LETTERS

LITTLE ROCK — These investments pay off

During the holidays, I am especially aware of the value of non-profits. Every day brings appeals from various charities emphasizing the needs of the poor. As the economic downturn continues, they earnestly request donations to provide food, shelter, clothing and toys for the unfortunate.

Some see these charities and nonprofits as always asking for money. But consider: Even if we are not poor, we receive countless benefits from nonprofits, religious organizations and charities. Our quality of life is enhanced when we can attend such programs as “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat” at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre and the holiday programs of the Arkansas Symphony.

In addition, the non-profit sector is an economic engine for our state, according to the Arkansas Coalition for Excellence. Also, “The Benefit of Doing Good,” the December 2008 study sponsored by the coalition, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Center for Nonprofit Organizations and the UALR Institute for Economic Advancement, makes the case that non-profits give back to our economy, having a direct economic impact through multimillion-dollar payrolls for tens of thousands of employees.

As we contemplate appeals for us to give, let’s remember that these very non-profits give back a great return for our investment.

PAT LILE Little Rock Collapse isn’t coming

The “Box of Knowledge” erected by the Arkansas Freethinkers for the holiday season has stirred up a great deal of controversy. Many people have expressed their views on whether it should have been allowed on the state Capitol grounds.

There is nothing wrong with an honest public discussion. However, I think it’s extremely sad that some prominent people have used this as an opportunity to attack Christians and the strength of their faith.

Columnist Dana Kelley, Secretary of State Charlie Daniels and state officials like Rep. John Lowery apparently felt the need to ridicule Christians and other people of faith by portraying them as weak and frightened children whose religious beliefs would crumble in the face of opposing ideas or the public display of simple facts found in most high school textbooks. I would have thought that they would show more respect for and trust in the Christian community in Arkansas.

It would appear that I, as a secular humanist; Judge Susan Webber Wright, as a jurist supporting the U.S. Constitution; and the Freethinkers of Arkansas have more respect for and belief in the strength of Christians’ faith in God and Jesus. We do not believe that displaying the Box of Knowledge near the traditional Christmas manger scene at the Capitol marks the beginning of the destruction of Christian faith in Arkansas or the imminent collapse of America.

JAMES BLOK Benton Some help unneeded

Once again the troglodytes elected to represent us have exposed their ignorance or duplicity in a resolution taken against a legal ruling. Like Nancy Blount, a state representative, I’d expect a roll-call vote on such a measure. It seems that none of those worthies had guts enough to put their names to what they did. Now what would Jesus think of that?

The Constitution gives us all equal rights. We pay taxes to support the public properties and entities of our government. Where does that Constitution say that anyone can be denied those rights because he is not a Christian, or in the case of those lawmakers just religious folks? Where does it say the Freethinkers’ display has to comport with Secretary of State Charlie Daniels’ preferences in decor?

God doesn’t need a bunch of spineless legislators to protect his existence or purposes. What should a Christian have to fear from those “free thinkers”? If God is not pleased with their display, is he not great and powerful enough to defend himself?

To pass a resolution against a correct and legal rendering of proper judgment cannot be viewed by any reasonable person as an honorable thing to have done. And yes, I’m a believer and church-going person. What the government can give you, it can deprive you of just as easily. If “free thinkers” are not protected, neither are we.

KARL HANSEN Hensley Thanks for nothing

Louisiana and Nebraska got the gold mine. Arkansas got the shaft. A thank-you to Sens. Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln.

BILL CURTIS Hot Springs Village Health stats appalling

Though we like to think of ourselves as the most advanced of nations, our health system belies this.

The statistics are appalling. One out of six Americans is without health insurance and many who have coverage have too little. What’s more, about half of all bankruptcies have some connection to medical expenses or debt. I can’t understand why anyone could not be for health care.

Medicare for all favors a system under which the government could retain private health care providers and manage payments to increase the quality of health and streamline costs. The government, I think, should run a lot more for the people, like smoking, alcohol and fast food. If the government did this, you would see a large change in America for the best.

I hope the bill passes before January. One out of six in 46 million. Very sad.

BUDDY WILSON Hot Springs Doesn’t party get it?

Give a man a fish and he can eat today; teach a man to fish and he can eat forever. I wonder if there is a Democrat in America who understands this.

R.N. HARRIS Rogers Feedback Free rides burden

It appears that our distinguished senators have done it again. They will vote for a health care bill that gives the people of Nebraska a free ride on any Medicaid mandate that increases the amount they will pay for Medicaid while shifting the burden to states like Arkansas to pay for them. They will give Louisiana $300 million to vote for health care reform. The list is endless.

If our senators have any integrity or sense of fairness, they should stand up for what is right.

Current polls show that an overwhelming majority of the people want health care reform, but an overwhelming majority oppose this bill with all the special favors to certain groups. How about some truth in politics?

ED DARLING Hope Any aid for state?

Sen. Mary Landrieu got $300 million for the state of Louisiana.

Sen. Ben Nelson got permanent federal aid solely for Nebraska.

What did Sen. Blanche Lincoln or Sen Mark Pryor get for Arkansas?

RICHARD J. ZEMANN Little Rock