Stand for what's right
Believe in yourself and anything is possible. I believe in you. Together we can make a difference.
Americans are good people. Americans are open and understanding people. Americans are welcoming people. Americans are exceptional people. Americans of all stripes believe in the goodness of others regardless of race, creed, color, ethnic background, identity, faith, national origin or whatever. Americans have pride in themselves and pride in their country. Americans are honest, and have ethics, morals and integrity.
When most young people are taught by their parents to respect others, however different, they are learning one of life's most important lessons. Most of us were taught at an early age not to lie, cheat, or steal. We were also taught not to tolerate those who do. Yet, we are a forgiving people. When others stand out above the law, lie, cheat or steal, they can expect to receive a rebuke from the vast majority of citizens.
Believe in yourself and anything is possible. Believe in the power you possess to make a difference. Respect our laws and demand that others do the same. Don't accept the alternative; you can and will make an important difference soon. Stand up for what is right and moral and honest. God bless America.
LOUIS R. BURNETT
Little Rock
All thanks to Hillary
Thanks to Hillary Clinton, I voted in the Republican primary for Donald Trump. Thanks to Hillary, that was the first time I have ever voted for a Republican and I am 71 years old.
Thanks to Hillary, I sent Donald Trump a campaign donation, the first time I have ever sent a donation to a candidate. Thanks to Hillary, I will vote for Donald Trump in November.
Thanks to Hillary, I will be 100 percent sure I am voting for the best candidate by far.
JOHN H. NELSON
Horatio
More good than bad
I just wanted to write concerning Trooper Roy Moomey heading off the man driving on the wrong side of the road on Interstate 40. So much is proclaimed about the police that is bad. Trooper Moomey is a hero.
I feel there are many who protect us each day, and most of what we hear is bad about those protectors. There are a lot more good ones than bad. We are blessed!
RUTH CARNEAL
Calico Rock
Ask some questions
Before you go into the voting booth this fall, ask yourself some questions about the major presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton:
Which candidate would make immediate, positive steps to defeat ISIS? Which candidate would appoint Supreme Court justices that I could support? Which candidate supports removal of illegal immigrants and sanctuary cities? Which candidate expresses strong support of our military and police forces? Which candidate would put transgender bathroom assignment as one of the nation's highest priorities?
JAMES GARRETT
Russellville
Could have avoided it
I cannot see how the present situation concerning monuments on the Capitol grounds could not have been foreseen and avoided.
I expect the Legislature in Arkansas to propose and pass occasional strange, outlandish, curious, and peculiar legislation--that is its historical legacy. In the times of Orval Faubus (yes, I can remember those times), it was not unusual for such legislation to be approved by the governor, but I have believed that Arkansas had matured from that situation.
The proposal to erect the "Ten Commandments" monument was, I am sure, well-intended, but most high school (if not junior high) civics students could tell you why it was a bad idea by a reference to the separation between church and state.
And most persons who pay any attention to news reports related to such events could have predicted the following request for a satanic monument.
I must assume that the person(s) purposing the satanic monument did not, and do not, have any hope at all that it would ever be erected. But the approval of the Ten Commandments monument gave them the perfect opportunity to create headlines, generate publicity, embarrass the Arkansas Legislature and elected officials, and to once more make Arkansas the butt of jokes for comedians.
The next time your child's classroom does not have money for some needed book or materials, or the police or fire department is short of funds, remember that it went to a good cause, paying for the litigation about this matter created by our elected representatives in Little Rock.
BLAINE A. JACKSON
Bentonville
Pot and kettle in talks
Mr. Paul Greenberg (God love him) satirizing anyone for excessive use of cliché is, if you'll pardon me, a trifle like a pot calling a kettle a demmed cooking utensil. For as long as I've been reading this paper, its editors have exhibited a penchant for cliché. My personal fave is the old French saw about the blind pig.
Another that sees frequent print, even from letter-writers, is an aphorism to the effect that insanity can be recognized in the repetitious performance of a familiar act with the expectation of an unexpected outcome. Something like that.
But that one has always bothered me a little. There is in fact a noble tradition of just such behavior. It is called the Spagyric Art, otherwise known as Alchemy.
More recently, quantum physics has stated, as plainly as it states anything, anything can happen and sooner or later will, "all over sudden-like." For an amusing example, read Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, by Tom Stoppard.
I think a better image for insanity would be the compulsion continually to repair a cherished piece of porcelain which keeps dropping and breaking. You keep frantically retrieving pieces and gluing them together, confident the cracks don't show. And then, oops, it breaks again. Where's the glue? (Check out the original sense of "crazy.")
STANLEY G. JOHNSON
Little Rock
Editorial on 09/22/2016