LETTERS

— Pay first . . . pray later

The late Richard Dixon had a career as a history professor at Little Rock Junior College, Little Rock University, and the University of Little Rock. For many years, he was in charge of arrangements for the campus’ annual baccalaureate service. Because Richard had strong religious convictions, having that responsibility gratified him immensely. He was bitterly disappointed when the faculty eventually voted to discontinue holding baccalaureate services.

Earlier in his life, Richard had explored a call to the Presbyterian ministry, spending over a year studying at a Presbyterian seminary. He liked to tell anecdotes about the summer he spent as a seminarian, assisting at a church somewhere here in Arkansas.

One Sunday, in the absence of the pastor, Richard had the sole responsibility for leading the morning worship service. In the middle of the service, one of the church elders informed him, “A tornado warning has just been issued, and we want you to cancel the rest of the service.”

When Richard started to go forward to dismiss the congregation, the elder stopped him and instructed him, “Richard, take up the offering first.”

RICHARD FROTHINGHAM

Little Rock

Should have listened

Are there that many disgruntled Republicans who want to secede from the U.S. after Barack Obama’s reelection to merit petitions representing more than 30 states?

What did you expect with Mitt Romney?

I believe the GOP had a shot at winning, but they blackballed and censored the only candidate who mattered, Congressman Ron Paul. Republicans need to realize that people don’t want intolerance shoved down their throats.

Ron Paul offered financial responsibility, a pro-life stance and tolerance on the social issues important to the people, yet he was rejected by the GOP due to his beliefs on peace and minding your own business.

You did this to yourselves, and if the GOP wants to revive itself, then it should go back and listen to the speeches of Ron Paul. Meanwhile, enjoy your president as the nation laughs at you. Paul 2016?

MICHAEL LONG

Brickeys

It’s a very selfish idea

I cannot imagine anyone being so silly as to even think about wanting to withdraw from this great country, our United States.

Think about how hard our forefathers worked to bring this union together and how many men and women died to make it happen. Anyone who would even think about this is very selfish.

If you want to do this because you didn’t like Barack Obama’s re-election or the color of his skin, please go, and take all those who agree with you. By the way, take Donald Trump with you. We won’t miss you. Maybe you could set up your own state or country close to Russia or Cuba, and Trump could be your president and we won’t have to look at him.

Our country and state won’t have to pay your Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid or anything else.

I don’t know why you say the whole state wants to withdraw. I don’t, nor does anyone I know.

If you feel like you need to respond through letters to the paper, please do so. I’m almost 80 years old and I could use a good laugh each day.

Oh, and by the way, I’m white and I voted for Obama.

MILDRED SHORES

Stuttgart

What a fantastic idea!

It is time once again to cool the conversation about taxes and class warfare. At the federal level, we tax income, not wealth.

But, hey—why not? Let’s impose a surcharge on wealth (property, capital, trusts, offshore investment accounts) at a rate designed to pay the annual interest on the national debt plus retire it by 10 percent per year.

Can’t you hear the screams coming from behind all that mahogany?

CLIFF HARRISON

Hot Springs Village

The mighty are fallen

Re the letter from Scott Cook of Bearden: Arkansas is having a horrible year and that is sad for us Hog fans. I am a fan this year and will be a fan next year. We will get a new coach and strive for excellence once again.

His mighty Kansas State sat on number one all of one week. They likely will win the Big 12. Collin Klein probably won’t win the Heisman. And, Kansas State won’t be playing for the national championship.

How is that working out for you?

CHRIS HEIL

Maumelle

Team just a doormat

In response to the letter from avid Kansas State fan Scott Cook from Bearden, and the disparaging comments about the University of Arkansas football program, first let me clarify that there truly are no comparisons between the past or the future of these two programs.

Kansas State is an annual doormat in a mediocre league while Arkansas competes in the toughest division in the toughest conference in America. One year’s aberration doesn’t define a program.

Secondly, I would like to ask the Kansas State fan one question. That recent trip your team took to Waco to play and get beat down by a mediocre Baylor team, how did that work out for ya? Ha! Go Hogs.

ALAN GLENN

Hot Springs

Nursing-home Santas

During this busy shopping season for our friends and family, one segment of our society is often forgotten. I am referring to nursing-home residents.

There are appropriate coat drives for those needing a coat, food drives for the hungry, but what about the needs of our elderly and others unable to care for themselves? They, too, need and would enjoy receiving Christmas gifts.

For men: pajamas, lots of socks, pants and shirts. For women: gowns, pajamas, lots of socks, new pants, blouses, tops, etc. Don’t forget perfumed body lotions, shower gels, shampoos and other personal items for men and women.

As the citizens of Arkansas age, many of us may find ourselves needing the services of a nursing home. Why not deliver your gifts to one of the many nursing homes in our state, ask for a tour, and talk to the residents?

My mother, a nursing-home resident, recently said to me while pointing to her head, “My body doesn’t work like it used to, but my mind is still okay, and I deserve to be listened to.” Hooray for Martha!

Happy holidays.

CORA ELLSWORTH

Jacksonville

The aliens among us

Many thanks to Janet Carson for her feature article about invasive alien plant species and the mischief they do.

I’m sure this was news to many readers and gardeners, and I hope they will remember Janet’s warnings when they next think about planting something.

BILL SHEPHERD

Little Rock

Editorial, Pages 21 on 11/24/2012

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