Pandering to the base
Pander, according to Webster's, is, to give active encouragement (to someone or something that should not be encouraged). The letter of Ms. Fewell of Sherwood acknowledged the president's ignorance of the law but expected better of Senator Cotton and Attorney General Rutledge.
The sad fact is they very well know better, but instead they chose to pander to their respective constituencies. Their statements, the kind of rhetoric that intends to undermine established law (re the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution and Supreme Court rulings), does nothing in the furtherance of our democracy or controlling the drug problem in this country.
Pandering to extreme political bases seems to have become accepted behavior from our public servants. But the consequences of this pandering can be harmful to our democracy. Established law based on our Constitution is one of the glues that binds us together. But pandering is the un-glue that can break down our democracy by encouraging disregard for our established laws, or lawlessness if you wish, in very subtle ways.
JAMES E. NICELY
Bella Vista
Gives relief from pain
I am a 78-year-old opioid user. I have been taking hydrocodone for four years with a doctor's prescription. I have never experienced a "high" or a "buzz," only relief from pain. Neither have I ever felt the need to increase dosage or even to try other narcotics.
I greatly resent our government trying to regulate my doctor's treatment for me.
Yes, I know there are people who abuse themselves with opioids, just as there are folks who drink too much alcohol. But should the government attempt to limit how many beers or glasses of wine are consumed because there are people who drive while drunk? Alcohol can be very addicting to some, but I don't see our politicians trying to limit its intake.
Why should I be deprived of a product that brings me relief from pain because that product is used in an unsafe manner or has been gotten illegally on the street?
Please let us use common sense. Opioids can make living a better experience when used properly. Let us not overlook the benefits of these drugs while politicians are fighting to stand in the limelight.
NONA DUMAS
Hot Springs
But isn't that illegal?
Your editorial honoring Barbara Bush was most enjoyable. She was, indeed, a wonderful and witty lady.
I was a bit shocked, however, at your statement that Abigail Adams was the wife of John Quincy Adams. This is the first I've heard that our sixth president was married to his mother.
Wow! Old John Quincy makes "The Donald" look like a piker.
LARRY ALDERSON
Paris
If laws weren't broken
Per Mr. Trump's tweet on Saturday regarding Michael Cohen, "Most people will flip if the government lets them out of trouble": I would like to ask what kind of trouble, and flipping on who? The connotation of flipping on someone implies lawbreaking.
Most people are honest and not in need of breaks from law enforcement.
Just my thoughts!
EDITH SEAMAN
Lakeview
Immigration aids us
The United States, with 43.7 million foreigners, is home to the largest immigrant population in the world. Many people worry that immigrants take available jobs from Americans and they think the United States would be better off without them. However, it turns out that the United States and its economy benefit greatly from immigration.
First, foreign workers are a major driver of innovation and entrepreneurship. For instance, Silicon Valley now contains many of the world's leading high-tech companies and is home to thousands of startups. About 43.9 percent of them were founded by at least one immigrant or immigrant's child. Some examples are the co-founders of Google, and Amazon.
Immigrants bring their expertise and talent to the service of the nation. All those qualified workers create positive outcomes in several domains. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, immigrants represent at least 24 percent of engineers, mathematicians, statisticians and computer scientists. Therefore, anti-immigrant sentiments and measures could affect important sectors of the economy. In the academic context, there are many foreign faculty members working in U.S. top universities. For example, about 20 percent of the presidents of universities that are members of the Association of American Universities are either foreign-born or have foreign-born parents.
The high percentage of international workers in fields such as technology or engineering is due to the lack of available qualified American-born workers. Without immigrants, many companies would outsource their work or move their operations overseas. Thus, immigration allows American companies to produce their goods in the U.S., which helps create jobs here.
Having no immigrants would be more of a handicap than a relief for the U.S. So far, immigration has led to significant outcomes such as differentiation of skills and innovation, and will continue to be important in the future.
FOUGNIGUE SEFON
Conway
Something out there
One cannot limit the universe to the limits of one's brain. A tree falling in the forest makes a thud whether or not I am there to hear it.
There is something out there. Be quiet. Listen.
MIKE BROWN
Redfield
Editorial on 04/25/2018