So she's evil; so what?
I've checked my facts, and although the truth hurts, Brenda Looper is evil. Since self-confession is generally accepted as a statement of fact, I think further fact-checking is unnecessary (see the Sept. 14, 2016, edition of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette). In spite of this disappointing admission of guilt, I'm convinced that this attribute is a sterling qualification for serving as assistant editor and this paper's Voices page editor.
Brenda, keep up the good work!
HOSEA LONG
Little Rock
No one-fits-all version
David Brooks, in a recent column, states, "The Republican Party is now a coalition of globalization-loving business executives and globalization-hating white workers." He must have forgotten to add that half are also a bunch of "deplorables." He goes on to say, "The Democratic Party is a coalition of upscale urban professionals who make up the ruling class and less affluent members of minorities who feel betrayed by it."
I think the fact that Brooks writes for the New York Times should be enough to debunk the entire column. As a lifelong Republican, I am at a loss to see where I fit into his definition. I can't speak for the Democrats that I know, but I think they would be hard-pressed to accept being classified thusly by Brooks. The fact is that Brooks has attempted the impossible. You cannot coin an all-fits-one or a one-fits-all definition for either party. The lines are crossed and faded; however, one thing remains true. The Republican Party stands for the limitation of government powers, and the Democratic Party is for the expansion of big government. The first relies upon the individual's sovereignty and his desire and right to control his own destiny, while the second would seek to make the individual a vassal of the state to be controlled as the "Beltway Elite" see fit.
This coming election is a choice that most find disdainful, yet there will be a winner. I am in a position where I cannot pick a favorable candidate. My only choice is to opt for the party that I think has the best chance of pulling our country out of the clutches of the impending disaster toward which we are headed. I believe a continuation of the aims of the current administration spells nothing but continued decline. The only choice for citizens who want to see that they and their offspring have a future is to vote Republican.
ROBERT W. BEST
Greers Ferry
Proper pronunciation
William Safire used to write a weekly column for the New York Times, on Sundays, titled "On Language." Brenda Looper, if you have never heard of it or read it, do yourself a favor and look it up. It was a favorite of mine, and I believe you will enjoy it, too.
On another topic, you asked readers to mention their pet peeves about words. Mine is the mispronouncing of "realtor" and "nuclear." Even news broadcasters, who should know better, often pronounce them as ree-luhl-tore and new-cue-ler. It drives me crazy!
Thanks for letting me vent.
DENNIS DONAHUE
Mount Ida
Remember the oath
Your country--love it or leave it? I haven't heard that phrase in years. Well, Judith Jones does not speak for me!
My love for my country led me to wear the uniform of my country in the last half of the '60s, only to find that some of my fellow citizens didn't love me. I was spit on, refused service, called "baby killer," damned to hell, and some of that happened in my old hometown right here in Arkansas.
Now I stand for our national anthem and as an honorably discharged veteran I salute our flag, but I remember part of the oath I took when I joined the Marine Corps was "to preserve and protect the Constitution of the United States of America."
Colin Kaepernick has every right to use his rights of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. He isn't hiding behind it. A whole bunch of Americans fought so he and you have the rights.
Your country--love it, respect it and respect others' rights to it also.
BUFORD HORNE
Siloam Springs
Overpopulated world
Pope Francis, in a Rome conference on refugees, encouraged Europeans to welcome refugees. At the same time, Italy is holding "Fertility Day," trying to encourage Italians to have more babies because of that country's low birth rate.
Really? Isn't there a more obvious solution, one that wouldn't add to an already overpopulated planet?
BETTY HUNT
North Little Rock
No petition required
A great place for display of the Ten Commandments is in the homes or on the property of everyone who is governed by them. No petition is required.
I challenge everyone who would vote for the Ten Commandments to be placed on display at the Capitol to first place them in your homes for external exhibit.
Become self-governed by the rules of that divine document. Engrave them on your hearts and there will be a display of the comprehensive will of our God in every area of your lives.
Is there a greater reminder to the world of the laws we honor and obey? No petition required.
LOU TURNER
Jacksonville
Editorial on 09/21/2016