Talk about hypocrisy
I thought your whisper-behind-the-hand endorsement of Donald Trump last October was the most cowardly thing I had ever seen a newspaper do. Now you are in the running for most hypocritical.
Last Sunday's lead editorial complains that Democrats aren't offering to share power in the U.S. Senate: "That, apparently, only happens when there is a Republican vice president." After eight years of having the door slammed in their faces by Senate Republicans, the Democrats are supposed to turn into saints of charity? I wish we all could.
This partisan chauvinism caused me to review your opinions of the previous Wednesday's assault on Congress by Donald Trump's supporters. On Thursday morning, the editorial sub-headline was "A tantrum in Washington, D.C." You had two main points: Security was bad, and Trump acted against his own best interests in stirring his followers' passions. "Tantrum" is quite an understatement, but OK, it was an early reaction.
However, on Friday, when you'd had time to think, it was "Backfire, boomerang, ricochet," and your primary point was that the attack would have bad consequences: "So, if you were one of the stormers, what did you accomplish?" This implies that if the rioters had achieved their goal of intimidating Congress, they could claim at least some justification. I hope you didn't mean that. But on Saturday, you were back to deploring security.
You have not commented even once on the horrifying contempt for democracy displayed, or the insult to our nation's iconic symbols. You have not decried the threats to life and property justified in Trump's name, or the continuing danger from his violent supporters now reported to be making plans online.
Instead, you complain that Democrats have not been "extending the hand of friendship." On reflection, I think you get the most-hypocritical honors as well.
MARY LOWE KENNEDY
Little Rock
Simply a red herring
As a 50-plus-year reader of the Democrat-Gazette and its predecessor, I have not often been rendered speechless, but after reading your editorial on resignations within the Capitol Police, I have to say that I am.
That you would commit space in your paper to a piece discussing the inadequacy of the Capitol Police's response to the breach of the Capitol Building, and focus on the declination of assistance from both the FBI and the Pentagon, only to be overrun by the rioters, ignores the elephant in the room.
Video evidence makes it very clear that, in spite of broken windows, the rioters were admitted into the building through doors opened for them by Capitol Police, just as they had been admitted into the area through barricades removed by other members of the same force.
It's way too early to presume that we know who was behind this action, or their objectives, but to suggest that this story is about ineptitude at the top does a disservice to your readers. Aren't you at least curious that the police put up little resistance until the rioters attempted entry into the House Chamber while members of Congress were still being evacuated? Might Capitol Police complicity have been a factor in declining FBI and military assistance?
Your editorial is little more than a red herring, and feeds the public's distrust in news media in general.
JOHN DEWS
Hot Springs
The hatred and vitriol
I must agree with Mr. Bob Warner's letter. Having lived in Arkansas for nearly 40 years, I am and have been appalled at the vitriol and hatred printed day in and day out in this newspaper's Voices section. Many from the state evidently are clairvoyant, some claim that they know that the president is mentally ill having never obtained a degree in psychology, some claim to know what he is thinking without ever speaking to the man.
After the events on Jan. 6, I emailed the leadership of both parties in Congress suggesting these events were a "clarion call" to cool the rhetoric and try to calm the masses. Of course that call went unheeded. So, like Mr. Warner, I wish you all well and hope you enjoy the higher taxes, higher energy costs and all that this new administration brings forth. It certainly won't be unity.
CHARLES TAYLOR
Hot Springs Village
Dangerous writing
Surely you can find a better journalist for the esteemed Democrat-Gazette than Mike Masterson. His writings ignored the impact of Trump's inability to accept the dangers of covid and not wearing masks. Until it hit close to him.
This type of journalism is dangerous.
KIM HILLIS
Little Rock
The future looks bleak
My opinion: Mr. Biden will not be mentally able to complete four years in the White House. I don't mean anything bad by saying this; just an opinion from seeing and listening to him. At that time the vice president will take over. Then things will get very bad for the country. We don't realize have just how bad things can get on the liberal side of everything, including freedoms that may be lost and money wasted.
We have to understand medical care for everyone in the U.S., even if you don't count the illegals, would be astronomical. The Urban Institute estimates that a single-payer plan would require $32 trillion in new tax revenue over the coming decade. In addition to the cost, it will end up like medical care for military service people, who sometimes wait months to see a doctor. President Biden says he will add additional taxes on people who earn $400,000 or more per year. This amount doesn't hurt these people; they own and run businesses and companies. All that tax will be paid by increases in price of their products, and the public will pay. The worker is who gets hurt with raising taxes.
Again, we need a president who, instead of having a background of being a political leader, is a ruthless, aggressive businessman. You may not like Trump, but he got things done. He talked too much about things that he should not have, but even having to fight Democrats he got things accomplished. We need people like Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos. Another great quality that we haven't seen very much is truth from congressmen. Anyone can have a great idea, Democrat or Republican, but you never see that kind of partnership to get anything accomplished. I have never seen such hate and discontent from a political party as the Democrats. I really don't think the Democrats have respect for anyone or anything.
ROBERT MAYNARD
Hot Springs
Once again at bottom
Sirs, I notice we lead the nation in something new. Lowest percentage of covid-19 vaccines given versus vaccines in state. Worst in America. Shame on our leaders. Shame on Asa Hutchinson.
JAMES OSBORNE
Little Rock