Prophets and America
Mike Masterson's column, "Expectations for 2017," was an exceptional read. He sounded like a prophet of the political world. Great column, Mike!
A comment on Tim Jackson's guest column, "America the (?)": There probably was never a time since Columbus sat foot on American soil that things went as smoothly as before Adam and Eve made a bad decision. But I would love for my grandkids to live in the America I got to experience when I was their age. Like not having to lock doors and windows. Playing outside all day unsupervised until Mom called us to eat. Helping our community or neighbors instead of the government having to use taxes to help.
Which brings me to Phillip Taylor's letter about fair taxes. I propose we make a list of every state tax expenditure and let the taxpayers (only) vote what they want their tax money spent on. My guess is that bridges to nowhere would not be funded and shoulders on our existing roads would.
My last comment: My husband and I think that the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is one of the best newspapers in the nation. We travel quite a bit and have not seen another state newspaper that has higher standards than the Democrat-Gazette. During this election it seems the media has been slanderous, biased, and dishonest; however, I appreciated the Democrat-Gazette sticking to reporting factual news and keeping opinions on the editorial pages.
PEGGY WHATLEY
Malvern
Such pride in victory
PETA, you've won. Ringling Brothers is closing down. I believe you have also, of course, virtually ensured the rapid demise of all the animals you believed, in your egotistical naiveté, would be saved from the clutches of the evil masters who used them for profit.
Future generations of our children will never again gaze, starry-eyed, at the wonder of elephants dancing, horses prancing, seals juggling, and a host of other brilliantly conceived and professionally executed performances. And because the future generations will be deprived of the opportunity to behold such wonders, the animals will now be put out to pasture to live out their lives. And because these future generations will not see them, they will not know them, and will not gain the passion for such animals that has been the blessing of past generations and has allowed the animals to live and prosper in captivity.
The animals thrive on mental and physical challenges. They will no longer have the thrill of learning new things and experiencing the applause and laughter of hundreds of thousands who came to watch. You think, because you act more on "feelings" than on knowledge, that these animals will live and prosper without any human contact.
And worse is to come. Without the performances, the revenue will cease, and the care of dedicated veterinarians will come to an end. Without the revenue, the ability to provide space, food, shelter, daily care, clean surroundings and medical care will all slowly but surely vanish.
So by all means take pride in your accomplishment. Your actions will certainly be the death of many animals. I believe Ringling Brothers saved more amazing animals than your ignorant do-good approach ever will. With the death of Ringling comes the death, in the not too far future, of the very species you claim to care about.
KENT GOLDSMITH
Conway
A universal income?
"Bring jobs back!" It's a common thing to hear, isn't it? Bring American companies home, employ more who are currently unemployed, and provide more opportunities for those who will work to get raises.
But I think there's a flaw. I think those companies went elsewhere because it costs a lot, what with unions and lawsuits and regulations, to employ the average American. And if you make those companies come back, somehow, I think a lot of those entry-level, manual-labor jobs will just be replaced with machines.
As the technology gets better, almost every single job finds automation stepping in. As the years go on, America's own technological superiority becomes the downfall of our society.
Who needs the ditch-digger anymore? You might need the intelligent worker who keeps the machines running, but what about those of below-average intelligence? What happens as we automate more and more of those jobs, and companies find it cheaper and easier?
I'm not a socialist by any means, but money keeps our capitalist society running. And when fewer Americans can make money, more businesses suffer.
Maybe, just maybe, it's time for that "participation trophy" mindset of us millennials to take effect. Maybe it's time to look at a basic universal income for every American. True fairness. No exclusions. Every citizen, bar none. Get rid of minimum-wage regulations. Welfare and food-stamp programs. Disability and retirements. Whether 1 or 100, as long as you are a verified American citizen, you get your monthly check.
But it has to be universal. If you get a job, it doesn't take away from your citizenship check. If you work 80 hours a week, it's still yours. It's just another way of recognizing the changing world we live in, and how we may have to evolve to keep living in it.
Of course, what does this poor hillbilly know?
DICK SAWYER
Malvern
Don't repeal the ACA
I am writing this today to tell of my personal struggles. Maybe you can relate, or maybe you can put yourself in my shoes, if only for a moment.
I am a 22-year-old female with bipolar disorder and anxiety. I fail to function properly without taking my psychiatric medicines each day. Being on an exceptionally low income, I can barely afford a roof over my head. Therefore, if the Affordable Care Act is going to be repealed, Medicaid provisions that help me will also be shut down and I will not be able to afford my medications and will be unable to take care of myself.
Whether or not you believe me, the reality is I rely on these little capsules to live.
Fellow brothers and sisters, it is time to fight back. Not for just me, but for that person you know with any kind of pre-existing condition. Without ACA, lower-income families will not be able to go to the doctor and many will perish. Please join me in taking a stand.
KAITLIN HARRIS
Newport
The circus is coming
Donald Trump's inaugural address has to pay tribute to the passing of the Barnum & Bailey Circus in exchange for his, and he must close with Barnum's "There's a sucker born every minute."
JOHN WESLEY HALL
Little Rock
Editorial on 01/17/2017