Old GOP is no more
Columnist Bret Stephens suggests that he "leans conservative." This hit home to this old Republican. The Grand Old Party is dead because we can no longer "lean" to the left or right--every issue in the far-right portfolio must be supported.
Some examples: At one time, conservatives accepted the Supreme Court's decision on Roe v. Wade as settled law. But the religious right cannot, and Republicans are pulled to the right so as not to lose that rabid single-issue support. At one time, everyone agreed on the basic economic principles: There is a time to tax, and a time to spend; a time to cut taxes and a time to hold back spending. But the economic principles of the American oligarchs and their political hirelings cannot allow even a small nod in the moderate direction.
This administration made a horrific tax cut for the wrong people at the wrong time, a move that guarantees the greatest national debt and deepest deficits in history. So Arkansas' own Steve Womack is attempting to right a terrible wrong by an even more terrible wrong: cutting funds from those that will be the first victims of the coming world economic recession (or even depression), pumped by the Trumpian trade wars. Even mild protests will be answered with accusations of not being conservative enough. Examples: If you don't support every right-wing position on gun laws, LGBTQ rights, or racial equality issues, you are labeled a demon-spawn liberal.
But enough: I blame the death of deliberative politics on the tirades of Rush Limbaugh, on the burnt-earth politics of the post-Newt Gingrich era, and on the current soul-less manipulation of the social media generation. Save the newspapers; they are our only hope.
CLIFF HARRISON
Hot Springs Village
Make city great again
For anyone that has traveled on Markham around Stifft Station lately, they've noticed some changes. The changes are created by PopUp in the Rock's annual urban project to demonstrate how street improvements can lead to a more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly community.
It's a welcome though surprising change for the neglected business district. The area is notoriously dangerous for pedestrians, businesses, and other drivers. Anyone who lives in the area regularly hears about someone getting hit there, or of a car crashing into one of the businesses.
For decades leaders of Little Rock have focused on roads that moved people from downtown to the newer developments out west. Pedestrian access is usually an afterthought. There are many places within Stifft Station, Capitol View, and Hillcrest that still don't have sidewalks, crosswalks, or even modern drainage systems. But someone is listening, and it's making a difference.
Slowing traffic in Stifft Station is a win-win. The people living and visiting in this neighborhood deserve to have nice roads and sidewalks and to be able to safely walk around. Businesses deserve to have easy access by pedestrians and protection from cars speeding through their walls. Further, increased pedestrian access and safety can spurn more business and residential development, which will in turn help strengthen our city's economy.
The changes aren't perfect, but it's time to realize that Markham isn't a highway connecting the west to the city core. Little Rock City Manager Bruce Moore and Mayor Mark Stodola should take note: A permanent change to the Kavanaugh intersection will make our city safer, stronger, and overall more enjoyable.
CHARLES ALEX LANIS
Little Rock
Mueller investigation
The major damaging question for the Trump administration remains the Mueller investigation. But will the public accept the conclusions? And will they accept the many side effects?
We know Trump's character is flawed. We know the economy remains strong. We know the national debt continues to grow. The Korean situation is a work in progress. NAFTA is strained. The G-7 summit was troubled. Immigration is in disrepair. And yes, the Mueller investigation will conclude with an explosive public response. Watch for tax fraud to become a major side event.
PHILIP L. GUSTAFSON
Hot Springs Village
Questions of the time
What's happening, America?
Is "love thy neighbor" a thing of the past? Are children no longer our greatest asset? Is democracy over, gone, diminishing?
Where did love go? When did hate take over?
Will America ever be America again?
NEVA ERICKSON
Fairfield Bay
In Legislature's hands
I'm sure you are as sick as I am having to read all those stories about legislators involved in schemes involving state money. There were the fellows helping some small church college get some state money, and somehow in the process some of it went to them. Ah well, I'm sure they meant well. Then there was a Fort Smith scheme of some sort in which a sports stadium or something like it was involved. I don't recall how it turned out. There have been others, always someone wanting state money for "a good cause," but the politician ramrodding it always seeming to benefit in some way.
This latest is big-league compared to those. It seems an owner-operator of nursing homes was unlucky when a trial court found for the deceased. An old lady died mostly from neglect is what I hear, but a trial court found her case bad enough to award mucho dinero to her family. Judging from past experience, it seems the defendant decided to get to the root of it all, and that is to take a lot of authority away from the courts.
Enter Issue 1 on the next election ballot, which will strip away a lot of the courts' power and give it to the Legislature. Yeah, that's the ticket. And just this one change will save all kinds of businesses lots of money. Sure, get the courts under control and we can get back to business. What do they call it? Oh yeah--tort reform. It even lets them get their trial and attorney expenses back if they win. And with this new change, they can look forward to winning a lot.
So here is my message to the women because they're better at keeping track of things than men. Go to the calendar right now, and for election Nov. 6 write down Issue 1, tort reform--not only no, but hell no. And when any politician asks for your vote, ask him or her where they stand on Issue 1. If they say they're for it, tell them not only no, but hell no! You see, that language they understand.
WALTER SKELTON
Little Rock
Blaming Democrats
To Junior: I am appalled, but not surprised, at your horribly cruel tweet the other day blaming Democrats for the immigration crisis unfolding on our southern border. It was a blatant lie, intended to cover up for the massive humanitarian crisis you, Donald Trump and the GOP, have created. Your lack of compassion and empathy will not be forgotten. The images of infants being ripped from their mothers' arms will be with us forever.
Although you are not up for re-election in November, others in your party are, and voters will surely remember the heinous lack of compassion for the tiniest of these children. Trump gets no credit, nor will you or any of the GOP, if he signs an executive order to rescind this horrendous policy. You don't get credit for putting out a fire you willingly started. I believe you and the rest of the complicit GOP are an abomination and are against every basic tenet this country was founded on. And we will vote you out of office. Count on it.
TRACIE POPE
Bull Shoals
Editorial on 06/25/2018