Her lack of judgment
Without failure, I found my brain tickled last Wednesday morning by Brenda Looper's column, "So (not) offensive." For regular readers of the Voices page, and Ms. Looper's column, you know this was about the misunderstanding of good words most folks choose not to use because they are often construed to be offensive.
The word "stupidity"--generally not misunderstood; however, quite descriptive of some folks' behavior--is defined by the online Oxford Dictionaries as behavior that shows a lack of good sense or judgment. Obviously, it doesn't matter how smart an individual might be, their lack of good sense or judgment is subject to erupt unbridled like lava from the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. When that happens, those of us who prefer good behavioral decorum find ourselves aghast, or without surprise.
Last Tuesday, the ABC Network fired Roseanne Barr because of her lack of judgment. Using racially charged language on Twitter is offensive. Ms. Barr was enjoying an historic reboot of the show Roseanne, but her lack of judgment resulted in her immediate termination, the absence of some weekly comic relief for many, and the loss of employment for who knows how many.
The phrase "politically correct" isn't necessarily offensive, but behavior that exemplifies it is. Sticks and stones may break bones, but contrary to what I was told as a child, words can hurt in ways often unspoken.
HOSEA LONG
Little Rock
No room for others
When does life begin? That is a question that is answered differently for each of us. Anybody that relies on someone else individually for life (a fetus) is not a person. I am in charge of my body, and I am the best person to make decisions about my body. I will consult my doctor if necessary, my family, if needed, and my faith leader, if it feels right. There is no room in this decision for politicians or Jerry Cox or anyone else.
If you really believe life begins at conception, why are you not targeting fertility clinics? Is it because it is mostly poor people who seek abortions, while wealthy people seek help in becoming pregnant? Just wondering.
KAREN MUSICK
Little Rock
Democracy's time up
It is finally time to admit that our system of government by universal representation has run its course and has proven its need for replacing. The world has become much too complicated for the average person to comprehend.
The high level of diverse knowledge and intelligence, combined with the ability to think critically, required to understand these issues has become so immense as to exceed the time constraints and mental abilities of the average person.
Democracy should return to being a spectator sport for most Americans. They should leave the job of governing and deciding the governors to those best equipped to serve in that post. When the final episode of this season's Dancing With the Stars is over, the masses can catch the election results on the evening news while they share clickbait on Facebook. Their input only impedes progress.
The elites will keep everything running for the masses without their disruptive influence on our government. Surely the wheels of progress would roll more smoothly that way.
BENJAMIN HEMINGWAY
Little Rock
First lady's platform
First lady Melania Trump says she's committed to pursuing her bullying platform. Are bullying and Be Best the same cause?
I think it will be very difficult for Mrs. Trump to be successful in any platform she chooses to stand for. I can't imagine the president allowing her to have much access to the "fake news media"; it would take the spotlight off him.
President Trump says his wife is a very intelligent woman. Melania had the life she apparently came to the United States for--money, fame, mansions, designer clothes, etc. It seems she never wanted to move into the White House and take on the duties of first lady. As Catherine Lamb said in her letter to the editor, many of us prefer an educated first lady (or gentleman). Melania is just a couple of rungs up the ladder above Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal.
I believe Mrs. Trump is a loving and caring mother. However, she cannot comprehend what it's like to be a parent living below the poverty level (especially a single parent).
I believe the president's moral character and hatred for immigrants and poor people most likely would overshadow Melania Trump's new Be Best platform.
DELOIS BURNETT
Atkins
None of it surprises
Why was anyone surprised by Roseanne? She only followed the lead of that man/boy now in the Oval Office. Like Mama always said, "Birds of a feather flock together." Mama also said that genius will always make itself known. As will stupidity. Smart Mama!
Why has Asa convened a School Safety Commission? He already told us he won't consider any sort of gun control. When he and the majority of the Ledge have been apparently bought by the NRA, you know NRA is going to call the shots. Forgive the bad pun.
The NRA will feel all right advising the kindergartners to place their .357s on the right side of the trays in the lunchrooms. And a heck of a lot of the Trumpists won't have a problem with that.
KARL HANSEN
Hensley
Editorial on 06/06/2018