Shouldn't have to pay
Do you as a U.S. taxpayer want to pay for the denuclearization of North Korea? Look at our nation's history and we have sent lots of your money and mine many times to nations that either were our enemy or they didn't like us. So it's likely the federal government will do it again.
I realize I'm way out ahead of this in the negotiation process. Congress needs to know now because I don't hear any talk about money. Money will be part of any agreement. I hear lots of other words. This discussion about security assurances seems to me to be a cover for sending taxpayer money to them. Same for economic development in North Korea--a cover for sending U.S. taxpayer money. I don't want to pay for that either. I say let China, Russia and North Korea pay for it. Not my problem or yours.
So I made contact with Senators Boozman and Cotton expressing my concern. Also, I walked into the Cabot office of my U.S. representative and expressed same. What are you going to do about it?
ROBERT PITTS
Cabot
Legislative corruption
So many questions. Few, if any, answers when you read Sunday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette article about the blatant dishonesty, the kickbacks and corruption among lobbyists and certain state lawmakers regarding a $1 million health grant.
First, do our systems of government make it easy for this to happen? How big is the "swamp" in Arkansas? Can you imagine the magnitude of governmental corruption in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.? How much of our growing $21 million debt results from waste, fraud, kickbacks and get-rich schemes? Do you believe our society's dishonesty and desire for wealth and fame have caused the loss of our moral compass?
Finally, what can we and honest legislators do to stop (or at least lessen) this blight? I believe we should try to convince more capable, trustworthy and dedicated young people that they are sorely needed in legislatures and government, and that an honorable profession is possible there.
JACK MURPHY
Little Rock
Actions by U.S. ugly
At the recent G-7 conference, the U.S. administration savagely attacked one of our staunchest allies and one of our few trading partners with whom we have a trade surplus. An administration official further personally insulted the Canadian prime minister by condemning him to a special place in hell. U.S. actions were ugly.
If that wasn't enough, now President Trump says, "That's going to cost a lot of money for the people of Canada."
JAMES W. BELL
Little Rock
Editorial on 06/15/2018