What matters in race
When Donald Trump is labeled a con man, his supporters reply, "so what, all politicians are con men."
But many politicians are also diplomats and statesman. I believe Trump is only a con man.
Some politicians are both experienced and knowledgeable about foreign policy. Trump is only a con man.
Many politicians have extensive experience with the military and their needs. Trump is only a con man.
Some politicians are strong advocates for a quality health-care system. Trump is only a con man.
Some politicians are good people. Trump is only a con man.
As Barbra Streisand pointed out a few weeks ago, "When a politician ends almost every sentence with 'believe me' ... don't!"
WILLIAM MORROW
Lonoke
Respect has been lost
Hello, I am the invisible man. No one hears what I have to say or sees me on the streets. They just look right through me. I wasn't invisible to the draft board, though.
Much has happened since the Vietnam war. We have learned to disregard law and order. We have learned we can burn our flag as a show of disrespect. We have learned that we may forget about the over 1.1 million veteran men and women that have died to give you that right.
We learned how to make policemen and women feel badly about themselves by refusing to obey the simplest lawful order that we the people have given them for our own good. It seems people may now go up to police and harass them while they do their job and make City Hall back our protectors down for the sake of two black men who didn't solve anything, only to make matters worse.
I was drafted to Vietnam and forced to fight.
Policemen sign up on their own volition to serve and protect Americans while some races constantly try to trip up a normal human being risking his or her life for all of us. We have a responsibility to America and to each other.
Why are racists trying to set us back 200 years?
Has anyone heard of respect?
RONALD SMITH
Little Rock
Think, reason for self
"I think; therefore, I am." I am; therefore, there is a creator. Is there a pot without a potter? Is there a creature without a creator? The pot is not greater than the potter, nor is the creature greater than the creator. Who tamed entropy/chaos? I cannot see my thoughts, yet they are there. Think and reason for yourself. They are a gift.
MIKE BROWN
Redfield
Depressing politics
I've finally found a point of agreement with Bradley Gitz: Thinking and writing about the presidential election is painful and depressing.
There is no pleasure in seeing him try to produce his column and dance around the premise while avoiding the conditions which led to Donald Trump's nomination as the Republican candidate. As Jacob sold his honor to steal his brother Esau's birthright, I believe the GOP has sold its honor for money and power. While venality and avarice are not restricted by party lines, it seems Republicans have all but perfected the rhetoric used to gather political power to the few with big money and deny its use to those who look to the life and health of the population and fulfillment of the purposes expressed in the Constitution.
He mentions "a sense of despair over the inability to find a way out." Why doesn't he advocate for a return to the "nation overcoming the inevitable challenges of the human condition, including wars, depressions, and natural disasters"?
Instead of acting as a learned observer of the political scene and taking those to task who have stymied the government's efforts to address the nation's problems, he merely bemoans the probable (inevitable?) demise of the Republican Party.
He makes no attempt to deny that the party deserves it.
DENNIS A. BERRY
Bryant
Teach that to all teens
While I applaud the fact that sex education is now being taught to 18- and 19-year-old women at college, I feel this is just another Band-Aid to help a problem, but not to solve it. For example, what about the young women who are not in college? They are the most economically disadvantaged due to unintended pregnancies.
I believe the fact that Arkansas is lagging behind most states for girls' and women's health is directly related to this state's lack of comprehensive sex education in schools. Comprehensive sex education starts with "good touch/bad touch" for small children and moves on with age; it empowers girls to know not only about their own bodies, but also where boys are coming from (that there is no Prince Charming, that boys' main goal is sex, and that boys and girls are too immature for early intimate relationships). Too many middle and high school girls are left pregnant while the boy has moved on. Boys will also benefit from sex education to learn appropriate behaviors regarding sex, which could reduce date-rape situations.
As the governor stated in his recent address on the subject, Arkansas has approximately 5,000 children in foster care. Too many Arkansas children are failing in school and are hungry, which contributes to an ever-increasing prison population. These social ills are a direct correlation to unintended/unplanned pregnancies. Girls as well as boys need sex education way before they turn 18 to learn how to plan for their education, their family, the use of contraceptives, and mostly to empower them for their future.
Comprehensive sex education needs to be taught to all Arkansas teens, not just college-bound women.
DIANE C. HAVEN
Jacksonville
Have sinned greatly
Dear lord, please forgive us for our sin. We unleashed the hounds from hell (Donald Trump/Hillary Clinton). Have mercy upon us.
JOHN FARR
Benton
Editorial on 10/24/2016