No longer know truth
It's rather amusing how, after getting its butt kicked, that the media posts how happy Mr. Assad is and that the missile attack by America's military didn't really mean anything. Assad also praised Vladimir (the liar) Putin on the reported shooting down of 71 of 103 smart bombs that were fired at Syria. Putin and his regime have lied to the world and to Russia's own people for so long they no longer know what any truth is and now believe their own lies. I am seriously sick to death of the Russian Mafia and its murdering cohorts pretending to be a legitimate government.
America may not be perfect but its still light years ahead of any country that apparently can't manufacture toilet paper.
RONALD SMITH
Little Rock
Nice acts of kindness
My wife and I are still on the sunny side of 75, but the years are trying to catch up. Neither of us moves as in the past. We both use a cane when we're out. We usually opt for the electric shopping carts when available.
Having said that, we do still get around, but our slower, graying condition does not go unnoticed by others. As a result, many people, young and old, ask if we would like assistance with an item on a higher shelf or with a door or anything else that may be perceived as a hindrance to us. Many times we don't need the assistance, but how very nice it is for total strangers to offer to take a few seconds to help another human being. I like to think I was as helpful when I was younger as others seem to be today.
I have learned from these recent experiences that I can still help too. I'm tall and usually can reach top shelves. I can hold doors for young mothers trying to wrangle four kids under 6. I try to do these things because it's the right thing to do and it is my way of paying it forward for the kindnesses shown to me. Whether I accept a stranger's help or not isn't important, but the heartfelt thank-you for the offer is very important.
I hope others may read this and think they can spare 10 seconds to hold a door, reach for an item, or lend a hand or arm to steady someone for a moment. I know I always get a warm feeling when someone has offered me help. I also feel warm inside when I can return the favor. A helping hand always earns a smile and a thank-you.
JAMES HILL
Fayetteville
City can add character
I totally agree with Rex Nelson's column of April 15 regarding Little Rock. I have been a resident of Little Rock or North Little Rock for the last 48 years and currently live in North Little Rock.
North Little Rock has done a great job on the downtown area and continues to improve other areas.
The area of Little Rock south of I-430 has some nice neighborhoods that could be much better with some work. UALR is a great campus, but the entire area would be much better with improvements to make it look more homey.
Older areas of a city that have been updated and improved can add a lot of character. The city and UALR deserve it!
JERRY HODGE
North Little Rock
Car sales-tax solution
Frank Fellone's column of April 14 addressed the issue of buyers with "drive-away tags" who do not fulfill their responsibility to register and pay taxes on new and used vehicle purchases. It's a common occurrence and an irritant to those of us who do follow the law. However, his recommendation to call the city attorney to issue a warrant for the owner seems to be a bureaucratic nightmare for both the city attorney and the police.
A more elegant solution is to require that licensed vehicle dealers collect the tax at time of sale, and remit to the state. I understand why they want to be exempt (makes the initial purchase more affordable even if the buyer can't pay the tax later), but why should they be exempt from collecting these taxes? They already do for service and parts. If the guy who power-washes my driveway isn't exempt from collecting the tax, why is an auto dealer?
At time of purchase, I have never heard a discussion from a dealer on my obligation to pay the tax when I register the vehicle. Not the amount or the time frame. I'm not surprised that those with less experience in these matters could find themselves surprised and unable to come up with the money within 30 days. It should be part of the initial transaction and could even be included in the financing contract for those that need it.
Like in every state, the Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association is a strong lobby, but hopefully the Legislature will incorporate this change in tax collection in their final proposal for reform.
JOHN BRAYMAN
Little Rock
Does not make sense
Sometimes (often) I can't believe some of the things that are going on in this great country today. Friday, in an article in the Democrat-Gazette titled "Food-stamps work rules floated," I read: "Legislation released Thursday would require able-bodied adults ages 18-59 to work or participate in job training for 20 hours a week in order to receive food-stamp benefits that average about $450 a month for a family of four."
Reportedly, there are 40 million food-stamp recipients. The article goes on to say the measure has already sparked opposition from Democrats because "they say the tougher work requirements would drive millions of people off the program."
Huh? I certainly hope that fact-checking will discover that this opposition is "fake news."
FLOYD GARROT
Hot Springs Village
Something to enjoy
Agree with Phillip Basinger. Both your opinion-page political cartoons show enough bias to easily offset Mallard Fillmore.
The paper has very little to offer these days. Please give us back something to enjoy.
DOROTHY RAHNE
Rogers
Editorial on 04/17/2018