Way forward in Iraq
Frida Ghitis' recent thoughtful commentary on the crisis in Iraq is a good summary of the current situation. She compares the estimated size of the active Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) with that of the Iraqi army of 250,000. Nevertheless, she points out that if ISIL can secure the territory they presently control, this will provide a base for terrorism directed westward.
In related commentary the next day, George Bisharat contends that it's not our mess and the U.S. should not intervene. I agree. Professor Bisharat points out that the U.S. withdrawal in 2011 honored an agreement signed by President George W. Bush in 2008.
Now after over two years, Iraq has failed to maintain stability within its borders.
In the short term, ISIL will be occupied in fighting to survive. Beyond that, I believe potential terroristic threats that ISIL may provide do not justify further military intervention by the U.S.
Considering past history, we should reappraise the idea of being a self-anointed world leader and enforcer. Rather, we should try to lead by example, stress our role as a UN member, avoid entangling alliances, and seek strength by refraining from unwarranted aggression.
JOHN R. PIAZZA
Bethel Heights
Obama no war lover
Re Thomas Sowell's sad lamentations as per President Barack Obama's activities: Abe Lincoln ignored the Constitution, and so did that Russki-loving FDR when he ordered naval actions against the Germans.
So whatever Obama does, I believe he, as a non-war hunter, can never, ever please the war lovers.
And of course, the American people cannot fail to recognize that our president is not a war hunter nor an insane nation-builder far across the waters when there are millions of hapless people here, merely existing as pitiful humans who have been denied schooling and medical service until they are unable to function.
Thus I think there's the absolute necessity for an open border for foreigners to fetch here and do the work to keep the tycoons' greedy money-making schemes in action. So whatever mistakes Obama makes, he can never, ever mistakenly entertain ideas of becoming a war hunter.
And the Clintons shall do likewise!
H.E. HARVEY
Clarksville
Rescue from the hate
After reading all of the hateful, bigoted, homophobic letters written to the Voices page from so-called Christians concerning gay marriage, I'm going to pray for them tonight!
BRETT GRAY
North Little Rock
Worse roads in state
I receive my paper through the mail. It is always three or more days late. This is Friday as I write this and I just received my Monday paper.
I was reading the article about the state's worst 500 miles of highways. They must not have visited South Phillips County. Highway 44 from Helena to Snow Lake and Highway 20 from Helena to Lambrook are terrible. I have traveled all over the state and have never been on a highway as bad as these two.
JAMES H. TILLMAN
Elaine
Insist on five debates
Love those big-money, inflammatory sound bites. Very entertaining. But they are a terrible foundation for our choosing who to vote for.
In the past several weeks, I have learned that after using student loans to go to Harvard, Tom Cotton wants to put an end to student-loan programs. In keeping with his Wall Street friends, he slammed the door on student loans for Arkansas students. He wants to move Medicare and Social Security till 70 years of age. He voted against disaster relief five times, again voting with his Wall Street friends.
Then I learned that Mark Pryor supports Barack Obama 90 percent of the time. He has supported more and more spending. His vote for the Affordable Care Act was the "deciding vote" that allowed it to pass.
How about a better, more valid way to help us make up our minds? Rather than inflammatory sound bites, many of which are prepared by big out-of-state spenders, maybe we can get a better, more accurate, maybe even a truthful picture of our candidates, thus electing the better one.
Here's how. Insist on five free-wheeling debates between Pryor and Cotton. Our country was well-served by the Lincoln-Douglas debates. Couldn't/shouldn't we demand that if one of the candidates refuses to debate five times, we vote for the other? Otherwise, what's he trying to hide? The truth?
Debates would allow for the candidates to share some actual reasoning instead of just what we've been getting fed by the TV ads.
DON SIEMENS
Siloam Springs
Results or repartee?
One question to Mr. John Brummett: Who is more likely to be able to provide the needs of his constituencies? The representative who spends his time attending the multitudes of local festivities or one who develops a working relationship with the power brokers and money suppliers in his country?
Anyone can find out the needs of his state by reading newspapers and publications by industry and agricultural groups, and from individuals who write letters to him.
Of course, personal contacts are important, but what can you really learn about someone at a festival?
Attending local events, getting to know people and making them feel important because they can say they have met and know the good ol' rep gives them the warm fuzzies. But wouldn't they rather have results?
GALE S. GILL
Little Rock
Dangerous territory
On a recent editorial page, there was a concise yet complete argument for not allowing the Lottery Commission to get a foothold with its plans for adding a keno-esque game to the repertoire.
If we don't stop shearing the goose that laid the golden egg, we're gonna pump it dry!
JIM NEWMAN
Farmington
Editorial on 07/08/2014