Letters

Skip the histrionics

For many, many years I have enjoyed your newspaper and the unusually artistic and relevant cartoons of John Deering. However, I think his recent depiction of Bill O'Reilly killing history, factuality, and journalism was biased, over the top, and beneath his stature.

Given Bill O'Reilly's personality, his ego, mannerisms and his way of presenting the news leaves something to be desired. On the other hand, would an open mind not consider the following: First, he generally presents factual material that liberal journalists won't touch. Next, if he is such a killer of facts and journalism, how has he remained the No. 1 cable newscaster for all these years?

Could we just deal with what his newscasts present and not his histrionics?

JACK MURPHY

Little Rock

Meaning of HB 202

I've been watching with amusement and some dismay the antics of Sen. Bart Hester, sponsor of Senate Bill 202, which recently passed without the signature of Gov. Hutchinson. The bill states municipalities cannot pass laws to protect its citizens from discrimination of any form that is not already included in state law. While Hester claims this is for business proposes, Wal-Mart came out against it. And in a recent exchange with Rev. Marie O'Connell of First Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, the lie Hester told about it not being about religion was exposed when he asked O'Connell whether she was going to heaven or hell. The subject of the question was state overreach and local control. Not religion. But Hester unknowingly showed his cards.

In my view, Hester was cowardly, hiding behind the excuse of his bill being about "leveling the playing field" for business, when in reality anyone who has studied this realizes it is about bigotry and hatred, plain and simple.

Hester and his followers aren't dumb. They know the Supreme Court is set to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. They are trying now what will be a futile attempt to lay the groundwork for future discrimination against gay and lesbian couples in Arkansas.

Just like Orval Faubus, George Wallace, and the authors of Jim Crow laws before him, Hester will end up in the history books where he deserves to be, in the ash heap of discredited politicians who twist religion to hide their bigoted and hateful ways.

But good news springs eternal, as Hester was informed by Rev. O'Connell, that we can hopefully see him in heaven, but only through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who forgives us our sins.

RICHARD MOORE

Little Rock

No to automatic toilets

I'm sorry, but I am just not a fan of automatic-flushing toilets. I especially hate when I am in the bathroom and the toilet flushes three times before I leave, even though I only stand at the mirror. It's so annoying!

All of that unnecessary flushing just wastes water. I recently read an article on sacbee.com that made the statement "... It seems these devices do not save water, according to several studies, and may actually use significantly more than old-school manual valves."

Water conservation isn't the only issue with automatic-flushing toilets. The whole purpose of this invention is to reduce the amount of germs being transferred from the handle to your hands and be an altogether more hygienic device. However, I'd rather take my chances with the handle than having to wipe nasty toilet water off the seat before I can use it. The water pressure in those things is just too harsh.

Let's bring manual back.

EMILY HYMAN

Bradley

Thanks to snow angels

On Feb. 27, my daughter's vehicle fell into a ditch on C Street in Bentonville, with my 14-month-old granddaughter in the back seat. A couple of people with pickup trucks helped to pull her out, along with keeping them both warm and safe. To those who helped, we are so very grateful. We don't know your names, but please know that your actions and kindness reflect how heroic you were for a mother and child and a waiting family. Many thanks,

CLEM RICHARDSON

Centerton

Sunday crossword

Well, I've sat and grumbled too long. Susan Butler did my work for me. She's right: You slight the New York Times Crossword in favor of the wimpy LA puzzle. It's gotten so small, I have to count squares to know which clue I need to read, and that doesn't always work. Bright light is essential.

If you would swap places with the two, you'd be doing yourself a favor. The Sunday Times puzzle is one of the foremost reasons I subscribe.

Just sayin'.

SKIP HARRIS

Benton

Achievement, family

A young man's attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout has always been admired and respected as the mark of an individual who exhibits focus, hard work and dedication. On Feb. 25 and 26 this newspaper ran a list of new Eagle Scouts. Of the 21 young men to recently achieve this goal, 20 of them came from a two-parent environment. Coincidence? I think not. It has been my observation over the years that this is the norm rather than the exception. Could we take from this unscientific evidence that a stable family unit contributes strongly to the success of the children of that family? I believe so. The stable family unit is fundamental to our country's greatness. Let us pray for the survival of this all-important part of our society.

And to Cheryl Ekenes of Horseshoe Bend, the only listed single parent of a new Eagle Scout, my hat is off to you. You are beating the odds. Congratulations to you and Rolph! Keep up the good work.

BILL WATERS

Little Rock

Editorial on 03/04/2015

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