Made it a better place
If a list of the most significant Arkansans of the past century were ever created, the name of Cliff Fannin Baker would certainly deserve a place of prominence. From the sublime (West Side Story, Amadeus, Angels in America) to the ridiculous (The Foreigner and those demented visits to Tuna, Texas), Cliff entertained us, challenged us, and made Arkansas an altogether better place to live.
My own sweetest memories of Cliff and The Rep have nothing to do with any one play. Rather, those wonderful days each spring when the new season was announced provided us with six months of delicious anticipation.
As the current leaders of The Rep struggle to re-invent it, they will no longer be guided by Cliff's hand. One can only hope they will be guided by his spirit.
RICHARD AULT
Maumelle
Democracy nears end
2018 could be an historic election year. This could be the year of the last little Democratic rally in American history. Surely, by 2024, Republicans will have routed Democrats out of the political system. As more secretaries of state and county clerks become Republican, more election commissioners and election auditors will be Republicans.
This condition may make it difficult for Democrats to get a fair shake in future elections. Even if an election result gets disputed in the future and goes to court, the judge will probably be a Republican. If the dispute goes all the way to the Supreme Court, the Supremes will be mostly Republican. Two more Supremes are expected to retire soon and will surely be replaced by Republicans.
Much of the news media will be owned and controlled by Republicans and will not be motivated to report voting discrepancies. Voting computers will tell us who gets elected, and the U.S. Constitution will say whatever Republicans want it to say.
Some Democrats think the paper trails from voting computers will save American democracy. Unfortunately, Republican media and the Republican judiciary will probably not even support the use of paper. Technology is changing everything more quickly than Democrats realize. Canada, Estonia, France, and Switzerland already use online voting, and Estonia votes online for all political contests.
American democracy had a good run. It is time to let go of it.
GENE MASON
Jacksonville
About that civility ...
Mike Masterson weighed in on public civility "spiraling down" recently. Finally, I thought, I can agree with this writer on an issue not associated with the Buffalo River (yeah, Mike). Alas, I was sorely disappointed to find his "whataboutism" when he conceded that while rude behavior has intensified under Donald Trump (understatement), such incivility "seemed to intensify under eight years of an equally polarizing Obama regime." (My emphasis, not his.)
Anyone else think the word regime has a negative connotation? Is that polarizing language or what? Sadly, I fear any polarizing during Obama's terms had much more to do with race than policy. There is absolutely no equitable comparison between the two occupants of the White House when it comes to civility, Mr. Masterson. One shows class and the other exhibits a rhyming word!
Oops, there goes my civility ...
SHERRIN RICHARDSON
Clinton
Opening up the door
I get the feeling that Reg Edwards from Compton has been spending too much of his time watching CNN. I can only guess that is where he got the information on Bob Woodward's new book because it has not yet been released.
He goes on to say, "As the whole world watches aghast, America not only does nothing, but supports this guy."
He's right about that. I and about 60 million other deplorables actually do support Donald Trump.
Several years ago, I spoke with one of our Republican congressmen and told him that I honestly believed that every day that the Congress was in session, we lose just a little bit more of our freedoms. He did not attempt to change my mind.
Now, with tax cuts and massive rollbacks of red tape and regulations, the American people might have a fighting chance to oppose the ruling class of politicians and bureaucrats in Washington.
We knew when we voted for Trump that we were not sending a choirboy or a polished diplomat to the White House. He is crass, sometimes vulgar, relatively unpolished, has a huge ego and is somewhat unpredictable. He is also fulfilling virtually all of his campaign promises. Now, there's something new in a president.
For a long time, more specifically, the last eight years, I've grown sick and tired of the way things work in Washington.
Pardon me while I hold the door to the china shop open and let the bull in.
GORDON GONDEK
Little Rock
The legacy of McCain
As I watched the Washington memorial service for the great Sen. John McCain, I was totally overwhelmed. First by the number and diversity of speakers who so eloquently extolled the characteristics and virtues of this outstanding human being.
Almost without exception they spoke of his great loves: for family, for all people regardless of color or origin, for fellow servicemen, his country, and even his adversaries. A big part of his greatness was his desire and ability to respect, find common ground with and make compromises with opposing legislators, those in high authority and world leaders.
As the service progressed I kept thinking: Would the legacy of John McCain be an inspiration to presidents, congressmen, and others who would start working together to solve the many, disparate problems we face, thereby putting America first again? Wouldn't that be an honor he would love the most?
JACK MURPHY
Little Rock
Kudos to road crews
Construction on Interstate 630 is a big surprise. I thought it would create massive delays; not so. They are keeping all six lanes open during the busiest times of day.
Congratulations are surely deserved.
Maybe we'll get some sound barriers.
MALLORY CRANK
Little Rock
Editorial on 09/09/2018