I see irresponsibility
With all the recent and continuing reports of gun violence and accidents with firearms nationwide and in Arkansas, I have concerns about overall gun safety and common sense. Donald Trump has promised to overturn the Gun-Free School Zones Act as a "favor" to the gun industry.
Is this what Americans want at elementary, middle, high schools and on college campuses?
Other than security details, I doubt the White House allows concealed-carry. Mar-a-Lago and other Trump properties are gun-free zones. I see irresponsibility and hypocrisy in this Trump decision.
STEVE WOLFINGER
Little Rock
A great deal, trust me
Thank God President Trump recognized the need to throw out bad trade deals to replace them with ones that put "America first." Perhaps soon U.S. consumers may await with bated breath and culinary delight the arrival of the first pre-cooked Chinese chicken. Once minor "concerns over safety and hygiene" are worked out, unsuspecting Americans can begin chompin' and chewin' Chinese chickin that will be available (probably unidentified) at their favorite fast-food eateries and grocers.
It's reported that our able Senators Boozman and Cotton are trying to add a rider to the deal that would mandate use of Arkansas chicken. Such big international deals benefit all; picture big cargo containers of frozen Arkansas chicken clipping along to China to be chopped, cooked, chilled, and returned to unsuspecting consumers here. It's a win-win situation.
On a positive note, the Chinese chicken will likely be non-GMO, and gluten-free.
GARY GROGAN
Hot Springs
Trump win a blessing
Some people are mad because Trump won. I'm glad he won. I look at President Trump as a blessing from God to punish the Republicans for how badly they treated President Obama.
I remember one morning I woke up. It was a bright, sunny day. I went back to sleep and woke up later. It was so dark I could not see a thing and I was soaking wet with sweat. The first thing that crossed my mind was that I've died and gone to the wrong place. What happened when I was asleep? I pulled the covers over my head and when I realized what had happened I rolled out of bed so fast the cover and me hit the floor. I never slept in that bed again. When I would have over company I would let them sleep in that bed. I never told him what happened to me.
This woman said to me, by you being a black man is there anything a person can do or say to you that will surprise you? I said, yes, if they call me a child of God or tell me to go to heaven. She asked why it would surprise me. I said it never happened before, but I've been called a sinner and told to go to hell.
HENRY GOODLOE
Pine Bluff
Keep records public
Until recently, online records for United States Department of Agriculture-licensed dog breeders were available to the public. This information, public and paid for by taxpayers, helps consumers find out more about commercial dog breeders, horse trainers and owners, roadside zoos, and similar information.
In January, these records were no longer available online. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) relies on these records that contain information for approximately 9,000 animal facilities. Instead of having immediate online access, the HSUS will be required to submit Freedom of Information Act requests to the USDA, which may take weeks or months to process.
Pet stores selling puppies will have a difficult, if not impossible, time complying with laws requiring them to know where the puppies came from. This means puppy-mill operators will be "under the radar" and the USDA won't be maintaining any records about them.
The USDA says its decision to take down the records is "not final." Some annual reports have been restored, but this represents a fraction of the information once available. Records for most dog breeders and for all horse trainers remain hidden.
If you care anything about animals, please contact your U.S. representatives and senators to ask them to have the USDA restore all animal-welfare inspection reports and records. To accept this as it now stands is unconscionable.
JO K. JOHNSON
Maumelle
Decision is not ours
The readers may have missed it, but the Independent Citizens Commission met a few days ago. This little group--Larry Ross, Chuck Banks, Barbara Graves, Stuart Hill, Brenda James, Mitch Berry and Stephen Tipton--are the unelected super-group that took over the onerous chore of determining the salary and benefits of some of our public servants. This was once done by the Legislature itself, but you-the-people by a majority vote changed all that. Even though there are seven members, only four showed up. It was a call from our Supreme Court wanting a raise. They wanted 11 percent, but got 2 percent. They will survive. Note that the record shows that only the chief justice of the high court and a representative of the Arkansas Judicial Council did any talking.
As it turns out, the high judges got a nice raise two years ago, the chief justice knocking down $180,000 and the others $166,500 each. Now they want an increase to $199,800 and $184,815 respectively. You will be delighted that a decision was delayed until all seven could make it, which will be either June 19, 20 or 21.
Stay tuned; I can hardly wait. I get a warm fuzzy just thinking about it. And the relief now that we don't have to worry about such matters is just perfect. We are so lucky.
WALTER SKELTON
Little Rock
Editorial on 05/20/2017