Couldn't imagine it
On Dec. 7, 1941, my father, a bomber captain in the United States Army Air Corps, watched as the pilots of the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service strafed Pearl Harbor.
Could he ever have imagined that he would hear a president of the United States of America threaten to unleash the dogs of war on American citizens, in the streets of their own country?
ANN LINK
Little Rock
Conversation needed
What will America do to advance racial justice? For over 100 years slavery became institutionalized in America. There were congressional debates about extending slavery into the western territories, which led to the Civil War. The fledgling Republican Party backed its first president in amending the Constitution to free slaves and grant them civil rights, equal protection and the right to vote. But for the remainder of that century and most of the 20th century, black Americans continued to suffer. Jim Crow laws kept black Americans suppressed. The 1957 Civil Rights Act made it possible for federal enforcement against racist voter laws. The 1964 Civil Rights Act, supported by all but Southern Democrats, sought to improve opportunity of equality.
It's now over 60 years since the first modern-era Civil Rights Act. Our major cities are burning again as they did in the late '60s, this time in the midst of an approaching depression and a pandemic. After trillions have been spent in the effort to promote equality, so little has been accomplished it seems a footnote.
Democrats have the only voice. They repeat a conversation is needed. But for the past almost 60 years it seems party leaders have politicized the race issue and in that endeavor have falsely demonized all Republicans as the problem. Republican leaders for decades have been blistered by Democrats, emboldened and supported by a partnership with the press, and are unable to contribute. They have no voice, relegated to silence by a transfer of the Democrats' long legacy of racism to them. Republicans have opposed quotas, racial preference, and the high cost of many social programs, most of which have failed. That is not racist. It's been used to create an illusion of racism. How can there be a conversation with only one voice?
MICHAEL SANDERS
Little Rock
Egotistical buffoon
Re "Shameless leader deserves no respect" by Debra Hale-Shelton: This was one of the best pieces ever written about Donald Trump; it was as complete and accurate as I've ever read. It's just too bad so many people can't seem to understand what a totally incompetent, egotistical buffoon he really is. (I could say worse.) How anyone could support him is shameful. He has defiled women, has been dishonest, and can't even answer questions intelligently. He seems to have no compassion or understanding of people's issues. Even the Republican Party didn't really want him in the first place.
And how sad is it that some of his supporters have large political signs up that say, "God, guns and Trump"? This has got to be the most ignorant statements ever made. (Wouldn't Jesus be proud?)
LARRY BINTLIFF
Bee Branch
Embarrassment to us
This wonderful state has had a proud history of sending intelligent, broad-minded and highly competent representatives to Congress. John McClellan, William Fulbright, Dale Bumpers, David Pryor, Wilbur Mills and John Paul Hammerschmidt were nationally and internationally respected throughout their long careers. Today, with the notable--and shameful--exception of Tom Cotton, we are represented by a group of five nobodies who have done absolutely nothing for this state as individuals, legislating only as reliable Republican puppets.
Cotton is the exception, but for all the wrong reasons: In 2015, he actively undermined American foreign policy with his likely unconstitutional attempt to scuttle the US-Iran nuclear deal. Congressmen aren't supposed to be negotiating foreign policy. In 2019, he raised the obviously ludicrous idea of buying Greenland from the Danes for "national security" reasons. The Danes laughed their you-know-whats off.
Now, it's "send in the troops" to fire tear gas and rubber bullets (maybe live ones too--remember Kent State) at their own citizens for daring to protest the rampant police brutality and racism that still exists in this country today. Of all the 50 states, we in Arkansas should be most repelled by this recommendation. Many today are too young to remember what happened in 1957, when President Eisenhower sent federal troops to Little Rock to enforce court-mandated desegregation at Central High School. Even many of those Arkansans who supported desegregation resented the presence and the actions of the troops. Calling for the same action today is an attempt to deny the constitutional right to protest. Typical Trumpian behavior.
Cotton is an unabashed militarist. He obviously believes bullets and bombs will solve any problem. He is an embarrassment to our state.
BILL BRUTON
Little Rock
Our pitiable POTUS
I pity our petulant POTUS. His pontifications, prevarications, and provocations. Perhaps his potty-training went poorly. In any event, I predict that his behavior will not improve. Duh! It will only worsen, as he is empowered by his obsequious Cabinet and staff and the otherwise honorable but weak members of the Republican Party who refuse to take any steps to corral his dangerous rhetoric and actions. The future of our Great Experiment is imperiled.
Thirty-one years ago, there was a government crackdown in Tiananmen Square. The outcome was horrific. In the November election, I implore voters to honor our American history of peaceful protest and cast their ballots accordingly. Remember Lafayette Square.
By the way, I am now truly savoring the electronic edition of your newspaper on the iPad "Tablet-oid." The change from the paper-paper was difficult at first, but I applaud your innovative approach to keeping us informed. We need you now more than ever. I am also enjoying my favorite magazines and national news subscriptions with your device, and viewing the governor's daily covid-19 update in a convenient format. Thank you, Governor Hutchinson and Dr. Nate Smith!
AMY HALL
Cabot