Letters

Far from their spirits

President Washington's Farewell Address of 1796 was on my mind on a recent morning, so I read it again. I read Lincoln's Gettysburg Address again for good measure. I can only wonder how much further away our current presidential candidates can get from the spirit of these two. My vote for either candidate feels like a disloyal act against the causes of liberty.

I'm liking the new features appearing in the paper. I would like to read some columns or opinion pieces that start a discussion with any one paragraph or sentence of either address, like for instance: "It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government."

BOB RAGSDALE

North Little Rock

A solemn obligation

I'm writing to all voters, but especially to those who call themselves Christians. You do not have a "right" to vote. You have a duty and solemn obligation from God to vote. Someday you will stand at the Bema seat of Christ and will be asked, "What did you do with the vote I gave you?" If your answer results in works of wood, hay and stubble, they will be burned up, and your shame will be eternal.

I believe there will be no excuse for not knowing there was a political party with a platform and a presidential candidate that stood for the sanctity of life, sanctity of marriage, appointment of righteous judges, and total support of Israel. The Republican Party platform of life extends from birth to death, no abortion and no euthanasia. The only holy matrimony is between one man and one woman. The appointment of judges who fear God and regard men.

I don't want to hear the whining from the never-Trumpers about a flawed candidate. Get your nose in the Hebrews chapter of the heroes of the great hall of faith. You will find among them a murderer, an adulterer, and a harlot in the direct lineage of Jesus. In Isaiah you find a pagan Persian king named Cyrus whom God called his anointed for the purpose of returning the children of Israel to Jerusalem to rebuild their temple.

Somewhat flawed men and women have been and still can be used by God if they are at least headed in the right direction. Every vote counts. It counts to you personally more than you will ever know in this lifetime.

DAVID BRYANT

Lonoke

Trumpet will sound

What good will it do Donald Trump to constantly blast Bill Clinton?

I thought Hillary Clinton was the Democratic nominee but it seems Trump spends most of his time blasting Bill and the news media. I really think he's looking for a scapegoat to fall back on when he loses.

Actually, Trump has received millions of dollars in free publicity from the media and for a long time bragged that he had not been out a dime on advertising.

I believe the "trumpet" will sound loud and clear on Nov. 8. The American people are, in my opinion, smarter than Trump believes.

VERNON McDANIEL

Ozark

Advantages of design

In commercial real estate, access is critical. Businesses generally place a priority on being highly accessible to customers, employees, and suppliers. Companies look to locate in areas where investment in transportation infrastructure has been made, as efficient, well-maintained roadways reduce costs with regard to mileage, drive time, vehicle repairs and fuel consumption.

The Six-Lane with Collector/Distributor Lane alternative has a number of advantages: It will increase accessibility to downtown Little Rock, increase the safety of motorists merging on and off I-30, increase the safety and efficiency of the corridor by adding shoulders on the I-30 bridge, ease current and future congestion, and reclaim valuable River Market property for public use.

I support this expansion and improvement plan due to the design's ability to provide increased accessibility as well as safety for people traveling to and from the downtown area. I also support the creation of green space allowed by this design that will better connect the businesses and attractions east of I-30 to the bustling blocks of Clinton Avenue. Redesigning this regional highway system not only benefits the businesses that have chosen to locate in our central business district, but also helps visitors from miles away feel safe and secure while traversing our capital city whether conducting business, experiencing the arts, or visiting our city's attractions.

In drafting this alternative, the highway department and its design team addressed legitimate concerns expressed by the public throughout an extensive planning and community outreach process. The quality of comments provided by citizens is heartening, as I have long invested and believed in the economic viability of this area. It is my belief that investing in this section of roadway will contribute to a more vibrant economy and better-connected community.

HENRY C. KELLEY JR.

Little Rock

Should do job right

Re the new Highway 67/167 through Jacksonville: If I were paying the tab, and part of my state and federal taxes are, I'd be telling the contractor to either do the job right or pack up his little ditty bag and get out of town!

There are enough dips in the road that after large trucks have crossed it for a couple years, with them bouncing through the dips and the added force of the weight coming down with each bounce, that highway is going to break up like a dried-out cookie. I give it five years to be as bad as what they started with, if not worse.

DAVID WEAVER

Sherwood

Got their order wrong

It seems to me that the GOP has gotten it wrong.

From what I see and hear, it looks as if we should have Mike Pence running for president, and running for vice president should be Donald Trump (Mr. Sound and Fury, Signifying Nothing).

Former vice presidents have generally been seldom seen or heard from, a perfect fit for Trump.

CHUCK BRACKE

Hot Springs Village

Editorial on 10/15/2016

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