Vote for right to life
At our right-to-life marches at the state Capitol over the past several years, I have been introduced to United States Sen. Tom Cotton, Congressmen French Hill and Bruce Westerman, Gov. Asa Hutchinson and state Sen. Jason Rapert. Whenever any of them run for public office, they should get the vote of everyone to whom life of the unborn is sacred. Although the right-to-life issue will not visibly be on the ballot, it is always there in the persons of the candidates, whether they are pro-life or pro-choice. It is the most important issue of all, because without life there can be no other issues.
JACK MAYBERRY
Sheridan
The society we live in
Imagine a society where men no longer open the door for a woman. A society where men no longer talk with a woman for fear of being taken out of context. A society where men no longer want to work alongside a woman for fear a spoken word or a slight touch could lead to the demise of their career. A society where male EMTs and paramedics are reluctant to provide lifesaving measures for fear of being accused of "groping" or "inappropriately touching." A society where male law enforcement officers no longer assist, arrest or transport women for fear of retaliatory claims of inappropriate behavior. A society where drivers do not stop to help a woman change the flat tire on her car. A society where employers are reluctant to hire women for fear one of their male employees would be accused of inappropriate behavior, putting their company in a bad light.
All because women are to be absolutely believed and men are absolutely guilty until proven innocent.
There is no need to imagine this type of society, it is already here.
So don't hate me or curse me because I don't speak to you. Don't hate me because I didn't open the door for you. Don't hate me because I didn't help you change your tire. Don't hate me because I seem to ignore you as you pass by.
Hate me simply for the fact I am a man!
MATT KORNAS
Mabelvale
Wonderful addition
What a excellent addition the nature trail on Electric Island in Lake Hamilton is to those who enjoy being outdoors!
It is also an excellent example of how corporations (AP&L, now Entergy), environmentalists (Nature Conservancy, Master Naturalists, Arkansas Watertrail Partnership), and governmental agencies (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas Department of Correction) can work together to add another opportunity for people to enjoy the Natural State.
Kudos to every person and agency involved.
Also, a tip of the hat to Celia Storey and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for the Oct. 1 coverage telling the history of the island, its 2-mile hiking trail and how to access it.
Peace and birds.
JERRY BUTLER
Hot Springs
A 'no' vote on Issue 5
Absent a magic money tree, raising Arkansas' minimum wage to $11 is a bad idea that will hurt our state's overall economy and many of the very people it is intended to help most--lower-skilled workers.
Arkansas has the second-lowest cost of living in the nation, according to MoneyRates.com. A dollar here goes a lot further than it does in most places. Comparatively, at $8.50 per hour, our current minimum wage is already 17 percent higher than the federal minimum, and it is higher than any of the surrounding states with which we compete for jobs. The closest is Missouri at $7.85. An $11 rate is higher than the current minimum in every state except Washington, Massachusetts and California.
Such a drastic rise will almost certainly result in fewer employment opportunities for lower-skilled workers. Instead of seeing their wages increase, many will find themselves in the unemployment line. Home-grown small businesses will be harmed. Larger employers looking to expand here may instead consider surrounding states where the cost of labor is significantly less. Wage increases will be passed along to consumers like you and me. The price we all pay for goods and services will be higher.
At a time when our state's economy is moving forward and our unemployment numbers hover at or near record lows, it simply doesn't make good sense to create such an obstacle for better opportunity. I intend to vote against Issue 5, the minimum wage increase, and I encourage other Arkansans to join me.
ANDY MAYBERRY
Hensley
Rises above the fray
With all the rancor of last week's Supreme Court hearing, the screaming in congressional hearings, on television, on social media, and even the partisanship exhibited in this newspaper, I have searched for a candidate who rises above the fray and is dignified. I am disheartened by how our political process has become hateful and there is so much bitterness in public discourse. Resentment seems to be the name of the game, and I have a pit in my stomach even listening to the radio and television.
The candidate who rises above the fray and represents me with dignity is Congressman French Hill. I can count on his fair-minded representation every time. He continues to makes me proud and cast votes for Arkansas' families.
JAN ALEXANDER
Little Rock
Editorial on 10/06/2018