To be degreed at last
Last month I wrote a letter about not being able to obtain my degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, despite having completed degree requirements and owing the university no money.
Despite heavy-handed editing from the Voices staff (I made the mistake of naming two faculty members I had contacted and who provided no help), the letter was published in revised form.
Some stories do have happy endings. Michael Moore, vice president for academic affairs for the UA System, read the letter and, with the help of Stephanie Brown of the Voices page, made contact with me.
Over the next several weeks, Mr. Moore connected me with Jennifer Moody, and more importantly, Olaf Hoerschelmann, who heads UALR's School of Mass Communication.
A few emails and phone calls later, bureaucratic hurdles were overcome, and I recently signed the paperwork to receive my degree this December, over a decade later.
I can't thank these three individuals enough, especially Michael Moore, who didn't have to do anything, but took the time and sought me out unsolicited to make it happen. Unlike the two previously mentioned UALR faculty members who I contacted and did nothing, he made it happen.
Thanks Michael Moore, thanks UALR, and go Trojans!
ANTHONY LLOYD
Hot Springs
Can always vote Grill
Closer and closer comes the election. The debates have been debated and the candidates have been dissected about as much as a human can be. All around us swirls the angst, the emotion, the complete outpouring of venom and invective.
Is there an escape to all this? Yes. Is there an option worthy of the confidence of the electorate? Yes. And that alternative would be The Grill Party.
Yes, The Grill Party. The provider of food and the defender of all that is right and true about grilling. Hey, vote for The Grill Party and no one can hold the voter responsible for whoever might emerge victorious in this seeming debacle. Vote for The Grill Party and be absolved of any accountability, except for preferring either Cajun Teriyaki flavoring or Hot/Spicy Italian Marinade.
As the candidate for this trying-to-become-respectable party, I adhere to some firm principles, mainly that attacking the other candidates in no way furthers your own agenda. I also maintain that politics has no place at all around the sanctity of the Grill. Thou Shalt Not Offend The Grill With Such Talk.
So if you, dear voter, are seeking some solace from the bombardment of bombastic pronouncements, announcements, and denouncements, then vote Grill Party. As always, Slow Down and Grill.
DAVID KELLEY
Fort Smith
Let the voters decide
I believe the all high and mighty Arkansas Supreme Court has no right rejecting the casino amendment to the Arkansas Constitution. The people of the state should be allowed to vote to pass or reject the amendment, not a group of seven overpaid flunkies!
PAT OAKES
Little Rock
Will seek out the truth
In reading Mike Masterson's words, "evil flourishes in direct proportion to the amount truth is violated," a sadness welled up in my spirit. Instantly I felt overwhelmed with a responsibility to seek truths to annihilate this tsunami of evil. I picked up my tablet and began searching. Facebook, Twitter, New York Times, Washington Post, Fox News, CNN, The Associated Press, BBC, Boston Globe, ABC, NBC, CBS ... surely there was truth in the presentation of these men and women responsible for so many words presented to so many people.
Then, it becomes apparent to me that I have become absorbed in the ease of instantly reading so many words from so many people with so many frustrations and judgments and how these words, which for the most part are not corroborated, begin to color my life.
The good is there along with the truth. It's buried under malaise and the creeping habit to let someone else do the work. Today, because of Mr. Masterson's words, I will seek the truth. I will take a long quiet walk in the truth of Mother Nature. I will enjoy the beauty of our beautiful state and I will sit among good friends and be thankful for the truths of those friendships. Out of my way, Evil.
GWEN FULLEN
Arkadlphia
Doug wasn't problem
I read the article about this "wild" deer who poses for selfies. Randy Zellers said Doug might become aggressive during mating season. Later in the story, it was said he was castrated and possibly someone's pet.
In cattle terms, he's a steer. Do these animal experts actually not know that's why he is docile? Mating season doesn't interest him. That's why they castrate horses and bulls. Historically, horses, cats, dogs and cattle were wild too. Having raised cattle for years, I know steers are not aggressive.
Zellers said he's a wild animal. Obviously he's not and would likely have harmed someone if so inclined with the many that have already greeted him. My son raised a wolf that was castrated by a car accident when young, and he was never aggressive. Doug wasn't so wild or dangerous in the picture with Sarah Losh.
Let people enjoy this very rare and friendly animal. As to Cheetos and grapes, I doubt if Zellers follows a perfect diet himself. Yes, it would be just as easy to return him as it was to remove him. He was fine and harmless in the area he chose as a peaceful home.
Doug-lovers won't have to worry long, as some hunter will shoot "the deer that just came walking toward me looking for food, so I just fed him some lead." University officials should have asked someone who knows about animals!
KENNETH COLLETT
Benton
Nope, not swimming
Plumbing the depths of Donald Trump is akin to scuba diving in a septic tank.
SALLYE MARTIN
Fayetteville
Editorial on 10/22/2016