Serve all constituents
In justifying her no vote last week on House Bill 1069, the no-prescription birth-control bill, Sen. Missy Irwin, R-Mountain View, said she was raised Catholic, and Catholics oppose the pill. She didn't say the pill is unsafe for women, or any other reason. Only her personal religious belief.
I would like to remind her and all elected officials that their duty is to their constituents. Otherwise, if we begin to pass laws based upon an elected official's personal religious belief, then we are the same as factions in other countries we have been fighting, and no longer a democracy.
Also, if Arkansas wants to prevent all abortions, then it absolutely makes sense to remove roadblocks to birth control. I sincerely hope Gov. Asa Hutchinson will sign HB1069.
VIRGINIA MILLER
Conway
President doesn't care
I don't understand President Biden; why doesn't he just admit Trump had the immigration problem on the southern border taken care of? He even had other countries taking people back, and now it seems Biden doesn't care who comes across the border to the United States or what kind of condition they are in. It's obvious he doesn't care.
All the people who voted for him should be real proud of themselves. I don't think Biden cares what happens to America, and neither does Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who apparently expects the government to bail California out of debt. California should be responsible for its own debt. The children that were loaded up and taken to Dallas, I have to ask who is going take care of them, pay for feeding them, clothing, education and living quarters? The taxpayers? I don't think Biden cares what happens to them.
ROBERT MAYNARD
Hot Springs
On the cancel culture
What a shame how this country has fallen into this cancel-culture rage. Amazon, Disney, etc., canceling children's books and cartoons, which is so hypocritical, refusing to sell them because they might harm some child's mind, while selling movies, DVDs and CDs with nudity, cursing, and perverted lifestyles. Our society has become so corrupt, evil, and self-centered, thinking only about money, not concerned if it costs your soul.
What a disgrace for anyone to use cursing around anyone, especially our children. These companies should be canceling this junk; get it off the market and refuse to sell any item that causes our children to believe that they are to look up to or act like these demonic people who don't love God, children, young people, or our great USA. That is the culture that needs to be canceled.
BILL DAVIDSON
Searcy
You control yourself
I am amazed at people who don't know how to flush a commode or use signal lights when driving, individuals who throw trash on the roadsides, and that there are still men in the state Legislature who need to control what women do with their bodies.
A real woman believes men should not go where they are not wanted. Wonder how many individuals in prison and other institutions who were unwanted pregnancies felt unloved and unwanted as children. Conservative preachers might do more good sticking with preaching salvation and stop playing politics by pushing their personal agenda. Parents, churches, and schools should teach more life skills, manners, curiosity, and honesty. The "stand your ground" law looks like it is for people looking to use their gun with an excuse to justify their behavior.
Professionals in all fields are required to meet standards. Shouldn't politicians work in a social services field? For example: Teach school, work in the prison system, mental health services, hospital, drug treatment, family and children services, or volunteer in a homeless shelter. Thousands and thousands of people died in World War II. If one mother had much earlier chosen abortion, much pain, suffering, and death would have been avoided. How many legislators have ever talked with a woman or child who were victims of rape or incest? They might sing a different tune.
If you get offended by information in this letter, it's because you choose to. God gives us total free will, and each person controls the mind and hands that can be self-destructed. Money, power, and control may not be the only answer to social ills.
P.S. Next election let's not forget that our two senators, Boozman and Cotton, recently showed how much they care for poor people, as well as middle-class working people. They both voted "no" on the recent stimulus package.
BRYAN CORDELL
Beebe
Where cruelty is born
John Brummett's Sunday column, "Bullies in the bathroom" describes the parallel cruelty of ill-informed children with the majority of legislators active in the current session in Little Rock.
Seventh-grade boys harass a fellow classmate as queer out of misunderstanding and fear. Adult legislators pass cruel, restrictive laws out of the same misunderstanding and fear, and with the self-righteous belief that their interpretation of the Bible justifies imposing their personal religious beliefs on the state.
The message of Jesus was one of love. I look forward to the day when that prevails in the hearts and minds of those who seek power.
LYNN LARSON
Eureka Springs