Little Rock sculptures
I could not agree more with you regarding keeping the state Capitol grounds free of clutter of all kinds of statues, particularly religious statues or other symbols.
However, I am extremely disappointed that you give so much credit to Chattanooga, home of your sister newspaper, and other cities for the work that they have done in establishing a sculpture garden. Dr. Dean Kumpuris, an at-large city director, has done yeoman work in creating a world-class sculpture garden right here in Little Rock.
Working with the Sculpture at the River Market committee, and supported strongly by the city of Little Rock and its Advertising and Promotion Commission, an entire park is filled with sculptures along the riverfront. This committee has also arranged for sculptures to be placed in other parts of the city as well. This work has been going on for 10 years and your newspaper has generously covered the annual sculpture show and sale. My wife and I have served on this committee since its inception and I would be happy to show your editorial staff what has been accomplished in the past 10 years.
As an offshoot of this work, I have also been personally involved in placing additional sculptures at Arkansas Children's Hospital, which is certainly open to viewing by the entire community, not just patients and families at the hospital.
Perhaps you could come out of your hole on Groundhog Day and see what is happening here in Little Rock.
DORSEY W. JACKSON
Little Rock
New poem at harbor
Obviously, the poem by Emma Lazarus on the base of the Statue of Liberty needs to be brought up to date. "Huddled masses yearning to breathe free ..." is no longer relevant under this new administration.
I suggest, instead, the following: So bombs tore through your village at night/And your family had to take flight? I'm sorry, my dear/There's no room for you here/Unless you are Christian and white.
SONDRA ROSENBERG
Hot Springs
Dark moment for us
This past weekend proved to be a dark moment in our country's history. The executive order to turn away refugees and to close our nation to those, particularly Muslims, fleeing violence, oppression, and persecution is contrary to both Christian and American values. "It's hypocrisy to call yourself a Christian and chase away a refugee or someone seeking help," Pope Francis once said.
We are told this is not the "Muslim ban" that had been proposed during the presidential campaign, but these actions focus on Muslim-majority countries. The executive order has both the intent and effect of discriminating based on national origin and religion, in violation of the United States Constitution.
Bigotry, xenophobia, and scapegoating have nothing to do with keeping America safe. In America, we judge not on where a person is from or on one's religious beliefs--but on the content of one's character. The America I know and love is compassionate and welcoming; it is inclusive and tolerant; it chooses love over hate.
History eventually sides with those who help refugees--not those who vilify them.
VICTOR J. ROJAS
De Queen
Have seen this before
Before I immigrated to the U.S. in 1968, I lived under a Soviet-style dictatorship (no free press; no free speech; no foreign travel; no right to peaceful protest; no religious freedom; total one-party control), but I feel this gives me an advantage over most of my fellow Americans: I'm prepared for what's coming.
By the way, I used to be a Republican.
HANA MIRONOFF
Fayetteville
Abandoning integrity
This is the letter I just sent to my Arkansas senators and representative in Congress: I am a white, college-educated, 74-year-old woman. Should I wish, I may choose to belong to both the Mayflower Society and Daughters of the American Revolution. The men in my family have fought in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, and World War II.
Yet today, I am horrified. I hang my head in shame for my beautiful country as she turns away refugees who have been exhaustively vetted by this government, have waited for years to become American citizens, already possess a visa, and are stranded at airports or forced to return to war zones where they may be killed.
You are a Republican. Your party has worked incessantly to obtain the position of power that you now hold. But I beg you, do not abandon your integrity and self-respect by indulging this crude, undisciplined president in his worst behaviors. It's now your responsibility to hold the line against him when it most matters.
I'm a little old to keep getting my sign out of the closet and marching ... but this is what democracy looks like. Even if you're 74.
ANN LINK
Little Rock
Insanity of liberalism
As most people are aware, Super Bowl LI will be played this Sunday. For those who aren't aware, the New England Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers to become the champions of the American Conference. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons defeated the Green Bay Packers to become the National Conference champions.
However, I'm upset that Tom Brady, the quarterback of the Patriots, hasn't released his tax records to confirm his eligibility; neither has he released his air pressure records. Clearly, he is unfit to serve in the office of quarterback.
On the other hand, Atlanta barely has any previous Super Bowl experience. I demand that Atlanta step aside and let Green Bay represent their conference. They are more popular, and therefore, more representative of the people.
I'm also worried that Russia may interfere in the game, so we need to build a wall around the stadium's walls. Maybe that will also keep Meryl Streep away. Or, at least, one can hope.
LONNIE HILL
Fayetteville
At least a thousand ...
I think the front-page color picture of Boston's rally gives an accurate description of our country's current Democratic Party: rebellious sore losers. A picture is still worth a thousand words!
LARRY FORTUNE
Stuttgart
Editorial on 02/03/2017