Thought-provoking
Philip Martin's columns, usually well-written and with a slightly "Hillcrest liberal" slant, are almost always thought-provoking. His column on Jan. 1 ended with two sentences: "In the long run, there is no long run. It's the moment, the everlasting now, that matters."
I would have put it a little differently, i.e., "Yes, take life one day at a time," but also "Trust God, clean house and help others."
DAVID PALMER
Little Rock
Root cause of conflict
Why are so many reluctant to accept the obvious?
I believe Islamic terrorists are just Muslims who believe in the literal truth of the Koran. This should not come as a surprise to anyone who has ever read the Koran, especially Christians, who are also prone to embrace certain capricious doctrines that can be believed without evidence.
Why do we make concessions to the idea that religious faith can be sanctified by something other than evidence? To do so renders us impotent in addressing what I believe to be the most pervasive cause of conflict on this planet.
It would seem that many experience some degree of intellectual difficulty in grasping the notion that religion has always been the opponent of intellectual freedom. This is to say nothing of the young children being maimed psychologically and physically by the threat of a cruel and barbaric eternal punishment.
However, I have no doubt this shallow pretense will receive a free pass for the sake of political correctness, and liberals and conservatives alike will continue to nod their heads in agreement like demented parrots.
I would challenge anyone to show me rational justification for this pompous bunk. Semper fi.
AL CASE
Onia
His worrisome chums
As if we didn't have enough to stew about, here's my latest shivery bit. With our new and defiantly uninformed president in place, it seems any grifter in a good suit with a fat wallet can sell his agenda to him without worry. Donald Trump is so proud of his killer instincts that he will be unable to ask the right questions or perform even the most cursory evaluation.
Sad to say, the first gold-plated toady in the door on Monday morning will get his goodies by sundown from this off-the-cuff new philosopher president. Trump makes Alfred E. Newman look like a savant.
ELIZABETH HARRIS
Cherokee Village
Time for closing bell
OK, Jeff. The decision should be obvious. After the Missouri disaster, followed by a more inept football game in the Belk Bowl, it is past time to wish Coach Bret Bielema a Happy New Year away from Fayetteville. I will be glad to offer a small contribution toward his buyout.
TOM HLASS
Russellville
Mission was lived out
Serving as a greeter outside First United Methodist Church at 723 Center St. in Little Rock on New Year's Day, I witnessed scripture come to life, seeing the counsel of Jesus Christ to his disciples being lived out.
Standing in drizzle with temperatures in the 40s, I was stunned to see a naked woman walking southward on Center toward the church. Then I saw a car pull over near her; the woman driver emerged, took off her coat and draped it over the stranger. Shortly, two male church employees rushed to help.
A woman I did not know stopped to discuss how we might help, saying, "she needs shoes!" Appearing familiar with the church, she went inside to search for used shoes in donation boxes. She emerged quickly and rushed to offer the shoes. Though none fit, she then took off her own knit cap and gave it to the woman. Meanwhile, our security personnel escorted the stranger to a less visible, warmer place and alerted medical and law enforcement personnel.
By 11 a.m. the scene returned to normal. Church began; I read with renewed meaning our mission, "We strive to be good neighbors in Little Rock." Jesus' charge to his disciples in Matthew had become real: "I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you looked after me; I was a stranger and you took me in."
Surely those who assisted the naked stranger did more to further the kingdom of God on earth than I did by attending worship. But I can witness to their story, and I can share this detail to give us hope for breaking down racial barriers: The two women who provided immediate assistance were African American; the naked stranger was white.
PAT LILE
Little Rock
Conduct unbecoming
I know many Arkansans are deeply disappointed about the Razorback loss on the football field on Dec. 29. Frankly, I am way more disappointed in the conduct of Jeremy Sprinkle and Drew Morgan.
Their actions are an embarrassment to the University Of Arkansas, and the citizens of the entire state. There is absolutely no excuse for either of these two young men. I believe both showed immaturity, lack of character and an incredible selfishness. They let their team down, and their fans.
It is difficult to gain national respect as a university and a football program when our top players behave in such a way.
ELIZABETH MITCHELL
Fayetteville
Disappointing game
Re the Belk Bowl: The second half is a direct reflection of your coach ... sad to say because I want to like Coach B.
ED McKINNEY
Fayetteville
Editorial on 01/04/2017