Don't need an arsenal
I have noticed our governor is advertising that he is working to protect our Second Amendment rights to own a gun, and I have noticed other candidates for elected offices advertising that they are members of the National Rifle Association. It got me wondering how many people have died because our political leaders are working to make sure we all have guns.
Yes, it is true people are dying on the streets of Arkansas because we all have a right to bear firearms. Maybe we should vote for political leaders who will work to cut back on our right to bear so many firearms. Then maybe fewer people will die.
SAMUEL ANDREWS
Russellville
This is our America
With the recent release of the music video for Childish Gambino's "This is America," I am writing to you because I feel it is more than imperative now to discuss the wrongs in American society. Gambino himself manages to hit the nail(s) on the head. His apathetic behavior toward basic rules of artistic expression and censorship not only makes the video memorable but meaningful. In particular, there was a scene in which Gambino pulls out an assault rifle and fires away at an all-black church choir. Without meaning, a normal person would be shocked at seeing such events.
But we aren't normal people. We are Americans, and this is America.
Every other week on television, there seems to be a shooting at a school, church, or shopping mall. These are places where we are supposed to feel safe with our friends, our teachers, our family, and our God. And the bizarre thing is we hardly shed a tear for those people. We shake our head in disappointment and change the channel.
As a high school student, I am afraid. Not of being shot, but of the idea of me growing up knowing that my generation is becoming, in a sense, desensitized because of the mass media. Must we wait until our loved ones are shot to start caring? Or do we wait until the next shooting to start genuinely talking about the issue at hand? Watching the news, I feel like that's the case.
DAANISH SALMAN
Little Rock
Honest, trustworthy
Elections are starting in Saline County. Voters want these candidates asking for their votes to be honest, trustworthy, and not a click. Voters take these elections seriously, as they should. Voters only have one chance to get it right.
Voters want their candidates honest, trustworthy, and following through on what they campaigned on. This is the moving factor for a voter to cast their vote for you.
PATRICIA A. ASHLEY
Benton
A salute to 'Be Best'
Regarding the newspaper's request for readers to address the first lady's campaign, "Be Best": Let's confess we're in a test, under stress, getting little rest. With all the pests and empty nests, it's such a mess. So be our guest: In pretty dress and matching vest, press on with zest, climb to the crest, as we bless America's initiative, "Be Best."
LINDA L. SCISSON
Little Rock
Girl Scouts staying
Are Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts merging? Will boys be allowed to join Girl Scouts? Since recent announcements by Boy Scouts of America about allowing girls to join, we keep hearing these and other questions. People are confused about what Boy Scouts are doing, and frankly, so are we.
Girl Scouts is not merging with Boy Scouts. Will boys be joining Girl Scouts? In one emphatic word, no. We proudly own the "Girl" in Girl Scouts.
Girl Scouts is the best leadership experience for girls because only we bring more than 100 years of history, expertise and research-backed programming designed specifically to meet the unique needs and interests of girls and the way they learn best. Since our inception, Girl Scouts has been about putting girls front and center, equipping them to be fearless leaders and change-makers who can face any challenge, from the wilderness to the boardroom, with courage, confidence and character.
What about those who say, "If girls are going to grow up to be able to compete with boys, wouldn't a co-ed program be best?" Girls and boys are in co-ed environments most of their lives. There is ample respected research that shows girls in single-gender environments feel more comfortable expressing their ideas, moving out of their comfort zone, trying new things and stepping up to lead.
What Girl Scouts offers can't be replicated, especially by an organization that touts girls' participation as a convenience for the family.
Don't be confused. Girl Scouts is not going away. There has never been a better time to be a Girl Scout. I urge you to find out more about Girl Scouts, and if you have a girl in your life, sign her up. Visit bit.ly/GSheretostay to learn more.
DAWN PRASIFKA
Little Rock
Dawn Prasifka is president and CEO of Girl Scouts--Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
Been berry wonderful
As always, this season's Arkansas strawberry crop has been truly exceptional! Thanks to the growers, pickers, haulers, packers, grocery stores and fruit stands for getting the berries to us. Let's do it again next year.
My personal vote for the best strawberry shortcake is Trio's.
JAMES B. DAVIS
Hot Springs
Editorial on 05/16/2018