Intrusion into lives
I would like to congratulate and express my thanks to Lee Jones of Little Rock for her letter in the July 12 Democrat-Gazette. She said so much of what needs to be said by all the true feminists of this nation.
The decision to have an abortion should be between the woman who is carrying the fetus and her doctor. The Republican Party is supposed to be for less government intrusion into our private lives, but where abortion is concerned they seem to push that aside. They say they are "pro-life," but that seems to be only when an abortion is being considered. If you are going to be "pro-life," then you would be against the death penalty and definitely against all wars.
Now in the July 15 newspaper there is a reply to Lee Jones' letter by Doug Morris which states "no one on the right has any desire to control women's bodies." How is telling a woman that she must have a baby once she is pregnant, whether she wants to or not, not controlling her body? Then he has the audacity to tell us, "Your body ends at the placenta."
Of course, this was written by a man, typical patriarchy, him trying to tell us where our body ends. I'm sure men would appreciate being told that their body ends at their scrotum.
No one can know the reason or reasons a woman wants an abortion but her, her doctor and sometimes the man who got her pregnant. Besides those involved, it is no one's business.
LINDA BARNES
Prairie Grove
Not a destination city
I'm no expert on the history of Little Rock retail, but there has been a lot of chatter lately regarding the revitalization of the downtown, East End, and SOMA neighborhoods within our city limits. The emergence of destination retail in these areas is welcome action taken by local entrepreneurs with a few bucks to spend. But it should not stop there.
In my 10 years here I have seen regressive thinking negatively impact the emergence of Little Rock as a mid-South destination city. Several regional or national restaurant chains have failed that were as good or better than local versions with similar fare. Famous Dave's, Del Frisco's and Cock of the Walk are three that come to mind. At the same time I have local friends who openly long for a Trader Joe's, Costco, Macy's or even an Ikea to open shop here. But these retail giants run their reconnaissance and when they see the steady stream of failing chains not-from-these-here-parts, they know a poor bet when they see it.
So why do locals repeatedly fail to support quality retail from parts elsewhere while displaying almost maniacal loyalty for mediocre local establishments? Seriously, folks, do we really need another David's Burgers, Whole Hog or Slim Chickens?
Little Rock suffers from an innate parochialism that seems determined to keep it local with a twang. This attitude most assuredly prevents our town from attaining the destination-city status it craves. My advice to Little Rockers: Open your hearts and minds to the notion of inclusivity and diversity when it comes to how and where to spend your discretionary income. The eventual result will be that the people and dollars will come, incomes will rise, and Arkansas might even climb a few notches above number 49 of 50.
DANE BUXBAUM
Little Rock
Interpretations differ
Ann Hatley brought to our attention dueling interpretations of the Bible regarding homosexuality. She affirms everyone is entitled to their own interpretations of scripture. This strong sense of entitlement allowing freedom of interpretation runs deep in the land of the free. America's landscape is dotted with diverse "worship houses" standing as shrines to idiosyncratic interpretations, and some of these are breathtakingly bizarre.
In our religious culture, everyone feels entitled to their own personalized interpretive methodologies. Consequently, biblical "truth claims" become meaningless and easy to smack down. When a "truth claim" is presented, simply slap down the trump card which reads, "That's just your interpretation." Game over. So, in a land of a thousand interpretations, how can the Bible inform any issue, including homosexuality?
In a relativistic culture, one might feel entitled to interpret the Bible, or anything else, in any way one chooses. However, any interpretation that doesn't align with the author's intent is a deviant misrepresentation, a misinterpretation. Also, no one is free to choose the consequences of their interpretations or choices. For example, one can interpret a freeway sign that reads, "Wrong way/Do not enter" in several ways. However, each interpretation has its own inescapable outcome, some potentially dire.
Watershed choices have been made in this generation regarding acceptable behaviors. What was once unthinkable is now normative. Repercussions, whether good or bad, will inevitably follow--a stark, stubborn, often inconvenient truth in a post-truth world. Ready for what's coming?
JOHN LITTLEJOHN
Siloam Springs
Seniors need center
This evening, the city board of directors of Little Rock will be discussing financial aid for the CareLink Health and Wellness Center to continue operating at 12th and Cleveland streets. Right now the facility helps senior citizens in all kinds of activities, including arthritis water aerobics, tai chi, zumba, body sculpting classes, meal delivery to shut-ins, transporting people to local grocery stores, and more. It also provides group fitness and health classes.
Our city needs a senior community center. North Little Rock and Bryant both have excellent centers dedicated to seniors. Even though the other local facilities offer similar services, CareLink does acknowledge the Silver Sneakers and Silver and Fit programs that Jim Dailey Fitness and Aquatic Center does not. This is an added bonus for anyone with insurance plans allowing free membership to fitness programs.
We seniors need CareLink to stay active. I can't begin to tell you of all the benefits I get from the arthritis water aerobics class ... it keeps me up and moving and able to carry out my day.
LINDA YATES
Little Rock
Aggravations, Alex ...
Answer: Interrupting Jeopardy! for a "special report."
Question: What is annoying?
SHARON KORNAS
Morrilton
Editorial on 07/17/2018