LITTLE ROCK — For that balancing act
With the “fiscal cliff” looming, here is a proposal for a “balanced” solution.
First, select a time period. Five years might be better than 10, because projections are closer to reality. Next, total up the new revenue from Obamacare taxes that will start in 2013 (there are only 21). Add to that the new revenue desired by the administration. Now multiply by three. This sets the baseline, and is the 3:1 ratio proposed by President Barack Obama last year.
Next, take the list made by Sen. Tom Coburn of wasteful programs, and the list made by Rep. Paul Ryan of potential spending reductions. Combine them and eliminate duplication. Give this list to the Democrats and let them choose which items to reduce or eliminate. They may adjust the new revenue number if they wish. When this total equals the baseline, Republicans will determine how to achieve the additional tax revenue.
In this proposal, each side gets to set “how much” and the other side gets to set “how.” They should be equally unhappy, and that makes it “balanced.”
RAY LYNCH
Bella Vista
Display responsibility
You can keep your AK-47; it is the bullets we are going to control. That is a facetious statement that will go nowhere.
The National Rifle Association is so paranoid about gun ownership that it is afraid to talk about responsible gun ownership.
Making critical statements about the NRA is akin to finding fault with the Koran.
The National Rifle Association member who wrote the slogan, “Guns don’t kill people, people kill people,” should receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
The NRA is hesitant to let its guard down for an instant; the liberals are coming, put the lantern in the north tower.
Gun violence in the United States is an out-of-control epidemic.
You guys in the NRA are the most knowledgeable about gun safety and the ones we look to for gun use advice. Please don’t keep giving us that senseless, irrational slogan.
The National Rifle Association must show some responsibility and real concern about gun violence and not think that you can pass it off with a slogan.
The NRA’s denial that it has any obligation to gun control because it is a law enforcement issue is disappointing. The NRA could be a positive component in the effort to decrease gun violence.
Is it possible for the NRA to think beyond the usual?
I became a member of the NRA in 1952 and a life member in 1959. I resigned my membership after the NRA leadership change in the 1970s.
RICHARD BULLARD
Stuttgart
Seems very wasteful
Re the Little Rock trucker arrested on charges of stealing and selling a load of meat: Why destroy all that meat when it maybe could have been taken to the Little Rock Zoo and fed to the lions and tigers and other meateating animals?
Even though he told police the refrigeration unit in the trailer was breaking down, and I agree the meat was possibly unfit for human consumption, I feel it would have been excellent for the animals at the zoo. Would the meat have been fine for the animals, or am I wrong?
I think others who heard of the story and feel as I feel would need a reply from the keepers of the Little Rock Zoo to get an accurate answer.
JIMMY BAILEY
Newark
Science is not answer
Re Al Case’s most recent letter: I’m one of those “reality-impaired individuals” he spoke of in his letter. He mentioned our “imaginary imp, Satan.” I’d like to relate that Satan is actually a fallen angel who attempted control of the heavenly realm and was banished to preside over the gates of hell.
You do not want to meet Satan, but I’m truly concerned because Case’s letter sounds as if he has near 100 percent control of that particular area of Case’s mental processes.
Gary McLehaney discussed religious wars, for which he blamed Christians. I believe Christians haven’t been the originators, but in many instances have been forced to defend their beliefs and also do the will of God as he directed them. For instance, David, a man after God’s own heart and a shepherd boy originally, was chosen by the Lord to lead Israelite armies against the Philistines, who had defied the Lord and attempted to overcome them. David’s success on the battlefield raised him up to be king of Israel.
As for David Schrader’s comment that “Catholics and other Christians are against homosexuals,” we try to reflect Christ’s love for them. What Jesus didn’t love was their sin.
I will continue to pray for those who have turned to science for an answer to our existence. I thank you for your honest and well-written public display of your beliefs. Hopefully they will change.
DIXIE COLE
Fayetteville
His fight a good thing
Recently my husband was speaking with a gentleman who was remarking that his daughter has cancer and has been fighting it for a long time. They were worried sick because she had to leave his insurance plan because she is 26 years old. Fortunately, she got a job and he was amazed her cancer was covered by the new insurance at her job.
What a relief to have that burden lifted from their shoulders.
When my husband pointed out that she was covered because of Obamacare (The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), the man acted surprised. Unfortunately, I think it is too common that people don’t recognize the quality of life that is better because of Barack Obama.
I’m glad our 19-year-old children are no longer kicked off of parents’ policies and that we don’t have to live in fear because they are uninsured. And I’m so grateful that there is no longer a pre-existing-condition clause.
Thank you, President Obama, for fighting for us.
BARBARA RIFKIN North Little Rock
Not a recycling center
A while back, Wally Hall suggested that those hideous gray Razorback uniforms be shipped off to Arkansas State. Now, he’s suggested that Arkansas State hire Bobby Petrino.
This season-ticket holder hopes he never sees two things at Liberty Bank Stadium: those hideous uniforms or Petrino on the sidelines.
Maybe Wally will think up more things that the Razorbacks had and then wanted to get rid of.
Jonesboro should not be Fayetteville’s recycling center.
DOUGLAS MacARTHUR Cherokee Village
Editorial, Pages 15 on 12/11/2012