Parenting in America
Due to drastic changes in parenting, a great disservice is being done to children in America and to society as they enter adulthood. In too many families, by the time a child is 3 years old, family life revolves around them and their demands, while parents are dedicated to making them happy. Teachers in our schools bear the brunt of this sad situation.
Psychologist Lisa Damour reported on CBS that a study shows 50 percent of teens feel addicted to their cell phones, and nighttime cell-phone use can produce anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem in teens. It's reported that these conditions have risen over 70 percent in recent times. Kids need to be engaged more in working, learning, growing, interacting with real human beings, and physical activity.
Since the 1980s, an entitlement attitude has developed. Kids demand, argue their opinions, and are unwilling to accept no for an answer. They are rude, belligerent, and spew vulgar and profane language when they don't get what they want.
One school's poster message for parents states: "Dear parents, we would like to remind you that the magic words such as hello, please, you're welcome, I'm sorry and thank you all begin to be learned at home. It's also at home children learn to be honest, be on time, diligent, sympathetic and show respect for their elders and all teachers."
There was a time when parents for the most part followed these guidelines, but today the sad evidence is parenting in America has lost its way.
BARBARA FOREMAN
Siloam Springs
Throw the bums out
We the American people are not getting our taxpayers' money worth on our do-nothing Congress, both sides of the aisle.
Democrats are the party of freebies until other people's money runs out. Republicans are the party of all talk, no action.
I believe Trump is the only one in Washington that wants to run the government efficiently, but both sides of the aisle block his agenda.
It seems Democrats cannot get over their darling Hillary not being elected. Republicans cannot get over their favorite Jeb Bush not being nominated.
Time for term limits to get these career do-nothing bums off the taxpayer payroll.
BILL SCHEIDERER
Forrest City
Philosophy or action
Notice is made of Paul Spencer's candidacy for the 2nd District. A recent article states that he professes to be philosophically opposed to abortion, but considers Roe v. Wade and subsequent rulings as settled law, and by inference would make no effort to support countermanding legislation.
A history teacher at Catholic High, Mr. Spencer would recall the 1857 Dred Scott decision, which overturned the Missouri Compromise, declared that slaves could never become citizens, and pronounced slavery constitutional. By his reasoning, and had he run for Congress in 1860, I am sure he would been philosophically opposed to slavery, but would have made no effort to overturn settled law, thereby allowing slavery to continue.
Being philosophically opposed to something is fairly benign and meaningless unless you act upon such beliefs.
STEPHEN HOFFMANN
Little Rock
Election-fraud sleuths
The following parody is entirely fictitious.
"Sure, I can explain why our panel needs to collect more personal data on U.S. citizens. First, it's not a new idea. Someone told us that William the Conqueror did it in 1085, and for all we know, William Clinton did it too.
"Without getting too far out in the weeds, my takeaway is that while the optics may be poor, there's lots to unpack concerning voter fraud last year.
"Now here's the thing--despite expected blowback from all the sore losers who say there's no there there, we need to drill down into how dead illegals nearly elected a woman as president.
"That said, while everything is on the table, the reality is, we also need to double down on gathering voter-profile data to help assure that only real Americans are allowed to vote.
"Not to put too fine a point on it, let's make no mistake, at the end of the day, our panel's only goal is to move the needle in favor of fairness and transparency. And to provide a better litmus test for screening out undesirables.
"While our side does the heavy lifting of good government, the other side accuses us of throwing individual rights under the bus while they engage in politically problematic obstruction, kicking cans down the road, and masking reality with a plethora of empty clichés."
DAVID L. HENDERSON
Hot Springs Village
Military overspending
In last Sunday's Democrat-Gazette under the heading "How Arkansas' Congressional Delegation Voted," it was reported that the House of Representatives passed a bill that would fund the military for 2018 to the tune of $696 billion. It was noted in the report that $64.6 billion was allocated for "war-fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria and other theaters."
The U.S. military budget is the largest by far of any country in the world. In fact, ours is larger than the next seven countries combined. We have over 800 military bases scattered around the world. President Eisenhower warned us about the military-industrial complex when he left office. Well, it's here in spades.
How much of our wealth have we poured down that rat-hole known as the Middle East? It's well into the trillions, I'm sure, and there seems no end in sight. As long as we continue to be the policemen for the world and stick our nose into places and things that don't concern or in any way threaten the country, we will have to live with the budget that saps our economy and drains money from programs that benefit our citizens.
By the way, the bill passed by a vote of 344 to 81, so both parties are responsible. But the question must be asked: When is enough enough?
JON McQUIRTER
Hot Springs
Yuge accomplishment
Donald Trump has set a new low record on his approval as president for the first six months in office--36 percent. I knew you would be proud of yourself.
AL JANSSEN
Little Rock
Editorial on 07/23/2017