Much roadside trash
Having just traversed six states during vacation, and being impressed by clutter-free, scenic highways, my blood ran cold upon re-entering my own beloved state and immediately realizing the disgusting contrast: So much trashy roadside debris adjacent to our otherwise beautiful freeways!
Interestingly enough, I did witness huge mowing machines presently in operation alongside our freeway, resulting in the delightful scent of recently mown grass. But the disgust at seeing trash that had "already" been strewn so soon behind the area that had just been neatly manicured by the mowers was enough to raise my blood pressure toward stroke level.
It is bad enough that our area has been labeled as one of the most dangerous in relation to the crime rate, but the contrast between Arkansas' and other states' roadways is a stark eye opener--especially since two nicknames ascribed to Arkansas are "Wonder State" and "The Natural State." On the local level, the trashiness alongside I-430 between Rodney Parham and Cantrell gives "road rage" a totally different meaning to me.
LINDA H. NEYLAND
Little Rock
How energy affects us
Being aware of the needs of rural communities, I know just how important small business is for our local economy and the livelihood of our community.
With a little research, I learned that energy is sparking debate across the country, not just topical or conversational debate, but policy-related debate at nearly every branch of government. Sound energy policy is a high priority currently on the docket for many state legislators and in continuous discussion at the federal level. Pairing balanced energy policies with an expansion in infrastructure is what we need to provide jobs and benefit our state's economy.
We are blessed in Arkansas to have an abundance of resources available for the industries that make up the backbone of our economy. It is important, though, that we keep our eyes on what is going on with energy. Reports state that since 2008, families have experienced a 14 percent decrease in household energy costs. The American Automobile Association recently reported that American consumers saved an average of $550 in transportation fuel costs in 2015.
To take that a step further, I thought about the industries' impact on the work force. API produced a report stating that "Among the 1.9 million job opportunities' projected for the oil and natural gas industry, over 55 percent are projected to be in blue-collar occupations--indicating great opportunity for workers with high school diplomas and some post-secondary training."
We should all be concerned about the future of the energy industry for a variety of reasons: economic impact, work force development and infrastructure. I know that I will be watching closely to see what continues to unfold at the federal level and assist in ensuring the opportunities for jobs within the energy sector are available for the hardworking men and women of Arkansas.
KEN HENDERSON
Russellville
State Rep. Ken Henderson represents District 71.
Brought on ourselves
God says in his word, the Bible, that if ever anyone may be appending (adding) to them, God shall be adding to him the calamities written in his word.
I believe mankind is bringing the calamities on itself by all the man-made traditions not in the Bible.
HERBERT PAGE
Conway
On global warming
The world is getting warmer. We don't need Al Gore to tell us that. My geography professor told me that 65 years ago (1952). I believe Mr. Gore sends us down the wrong trail--cars, trucks, machinery from fossil-fuel CO2 exhausts--while he makes millions preaching the No. 2 warming premise.
As Pogo said, "We have met the enemy and he is us." We humans breathe 24/7. In goes oxygen. Out goes carbon dioxide. Thankfully, trees and plants do the opposite. The cycle keeps the universe functioning. Since I was born in the '30s, the number of humans in our world has tripled to 7 billion. Yet we continue to reduce tree population, aided by forest fires.
I believe scientists ignore warming repercussions of us 98.6-degree humans. I experienced that in high school. Close the gymnasium in sub-freezing temperatures with no heat and 3,000 fans inside. We were sweating before the night was over. My recommendation to scientists: Chart the rise in world population over the last 50 years. Chart the rise in world temperatures. I feel they will closely parallel one another.
As long as we propagate, we'll feel temperatures rise, see icebergs calve off, seas rise, and temperate zones shift away from the equator toward the poles. The Paris Climate Accord, minus the U.S., would only suck billions of dollars from America while winds and seas know no political boundaries.
Pogo knew the enemy. He is us.
ROBERT B. BUCHANAN
North Little Rock
Wrong place and time
There's a phrase that I hear a lot of police detectives use who are investigating murders all over the country. That phrase is "He/she was at the wrong place at the wrong time."
What time is someone supposed to go to a store, bank ATM, visit a friend or relative, let the children play in the park, get on the bus, go to a nightclub, watch TV in their own house, or anything else without being murdered?
Which store, ATM, relative, friend, park, bus, or nightclub is someone supposed to go to without being murdered? I do not believe any detective anywhere in the country can give a truthful answer.
When someone is murdered in cold blood for no reason at all while they are going about their own personal business, they are not at the "wrong place at the wrong time."
I wish everyone in law enforcement would stop using this very disgusting phrase.
MILTON MURRAY
McNeil
Editorial on 08/19/2017