Wonders for the soul
As a Christian, I can say to Mr. Foster, "You are absolutely correct!" I cannot prove the existence of God.
While I am not going to presume to know what his beliefs are, I can say that I have known many folks who are of similar thought. I call them "science" folks. If it can't be proven by scientific method, I don't believe it. I have been one myself. Science folks believe the universe exploded into being out of nothing, and that humanity was created by a similar method. Neither of which can be conclusively proven, either. So where does that leave us? Both in a make-believe world telling fairy tales?
Not me. I am very comfortable in the shoes I am wearing now. They are so much more sturdy (yet oddly comfortable) than my science shoes were that I will never need another pair. I am reminded of a couple of quotes; Dwight Moody stated (my paraphrase) that he believed God and Satan exist for two reasons: First, the Bible says so; and second, he'd done business with both. The other is attributed to Mr. Anonymous: "Science says we are here by accident, we will leave here by accident, and science has no moral guidance for people. An accidental life is not very appealing to me."
Sometimes a new pair of shoes does wonders for the soul.
GREG STANFORD
White Hall
Stopping the spread
Keep up the great work, Governor Hutchinson, county and city officials. You have appropriately shut down businesses, sites, and parks where covid-19 has the largest chance of spreading, and kept open the rest of our economy. You've asked our citizens to comply with and employ safe practices, which many are following. Additionally, cities have adopted curfews to help restrict interactions that could spread the virus, and open businesses are adjusting hours and employing safe physical distancing practices. No "shelter in place" directive needed.
Now let's talk about another state: Michigan. Its governor declared a "shelter in place" order on March 23. Has it worked? As of April 3, the hot-spot city of Detroit still had no curfew, parks (with basketball games still being played) are open, bus routes are run with no protections in place, and the state wonders why it's now ranked third in the nation for covid-19 cases and deaths.
Please recognize that each state has its own definition of "shelter in place" and what is considered an essential business. As always, the actions of state and local officials speak far greater than the words.
NANCY RUSSELL
Hot Springs
'Gotcha' is the point
In reference to your April 4 editorial, "Radio nowhere," and the last three sentences of the editorial: "Actually, she [referring to the interviewer] may not have been listening. But the point was to ask the gotcha question. Not necessarily to inform the audience."
It seems to me that the vast majority of questions from press interviewers to political figures, especially a conservative president, are to deliver a gotcha to the politico and earn points for the interviewer with their audience and little to no intention of informing the listeners.
DAVE BASH
Little Rock
Brummett inquiries
Questions related to John Brummett's column concerning Gov. Asa Hutchinson's stance on "shelter in place": If all left-leaning editorial contributors jumped off a bridge, would Brummett? If Hutchinson enacts "shelter in place," will Brummett discontinue his columns and forgo remuneration? Does anyone think Brummett's columns are "essential services"?
DAVID WALKER
Bella Vista
Can be glad about it
I am very glad that Bubba McCoy is self-isolating. His example may have more impact on Arkansans than the governor's daily briefings.
I'm glad he and his granddaughter reached an understanding across the generation gap--as we used to call it when we were her age--and realized what really matters.
And I'm glad John Brummett writes for this newspaper. He has a unique understanding, respect and love for Arkansans, without getting all soppy about it. Plus, the man can really write. If you read his column last Sunday you know what I mean.
It's good to have things to be glad about these days. Thanks.
STEVE VOORHIES
Fayetteville
Who's driving here?
Have you ever ridden in a car where no one was in charge and everyone there wanted to go in different directions? But you only had one car (one nation). It was the best car in the world for some strange reason (democracy), so everyone outside the nation wanted to ride in this car too. Everyone in the car wanted to be the driver. But by law (law had not broken down yet) they all had to sit in the back seat and try to drive even though they couldn't see the road or the dashboard or reach the brake and gas pedals (all they had was media info).
For all of past U.S. history, we have accepted the leadership of the elected driver until the next chance to change drivers (vote). Why aren't we doing this now? Has something changed? Is globalization trying to drive this car over the cliff?
MAC FAULKNER
Little Rock
Was a real tearjerker
Watching the reaction of Capt. Brett Crozier's crew when he was leaving his ship after getting fired by the Navy was a tearjerker for me!
I rise up and applaud the captain for his leadership and heroism. We need more people like him, especially in positions of power, who put the safety and well-being of others before their own careers.
ROSE GOVAR
Maumelle
Editorial on 04/07/2020