Should not be proud
The office of the president of the United States is an honor that this country's founding fathers saw fit to implement for leadership of our country. To that end, we have been taught to respect the office and, as an extension, the person duly elected to serve in that office.
In his letter to the editor, I believe Grant Gatliff not only disrespects the person holding the office, but by extension the office itself. His comments about President Barack Obama are so harsh and belittling that it becomes a mockery of our president and the office in which he was elected to serve.
I am proud to be a citizen of a country that grants one the right to speak his or her piece, even when I do not agree. But the lack of respect in that speech is not something I believe many Americans can claim to be proud of.
JANICE CHAPARRO
Little Rock
Great for the family
As a mother of two boys and an aunt of many zealous train-loving munchkins, I absolutely love what the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad has made available to our community through the annual Children's Christmas Train and I am so pleased with the recent spotlight on the event.
I first discovered this treat nine years ago when my Thomas the Train-crazed nephew was 3 years old. It was a perfect Christmas gift for him and a delight for me and my boys. My family, including my sisters and their children, has made it a tradition ever since.
The event is held in downtown Springdale. The kids get to see the train pulling in to drop off and pick up its next load of passengers. Santa is on board and the interior of the train car is decorated with a feeling of old-time Christmas. There are games and activities galore at the station, as well as small-scale train sets with their conductors giving demonstrations to everyone.
This is a much-needed and brilliant fundraiser benefiting children throughout Northwest Arkansas. This year's beneficiary is the Children's Safety Center of Springdale, which assists survivors of sexual and physical abuse.
CINDY STEVENSON
Rogers
Losing his cynicism
Is Paul Greenberg mellowing in his old age? Only Paul knows the answer, but it's a fact that he recently wrote a complete editorial praising President Barack Obama without a cynical word.
The subject (for the uninformed) was Obama's recent ideas on immigration reform.
To the best of my knowledge, Paul never before has written an editorial about Obama that wasn't cynical and sometimes downright mean.
Let's face it. Paul Greenberg truly has a way with words and though I often disagree with his editorials, I'll give him credit for being one of the nation's best writers. One of the purposes of an editorial is to provoke thought and discussion. Paul's usually do.
VERNON McDANIEL
Ozark
Not realistic solution
Hand-wringing over immigration issues offers no realistic solution to the problem. As long as violence, corruption and lack of opportunity prevail in countries south of our border, people there will migrate to the United States, legal or not. Why aren't we talking about realistic solutions?
Here are a few starters: Drugs have to be legalized. I believe free markets with taxed, regulated sales of drugs would cut off the flow of billions of dollars currently enriching cartels and compromising rule of law in Latin America. The U.S. would reap enormous benefits as well.
The drug war has been a convenient cover to place U.S. boots on the ground in Latin America. CIA operatives have assassinated leaders and fomented rebellion in a calculated bid to destabilize these countries. It seems this genius idea to keep our neighbors down is coming back to bite us, and it's only going to get worse.
U.S. corporations continue to capitalize on Latin America's cheap labor and natural resources. Modern exploitation utilizes machinery, chemicals and sophisticated political (covert) force which exert devastating costs on the environment, culture and chances for local growth and autonomy.
I believe we're the bully in the room with Latin America. Our borders are crossed by impoverished, terrorized people because our policies made their home lives intolerable. We need to get our black ops out and lend a respectful helping hand if we expect to reduce the immigrant flow.
DENELE CAMPBELL
West Fork
Under that umbrella
With only 20 months or so until the 2016 presidential election, I guess that I had better get on the ball and announce my candidacy.
I certainly meet all criteria although I am not a member of any recognized political party. However, if party membership is a necessity, then I hereby announce as well the organization of the Grill Party, which serves both as a political entity and a social function.
My position on most issues is very consistent--standing by the grill with tongs in one hand and a beer in the other. Consistency prevents any surprises. I have a deep belief that there is no one single correct answer for most issues. For example, sweet and sour sauce can be just as effective as honey mustard. I would even go so far as to tout a good, thick, spicy, stick-to-the-meat sauce as well. Yes, the BBQ sauce aisle at the grocery store can provide much inspiration in the area of variety and compromise.
I despise buzzwords. For example, diversity to me means that there are at least three meats on the grill at the same time, or at least three different examples of the same one. Such as legs, thighs and wings if one is sticking with just chicken.
So, voters, the fun has begun. The Grill Party stands ready to prepare and to provide for all your needs and wants. All sauces are welcome under our umbrella.
DAVID KELLEY
Fort Smith
Editorial on 12/18/2014