that money was a form of free speech. This ruling armed large corporate interests and the wealthy with a devastating advantage over the common citizen.
The obscene amount of money spent to influence the presidential race as well as the down-ticket campaigns spoke with such a high volume as to render the average citizen speechless by comparison.
So much for the premise that we are all equal under the law. We had our chance to correct the injustice of this unequal system, but we blew it.
BILL FARRELL
Bella Vista
Attuned to the spirit
I am responding to Stan Jaros' letter of Nov. 11, "Don't forget sacrifice."
Top: (For most of you who don't know Army slang, Top is a familiar honorific short for Top Soldier--1st Sergeant--the senior enlisted member of a rifle company. Regardless of who commands the company there is no doubt in anyone's mind that Top runs the company.) Top, I concur with your assessment that the inattention and irreverence in the seats is much more disrespectful to the flag and the country than several young ladies kneeling to show respect to the anthem and the flag by doing so, and yet expressing hurt and dismay that people who look like them are being shot and killed almost daily as much for the color of their skin as for any wrongdoing they may or may not have been guilty of.
Like you, I raised my hand and swore to uphold and defend the Constitution. It seems to me these young ladies are more closely attuned to the letter and spirit of the Constitution than all the writers threatening and castigating them. Somehow, I can't help but believe that if these same women were to kneel in the same way in a church, these people would laud rather than castigate.
DAVID M. DACUS
Hot Springs
Could be trouble here
I'm not sure America knows what they have done. They've elected a president who doesn't have a clue. They've placed in the White House a foreign-born as first lady. Maybe with foreign-born population in America rising, that's appropriate.
We have a Congress at odds with the president-elect even before he assumes office. Wait until he tries to get legislation passed. We have presidential supporters who expect future improvements in their welfare without investment on their part. When these expectations aren't met, there could be trouble in America. When it takes one person working to support one person not working, there will be uprising in America.
JEAN BROWN
Benton
It was pre-ordained
Proverbs tells us pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. I believe the Democrat defeat was pre-ordained. Why? Because defeat was visited on the party of under- and uneducated Democrats to penalize its absurd self-conceit. The party of D-Rats (party of unearned income) lost and the party of R-Icans (party of earned income) won.
Get an education and get ahead in life! Without education, all you want is for someone to give you a handout. It won't work.
I believe Trump strategies and decisions led to the triumphant victory and the crushing defeat of the D-Rats. However, the American people have spoken and the United States of America has won. Help make America great again. Please join us, as all are welcome. God bless the USA. Thank you, Lord, for your leadership and all your gifts to the American people.
WILLIAM S. BAXTER
Roland
U.S. will survive
I believe we live in the greatest country on this earth, bar none. It has survived much and will continue to if we follow its laws. It is structured to do just that. Its enemies are still out there, bent on its destruction. Don't succumb to the negativity. Be productive in your dissension.
And for those who are just completely distraught, I would like to share with you what my mother shared with me. Go online and view "The Prayer," sung by David Archuleta and friend. God bless the United States of America.
PAM MONTGOMERY
Conway
'Class' is obvious
What a stark difference from eight years ago, when President Barack Obama won, Republicans announced their main goal was going to be to make sure he failed. Now that Donald Trump won, both the president and Secretary Clinton encouraged respect and cooperation for the good of the country. You can definitely tell who has class and who doesn't.
Like the first lady said, "when they go low, we go high." Makes me proud to be a life-long Democrat.
GINA MUSA-ALLEN
Conway
Results of giving all
A farmer knows that he will reap a harvest based on the seeds he has sown. If corn is planted, corn stalks will be the result. It's also true that the effectiveness of how we teach our children will be shown in the fruits they produce.
It's now become apparent as to what type of fruit, or actions, are produced by children who were raised by parents and a society that never said no to the child. Children who were raised to believe that there are no winners and no losers, and everyone gets the trophy.
How often have we observed, while shopping, a child throwing a temper tantrum because a parent would not buy him the toy he wanted? Finally, after the child has continued to scream over and over, the parent gives in and buys the toy. It's certainly not the child's fault because he didn't know better. Therefore the parent bears the full responsibility of how the child grows and develops. And then one day, the child is out on his own in the real world.
The voting process fails to elect the political party who promised the child the whole candy store. The child responds exactly as it has been taught. It marches in the streets; it cries its little eyes out, because the child has been taught to believe that action will produce the results he wants.
Bless their little old hearts. Welcome to the real world, kids. We don't always get what we want!
DANNY DRAPER
Little Rock
Encouraging, but ...
I was pleased with the presidential election results, but I'm not completely pleased with Mr. Trump. He needs to clean up his act and start acting like the president.
The potential Supreme Court nominations and prospects for American business are very encouraging. But I am concerned with his "shoot from the hip" mentality when it comes to anyone who disagrees with him. This could be very dangerous when he has his finger on the "Big Bomb" button. I do believe that he was a much better choice than Hillary Clinton.
Unfortunately, this election was like choosing between a heart attack or a stroke. Either one could be disastrous. I'm not sure which one we chose; I just hope we survive the choice.
JAMES CLARK
Little Rock
Accurate descriptions
A recent wire-service article describes Stephen Bannon as a man "celebrated by the white nationalist movement." Shouldn't it more accurately be "celebrating the white nationalist movement?"
MURIEL LEDERMAN
Little Rock
Show us how it's done
Many letter-writers have expressed their disgust and anger at the method of protest used by members of the U of A women's basketball team. I urge those writers to now step up and model acceptable ways to protest injustices against our black citizens.
PATTY BESOM
Fayetteville
Editorial on 11/19/2016