Another alternative
I have a suggestion similar to the Grill Party "Vote Them Out" option as explained by David Kelley. Two differences: I really would like to see the ballot contain Yes or No options, but you could still only vote for (or against) one candidate per office.
For example, in the last election I did not want Clinton or Trump so I voted for someone else--a very unsatisfactory non-impact on the election. I would have really felt my vote counted if I could have voted No for Trump, thereby canceling a Yes vote. Final Yes/No net results would have indicated much more what voters really thought. Both candidates would probably have had very low net positive (negative?) totals.
JOHN F. DOLLAR
Hot Springs Village
Privatizing vets' care
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs may soon cost around $200 billion a year, according to the department's forecast for 2019. Republicans complain that this cost is putting a tremendous strain on the federal budget, which is out of control.
Last year President Trump signed a bill to extend the temporary Veterans Choice program, which gives health cards to veterans who can go to private doctors instead of VA hospitals. This card is good at clinics that take Medicaid. This sometimes takes veterans away from VA hospitals and sends them to nurse practitioners who probably are not experts in military medicine. Incidentally, this program has run out of money and is waiting for Congress to renew funding. Although veterans should have both the card and the hospitals, this likely will not happen, and veterans will focus upon their special hospitals a while longer, but not too long.
Former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin told the New York Times: "They [the White House] saw me as an obstacle to privatization who had to be removed." Trump obviously fired Shulkin with hopes of replacing him with a secretary who would promote privatization.
It seems eventually Trump and his Republicans will succeed in replacing VA hospitals with private care. If Democrats cannot stop them, veterans certainly will not.
GENE MASON
Jacksonville
Henderson State's fall
I was saddened to read again of the decline of my alma mater, Henderson State University, in so many areas. I believe the leadership by Glen Jones has been a disaster and he should be terminated immediately. The enrollment has dropped year after year and now it is in trouble financially. While other rural universities in Arkansas have grown, we decline.
The recent quote from the illustrious city manager of Little Rock and Chairman of the Board Bruce Moore stated that the decline was due to population loss in south Arkansas. Apparently he doesn't know that SAU enrollment went from about 2,800 to 5,000, and UAM grew from 3,000 to 4,000, both in south Arkansas.
This decline never occurred under former presidents. It's time to cut our losses and get new leadership for our wonderful university, and some of the current board members who have allowed this decline to occur should also resign.
WR CORLEY
Benton
Belief personal choice
I asked for a break recently, but was denied, as I had assumed would happen. I did have to take a break from my belly laugh after reading the response to my letter. I merely stated that the belief in Jesus Christ, as the son of God, was a personal choice based on faith. That was somehow interpreted that I believe that I am an expert on religion and history.
I did like the fact that the atheist used my name four times in three small paragraphs. I have not had that much press since I played pee-wee football, but I digress. If you want historical fact, reference Josephus and Tacitus. One was a historian and the other was a politician, and neither had a desire to legitimize Jesus as the son of God, much less his existence. In fact, they probably despised Christianity. But both were well-respected and had the reputation of only reporting the truth.
Jesus was a common name and they made sure to refer to him as "Jesus, the brother of James" so that he would not be mistaken for someone else. Yes, they said he existed, and that he was crucified by Pontius Pilate. Since this was already reported within 100 years or so of Jesus' life and death, I am going to forgo applying for the Nobel as was suggested.
I can no more prove the existence of Jesus than the atheist can disprove it. I can only reiterate that the belief in Jesus, as the son of God, is a personal choice based on faith.
RICK WHITE
Bentonville
A farewell to teachers
It is that time of year when school is letting out for the summer and we say to each other, "I will see you guys in August." This is for the people that I will not get to see in August--two sweet kindergarten teachers and the Quest teacher. These ladies are great teachers. Over the last decade I have worked with many great people who have either retired, transferred (you need to come back), or went to another district.
My Quest friend, I am going to miss our conversations and the way you could pick up on what was on my mind by just looking at my face and body language. I will miss your smile and straight talk about politics. Enjoy retirement, wonderfully wicked friend!
WANDA GREEN
North Little Rock
Editorial on 05/19/2018