This interview is over
Gathering news via the TV has gotten to be a real challenge. Especially the "interview" type where questions are asked--and the fun begins. Before the question is fully asked, the guest begins a tirade of stock answers and never stops, completely dominating, until his interview is over.
All I learned was absolutely nothing.
CLARA FISHER FIELDS
Bentonville
Brought it on himself
Has anyone told the president that Robert Mueller can see his tweets? Let's be clear here: He has brought most of this on himself with tweets that blame everyone but himself for his problems, constantly sow discord, and are very rarely truthful.
The fact that his followers think his social media habits make him the most transparent president ever is just sad. Transparency means being truthful and open about motives, reasoning and dealings with others. It doesn't mean picking favorites among American businesses--and that includes media sources. Seriously, Sinclair and Fox News should be paying him for all his spin for them. It definitely doesn't mean running down everyone who displeases him.
Of course, I know my saying this will fall on deaf ears. Oh well.
COREY DALE
Rudy
See no balance there
I couldn't agree more with Phillip Basinger of Conway. There is absolutely no "balance" on the editorial page when it comes to the editorial "cartoons."
Either put Mallard Fillmore on the editorial page as a balance, or better yet, put it back where it belongs--on the cartoon page! Your hypocrisy is astounding.
ED CLEEK
Bentonville
Down memory hole
Re "Sinclair television stations, including Little Rock's KATV, release video attacking CNN": Any truth to the rumor that Sinclair-owned stations across the country will soon be available exclusively on Cable Channel 1984?
DREW JANSEN
Little Rock
Second Bill of Rights
In 1944, Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered a speech outlining what he called the Second Bill of Rights. Unfortunately, he died before he could try to implement it. We did, however, use it as a guideline for rebuilding Japan and Germany after World War II. Both countries now display an admirable sense of social responsibility. The U.S. never even tried. Read these.
"1. The right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries or shops or farms or mines of the nation; 2. The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation; 3. The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living; 4. The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad; 5. The right of every family to a decent home; 6. The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health; 7. The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment; [and] 8. The right to a good education."
Wouldn't it be nice?
Seems like the floundering Democratic Party has a ready-made platform before it. If it only had the sense to see it. Sigh.
JAMES R. BREWER
Fayetteville
Grill Party is insulted
Whilst enjoying a superb, as usual, breakfast prepared by the GPS (Grill Party Sweetie), I perused an article in the paper concerning Facebook, the Russians, and Cambridge Analytics. Several things jumped out at me, mainly that any and all information gathered by the Cambridge folks is readily accessible by anyone and everyone; no, not sure what the brouhaha is about that.
Anyway, the sentiment that the election was influenced by and for the Russians struck me. As the Grill Party chairman, campaign manager and sole candidate, I was insulted that no one contacted me or other operatives of the party. If there is going to be election meddling, then shouldn't all political parties be equally meddled with? Shouldn't the Russians want to influence all participants in our wonderful electoral process?
Insulted is how the party feels today. Yes, insulted. Makes us seem not worthy of attention by those who wish to gain influence in our system.
Information available to all, and the CEO of Facebook is treated like a criminal. Heck, I see pictures and posts which contain all the information anyone could want, or not want. No need to have third-party gatherers--just log in and look. A lot of money wasted there.
So, dear voters, again the party reminds you: As always, slow down and grill. Who knows who may want that marinade recipe?
DAVID KELLEY
Fort Smith
Flashback
Editor’s note: Five years ago today, two homemade bombs ex-ploded at the Boston Marathon, killing three and injuring more than 200. In the days following, readers spoke out. This letter was published April 26, 2013.
Show acceptance
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers pour to the innocent vic-tims in Boston. Arkansans hope all those closely touched by this will find the deepest strength to be empowered through the sorrow and rehabilitation.
Thank you to Arkansas for being a state that embraces our multicultural neighbors. Too many innocent people continue to be victimized and harassed in America since the tragedy.
Having brown skin does not make someone a terrorist. Being Muslim does not make someone a terrorist. I am a Christian of European descent and can promise that I have no interest in resurrecting the violence of the Crusades. Nor did I personally cause any vio-lence by criminals in America simply because I was born in this country.
May we continue to show the rest of America what our justice system truly means. Let the violence be contained with the terrorists, and end with the terrorists.
Editorial on 04/15/2018