OPINION | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Nothing but silence | Must accept reality | It's not hero worship

Nothing but silence

Arkansas appears completely devoid of leaders, whether we turn to the governor's office, our U.S. senators or House members; they all cower behind a wall of silence.

These elected Arkansans have easy access to state and national platforms, but they choose silence in hopes that no one will notice or call upon them even as Trump seeks to steal from the American voters our right to determine who will represent us.

These elected men, and they are men, every one of them, swore an oath to protect our U.S. Constitution, so help them God, but when we are under assault by lies and a power grab, they have chosen silence as a means to preserve their own political futures within the emerging Republican rabble, which has devolved into a dangerous ideology of rumors and lies, empty of reason and facts.

There may be moments when hiding out of fear of losing future political viability might be acceptable with a shrug of cynicism regarding politicians as creatures who pander to big donors and the powerful rather than serve. It is no wonder that when children are asked what they want to be when they grow up, seldom if ever do we hear one mention being a governor, a senator or congressperson, especially during these sorry days.

Hearing nothing but crickets from our highest elected representatives reminds one of a speech we learned in high school (I hope Shakespeare forgives easily): "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. I came not to praise" or protect or defend our democracy but to bury her.

It's no wonder Shakespeare continued, "The evil that men do lives after them," and silence when confronted with depravity suggests that malfeasance has found its marrow, its nourishment within self-censored public voices that hide within the darkest shadows of our time.

BOB REYNOLDS

Conway

Must accept reality

The other day on the news I saw people who are in favor of lawlessness demonstrating at the state Capitol. And, yes, Trump supporters, I am talking about you. Your candidate lost the election (thank you, Jesus). Wave your Trump banners all you like, but it is beyond hypocrisy to carry American flags when you are advocating the overturning of a fair election in this country. I also would not get my hopes up about 2024. If you wish to see your cult leader and listen to more delusional rambling, you may have to travel to a prison.

I do not know whether that spectacle or the news that 50 million Americans were expected to travel for Thanksgiving was more appalling. It is not surprising that this country has the most covid cases because the people of this country are too spoiled to accept any kinds of restrictions. Members of both factions need to grow up and accept the current reality.

CATHERINE LAMB

Little Rock

It's not hero worship

Ms. Koonce's guest column of Nov. 23 is a well-written explanation of why President Trump was elected in 2016 and received over 70 million votes in 2020.

She describes a "kind of hero worship" of Trump as not being "healthy for a democracy." Oddly enough, I believe this is exactly what these supporters saw in the media and their elite friends in academia, entertainment, and establishment politicians--for Obama. In contrast, what Trump supporters actually saw and admired was an unapologetic, pro-American patriot in their choice both times. It is about America to them, not a personality or cult following, as Ms. Koonce would choose to believe.

GAYLE BURNS

Jonesboro

Ditch ridiculous plan

I'm not sure which of the major cell-phone or cable/satellite television providers first came up with the business model to offer over-the-top incentives to entice new customers while doing absolutely nothing for longtime loyal customers, but most all of them employ this tactic. I have long contended that scheme causes the most discontent among consumers of any industry in our nation.

Now our governor wants to use this same goofy idea to bring in wealthy taxpayers to Arkansas. The governor would be wise to watch AT&T's latest advertising campaign that claims to offer the same great deals to all of their customers (as if no one had ever heard of doing such). I suspect there would not be many high-rollers relocating to The Natural State based on this ridiculous plan, and would only upset many native Arkansans.

RICK TATE

Imboden

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