LETTERS

Feathered tar-nation

Recently Congressman Tim Griffin stated that the Keystone XL pipeline construction was a “no-brainer,” calling it “extraordinarily safe and environmentally friendly.”

I have to agree with the congressman; he is a no-brainer. The result of shipping dirty tar-sands oil through pipes under the ground is clear for even him to see.

Perhaps he would like to roll around in the backyards of the citizens of Mayflower near Conway Lake. I’ll be happy to provide feathers for the event.

SHERI HANSON Eureka Springs Through the pipelines

I know from informal research that the pipeline which leaked in Mayflower is over 50 years old. Do we know what it is made of and the last time it was relined?

We have trouble on rice farms with old Transite lines, which were made of a composite of concrete and asbestos. They are cranky about connections with newer plastic lines, which can take more pressure, but are much better than the even older clay lines.

GALE STEWART Little Rock Have trait in common

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” That states that no law can be enacted respecting religious beliefs contrived to establish religion.

Laws were passed in conflict to the U.S. Constitution to enslave people, to make citizens lower caste than others, to prevent interracial marriage, to prevent certain citizens from voting, to segregate some citizens from others and to force some citizens to go to the end of the line. All of these unconstitutional laws were based on religiousbeliefs; that is what pastors in churches claimed, based on Old Testament quotations. You must be able to think this through, using your own mind, without deceptive influence from others.

I believe the current laws passed by the Arkansas Legislature on abortion are based on religious beliefs, not individual civil rights.

RICHARD BULLARD StuttgartUnderstand meaning

Does anyone understand the English language anymore? The First Amendment to the Constitution says: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

Where do those nuts get off saying that placing a cross on a monument is in violation of the U.S. Constitution? A cross has nothing to do with establishing a religion. My advice to those nuts: Get yourself a copy of the amendments to the Constitution of the United States and read it until you understand what it actually means, if that is possible. Congress can make no law to establish a religion, or prohibit free exercise thereof.

NELSON GATEWOOD HighlandSeem blind to effects

I appreciate Robert Yeakley’s assumption that liberals and thoughtful men like me have the utmost respect for all women, although he then calls this assumption “one great big lie.”

However, I wish he would actually respond to my letter regarding the bullies who force their morality on young women who have unwanted pregnancies.

The anti-abortionists are so determined to save a life, they seem blind to what they are doing to the pregnant woman.

Doesn’t she qualify for Christ’s compassion?

JIM RAWLINS BigelowEntitlements a threat

Orval Faubus was probably the most controversial governor in Arkansas history. On Aug. 29, 1962, he spoke in Hot Springs, strongly condemning welfare programs that encourage illegitimacy and he said people expect too many handouts from the government. Now, 50 years later, the problem has gotten worse, to the extent that so-called entitlements threaten to bankrupt the nation.

Entitlement used to mean getting something you deserve, a privilege or something you earned, like a paycheck. Now, the more kids, the fatter the government check. Sadly, many of these children will become permanent welfare recipients.

Faubus helped the state with many programs, but he overstepped his bounds when he tried to prevent desegregation at Central High. He was overruled by President Dwight Eisenhower, who sent in troops to allow blacks to enroll. This brought worldwide shame and disgrace to Arkansas. We did not deserve this condemnation.

I served with black Marines in the Korean War. I played a role in trainingthe first black bank examiner hired in Arkansas in 1968. My circle of friends has always included people of all ethnic backgrounds. Many times I said that a black person’s citizenship papers read the same as mine, and if a black person is qualified to be president, I’d vote for them. Remarkably, it came to pass in my lifetime.

There is one thing I am absolutely sure of. There will be no discrimination or racial barriers in heaven. Like the song goes, “Everybody’s beautiful in their own way.” And we’re all God’s children.

DAVE RICHARDS Hot SpringsDon’t invite it back in

I wanted to raise public awareness regarding coming Senate legislation which should be of concern to all Arkansans. Senate Bill 900 seeks to overturn the decision made by Arkansas voters when they enacted Amendment 89 to the state Constitution.

Under SB900, consumer-loan interest rates, currently capped at 17 percent under Amendment 89, would be set “as defined” by the Arkansas Legislature. Logically, there is noreason to enact SB900 except to increase interest rates. SB900 would allow out-of-state and other lenders to offer loans with outrageous interest rates and fees, which would create an increasing volume of debt that would victimize Arkansas consumers.

Less than four years ago, “payday lending,” which made it difficult to escape an ever-escalating cycle of debt, was legislated out of Arkansas. SB900, if passed, will allow something akin to payday lending to sneak in through the back door. Don’t let this happen again.

I urge all Arkansans to contact their senator and request a “no” vote on SB900.

SHARI PFISTER Maumelle

Editorial, Pages 17 on 04/03/2013

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