Letters

Risks humble them

The Bret Stephens' column recommending the new documentary film Apollo 11 is excellent, except for one statement.

He mentions how Neil Armstrong is very humble in his comments relative to his contribution toward being the first man to step on the lunar surface, but indirectly compares it to former President Obama's comments toward business owners not having "built" their businesses.

American astronauts write checks with their lives to ride rockets to the moon, and American business owners write checks secured with their families' life savings in most cases. They all certainly are big parts in "building" the successes of their collective endeavors, but assumed great risks as individuals.

Former President Obama's comment at the time mostly revealed that he had not experienced the kind of individual risk in his own life that humbles even the Neil Armstrongs of the world.

GAYLE BURNS

Jonesboro

Fill border vacancies

U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, states that there are about 2,000 positions for Border Patrol for which there is money available now that have not been filled. What gives?

The president declares there is an emergency present when he has not filled openings that are funded and yet wants to build a wall! Two thousand more agents would go a long way to keeping people and drugs out of Texas and the U.S.

Somebody needs to listen to the men in the field as to what is needed (and not at a photo op) and discuss those needs in a reasoned fashion. Enough people and drug dogs along the border negate any need for a wall that can be climbed over or dug under, and costs far less.

Arkansas' Republicans, do you live in the same world as Representative Hurd, and where is the Mexican money?

DALE GOSSIEN

Little Rock

Put matter in context

Thank you, Rex Nelson, for the enlightening lesson on Arkansas' state flag. Your comments, more powerful than expected, were thought-provoking and heartfelt, yet civilly and gentlemanly stated.

You gave this matter timely depth and reason. Your advice is welcome.

TOM BIECHLER

Leslie

No delivery out here?

A few days ago I received a letter from Walter Hussman Jr. telling that I would no longer be getting my Monday through Saturday paper delivered to me after May 5. He states that it is no longer "economically viable" to do this in my area. Well, I guess my area is too rural for him.

I, like many other people in my area, enjoy my daily paper. I read it over morning coffee, lunch and dinner. At no time has the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette asked me for a rate increase to continue delivery.

I'm assuming that in not-rural places daily deliveries will continue. Too bad, because most of Arkansas is rural, and I guess we don't matter enough to continue our subscriptions.

By the way, I pay my subscription yearly and have not heard what (if any) refund I may be entitled to. I'd like others who are in the same boat to express their opinions on this matter.

CHARLES CLAYTON

DeValls Bluff

Need new leadership

High school and college athletics provide opportunities to instill many strong values like discipline, courage and hard work for our next generation.

When year after year the coach makes excuses for mediocre performances and the team is out-hustled on the court like they were by the Florida Gators, we are missing our chance to make an impact within the team and around the state.

Mr. Yurachek, now is the time to give someone else a chance to lead our basketball program to greatness.

BOB HAYDEN

Little Rock

Editorial on 03/20/2019

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