Of news consumption
I read with interest Nancy Rorex's letter in Wednesday's paper and found it to be, for lack of a better word, "deplorable."
I'm not a big Trump supporter, but I must say that the thought of someone going to Washington, D.C., and getting hold of the bureaucrats and the ruling class (in both parties) by the neck and giving them a good shaking gives me great pleasure.
I try to get my news from a variety of sources, not the least of which is this fine newspaper. That allows me to, at least, separate the big lies from the half-truths and partisan political propaganda. At any rate, the process seems to work for me.
There is life and a world beyond Rachel Maddow and MSNBC.
Nancy should try it.
GORDON GONDEK
Little Rock
The value of freedom
Arkansas constituents will get the chance to legalize marijuana to some extent this November. I believe Arkansans should definitely vote in favor of such initiatives, not just for medical use, but for the purpose of extending freedom and liberty to our fellow citizens.
What is freedom, anyway? Freedom is an individual experience in which a person can do whatever he wants. Unfortunately, in a society of men, some freedoms may be dangerous, but I believe using marijuana is no danger. Some people complain that marijuana users inhale the spirit of the plant by smoking its leaves. Should citizens of the USA not have the freedom to smoke, as least on private property? And should citizens of the USA not be liberated from governments that take away more and more of their freedoms? There is also the issue of allowing industrialists to manufacture 25,000 products from the cannabis plant.
Although Arkansans talk a lot about freedom and liberty, it may be just a lot of talk. Sure, everyone wants freedom for himself, but do Arkansans really want to extend freedom to the marijuana user? Do Arkansans really want to liberate the marijuana user from prison? Maybe not. The cost of freedom is tolerating the freedoms of others. Arkansans who are not willing to tolerate the freedoms of others do not really value freedom.
GENE MASON
Jacksonville
It's the stuff of myths
Why is America seemingly hell-bent to achieve the utopian social state? Do we really believe we're immune from the results of this grand scheme as being experienced in Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil, and others?
Do the political elites really think they are smarter than history? Free, free, free, free is a thing of myths. Romney may have been generous at 47 percent.
Somehow, some way, we have to come to our senses soon or it really might be too late!
RON HILL
Hot Springs Village
Hard questions on pot
Everyone is asking hard questions of themselves about the coming elections. One compelling issue is medical marijuana.
A lot of Arkansans want medical marijuana. They want some control over the ability to heal themselves of the illnesses of modern existence. The American Medical Association answer to pain management is very damaging. Prescription drug abuse is pandemic. People justify this because "the doctor" told them so, and then, of course, the hook. But many would prefer an alternative to opioid addiction.
There are two options on the ballot. A third option is to vote no.
There is the possibility that through lawsuits a technical swindle (by those who know how to work such things) may derail a fair effort that will pass. Woe. I believe only complete ignorance would choose to keep the situation unchanged. Yet where was the Legislature to study and design an option it could be comfortable with? Several state governments have initiated medical-marijuana programs precisely in anticipation of a popular motion. Was it ever even considered?
Concerning the options we have, one is a grass-roots effort with compassion for rural needs. The other is a blatant attempt to corner what is likely to be quite a lucrative trade.
Does medical marijuana cure any specific disease? No. Is it then medicine? Yes, indeed, I believe it is. Is medical marijuana the gateway of decriminalized pot? Likely so. As more information comes in from those states with commercial pot, the attitudes of fear will probably give way. The world in many places has already absorbed and adjusted to the reality of marijuana use by responsible citizens.
Of course, criminals will use it too.
MICHAEL THURMOND
Fayetteville
A proud 'deplorable'
I am disgusted! I happen to be one of the proud "deplorables" Hillary Clinton so blatantly insulted last week. I am a volunteer working for Donald Trump who, I believe, is by far the better of our two viable choices for president.
These deplorables to whom Hillary refers are people very unhappy with a socialistic government that will gut our country if the trend continues. Instead of deplorables, we are hardworking, honest, religious patriots who unapologetically want the country strong and proud again. And we want Supreme Court justices who will decide the law by the Constitution, not whatever the feel-good trend is at the time. We want to feel safe again. We want the American economy to grow again.
Let's talk deplorable. Any political signs, regardless of whom they support, are private property, and it is against the law to steal or vandalize a political sign. Many of the Trump signs I have placed around town have already been stolen. That is deplorable. I don't think you will see that problem in reverse. Conservatives are more generally people who do not condone this kind of deplorable action. Respect the political process and leave the signs alone. When you steal signs, you are only proving why Donald Trump needs to be our next president instead of the dishonest candidate you support.
BOBBI DODGE
West Memphis
Editorial on 09/16/2016