Profiles in courage
On Jan. 6, we were all transfixed by the Trumplican attack on our democracy. Gratefully, his dream of becoming president for life was thwarted. But that isn't what this letter is about.
Watching videos of the House, I was impressed by the courage and valor of Arizona's Democratic representative and U.S. Marine Ruben Gallego. Upon attack he immediately set his Marine Corps training and great courage into action.
I searched the videos for my representative, Army Col. Steve Womack. Checking Twitter, I found him. While Representative Gallego was saving lives upstairs, he was already down in the basement cowering.
But don't give up on the colonel. Six days later he found a battle equal to his stature. He joined several Republican representatives in pushing, haranguing and defying U.S. Capitol Police who had just lost one of their own saving his sorry ... well, you know. He wound up melting down and claiming he was "restrained."
Why was Steve slamming these men? What happened to "Law and Order" and "Blue Lives Matter"? What horrendous assault did these police officers make on Steve? They were directed by their boss that all personnel going into the House Chambers were to pass through a metal detector. Seems the FBI is concerned that infiltrators for the traitors that attacked the Capitol are among House representatives. That is totally reasonable and I am quite sure the FBI knows more about the need for the safety measure.
Rather than assaulting officers just trying to do their job, perhaps Steve should have followed directions, then contacted the police chief. Attacking and defying police officers is never right. Especially six days after one of their number has been murdered protecting you.
Steve, my grandfather taught me something you might gain from. Though it won't cure your courage problem, it just might save you more embarrassment: "Choose your battles well."
BUDDY BOYD
Eureka Springs
Seems a bit familiar
Remember the '60s when patriotic Americans broke every law on the books by sitting at lunch counters and riding buses and marching and demanding to be heard while their betters, the establishment, screamed at them to go home and stay in their places?
Yeah, me too. Looks like we are still here.
ED CHEVALLIER
Horseshoe Bend
Moral consideration
If truth serum was given to some of the right-wing political opinion conveyors, I believe they would admit: "At its core my work serves to erode the epistemological foundation of establishing facts in America. My primary role is to denounce truth and sell conspiracy theories and thus I play a role in the wanton radicalization of susceptible minds. In short, I am an information prostitute. I sleep well and give no moral consideration to the impact on my country or individual consumers.
"I am paid stunningly well and rather enjoy my notoriety and influence. Also, I feel serenely at ease knowing that the rage I incite is toward others. Mine will not be the door broken down. Per my contract, I will quickly abandon and condemn my followers if they break the law and will graciously send them cake while they sit in jail."
JERRY HENDERSON
Little Rock
Give us the courtesy
Re Bradley Gitz's "A heap of steaming stupid: What a disappointment! Reading that headline, I thought that somebody shared my opinion of Dr. Bradley Gitz's columns. I had resolved not to respond to his steaming output this year, but already I can't help myself.
He says he doesn't need to call himself "Doctor," "despite having held a doctorate for over 30 years." I wonder if Dr. Gitz ever reflected that having attended a "respected institution" merely enhanced the status he enjoys just by being a white man. Women had to do some steaming a generation ago. We demanded the title Ms. because we don't feel that our status should be dependent on being married, especially if we have an advanced degree. And women do have status insecurity, as he calls it, even when we have our own credentials. We know what it is to be patronized, passed over, and patted in the wrong places.
Why is it an issue to accord us the titles we have earned, often after great effort and sacrifice? Especially since you say you don't really care, why not give us that courtesy?
ETHEL C. SIMPSON
Fayetteville
Whatever shall he do?
What is John Deering going to do when Trump is out of office? Will The Donald still be his pen's favorite target? Perhaps Joe Biden will prove too difficult a character for his drawing skills to capture. I guess we'll see soon enough.
LYNDEL DEAN
Cabot
Pandering to readers
I have concerns regarding the op-ed by Bradley R. Gitz on last Monday's Voices page. While one or two of his points I may agree with, it is difficult to read due to the inflammatory nature with which he makes his points.
Beginning with the title, "A heap of steaming stupid," the reader is encouraged to pander to his/her rebellious nature, the article's words fueling an angry response. In an attempt to edify the reader with his opinions, Dr. Gitz simply panders to the reader's baser instincts to vilify ideas that simply beg honest, calm discussion. This only adds to the anger that we are experiencing with the protests and damage to our nation's Capitol.
And by the way, I learned this while in college all those many years ago in discussions with my professors who I addressed by their title, "Doctor," out of respect to their knowledge and experience.
KATHERINE VAN NOTE
Bella Vista
A question for them
I appreciate our representatives not trying to justify Trump's actions or speaking against impeachment. One question: Would they have voted impeachment if the president had been a Democrat? I wish they had the courage of Liz Cheney.
ED PARKS
Rogers