LETTERS

New American reality

I always marvel at those who believe the fantasy that media organizations have a “liberal bias.”

Those of us who have traveled a lot and have seen many different parts of the country realize and understand the reality of the situation, which is that the majority of the population of this country has a more moderate-to liberal worldview than might be prevalent in this state as a whole.

Given this fact, the aforementioned media organizations are simply reflecting the views of the majority of the population in general, nothing more. The fact that this upsets some people, while understandable, nevertheless doesn’t cover up the fact that this is the reality of 21st Century America.

Things change, and people must either adjust to those changes or get overcome by them.

RICHARD MOORE

Camden

The quest for answers

Rick Burry questions the Bible and Christians and asks for “proof.”

In his quest for answers, has he read the references to Jesus by ancient secular writers such as Josephus, Thallus and Phlegon, to name a few? Has he studied the evidence from archaeology? How about the Dead Sea Scrolls? How about Old Testament prophecy fulfilled by Jesus? How about the millions of martyrs, including his disciples, who willingly have gone to their deaths after refusing to renounce Jesus? What changed their lives?

There are volumes of books that I believe confirm the Bible and the historical evidence of Jesus. Rick may want to start with Josh McDowell and Bill Wilson’s book, Evidence for the Historical Jesus.

Even if all atheists’ questions could be answered to their satisfaction, would this information prompt them to accept Christ as their savior and lord? Most would say no. That might mean that they would have to give up some of their money, some of their time and, like myself at one time in my life, give up areas of their lives that are displeasing to God.

It should not surprise atheists why people from all walks of life, well-educated and non-educated, identify themselves as born-again Christians. The answer to that is that once they accepted Christ as their savior and lord, something supernatural happened in their lives and they were changed.

Salvation is a gift from God and is available to all who call on him.

DOUGLAS ABRAMS

Bella Vista

Bridge is not too far

I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to public schools-hopefully some in Arkansas-who offer an after school class on bridge for students who are interested in learning the game.

These are the thoughts of a retired schoolteacher from Minnesota. Educators have found that the game of bridge improves students’ behavior and sharpens math, memory, communications, analytical and teamwork skills. It is seen as a stimulating way for young students to study statistics and probability. More schools are considering the program because of its many student benefits. And the game of bridge appeals to children because it is a competitive event that does not require athletic ability.

I wish more schools would offer the study.

FERNE S. ANDERSON

Russellville

Sense, not ignorance

It’s always interesting to hear from former Arkansas governor (pardon-meister), failed presidential nomination candidate, part-time Fox News chaplain, part-time pray-for-pay speechifier and God’s full-time midway barker, Mike Huckabee.

Huckabee recently resurfaced at a Baptist pastors’ conference to encourage his brethren to preach the truth of the living God. According to Pastor Mike, Christian “truth” requires pastors to damn gay children who dare to want to be Boy Scouts; reject gay military members who volunteer to risk their lives protecting America; cast down women who demand their constitutional right to decide when they give birth; attack nonreligious people who ask for true religious freedom from being forced to live in accordance with laws based solely on Christian beliefs; and finally, condemn billions who dare to believe in God but not Christianity.

In the speech, Huckabee cautioned pastors against turning their pulpits into a political podium. However, these hate-filled, fear-based, discriminatory, Christian “truths” are core components in every GOP party platform, as well as central goals of Republican legislative agendas.

Finally, Huckabee lamented the massive decline in card-carrying church members and blamed “biblical ignorance.” Actually, this precipitous decline is a predictable result of our expanding scientific understanding about ourselves, our world and the universe. As we discover new scientific facts, everyone becomes less dependent on religions based on fear, hate and the denial of scientific truth.

JOHN KINKAIDE

Benton

Message or messenger

Douglas MacArthur, I have heard, spoke in almost perfect paragraphs. His speaking style was much like a written speech.

John Brummett, no mean speaker and writer himself, apparently would have our Mike Huckabee do the same. Mr. Brummett’s criticism of “The Huck” runs to content as well as style.

It is common nowadays for liberals (read Brummett) to defend all things gay and to ridicule conservatives (read Huckabee) for not doing so. But it seems the liberal prefers to ridicule the messenger more than the message.

FRED SAWYER

Little Rock

A good crop of cash

I read that Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is hosting a Google+ “hangout” with the state. Maybe someone can ask him why he apparently not only condones but abets in defrauding the taxpayer.

Anyone remember that people claiming to be farmers have falsely claimed over $5 billion in taxpayer money in what Vilsack says is a good program? One man stood up in church and said that he and his siblings collected $50,000 each, and one got $50,000 for her dead father. What kind of church is that? Nearly everyone in two adjoining apartment buildings got, you guessed it, $50,000 each. I think Vilsack needs to be sacked. Some younger people out there need to get to the bottom of fraud in the government. It’s their future, after all.

RICHARD WITHERSPOON

Malvern