Must lead against evil
When I saw that President Trump had ordered a missile strike on the Syrian air base from which the heinous mission was launched to rain down an agonizing death on innocent people, my first thought was ... finally! Finally, we have a president who will listen and take advice, then do what needs to be done--as those who know him well say about him.
Although how could the Syrian butcher Bashar al-Assad still have chemical weapons? Wasn't one of President Obama's signature diplomatic achievements, after his infamous "red line," a promise from Russia that Assad would get rid of his chemical weapons? Or perhaps the result of that diplomacy has been the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocent people, thousands of pitiful refugees and the birth of the barbaric terrorist army called ISIS?
The situation was compounded by the withdrawal of every segment of American support from Iraq, when its military still needed American training and guidance, opening the way for the spread of ISIS into that country and beyond. Now, as predicted, American forces are there again helping fight the same battles a second time. The Syrian rebels, Kurds, Ukraine and the King of Jordan begged to no avail for heavy weapons to fight this scourge which now threatens much of the world.
Whether we like it or not, America must lead or evil prevails. Now perhaps tyrants will no longer look on American leadership with contempt and our allies can feel America is again with them.
BARBARA FOREMAN
Siloam Springs
Good, can be better
I read with interest last Saturday about Mike Masterson's thoughts on creating a successful newspaper in today's world. His concept, albeit utopian, contained some real as well as some subliminal messages with which I totally agree. Mike is to be commended for a desire to make something good even better.
In that light, I would like to add some additional thoughts which in my view would enhance "Mike's Morning Messenger's" ability to appeal to an expanded readership.
First, since letter-writers are discouraged from using caustic language and name-calling, that should also apply to syndicated columnists such as "deer in the headlights" Paul Krugman. In the same issue as Mike's piece, he referred to President Trump as "lazy, ignorant, dishonest and vindictive." He obviously couldn't make a living in his chosen profession so he took up writing, which in my opinion is also a dismal failure. Consequently, he should be limited to one missive per month, subject to intense editing.
Second, to add credibility to "Mike's Morning Messenger," John Brummett should likewise be limited to once a month until he can graduate from childish name-calling such as the worn-out "preposterous second-place president."
Third, limit Philip Martin's word salad to 50 words or less. Alternatively, an interpreter could be hired to explain what the heck he said. Sorry, we are not all Ivy League academics.
Finally, with "Mike's Morning Messenger" gaining steam with would-be advertisers waiting in line, someone surely could address the case of the curling corners. Sherlock, where are you? Deus existo nobis.
HOWARD D. HUGHES
Maumelle
Barbaric punishment
There were two excellent columns in Tuesday's paper: the editorial "One life spared" and Philip Martin's "Helping no one, diminishing all."
I am truly ashamed that our governor, attorney general, and legislators have not put a stop to the scheduled executions. This is a barbaric manner of punishment. My husband, who was a volunteer in prison lay ministry for years, agrees completely.
The nation will once again have its eyes on Arkansas, and for a terrible reason. Please, please, someone--remember "Thou shall not kill," and "Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord."
PATRICIA THESSING
Conway
Make data accessible
Every state government has a department that oversees the banks within its borders. These departments are required to file an annual report providing information about the state's banks. The reports should be easily accessible. Arkansas' state bank department does not publish most of its annual reports online. While the Freedom of Information Act gives citizens the right to access information from the federal government, the law does not require state governments to make their data available.
These annual reports provide important information about Arkansas' economy. Most banks in Arkansas focus on small-business lending and mortgages. The reports depict the financial soundness of these banks. They show financial information for each entity as well as the number of banks in a given year. This information is important because it reflects Arkansas' ability to support banks. Gaining access to a history of these reports would allow citizens to observe what is occurring over time. For example, if we see a quick decline in the number of banks, it will become evident that we need to change our banking policies.
Most state bank departments have reports back to at least 2007 available online. Arkansas only has the past two years available. When the state bank department uploads a new report, it takes down an old one. A simple solution would be to scan the hard copies of the reports and make them available to the public. They contain important information that may help citizens hold government officials accountable for their performance.
HANNAH JAMES
Monticello
Easter on death row
I'm glad I'm not the governor on Easter Sunday--what a weight he must bear.
And I'm glad I'm not one of the condemned seven on Easter--what torment there must be.
I'm real glad I'm not one of those local theologians asked to parse the scriptures on the local news--it must be a lot of responsibility to speak for God.
Heck, I'm not sure I can even make it to church Easter Sunday. If I go, I'm sure to hear how Jesus, the only sinless one, died for me and all the other sinners, and wants me to follow in his steps.
I'm just not sure I can raise my hand and say, "As Jesus died for me, I'll walk into the death chamber Monday night so that one of these seven might find redemption in him."
DAN BAW
Conway
Keeping the Sabbath
This is in regard to the letter concerning why most people worship on Sunday and not Saturday.
God blessed and sanctified, or made holy, the seventh day. He set aside the seventh day as a day of rest. Under the law, the nation of Israel was commanded to keep the Sabbath. After the resurrection of Jesus, Christians began worshiping on the first day, Sunday. It is a day of voluntary worship and service.
NAOMI BUTLER
Bodcaw
Editorial on 04/15/2017