Compassion still there
I took my wife to eye surgery, performed by Dr. Robert L. Berry, on a Monday morning. OK, so what, you might say, but what happened that night at 8:23 p.m. is what impressed me. Dr. Berry called to check on my wife! Not his nurse or an associate, but Dr. Berry himself.
I recall, around 50 years ago, doctors stopping in at patients' houses to check on them, but only country doctors continued that for some time after that. With what Dr. Berry did that Monday night, I'm glad to see that compassion is part of his agenda.
FREDERICK T. SMITH JR.
Little Rock
Look at larger picture
The NRA and President Trump both agree in response to the shootings rampant in our society that we have a mental health problem. It is very obvious many of the individuals doing these outrageous acts have mental health issues. But let's not overlook the larger picture.
Our society has a mental health problem when it comes to guns. Paranoia involves intense feelings and thoughts related to persecution, threat, or conspiracy. Those who feel their exercise of Second Amendment rights are threatened if they can't cradle an AR-15 in their arms also have mental health issues. Paranoia is abundant in our society, and the NRA and those silent voices in Congress are enablers.
Yes, as President Trump says, mental health is a difficult issue. Why are we unable to tackle it in any form, be it a lone gunman or a group of paranoid people?
BETTY IRENE McSWAIN
Fort Smith
Hey, don't be a sucker
After much soul-searching and introspection, I would like to re-address this issue of "to straw or not to straw."
The role of a vacuum in nature is not the issue here. Also, straws are important to patients that have issues obtaining fluids, and these are actually reusable. The real issue is who is being responsible for the use and need for straws. Mr. Barry Thomas of Fayetteville was correct--don't be a sucker; use straws responsibly.
According to the Plastic Pollution Coalition website, 500 million plastic straws are used and discarded each day in the U.S. alone. Plastic straws are No. 5 of the top 10 items found in the world's oceans, according to the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup Data.
Please stop and think before asking for a straw. Do you really need it? What happens to a discarded straw after it's used? Is there a recycling protocol at the restaurant to handle used straws?
Is it too difficult for a restaurant to add to their menus, "Straws provided upon request"? I don't think so. Should biodegradable straws be used? Yes, there are affordable compostable materials available that straws can be made from that would eliminate this problem. Restaurant managers and owners, please explore this option. Don't forget about those tiny straws that bartenders use in serving cocktails.
Straws are a convenient way to drink liquids when on the run. Americans are always in a big hurry. Stop and think before asking for a straw that you really don't need. Don't be a sucker; recycle straws and all plastic items.
KIRBY SHOFNER
Little Rock
All part of the military
With all due respect to Robert Fureigh and Jeff Lashbrook, I want to thank you for your service to our country. However, I am offended that you believe that those of us that served during the Vietnam era are not deserving of being recognized for our service.
I served in the Marine Corps during that time period and even though I never was deployed to Vietnam, by the grace of God, I was subject to deployment at any time. I enlisted in the Marine Corps knowing that I could be deployed at any time, yet never hesitated in my decision. I and those that served in that time were subject to harassment whenever we wore our uniforms in public. It took years before I was told, "Thank you for your service."
No matter where you serve, you are still a part of our military and our country's military tradition. Thanks to Marine veteran Dwight Witcher for his understanding. As the saying goes, "Once a Marine, always a Marine." Semper fi.
JOHN C. DEAN
Newport
Moderation is the key
I'd like to comment on Mike Scott's letter titled "Should do their jobs." I and I'm sure millions of others agree wholeheartedly; however, I don't think removing everyone and getting a new batch is a good idea.
We heard "get rid of them all" or something like that before the 2010 elections and we saw what happened. More far-right hard-liners got in Congress and nothing got done because they think "compromise" is a dirty word. So unless you know how to get in touch with Mr. Spock's planet and recruit reasonable and logical beings from there, we'd wind up with "same old, same old," or maybe even worse. Think about it!
ROSE GOVAR
Maumelle
Tough job done well
I serve as a regular volunteer with Kairos Prison Ministry International. My efforts have brought me into contact with the prison staff of both the Pine Bluff Men's Unit and the McPherson Women's Correctional Facility in Newport. I also pay a monthly visit to the Ester Unit in Pine Bluff (not connected with Kairos). A week or two ago, I dropped my phone in the parking lot of the Pine Bluff Men's Unit and did not realize it till I got home. I wrote the phone off as history ... probably smashed under the tire of someone's vehicle. However, the next evening, my wife got a phone call from a sergeant who told me that she found my phone and would leave it with the officer in the reception booth.
Who would take the time to go through the contacts to find a number to call? Much to my regret, I did not write the officer's name down, but here's to you, ma'am.
That act of kindness is the impetuous behind this letter, but not the entire inspiration. I need to say, and it needs to be known, that I have found the officers who serve the Department of Correction to be incredibly helpful, conscientious, polite, and controlled. Theirs is a tough job indeed, yet interactions with the residents are kept professional but not demeaning. This level of excellence extends into weekend visitation where I never cease to marvel at the compassion and patience with which the officers meet those coming to see loved ones. I mean, there is no need for customer service from a prison, right? But these men and women take service a notch higher and serve up a refreshing dose of humanity toward people who have no doubt suffered much.
So kudos to the entire staff at the Arkansas Department of Correction. Thank you for serving.
WAYNE WILSON
Little Rock
Editorial on 02/17/2018