More on socialism
Jeff Pride's recent letter makes me laugh a little bit because he clearly does not understand the concept of socialism at all. I am a legal immigrant living in Arkansas; I came from a country where "socialized" programs do not work at all, Jeff's letter mentions Medicare as -- I assume -- he thinks it is a wonderful government program. Not many people know that our veterans must wait months for a medical appointment in the VA -- which is a government program too; maybe Jeff does not know that either.
I politely encourage readers to talk to immigrants who come from mostly South American countries to describe to you how wonderful socialized programs are down there. I mean, have you ever wondered why we leave such great programs to come here? Perhaps if you have the chance to talk to any of us you will realize instantly what socialism is indeed. Finally, I'll quote a Cuban-born businessman who lives in Florida, Maximo Alvarez: "Those false promises -- spread the wealth, free education, free health care, defund the police, trust the socialist state more than your family and community? They don't sound radical to my ears; they sound familiar."
For me those sound familiar too. It's not about right-wing propaganda, that's the truth, because immigrants like me and many others have lived it.
RENATO LEIVA
Searcy
Need for new slogan
At times, during some family gatherings, the conversation might turn disagreeable, leading to harsh language and unkind remarks being exchanged. This would put a chill in the house, but you could almost always count on an old uncle, if he were there, to speak up.
"Go back to when you first got here today," he would say to the warring parties, "and greet each other like you did then -- warmly. And sit down and talk this out as kin and like you love one another -- which you are and do!"
Sometimes this worked and, if not, it did give us pause and certainly a way we might proceed in the future.
In that spirit and as a country, I propose a new slogan for 2021: "May Americans Greet (each other warmly) Again."
RICHARD POWELL
Little Rock
Across the spectrum
I was amused by Mike Masterson's piece "Bias defined." First of all, I applaud him for having discovered the "AllSides Media Bias Chart." It's only been doing this since 2012.
I do feel his pain. It is hard not to look biased when the right end of the political spectrum is defined by QAnon. I'm not sure who defines the left end of the spectrum. It might be AOC or Bernie Sanders.
In any case it is hard, in this
environment, to sound simultaneously politically balanced and sane.
CLYDE BAILEY
Little Rock
Rein in partisanship
Arkansas need not have a divisive governor. Governors Hutchinson, Beebe and Huckabee all governed to serve all Arkansans (or at least tried to a certain degree). Sarah Huckabee Sanders has come out of the gate spewing partisanship. Let's hope she reins that in.
Perhaps she could benefit from reading the Jan. 26 columns by Rev. Lowell Grisham and John Brummett.
Amy Wilbourn
Fayetteville
Now in Wonderland
In 1865 under the nom de plume of Lewis Carroll, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" was written. In it, a girl named Alice tumbles into a rabbit hole and ends up in a land where nothing makes sense. It is a fantasy which plays on logic; everything seems backwards relative to normal as exhibited by the characters and the narrative. The rabbit hole was the gateway to this utter nonsense.
We in this nation are indeed living in "Wonderland" today. For instance, it seems real riots are deemed "protests" and real protests are deemed "riots" as defined by the left and the elitist media. Where no evidence is found, it is claimed to exist, yet where there is obviously evidence it is ignored as lacking "proof," dismissing it as fraudulent and without merit to even review it. Now "boys will be girls" and "girls will be boys."
We are arguably the most corrupt country in the world. I believe recent events have shown the "Deep State" to be deeper than the Marianas Trench. Career politicians are only interested in getting elected again and again. They will promise you everything and give you nothing, with the exception being remorse. Even election results are now suspect.
Capitalism has been proven to work; why trade it for socialism, which doesn't? Cultural and social morons have forced us to learn a new lexicon so people aren't "offended." History is reversed, if not erased. Common sense has become uncommon.
Now our nation has become Wonderland and, without doubt, Washington, D.C., is the "rabbit hole."
LES BLEDSOE
North Little Rock
Time to bid him adieu
I think it would be in the best interest of your newspaper to say goodbye to Mike Masterson. His opinion pieces about Trump and losing the election are not just opinions, they are the repetition of proven lies that have led to violence. It's one thing to say you don't believe in global warming. Then you're just ignorant. But spreading misinformation that leads to violence is a whole different ballgame. And now your newspaper must take responsibility if you continue to let him write for your paper.
I really love your newspaper, but you need to take a stand here. It's time for him to go.
BARBARA DUNN
Little Rock
A crime is still crime
Imagine this: A person walks into a jewelry store and robs the place. An alarm summons the police, who show up as the robber exits the store. The owner yells, "Stop them, they robbed my store." The police say, "No need to arrest them, they aren't robbing you now. They have left."
Do you see a problem?
JACK ARNOLD
Mountain Home