The Demise Of America

Saturday, December 8, 2012

When Alexis de Tocqueville came to America in the 1830s to observe that new phenomenon in the world called Democracy, he was amazed at a land of independent, self-reliant people who believed with the freedom and opportunity of America, they could set any goal they chose for their lives.

That America is gone.

Barack Obama was reelected by two groups of people: those who want all they can get from the government and those too blind to see what’s happening to our country.

Where is the diff erence in the famous words of Karl Marx (the father of Communism), “From each according to his abilities to each according to his needs” and Obama’s wordsto Joe the Plumber, “When you spread the wealth around, it’s better for everybody?”

When Obama declared he would bring “fundamental change” to America, he meant it literally, and it’s happening now.

It’s sad and disgusting the animosity and resentment Obama has engendered against “the rich” - whose own hard work and ingenuity made them successful. The total wealth of the top 2 percent wouldn’t make a dent in the flood of debt and overspending we face.

The wealth of others freely given has always furnished great benefi ts to everyone. Bill and Melinda Gates give billions around the world.

Walmart and the Walton foundations give millions. Alice Walton’sCrystal Bridges Museum, already world-renowned, is a treasure that brought 600,000 visitors to Northwest Arkansas the fi rst year.

Look at Greece and see America’s future: The wealth eventually runs out.

BARBARA FOREMAN

Siloam Springs

CHRISTMAS, NOT HOLIDAY

It’s Christmas time and

we are, once again, hearing the controversy between separation of church and state. What our forefathers meant was that no one religion will govern our country.

We Christians have a voice. When stores don’t want to display what we consider the Christmas season, don’t shop there.

We went to buy an artifi cial Christmas tree three years ago and the store called them “holiday trees.”

We told them “Sorry, we are looking for a Christmas tree” and walked out.

Our walking out did not mean anything to the store, but if a lot of people did that, you’d see a change.

They’ll eventually get the message as they depend on our dollars.

If Christmas is not acknowledged, it should also be removed as a federal holiday.

No one can stop us from worshiping as we want. We still have that right granted to us in the Bill of Rights.

So, to those who want to celebrate Christ’s birth, Merry Christmas and may God bless you all.

JO GASPORD

Bella Vista

Opinion, Pages 5 on 12/08/2012