Asylum-seekers' woe
I have just returned from doing pro bono legal work at the El Paso-Juarez border. I interviewed many young people fleeing horrific gang violence in Central America. One young woman was threatened with rape and "disappearance." Appeals to the police and local government went unanswered. She fled. All she wants to do is work and live. She seeks asylum in the U.S. Under our laws, she probably does not qualify for asylum and will be returned to El Salvador, which has a truly horrible rate of murder of young women.
The Mexicans don't want these people, and too often they are prey to gangs and cartels in Mexico. I get it that we have to have border control. What I don't get is how as a nation we can spend approximately $400 million a year to house 40 prisoners at Guantanamo and yet not spend enough to help these Central American countries.
If there is a national crisis with immigrants, the way to fix the problem is to improve conditions in these countries, like we did with the Marshall Plan after World War II. Tell our senators that Americans have a heart and want us as a nation to help.
BETTINA BROWNSTEIN
Little Rock
We support UALR
Rex Nelson's column concerning the crisis at UALR was an interesting read, providing a great history lesson. He stated, "Too many of Little Rock's business leaders ... have never given UALR the support it deserves or taken advantage of the programs it offers."
As president of a 114-year-old, third-generation business, our family and company have always been UALR, now UA Little Rock, supporters. My mother's first job after completing Little Rock Junior College was running the office for Van Trump testing lab which compiled all of the masonry and concrete-testing results of the Robinson Auditorium project in 1940. Her degree allowed her to be proficient in typing, shorthand and stenography. Later mom worked at M.M. Cohn Department Store, advancing to executive credit manager, and later worked directly for Arthur Phillips, the company president. Arthur's son Dan served on the Donaghey Foundation Board for decades.
UA Little Rock's Construction Management and Civil and Construction Engineering Department is nationally recognized. There is a critical shortage of engineers and construction professionals entering the work force. This department is part of the solution. Before graduation, 98 percent of these students have full-time employment, excellent starting salaries and substantial opportunities for rapid advancement. I have had the opportunity to interview and hire some of these outstanding students.
One critical key to this successful program is the department's advisory board comprised of leaders from Arkansas' construction companies and engineering firms, too many to mention. These individuals have been mentors to hundreds of graduates. So let's hear it for one set of local business leaders who have stepped up to the plate in support of UA Little Rock.
If you are a foodie like Rex Nelson, you would support one of the best fundraising events in Little Rock--UA Little Rock's annual Taste of Little Rock.
LARRY ALMAN
Little Rock
Drivers are very rude
While in UAMS' surgery waiting room as different folks came in, I said, "Hi, y'all have to drive very far?" Every single one said dramatically how very rude folks were to them while they were trying to figure out where to turn. I was ashamed for Arkansas. All were from smaller cities.
All I could think of was they were rude and in a hurry to get to work and sit and drink coffee. It was really embarrassing. I think we could do better if we tried.
P.S. We are loving our new iPad. Thank you!
CHERYE THEVENET RIGGS
Little Rock
Opening the borders
Are the Democrats insane? Would they really open our borders and invite everyone in? Drugs smuggled in each day are killing thousands of Americans. MS-13 gangs are slicing up bodies in the most horrible way. Terrorists would love to kill us en masse.
Do the Democrats really want us to vote for our own murders?
Crack open the straitjackets!
B.E. SPURGEON
North Little Rock
Prescriptions costly
For too long, our nation has been plagued by Big Pharma. These agencies place profits over patient needs. Not only have they attached exorbitant fees for their patented drugs, but then manipulate the system with dubious tactics to prevent generic companies from entering the market with a lower price. We have many living in a crisis situation, forced to choose between their medications and food or other necessities. Some are taking less of their medications in order to stretch even a limited amount of the drugs they can afford.
It is the older Americans, many without Medicare Part D protection, who are struggling with limited options to cover the numerous medications they are prescribed. It is time for the Senate to pass the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act. It took bipartisan support to pass the Senate Finance Committee, and it will take an equal effort from all senators to support this legislation. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton are needed to stand up for those they represent.
I am reminded of a quote by John Fitzgerald Kennedy: "In the Chinese language, the word 'crisis' is composed of two characters, one representing danger and the other, opportunity."
PRISCILLA PITTMAN
North Little Rock
Editorial on 09/18/2019