Make sales equitable
According to most TV news channels, online shoppers have spent over $3 billion so far this season. Virtually all orders from out of state are sales-tax-free. How is this fair to "brick and mortar" businesses who have to send in sales taxes monthly?
Rather than states losing out on millions of dollars used for schools, roads, bridges, etc., would it not be better to add a tariff on all new Internet-capable electronics?
I think this would make doing business equitable for everyone and encourage new investment.
LLOYD HEDDEN
Benton
Wasn't born on date
Historians and the Bible agree that Jesus Christ wasn't born anywhere near Dec. 25. This particular date was well-known for its pagan religion celebrations long before Jesus Christ was born.
And what does a jolly old man in a fur-trimmed red suit, who supposedly lives at the North Pole and is assisted by elves, have to do with the son of God? And what's up with the flying reindeer pulling a sleigh? The library gives the source of these things.
HERBERT PAGE
Conway
New mindset's mean
After hearing from my middle-school teacher daughter back east about how upset and fearful many of her ethnically varied students were after the election, and how she had to find ways to reassure them about their safety and the safety of our country after Donald Trump goes to Washington, you can imagine my disgust and even anger at hearing how a local radio station's overnight hosts regard the fears of these kids.
In jeering tones, they swapped mocking sneers at the whole concept of frightened kids needing comfort. They even wondered, guffawing, if these kids wanted some cookies and cocoa paid for by the DNC.
It's a little spooky to think that scorning children and mocking their legitimate worries about what could happen to them and their families under Trump may actually reflect our new national mindset. Mean doesn't even begin to define the Trumpeters of the New Order!
ELIZABETH K. HARRIS
Cherokee Village
Breaking new ground
A president should not tweet--this seems to be the latest commentary from political pundits and many in the news media. I have a Twitter account and have used it about six times, so I am no authority on Twitter.
Myself, I sometimes find his tweets a little disconcerting. Yet I wonder if this is the wave of the future, a way for a president to communicate directly to the public without a media filter. Is Donald Trump, once again, breaking new political ground?
TIM IRBY
Little Rock
Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde
Not even a chocolate binge could relieve my distress at hearing that Donald Jekyll-Hyde Trump would be our next president.
Really, America, how could you have done this to yourself? What were you thinking? Would you let a doctor who had never been in an operating room remove your brain tumor?
I'm on Social Security and Medicare. Younger members of my family are now insured through the Affordable Care Act. Who will walk into the White House? Dr. Jekyll, or Mr. Hyde? I don't like being manipulated by fear. I wonder if talk about dismantling these programs which benefit millions of Americans is a diversion from plans afoot that are not in our best interest. Drill, baby, drill? Bomb, baby, bomb?
It's not a good time to be a poor person in a poor state. On the bright side, though, a powerful Oklahoma earthquake might crack the new natural gas pipeline next to my home and give me a free cremation.
BETTY HUNT
North Little Rock
No good one, anyway
What kind of example does President-elect Donald Trump's unsubstantiated remarks and verbal attacks of people with whom he disagrees set for the nation's young people?
BILL SAYGER
Brasfield
If people don't like it
Many people have died trying to come to America. Some have dug tunnels under the border to get here. Some have slipped across the border at night; others have tried in broad daylight. Some have tried in overloaded boats; some make it, some don't.
I think of the thousands of people, or perhaps even millions, that would love to come to America but can't. America is still the greatest country in the world. I was fortunate enough to be born here and I thank God for that. When I see someone disrespect our national anthem or burn the American flag, it sets my guts on fire.
I know they have the right to demonstrate, but I wonder what all the people who have died to give them that right would think of their actions. If only the brave Americans who gave their lives for their country could speak.
If people don't like America, why don't they leave? Planes and ships are departing every day, or they can walk across the north and south borders. Go to a country you like ... life is too short to live somewhere you hate. If you decide to stay in America, get your head screwed on right and honor the people who have died for your rights and freedom.
But you know, I doubt if anyone leaves this great country. However, if you hate America so much that you are determined to leave, here is something to think about: Don't go to Russia, China, North Korea, Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Venezuela, North Vietnam, Iraq, Iran or Lebanon. You won't like it there. If you don't honor their national anthem or if you burn their flag, you have created a bad situation. What happens next is not good.
America is the greatest country on earth. People have fought and given their lives to afford you the freedom and right to do such foolish things.
JOHN LANDERS
Benton
All votes should count
There's been much discussion lately about the electoral college versus the popular vote. People seem to value their geographic ties over love of country. If all Americans are truly created equal, then each individual's vote counts equally, no matter where she/he chooses to live (or maintain voting residency).
To me, every American is created equal and the popular vote makes the most sense. The legislative branch addresses the issue of geography; let the executive branch belong to the people as one nation under God.
ALICE KUNCE
North Little Rock
Should work for this
Look at our world, our country, our state, our city--prejudice, injustice, discrimination, bigotry, hunger, and violence. Our prayers to God should be to work for the end of those things, to work for the day when all people can live as brothers and sisters.
In the words of Winston Churchill, we will never, never, never, never surrender to what our president-elect represents.
WILLIAM H. BROWNING SR.
White Hall
Editorial on 12/05/2016