Should limit access
Regarding politicians' inability to pass any gun legislation: Yes, guns don't kill people; people using guns kill people. Similarly, cars don't kill people; people driving cars kill people.
Studies have shown that by restricting speed limits, and the use of seat belts and air bags, people using cars still do indeed kill other people, but at a much lower rate.
Limiting access to AR-15s only makes sense, so that fewer Americans will die the next time a mass shooting occurs.
JIM CHERRY
Fayetteville
Must protect citizens
First, I would like to say that I am a firm believer in the Second Amendment, and I have owned guns and hunted most of my life. With that said, I would like to ask all the citizens of Arkansas, especially if you have kids or grandchildren, to contact your members of Congress and ask them to take a vow that they will no longer take money from the NRA.
It is time that Congress takes action to protect the children and citizens of the United States, and members of Congress will not do this as long as they accept money from the NRA. This has nothing to do with the Second Amendment; it is my belief that the NRA is more interested in gun manufacturers than gun owners. All mass shootings are terrible, whether it is a gay bar or elementary school; just think of your child or grandchild having to witness this or being killed.
Again, this is not about the Second Amendment, it is about Congress doing something now to protect each and every one of us, young or old.
CHARLES B. MAYS
Rogers
Give hog farm permit
I believe it is wrong to deny C&H Hog Farms a permit. These are hardworking people with just as much a right to a business as any American in this country. They have done nothing wrong.
Using "the environment" as an excuse is just too easy and plain wrong. The real reason, in my opinion, is people in the area are just opposed to the idea of having these farm animals close to them. Since there don't appear to be any laws restricting the operation, I hope the owners prevail. This is a free country and they have a right to the use of the property in the manner they so choose. Thank you.
ELAINE BURKS
Little Rock
Cruelty and suffering
I believe hog facilities are a crime against the environment, but that crime is nothing compared to the cruelty and suffering endured by the living, breathing "products"--sentient beings--confined in these horrible operations. When small farmers raised pigs, they lived natural lives until their demise (also more humane then), but many real farmers have been forced out by huge factory-farming corporations' mass confinement systems whose excessive waste is fouling the air, land, and groundwater.
Humans are also victims. People living near these facilities endure the pervasive odor and high incidence of respiratory and other illnesses. At slaughterhouses, workers must wear ear protection due to the screaming and bellowing of terrified animals, some of whom are butchered alive.
We can all help prevent occurrences like the factory farm in the Buffalo River watershed by not buying their meat. Humane and organic farmers don't receive government subsidies to make their prices competitive, but the food they produce is healthier for consumers and for Mother Earth. Americans' increasing overconsumption of meat is what gave rise to factory farms. We were all healthier when we ate half as much meat and relied on small farmers for our food.
Pigs are known to be more intelligent than dogs --a good motivation for changing eating habits! Buy only humanely raised meat, eat less of it, or best of all, quit altogether. Morningstar Farms makes delicious meat substitutes that provide protein without the artery-clogging saturated fat.
We were not meant to torture and eat our fellow sentient beings. To paraphrase Dominion author Matthew Scully, human disregard for other species is a self-centered assumption that goes against everything we know about our creator, who made each animal with care, counted them all, and delivered them into our hands.
KATHY WINKLER
Lakeview
Need to be fiscally fit
Using data from U.S. Treasury Direct, the national debt increased 4.4 times during President Ronald Reagan's and George H.W. Bush's terms of office. During President Clinton's term, it increased 1.3 times. During President George W. Bush's term, it nearly doubled. The nation lived well on the credit card during the 20 years. There were four years in which the annual fiscal years were in surplus: 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001. Total national debt increased due to interest.
In my opinion, there are two ways to cut the annual deficit: raise taxes or cut spending. During President Clinton's terms both were used, and an annual surplus resulted for the last four fiscal years.
It seems the Republicans want to always cut taxes, increase military spending, and cut social programs. After taxes are cut, they always complain there is not enough money for social programs; I wonder why.
Congress needs to get the safety-net programs on a fiscally sound basis. Where is Ross Perot? There should be enough experts available to recommend means to do so, even if taxes need raising or a later age instituted to start benefits. I paid into the system while working. I expect to receive the benefits promised. I expect medical suppliers to receive reasonable pay to stay in business.
Ability to pay debt depends on the national economy. If you reach a point where national income quits rising, the standard of living will fall. Who wants austerity? I don't. Anyone know how to have your cake while eating it?
DALE GOSSIEN
Little Rock
Not in best interest
The "Land of Lincoln" editorial on Feb. 12 was said to have been written in a free country, specifically in Little Rock, Ark., USA, not CSA. Lincoln's sense of humor was noted, but there was no mention about his honesty--"Honest Abe." It seems many people are honest, while even more than that are dishonest. Requiring honest people to be dishonest is not in our best interest. That is the crisis of our age.
ROBERT E. MULLEN
North Little Rock
Editorial on 02/18/2018