Letters

Forfeitures' disgrace

The letter by Randall Ward concerning forfeitures by government bodies is right on. I believe Barack Obama was the greatest abuser of this practice, but I note that our new attorney general also likes it.

It has been abused by law enforcement at every level for decades. We will never know just how much money and property has been taken from people whose only crime was having more money on their person than the police think proper. Many of these "takings" were simply legalized theft. One of the side benefits for government bodies, usually law enforcement people, is that some, all, or most of what is taken ends up in the coffers of the arresting police agency or some other government office.

We will never know how much money is simply taken from citizens and non-citizens alike, and the money just disappears. Just having an amount of cash on your person that the arresting agent thinks is suspicious gives them a reason to simply impound it and put the owner through months and years of litigation just to recover their own property.

The first reform should be that whatever is taken from anyone, whether money or property, cannot be used by any official agency, federal, state, county, or city; and next, to require that all such takings be authorized only after a public trial.

Mr. Ward is to be commended for bringing this official shakedown to the attention of the public and, hopefully, the public will demand that any and all seizures be made public. This is in part one of the English practices that prompted our founders to decide to break away from England. Disgraceful!

WALTER SKELTON

Little Rock

An answer to rantings

Joe Armstrong asked for one honorable thing that Donald Trump has done. I will give you two things that he has done.

No. 1: I believe he saved this country from becoming just another Third World banana republic when he defeated far-left candidate Hillary Clinton. No. 2: He nominated Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. There is more, but I don't want to overwhelm you with facts. Obama put us in this hole; Trump will dig us out.

LEE A. POOL

Salem

Vital for stable world

As children in Northwest Arkansas get ready for school, I'm distressed to know a staggering 263 million children around the world are not. They have no schools.

A retired Root Elementary librarian and grandmother of eight, I know firsthand the importance of education. I am committed to a world where every person has an equal chance for a safe, healthy and productive life. Although my address is Fayetteville, I realize the earth knows no political boundaries. Our fate is unavoidably intertwined with the fate of every person on the planet.

Supporting global education, besides being morally right, enhances our national security through increased global stability. Without an education, children are more vulnerable to the pull of extremist groups, at greater risk of contracting deadly diseases, and more likely targets for forced labor, trafficking, and child marriage. Each year of schooling for males reduces their risk of becoming involved in conflict by 20 percent. Amazing.

The Global Partnership for Education recently launched a new plan to support access to effective education in 89 developing countries. But it can't do it alone--donors and developing countries must contribute.

Unfortunately, the White House has proposed slashing U.S. investments in the fight against global poverty, including education. These issues have strong bipartisan support in Congress, and I hope we can count on Sen. Tom Cotton, Sen. John Boozman, and Rep. Steve Womack to help make sure the U.S. continues to show strong leadership through support of the Global Partnership for Education.

JAN M. VANSCHUYVER

Fayetteville

We won't go quietly

The United States of America, the most powerful nation on the face of planet earth. Probably not for long.

A lot of sacrifice and blood has been shed for many years to put this country in a positive light on the world stage. We took comfort in knowing that we have enjoyed the spoils of years of sacrifice, even those who gave it all. However bright it was, the light has gone dim.

The last time I checked I realized I'm a citizen of this great nation. If I don't have anything else, what I do have is the right to speak up and speak out. We still live in a democratic society, although it seems our rights are gradually being taken away. Our destiny as a nation seems to be one possibly under communist rule.

It is past time for all decent people to let this administration know we will not go quietly into the night. Dictators control others with fear of something. We as a nation should have been more careful about who we entrust with the nuclear trigger. Maybe a lot of us don't fully understand the impact of political genocide.

Before I stop with my opinions and comments, for the two senators from Arkansas that voted for the health-care plan to allow folks that can't afford to live under it to simply die if you can't afford to pay, those same people who voted for you will also remember you. God help us all.

JACKIE PAUL JOHNSON

Scott

What Donald's done

Dear Donald: When I view your words and actions as a reflection of the dignity of the office you currently hold, I may address you more respectfully. Here are some of my numerous reasons.

You badgered and miseried out at least a dozen White House staff members, dropped the U.S. from the climate accord, gave a political speech at the Boy Scout Jamboree (they are just kids, not voters), proposed a transgender ban for military service, plus a new immigration ban (are smart English-speaking Muslims okay?).

The repeal and replace of the Affordable Care Act failed and you blamed some Republicans in Congress who don't agree with you or respect your motivation.

During your Made in America Week, you didn't mention moving the manufacture of Ivanka's and your clothing lines from China to the United States.

Much of your so-called "fake news" emerges from your tweets. Throw the phone away!

Your name in large letters on properties in the U.S. and other countries seems insufficient. You suggested your image should appear on Mount Rushmore. How about another location called the Wall of Shame?

Finally, tell the truth about Russia and submit your tax returns. Inquiring minds want to know.

Do you wonder why your approval ratings are currently in the mid-30s?

STEVE WOLFINGER

Little Rock

Editorial on 08/07/2017

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