Rename it for a hero
I, for one, would like to see the Little Rock airport renamed. It would be an honor for it to be renamed the Carlos Hathcock National.
In my humble opinion, there has never been a greater hero than Carlos. He was a dedicated Marine who served in Vietnam and put his country above all and made a sacrifice he paid for the rest of his life when he rescued his fellow soldiers from the burning armored personnel carrier they were in when it got hit by an RPG.
When we returned home from Vietnam we were treated as despicably as a soldier could be, so this would be quite an honor for us all. Of course there are probably many people who will say it shouldn't be named for a war hero, but to me, it's currently named for a coward who refused to answer his country's call. Renaming it for Carlos would be elevating it to a much higher standard.
PHILLIP M. FREEMAN
Benton
Pence for president
It's time. When Trump decided to run for president in mid-June 2015, I'm sure he never really expected to be the Republican Party's nominee, let alone our country's 45th president. His goal was simple, business-like: Strengthen the Trump brand.
Now that he's done the impossible, it seems he's surrounded himself in the White House with sycophants who are slowly revealing themselves to be much like him; incompetent, unprepared, arrogant and petulant. Thank goodness, (ret.) Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn is gone, and he's just the first.
It's time Congress had a president they can respect and work with to accomplish an agenda that needs bipartisan support and clear, dedicated focus.
I believe it's time for Mike Pence to invoke Section 4 of the 25th Amendment so America can move forward.
HARRY HERGET
Jonesboro
Help least among us
I say that if Donald Trump doesn't have to pay his taxes, then the illegals don't have to go home. And if Tom Cotton gets to keep his health insurance paid for by the taxpayers, then the least among us should get to keep theirs.
That's what Jesus would say and do. I stand with Him. Love ye one another!
MARIANNE BEASLEY
Fayetteville
People of conscience
I wish everyone would read Paul Krugman and take to heart what he wrote in the column you printed Feb. 18. It seems we are living in a land of Oz where the "Wizard" behind the curtain is not Donald Trump, but Steve Bannon. Trump is merely the entertainment value.
That the Republican-controlled Congress, elected--and not--by the people, apparently will not intercede to demand Trump's tax returns is unconscionable. To paraphrase Krugman: Are there enough people of conscience left in the GOP?
PHYLLIS HAYNES
Mountain View
On feelings and facts
Dr. Gleb Tsipursky stated in his guest column a resounding truth, that research shows many people respond to an appeal to emotions rather than facts. In recent years the gut issues have been to the right of center. Abortion is seen as murder, not a woman's reproductive rights. The prayer in schools issue is felt as a rejection of God instead of a constitutional violation. Gay marriage is viewed as a collapse of moral values instead of equal rights under the law. EPA regulations are felt to be an invasion of government into a free society, not protecting the planet. Food stamps are seen as taking care of the lazy, not feeding the hungry, and the list could go on.
What will change these perceptions when they are being fed from the boardrooms to the pulpit? This angry passion seems to blind really good people and explains why the majority of Americans disapprove of the president's first-month performance while 60 percent of Arkansans approve.
Trump's agenda and its authoritarian implementation have developed passions not seen on the progressive side in a very long time. Whether the scenes from recent town-hall meetings and the marches will lead to Tea Party Left is not absolute. The great divide in this country seems stronger than ever, reminiscent of struggling Third World countries.
One thing is clear--feelings do seem to outweigh facts.
ED HUDNALL
Bryant
Doesn't reflect voters
Re John Brummett: I believe his views do not reflect the the electorate in Arkansas. Why do you continue to give him a voice? He should be working for the New York Times.
MICHAEL McCLAIN
Bryant
We're better than this
This past Thursday, a United Methodist pastor flew from California to Little Rock to speak to over 1,300 youth at Veritas, an Arkansas Conference event held Feb. 24-26. He is a personal friend, a United States citizen, and happens to be a Korean American.
His American Airlines flight from Dallas was met by security personnel who stood at the end of the jetway while passengers exited, most of whom were Caucasian. He was the only one asked to provide identification.
I am offended by what happened to him, embarrassed for Little Rock, and deeply concerned about the growing climate of intolerance seemingly promoted by our government. We are better than this. Far better. It is time we start acting like it.
GARY MUELLER
Little Rock
Violating conscience
If I understand the Jason Rapert-sponsored HB1628 correctly, a physician or pharmacist could legally refuse to provide services to bigots and fearmongers if doing so would violate her conscience. Correct?
CINDY MOMCHILOV
Little Rock
Editorial on 02/28/2017