Strangers' generosity
One night last week, my husband John and I decided to go out to eat. We chose an excellent west Little Rock restaurant near to our home.
At the end of our dinner when we asked for the bill, our nice waiter Brad told us that a couple sitting nearby, who had just left the restaurant, had paid for our meal. He said they just wanted to do this, for no stated reason.
We were surprised and touched beyond belief!
We had noticed the couple as we sat down earlier, but did not know them. On reflection, I see this as an act of extravagant generosity, a stewardship theme prevalent at our church, First United Methodist downtown. It reminds me of the real meaning of grace, which is unmerited favor.
We wish we could personally thank this couple. In lieu of that, we can only hope they will read this letter and be pleased with the impact of their generosity on us as we near the 56th anniversary of our marriage August 25th.
In the meantime, we are committed to the notion of "paying it forward," and look forward to doing something of a similar nature in the future to brighten others' lives unexpectedly.
PAT LILE
Little Rock
Stop the hatefulness
I am a Christian and I believe there is a God. People of America need to stop and realize this: Christians don't hate people that are gay. We don't agree with their lifestyle, but there is no hate at all.
People also need to realize that race is not an issue. Martin Luther King wanted us to not see color but to look at the soul of a man. There are a few bad apples that we are allowing to hurt our country.
When a foreign country attacks us, they won't see color, they will see Americans.
We as Americans need to realize that we are one nation under God. Our political groups have divided our nation. If the people had any say in the matters of this country we would say, "We the people, in order to form a more perfect union, do order the servants we elected to do what is right for the people. Stop fighting."
America, please stop the hatefulness. We need each other and God. Without love and understanding for all, we will continue to keep falling. United is where we need to be.
WILLIAM WESSON
Bismarck
Toward the oven door
I saw Mike Huckabee's comments about the Iranian nuclear deal leading Israel to the oven's door. Has Mike forgotten that Israel has about 90 nuclear weapons of its own?
Governor Huckabee avoided military service to our country and the draft with flat feet? Sounds like "The Donald Trump Solution," doesn't it?
Is it really that easy to send someone else's child to die while using a lame excuse to avoid military service to your country? I was in Vietnam twice, 17 months the second time, and I know firsthand we should avoid another unwanted unnecessary war by any means.
Benjamin Netanyahu seems determined to draw America into a war with Iran. I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu should send his own youth to the oven's door first.
JOE SEAMAN
Lakeview
In it for the publicity
Mike Huckabee may have hit an all-time low when he recently accused President Barack Obama of leading Israel to the oven in connection with the proposed nuclear agreement with Iran.
I honestly believe that Huckabee, realizing his presidential campaign has gone nowhere, has turned to sensationalism in order to gain media attention.
After all, irrational statements got Donald Trump media attention, which he used to soar to the top of most polls. Perhaps the Huckster thinks it is his only hope to do likewise.
Huckabee is an excellent speaker and, I believe, occasionally has good ideas. He has reportedly said, however, that sometimes he just can't resist popping off.
Trump and Huckabee know how to work the crowds, but I believe it takes more than that to be president.
VERNON McDANIEL
Ozark
Town disappointing
To Kill a Mockingbird is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Ala. It is based on Harper Lee's own hometown of Monroeville, Ala., which I recently visited.
Crossing the Alabama River from the west, the first sight of Monroe-ville is the paper mill belching white smoke that smells like rotten eggs. Contrary to the propaganda from the local Chamber of Commerce, Monroeville is not a pretty place. If it is the Literary Capital of Alabama, as advertised, then Alabama is sorely in need of an infusion of new literary capital.
Nelle Harper Lee and Truman Capote may have lived there once, but precious little remains to memorialize.
Fragments of a stone wall where Capote's aunt's house once stood. No trace of the house nearby, occupied by A.C. Lee and his two daughters. Everything tangible that remains, other than the courthouse in the town square, is after-the-fact attractions built to lure tourists and To Kill a Mockingbird lovers. There are even fake oversized birdhouses meant to look quaint, but insufficient to the task.
No self-respecting mockingbird would be caught dead in one, much less nesting.
Lee resides at the Meadows, a local nursing home. We should respect her privacy and read Go Set a Watchman, the pre-sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird. Let's hope it bears more resemblance to the real thing than Monroeville does. Every indication is that Mockingbird fans will not be disappointed because the real Nelle Harper Lee radiates from every page.
DAVID E. COCKCROFT
Little Rock
The wonder of nature
With debate over the Confederate battle flag spilling over to Arkansas' flag design, I'd like to remind all of a symbol that should be unanimously celebrated: our state bird, the northern mockingbird. What a truly delightful creature. Its song repertoire can be in the triple digits and range from animals (cat meow) to artificial sounds (car alarm). Its range is statewide through all seasons and, like our pioneers, it is known as a feisty and fearless bird that will defend its territory.
Years ago, I saw a letter that suggested changing this symbol to another bird that had monetary impact to a narrow segment of our population and geography. Boo. The mockingbird is present in all variety of habitats and rewards all with wonderful serenades.
Bravo to Mrs. W.A. Utley and the State Federation of Women's Clubs for their campaign, and to the 1929 General Assembly who voted it as our official state bird.
To those of you with outdoor radios or music or screaming children, please know that I do not have an interest in your noise and I doubt anyone else does. Turn your noise down, get your hearing checked, and tell your children to play with normal voices. Better yet, turn your noise off and teach your family and friends to listen to what nature has to offer. Appreciate all our songbirds.
In the words of Andy Griffith, "don't the trees seem nice and full!"
TERRI PHELAN
Fayetteville
Editorial on 07/30/2015