The nation we live in
I was recently involved as the last vehicle in a five-car accident on the I-30 Arkansas River bridge. No one was hurt, but much damage was done and all were a bit shaken up.
I was so impressed and comforted by the professionalism and efficiency of the North Little Rock Fire Department, EMS and State Police responders--men and women, black and white. I know they do this every day, but their courtesy and concern left me feeling like this was the first accident they had ever responded to.
The woman whose vehicle I ran into had every reason to be angry at me for rear-ending her 30-day-old car, but instead, kept asking if we were OK, and reminding us that these were just cars and that the people were more important.
I'm proud to know that this is the America I live in, and know that it doesn't get any better anywhere.
DONALD EVANS
Little Rock
Will be stronger for it
Re "Something happening here": Those iconic lyrics from Buffalo Springfield's famous "For What It's Worth" do indeed reflect the paradigm of our culture that has shifted again. The last time was in 1968 when young people challenged the status quo and questioned every established authority which heretofore had ostensibly never been challenged like the August summer in '68 in Chicago. For those who remember Kent State and Columbia University and all across this country, déjà vu all over again.
However uncomfortable this chaos and turmoil may seem right now, it is really healthy. Recall when you became aware? Remember the fear and tribulation of Dec. 31, 1999. The world did not end then, and it will not end this time either. The ultimate outcome will be a stronger, more vibrant American society. A real teaching moment for many! To each we show respect, to each we show greater understanding, to each we show greater tolerance. "For What It's Worth."
God bless America.
LOUIS R. BURNETT
Little Rock
Have it wrong again
Again, the Republicans in Congress aren't listening. We want Obamacare repealed; we do not want it replaced. We did not want insurance companies required to be forced to accept people with pre-existing conditions. What a silly idea!
What healthy young person would sign up for expensive insurance if they will be able to get insurance if and when they need it? If a person has a pre-existing condition, then the individual states should have established a pool to help them get insurance, and the state should raise taxes to pay for the pool, not the national government.
BOBBY GENE WILLIS
Dardanelle
Didn't take him long
Donald J. Trump is a winner. It seems it took the 45th elected president of our United States just one and a half days to replace our 43rd president, George W. Bush, as the most hated man on earth (reference the protest on Jan. 24, 2017, and the general election in November 2016).
BILL SNOW
Springdale
His sleight of tongue
When an egomaniacal and compulsive liar becomes president, the wise thing is not to be distracted by his words, but to carefully watch his actions.
First is the art of the deal: He posits an extreme position--one he knows is unsupportable--to which people react with outrage and fear. Thus they bargain from an inferior, reactive and weak position. He then agrees to make a deal advantageous to him; they have been set up to make a deal which does not favor them.
Second is the Trump Magic Show: In a classical magical pass, he feints with the left hand (words) to get you looking in the wrong direction; while your attention is diverted by this outrageous distraction, the right hand acts. Don't watch the words; watch the acts.
Finally, watch carefully the people he gets to front his lies; watch their faces and eyes, especially the woman with the painted eyes. Look at what she is hiding behind her blackened eyes and you will see the cost of selling yourself for money, fame and position: There is always a cost.
Trust what you see and hear. Don't be afraid to call what is a lie and insane by its real name. Then talk to your friends about what you see and hear; say how you feel about this. We have the simple power to speak the truth to one another. Truth will prevail; it always does--eventually.
ROBERT MOORE
Monticello
About that travel ban
I am old enough to remember when you bought your ticket, walked to the gate, and got on the plane.
There is no telling since 9/11 how many billions of dollars and man-hours have been spent on airport security (getting to the airport early in order to go through tedious security). Americans have cooperated in these efforts for the greater good.
Therefore it is hard to understand the uproar against the inconveniencing of noncitizens from war-torn countries where the bastions of terrorism are. Vetting will never be a perfect process.
CHARLES VERMONT
Prescott
What restroom to use
Let's end this thing--the unisex non-starter over public restroom use. It's what you are, not what you think you are.
CATHERINE WILSON
Morrilton
Editorial on 02/08/2017