More about cussing
I read Ms. Marianne Beasley's letter and found it very interesting. I know a lot of people, and talk with a lot of people daily. Some curse a lot, some a little, and others not at all. They are all my friends, and I have never felt abused when they speak.
I have used language in my life that I wish I hadn't. It's hard to take back words you have said; apologies always sound weak and insincere. I have never had a friend use foul language around my wife, daughters, or granddaughter, and I respect them for that.
A man and I were having a face-to-face conversation one day that became a little heated, and he called me an SOB. It took every bit of my willpower to keep from doing something stupid. To have done so would have landed us in court, and he would have won. Instead, I told him, "Yes, but I'm a good old SOB." He returned the next day and we had a civil discussion. Today he is one of my best friends.
I can handle about anything that comes along, but please don't use the Lord's name in your cursing. I can't handle that ... it scares me.
JOHN LANDERS
Benton
A spirit of fraternity
I'd like to thank the various writers who have written in quoting Teddy Roosevelt and the importance of criticizing the president when he deserves it and not treating him as untouchable. Although I do wonder where these people were for the past eight years, and why their voices were so mysteriously silent during that time.
So I'd like to remind them of something another Republican said. Shortly after the conclusion of the Spanish-American War, President McKinley urged reconciliation during the care of the graves of Confederate soldiers. "Every soldier's grave made during our unfortunate Civil War is a tribute to American valor. ... And the time has now come ... when in the spirit of fraternity we should share with you in the care of the graves of the Confederate soldiers," he said, continuing, "the cordial feeling now happily existing between the North and South prompts this gracious act."
Also, President Franklin D. Roosevelt attended the unveiling of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Statue in Dallas. He said, "All over the United States we recognize him as a great leader of men, as a great general. But, also, all over the United States I believe that we recognize him as something much more important than that. We recognize Robert E. Lee as one of our greatest American Christians and one of our greatest American gentlemen."
Say, you do know that Confederate soldiers have been designated as American veterans, right? So whenever a Confederate statue is torn down, a statue of an American veteran is torn down.
LONNIE HILL
Fayetteville
Only a matter of time
So ... when do y'all think that school in Fayetteville will become known as University of Northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville?
ROY B. RIDINGS JR.
Little Rock
Why calamities occur
The Bible says that God himself brings the storms. People should read the Bible and see why God is bringing the calamities.
HERBERT PAGE
Conway
Effects on our climate
The United States has just been subjected to two of the most powerful hurricanes in recorded history. Wildfires are raging in Montana and other western states. Flooding in Asia, largely unreported, has claimed 1,200 or more lives. It will take years and hundreds of billions of dollars to recover from these disasters.
EPA head Scott Pruitt and others have said that now is not the time to talk about climate change. If not now, when?
No one is claiming that climate change is responsible for hurricanes or flooding, but it certainly has an impact. Increased ocean temperature adds to the intensity of storms and contributes to record rainfalls. Sea-level rise adds to storm surge, and jeopardizes islands and low-lying coastal areas around the world. Scientists have long predicted an increase in extreme weather conditions, leading to floods, droughts, and wildfires.
The last three years have each been the hottest in recorded history, and July 2017 was the second-hottest month ever recorded. This trend will continue regardless of what we do, but there is still time to reduce the impact of climate change.
There are several nonpartisan proposals for a carbon tax, or carbon fee and dividend, that studies have shown will reduce carbon dioxide emissions without harming the economy. If you would like to protect your grandchildren from the worst effects of climate change, please let your congressional representatives know.
ROBERT BROWN
Bella Vista
Music today is worst
I certainly agree with William Carlyle's thoughts on the state of music today. I grew up in the '50/'60s when rock 'n' roll was rolling in. The Beatles, Elvis and American Bandstand were the rage. I can still hear my dad yelling, "Turn that noise off!"
I remember saving my money to buy two favorite 45 rpms, "Blue Moon" (Marcels) and "Runaway" (Del Shannon). Dad told me I'd better run away if I bought those records.
It's a good thing I have no teenagers in my home today because I'd certainly be echoing Dad's words. Today's music is the worst.
A great investment is an Amazon Echo (if you have Internet). Alexa will gladly play your favorite songs of the 1920s, '30s, '40s and any other type of music you prefer. As for me, "Alexa, play music by Frank Sinatra."
RUTH A. REDD
Sherwood
Editorial on 09/16/2017