LETTERS

LITTLE ROCK — Too much land risked

I see that the state wants to raise taxes to build more roads and widen some existing ones. It bothers me that for every mile we build or widen, we take acres of land out of production forever.

Future generations will probably need all the land there is. They may not need the roads, but they will need food and shelter. Perhaps someone can devise a soup made of concrete and asphalt, seasoned with rebar.

The problem is, they will have to dig it up by hand. They won’t be able to use machinery because we will have used up all the fuel enjoying our big, wide roads.

CHESLEY A. PETERS

Crossett

Yep, this is Arkansas

Gov. Mike Beebe is shocked, shocked that Republicans could be so tone-deaf to the feelings and beliefs of Arkansans.

So Beebe just realized he was in Arkansas? Where did he think he was, Connecticut?

This is the land of healing by fondling poisonous snakes; the land of flat Earth versus hollow Earth; where folks throw a pinch of salt over their shoulder should they spill some; where they hang great-grandfather’s saber over the mantel in honor of the cause.

This is a country of go-to-church on-Wednesday just in case you didn’t get enough on Sunday. And not just for the religion, but so you could get the rest of what happened at Junior’s funeral.

Governor, it ain’t just Republicans. It’s just that Republicans are the only ones who know how to read and write.

RICK SCOTT

Maumelle

Sinking ever deeper

Democrats have succeeded in bringing politics to a new low. David Plouffe and Brad Woodhouse called Mitt Romney a liar. Stephanie Cutter says Republicans think lying is a virtue.

Coming from an administration and White House that I believe has been one of the most corrupt in history, this is truly the pot calling the kettle black.

The only thing Democrats have raised is the scum level.

R.N. HARRIS

Rogers

Most important vote

In 2001, my younger sister in North Carolina was diagnosed with breast cancer, which had metastasized. She was taking chemotherapy, which caused her to experience a metallic taste and an aversion to eating anything.

After she lost a considerable amount of weight, her doctor prescribed marijuana pills to enhance her appetite. It worked. This medication put her on the track to improved health. The catch was that the pills were $200 apiece, and not covered by insurance. They were available at only one drugstore in an adjacent city. If only the state had a medical marijuana law, many lives could have been saved.

My younger brother in North Carolina is now fighting cancer in four areas of his body. His doctor prescribed medical marijuana to help increase his appetite. The cost of each pill is now $450 and not covered by insurance. His doctors caution him not to lose any more weight, but that order is difficult, if not impossible, to follow.

The good news is that Arkansas voters have a chance to make this medication legal and affordable-the only Southern state to be progressive enough to give its citizens a choice.

Please, recognize that access to reasonably priced medical marijuana is absolutely essential to saving the lives of thousands of cancer victims. With all the possible contaminants in our environment, we never know when we will be in need of this same restorative medication. This may be the most important “yes” vote you have ever made.

MELINDA NIXON NICKLE

Fayetteville

Agency’s aim suffers

How sad that one of Arkansas’ finest agencies, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, and its respected former leaders and administrators have sunk to the level where criticism and questions of leadership and competence are, seemingly, daily occurrences.

It’s really no mystery to me, however, as a majority of current employees and a multitude of highly competent and professional former employees could identify and readily explain the problem.

I was so proud of my work with the agency (35 years) and my association with its dedicated and committed employees at all levels of operation.

Our leaders and administrators protected us from any potential negative political influence and left us free to devote our energies and resources to serving the disabled in an environment barren of any meddling and interference.

The solution is so simple, but so political that the problem will likely continue, and what was once one of Arkansas’ most respected agencies and its sole mission, to serve the disabled of Arkansas, will continue to suffer.

NEAL D. LITTLE

Hot Springs

Keep businesses open

It was with sadness that I heard about The Villa closing. I wonder how many other family-owned businesses such as mine could suffer the same fate. My business has been an independent auto repair shop operating in Central Arkansas for over 50 years. Following our founder, the late Stuart Flanders, I have run this company for nearly 30 years. With the poor economy, increased taxes and regulations and the ever-present pressure from deep-pocketed chain operations, businesses such as mine have seen volume and profits decline in recent years. Most of us have been able to survive because of the quality work we provide, but most people miss the most important value we bring. We are local businesses employing local people who buy services and goods from other local people and pay taxes that primarily stay here. We are friends and neighbors who build long-term relationships and whose hearts and souls are here. We are business owners who you can look in the eye and discuss your needs and problems without having to look for a district or general manager who may not reside in the area.

Those of us who are left have risked everything we have to offer services and goods. We value each and every customer, knowing our good standing means everything. So when you need auto repair, a good meal or any other service, consider the locally owned businesses who want and need your patronage. Spend your hard-earned dollars with your friends and neighbors so that they will not suffer the same fate as The Villa.

LARRY LEVY

Little Rock

At least one backs us

Senior citizens, say a prayer of thanks for Sen. Mark Pryor.

Why? Recently I received a handwritten note from Sen. John Boozman (not from an aide) which stated that he knew how important Social Security is to me, as it was to his mother, and that he’d do all he could to protect it and Medicare.

Now, the voting record of Steve Womack indicates that Womack voted for proposals to drastically cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, reopen the doughnut hole for seniors, as well as rejected tax-cut extensions for middle-income families.

Boozman, regardless of the assurances he gave me, voted for the Ryan budget, increasing costs to seniors and ending traditional Medicare. He also voted for bills that would severely slash Medicare, Social Security and many other programs affecting seniors.

He, too, was against middle-class tax cuts, but I’m pretty sure he’ll vote for tax cuts for the wealthy-after all, he has to protect his millions even if the thousands who exist on Social Security in Arkansas have only that to depend on for heat and food.

Mark Pryor, on the other hand, voted on the side of seniors. Thank God for the Democrats, who, in this instance, saved our day.

DIXIE COLE

Fayetteville

Appreciated memory

It was a pleasure to see a letter from Richard B. Dixon on the Voices page.

Any time that Richard writes, he shares news and it is well-received. He knew Charlie and Walter Vestal personally, and saw the Vestal tower/ chimney. This was many years ago, but Richard still remembers.

Thank you, Richard.

JUDITH A. JOHNSON

Jonesboro