Richard Snively is the typical, holier-than-thou “progressive.” If a conservative writes a letter that this paper prints, he responds by demanding an apology or tries to “set the record straight” from his perspective.
Mr. Snively opines (May 22) that a writer “abused his right to free speech” because he, Snively, is offended.
Welcome to America!
He maintains the paper has printed a “hate-filled, half-truth, lying letter.” Then he goes on to call gun owners “nuts,” a hatefilled, no-truth, lying label.
What hypocrisy.
Snively should feel fortunate there is free speech. It gives him the right to write whining nonsense whenever a conservative expresses his/her opinion in Public Viewpoint. Keep the free speech coming.
An aside to Jon Zimmer (May 23) regarding Romney’s grandfather: My grandpa belonged to the KKK. Does that make me a racist?
STEVE HILL
Bella Vista HIGH TIME FOR LIGHT-RAIL The highway gurus have promised millions of dollars for more roads - while we should be installing a light-rail system in Northwest Arkansas.
We should do it for these reasons: It’s safer than driving; it reduces pollution; it fits anywhere;
it strengthens our downtown; it enhances property values; and it is quiet. But more importantly, it gets cars off the road. According to the 2010 Census, we are the 15th-fastest growing urban area in America. Some say we will have a million people by 2050. Lightrail can carry as many people as an eight-lane expressway, using one-10th the land.
In order for companies to transport goods quickly, we must manage congestion on our roads.
A fi fth and sixth lane on Interstate 540 will be fi lled quickly with an increasing population. Studies have shown that in cities with rail transit in major corridors, congestion increases at a 42 percent lower rate. We can build light-rail now (it’s not cheap) or wait 20 years and it will cost so many times more than today.
If Americans used public transportationat the same rate as Europeans - for roughly 10 percent of our travel needs - America would reduce its dependence on imported oil by more than 40 percent.
Light-rail and buses can and do work together.
Light-rail provides the urban backbone that is fed by buses delivering passengers throughout the less dense areas. Put buses at Huntsville, Elkins, Prairie Grove, Siloam Springs, Gravette, Eureka Springs and the Missouri state line.
Walmart - would you not like your employees on time and ready to work?
Support light-rail! Lightrail will take cars off the road. More roads? Do you want to look like Dallas?
No thanks.
JIM KANALLY
Fayetteville
Opinion, Pages 12 on 06/03/2012