Money to Oklahoma
When we vote on Tuesday, we should at the very least consider some serious questions related to Issue 4.
First, why have Oklahoma Indian tribes contributed millions to support Issue 4? They definitely are not "investing" all that money for nothing in return. Second, if the tribes build these casinos, will their profits really stay in Arkansas or will these profits go to their Oklahoma interests? Those who run the casinos are the ones who will make millions and what we get are the minimum -wage jobs at their casinos.
Third, why should we believe a guy who deserted Arkansas for Oklahoma and now claims our money needs to stay in Arkansas when he still lives in Oklahoma? Who would ever trust this convoluted reasoning? Fourth, where do these casino profits come from? Of course it is from (mostly poor) Arkansas people's money gambled away at the casinos.
Something is very wrong when all these Oklahoma interests want us to keep our Arkansas dollars "out of" Oklahoma. Do not be fooled. Vote no. A vote for Issue 4 really means millions of Arkansas dollars will end up in Oklahoma and rest assured at 39 to 1 casino odds it will definitely be far more than goes there now.
TOM HOWARD
Searcy
Best choice for city
For the first time in a number of years, Little Rock voters go to the polls with an open mayor's seat.
I have studied all of the candidates and must say it is encouraging to see several good, quality people to choose from. This definitely isn't one of those elections to choose the lesser of evils. But in the final analysis I'm voting for Warwick Sabin. He has spent time in the Legislature, trying to accomplish what is possible considering its current makeup.
For too long, the Chamber of Commerce-controlled city government has become stagnant, not in tune with our city. Warwick has the youthful energy that will be needed to move Little Rock in the progressive direction citizens of our city believe in. He will do this with a workable plan with input from all areas.
I love Little Rock. It's my home and I want the best for it. I believe Warwick Sabin is the best choice at this time to move our city forward.
RICHARD MOORE
Little Rock
Struggling businesses
In today's economy, some businesses struggle because of poor practices. Before I wrote this, I just got off the telephone after trying for 30 minutes to get the simple telephone number of my local Hot Springs Sears store to buy an appliance. Over and over, I was given people far away, but never my local salesperson. It took me almost no time to get another store that sells appliances.
Most people do not have the time, nor will they wait long to get in touch with a local store. How do you beat the Internet? Prompt local service!
JOHN EMMONS
Hot Springs Village
Stand up against hate
Oct. 28, the day after one of the worst hate crimes in the U.S., fell on a Sunday. I was curious to know what clerics would say to their congregations about this tragic event and how, as Christians, they should respond, or how Jesus would respond or what they could do to try to prevent the hate that precipitated this tragedy from growing and taking more lives in our communities.
Would they tell them how they could mirror Jesus' love for "the other"? Would they speak to them about showing respect for all, cautioning against speaking or listening to hate-filled rhetoric? Would they say these acts of hate and terror taking place more frequently are the responsibility of each and every one of us and that we have a responsibility to speak up, stand up and, perhaps, even act up?
I watched several taped services from churches of varying denominations offer prayers for those directly affected by this mass shooting, then nothing more was said. A golden opportunity to take a moral stand missed.
These tragic events affect each and every one of us, as well as the direction our country is going, whether we realize it or not. Somewhere, I hope there are churches asking congregations to contact their representatives in Congress to pass reasonable gun legislation or condemning the political rhetoric promoting fear and hatred of those who look or think differently than they do, and I hope some are speaking out against the bullying, name-calling, fearmongering and other divisive actions expressed every day, it seems, by the person who is supposed to be leading our country. (Leading us where, I may caution?)
HELEN BROWN
Winslow
Added to insult list
Well, Trump has really gone too far. Again. His recent insult regarding Alabama's Jeff Sessions was over the top, and I wish to remind my fellow Arkansans that President Trump's insult list now includes all of us "dumb Southerners."
With that in mind, I wish to urge my fellow dumb Southerners (as well as transplants) to vote Democrat blue for all candidates running for a statewide or national office. We must stand together in our Southern dumbness. Vote Nov. 6!
I'm another dumb Southerner.
CLIFF SCOGIN
Fayetteville
Editorial on 11/03/2018