LITTLE ROCK — Were rolling on river
There are pros and cons to river cruising, particularly when one compares the small-ship activities with those on large ocean-going liners. The recent Travel section story about river cruising accurately described our Rhine cruise, which was made about two months ago on the same ship, the Avalon Felicity. I later read George Martin’s letter; he said he made the exact same cruise several years ago.
Our experience was different from his. We enjoyed our trip so much we have decided to cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest next fall.
Although certainly higher, our fare was not three to four times what a typical ocean cruiser charges. I don’t recall ever being docked six inches from shore traffic; a gangplank was the norm, and we did not feel insecure. The food and service were fine. We had a nice, large lounge that occasionally had entertainers from the port cities. One trio of classical violinists was excellent.
We never smelled exhaust fumes and did not hear anyone else mention them. We docked side by side with another ship in Amsterdam. No one walked past dining-room tables. The passengers walked from their lobby reception area midship through ours to the shore.
I will say we were fortunate to have sunshine and good weather that provided adequate river levels. A drawback to river cruising is when the water is too low for sailing or too high to allow passage under some bridges. Bad weather can disrupt water travel, large or small.
JOHN HALE
Springdale
It has started already
Well, the highway tax passed. I didn’t vote for it because I think they waste too much money as it is.
But, now I see the first thing they’re going to do is hire someone to set a project schedule. Shouldn’t they already have someone for project scheduling? Who’s been doing that for all the current projects around the state?
See? They’re already wasting money.
TAWANNA RHODES
Sherwood
Should come together
With sadness, I read Marshall Wade’s recent letter to the editor.
He was obviously happy that Barack Obama won the election, as was 50 percent of the country. But, instead of extending the olive branch to those who voted for Romney, he resorted to calling them “Neanderthals” and “lowbrows.”
It seemed to me that the tone of his letter was not any different than any of the political ads shown on television by both political parties.
Now leaders of both political parties have called on each other to come together and work for the betterment of our country.
That would be good for Wade as well. He and I live in a beautiful city here in the Ozarks, surrounded by beautiful people. He should try not to be divisive and enjoy life with his neighbors, even if he doesn’t agree with them politically.
DOUGLAS ABRAMS
Bella Vista
To those who served
Just a quick thanks to all the veterans past and present who made a sacrifice (some the ultimate one) for this country. Being an Air Force vet from the ’60s and my brother from the ’80s, I know what it means to be away from home. I just hope that the current administration doesn’t somehow diminish the importance of our national security.
STEVE SHIRAR
Conway
Remember veterans
In our lifetime, our country has seen some dark days and yet some very bright hours. We’ve learned a lot about ourselves.
It turns out that we don’t just live in America, but rather that America also lives in us.
Although Thanksgiving is a day when we pause to give thanks for the things we have, Veterans Day, November 11th, is a day when we pause to give thanks for the people who fought for the things we have.
And just who are the brave men and women who serve and protect America? Some volunteered; others were drafted. They all learned how to go, and to fight, and to win. Presently, there are about 23 million living military veterans in the U.S. Our nation’s servicemen and women come from all walks of life. They are parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, spouses, nephews and nieces, and children. They are friends, neighbors and co-workers, and an extraordinary part of their communities.
Although we Americans often have our differences (especially during election seasons), we still join together in times of crises. So, is this a great country or what?
Would you remember to take time out of this busy day to thank a veteran? If so, then three cheers for you, and the red, white and blue!
DON DIFFINE
Searcy
An emotional return
I was one of about 177 World War II veterans who were recognized by being included on the recent Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials dedicated to all veterans.
I find myself lacking in words that adequately express the friendship, respect and emotions of it all.
We returned to Little Rock late in the evening, tired and humbled by the activities of the day, trudging down the airport concourse toward the escalator and terminal entrance, headed home. There stood hundreds of people, extended hands, kind remarks, pats, hugs, joyous faces, families, children, elders, two very senior ladies now sitting for rest.
What brought them there-memories of a brother, son, husband, sweetheart? They know, and we know, too.
I was astounded.
On reflection, I wonder if such gatherings, traditional in America, are but a celebration of our mortality, that word we accept, its meaning not always welcome, so it slides by.
In memory of my four brothers who also served and four high school classmates who, from Italy to Iwo Jima, became casualties we now memorialize.
SAM N. PITNER
Hot Springs
Must have forgotten
Paul Greenberg must be infected with Romnesia as well. His recent critique on Presidents Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama (with the shortest comment on Richard Nixon) had serious gaps.
He talks about “a failure to protect,” but he seems to have forgotten the presidents involved in Iran-Contra and Iraq. There appear to be some serious gaps in his thinking; we have seen a lot of that lately.
I personally haven’t lost confidence in President Obama; I have lost confidence in our ability to think clearly, no matter which side we support.
GEORGE ANNE DRAPER
Wynne
Editorial, Pages 83 on 11/11/2012