Iworked on several campaigns while in college and after graduation, but quickly grew tired of the partisanship and pettiness of perpetual campaigning. I put politics behind me while a public school teacher for the last six years. That all changed when I met Diana Gonzales Worthen last year.
I followed Diana’s campaign throughout the primary, but decided to get more active because she truly is a remarkable person. She is a dedicated mother, wife and lifelong educator. She has the experience we need to rebuild the middle class and promote the entire Northwest Arkansas region as our next state senator.
In addition, we need legislators who have taught in the diverse classroom so that teachers’ hands are not tied behind their backs because of some impractical or unjust law. Diana will be a great advocate for students, parents and teachers if given the chance. I cannot think of a more deserving person to represent our part of the state next year in the legislature than Diana Gonzales Worthen.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have an elected oft cial we’re proud of, who will do what they say and welcome all voices to the table? We need Diana in the state senate because she will work with Gov. Beebe to eliminate the sales tax on groceries.
I believe the most critical investment we can make today is in education. It only makes sense to send an educator to be our state legislator. A vote for her is an investment in our future — our kids, schools and families. A vote for her is just plain common sense.
This election is too important to just vote straight party line. Arkansas has a history of voting for the person, and not the party. I sincerely hope the citizens of Springdale and Elkins keep that tradition alive and make Diana Gonzales Worthen our next state senator.
DUSTIN SEATON
Fayetteville
OBAMA ONLY OUT FOR SELF
Idon’t see how any, moral, person could vote for Obama. He has no human emotion. He cares nothing about any person not named Obama.
Obama is a Godless man, or maybe he believes he is God. He does like to go into the back room and pass things that hurt the general public, just because he can. He should be on the stage (where) he can say anything and do the opposite, without blinking. I would say he plays so much golf to soothe his conscience, but I’m sure he doesn’t have one.
I often hear people say things are diff erent these days, the same rules don’t apply. The people who say that just haven’t read the Bible. People were just the same then as they are now. There have always been wars and sin, but we had moral leaders to guide people. We also had immoral leaders to use people for their own gain. That is Obama.
People want to listen to Bill Clinton, telling them to vote for Obama. Of course, Bill would say that. Bill is a loyal Democrat. Obama is not Bill. There is little comparison between the two. I did not vote for Bill and I never would. Bill is too easy to read. I knew Bill was out for Bill.
I did vote for Obama and I’m very sorry I did. Bill was a much better president than Obama. I voted for Obama because he put on a good show as a loving, family man. I guess you could call him a family man but it’s plain to see, his family is the only one he cares about. Obama is always putting down the people who built their own business. He must be jealous because he could never have done that, so he won’t give anyone else credit.
JUNE WHINNERY
Lowell
NRA SPREADS GUN VIOLENCE
The commentary in the newspaper on Aug. 31 by Rick Fahr as to concealed gun carry permits becoming more prevalent — his common sense is what we need more of.
Do we need more restrictive laws as to who can be issued these permits? I have been a gun owner for 60 years and not one time did I think I had a need to carry a loaded concealed pistol when away from my home.
I served in the U.S. Army military police and carried a .45-caliber pistol every time I was on duty. I had MP training at Fort Gordon, Ga., including the accurate firing as well as the safe and legal use of that pistol. This training, with only the pistol, consisted of a few days. Today in this state an adult citizen with eight hours and a small amount of money can get a license to carry a loaded concealed pistol. This requires a police record check, some gun laws explained and firing a pistol. Should there be psychiatric testing as well?
We can only hope those individuals licensed to carry concealed guns are more responsible and less reckless than many who are licensed to operate motor vehicles. The NRA has had the freedom to express their extreme views and infl uence on lawmakers for the past 40 years as to guns. In my opinion, it has contributed to the proliferation of guns and gun violence in this country.
Walmart is now selling 30-round capacity, semiautomatic rifles and 1,600 round cans of ammo. It seems they are trying to pass them off as low-priced hunting and sport rifl es at $1,000 each. How many of these guns may end up in the hands of criminals?
RICHARD SNIVELY
Fayetteville
Opinion, Pages 12 on 09/16/2012