Letters

Complicit in behavior

As a former federal government employee I am disgusted by Kellyanne Conway's "free commercial" promoting the president's daughter's clothing and shoe lines on Fox and Friends on national TV. She has broken a key ethics law banning federal employees from using their public office to endorse products and it has been witnessed by all of us on national TV.

To date, Conway has only been "counseled" by the White House for this breach in ethics for a government employee. Typically, executive-branch employees who violate this ethics rule face significant disciplinary action including multi-day suspensions and loss of pay.

I am disturbed by the silence of my congressional delegation--Sen. John Boozman, Sen. Tom Cotton and Rep. Steve Womack. Silence is complicity. As reported in your newspaper, Republican House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz spoke out, calling Conway's behavior "wrong, wrong, wrong, clearly over the line, unacceptable."

I expect the highest ethical standards from my government leaders whose salaries are paid by our taxpayers' money. I expect my Arkansas congressional delegation to hold this administration to the highest standards and speak out against the ethical missteps and abuse of power coming from the Trump White House. Remember, we are all still waiting for President Trump to release his tax returns so we have full disclosure of his conflicts of interest.

BETH KECK

Bentonville

On unfair treatment

If you own a gun, then you know about fairness because you know that law-abiding gun owners should never be treated the same as gangsters or mall and nightclub shooters. Immigrants and Muslims deserve the same fair treatment, don't you think? Shouldn't we find and punish the bad guys instead of blaming all immigrants and Muslims?

I pray that our government can figure out how to keep us safe while also being smart and fair. Besides, if I stand by and watch one group of people being blamed and punished unfairly, who can say it won't be my turn next time?

CHERYL WOODARD

Little Rock

Simply stunning shot

Kudos to Benjamin Krain for his simply stunning close-up facial shot of a bald eagle in Saturday's paper. "Eagle eye" is perfect, and really reinforces pride in our national bird. "Don't mess with me!"

I'd love to frame it for my home.

BILL KIMPEL

Little Rock

Adopt children here

Why do people spend thousands of dollars to go to places like China to adopt children? Our country has plenty of children right here at home of all ages in foster homes and orphanages who need permanent homes.

I was one of the lucky ones; I was adopted at age 7. Most of our orphans never find a permanent home, and it wouldn't cost nearly as much to adopt locally instead of going overseas.

PAT OAKES

Little Rock

Give families chance

Mr. John Brummett's column on Feb. 9 made me realize that he does not understand the educational choices that even struggling families make for their children.

With almost 40 years' teaching experience, 16 in Little Rock School District magnet schools, I have taught many students from situations that would cause Mr. Brummett to say not all parents are good. However, some did have "the wherewithal to connect their children to all the opportunities" of a magnet school. I have seen many of these children grow up to be successful, contributing members of society.

The Little Rock School District curriculum currently asks all schools to use the same materials and similar techniques in literacy, math, science and social studies. They have their reasons. Nevertheless, all children do not learn best with the same methods. Charter schools offer families the option of selecting a school that may be a better fit for their child's personality and learning style.

Arkansas charter schools have long waiting lists. I doubt Mr. Brummett has invaded the privacy of these families to discover if they fit his description of having "good parents."

I think it is time that we give all these families the chance to make the best choice they can. If this leaves the Little Rock School District with groups of students with particular learning differences, then perhaps the district can study the existing research (possibly from successful charter schools) and discover methods that will best meet the needs of their new population.

BEATRIZ KIMBALL

Little Rock

What to do with funds

Members of the Legislature are salivating over the Amazon sales-tax windfall. Where do we throw it around to look important?

Yet they refuse to get smart about criminal justice and mass-incarceration issues. Until they do, which won't be this session or maybe even the next, they need to set aside the first $250 million of the sales tax to build new prisons over the next five years to satisfy their blind allegiance to "lock 'em all up."

With their refusal to be flexible, that's their only choice.

JOHN WESLEY HALL

Little Rock

Hence, consequences

Since Nov. 8, it seems those on the left have acted like petulant children, shocked at the outcome and throwing a continuous temper tantrum because they did not like the result.

What I find most interesting is that those who demand tolerance, acceptance, understanding, and civility are unable or unwilling to demonstrate those qualities when the shoe is on the other foot.

To quote the previous occupant of the Oval Office: "Elections have consequences."

LEONARD J. TROVERO JR.

Maumelle

Editorial on 02/16/2017

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