That isn't a racial slur
The latest accusations against President Trump by some news media is that he used a racial slur in reference to Sen. Elizabeth Warren while speaking with World War II code-talkers of the Navajo Nation; he called her "Pocahontas."
Why wasn't the name Pocahontas a racial slur when Disney Studios used it as the name of an animated movie? Why isn't the name Pocahontas a racial slur when the history books recorded the love story of the Powhatan Indian princess and Captain John Smith in historic Jamestown, Va.? Pocahontas was actually a nickname meaning "playful one"; her real name was "Amonute."
President Trump did make an error is calling the senator Pocahontas, though; in my view, she's certainly no princess.
DAVID WEAVER
Sherwood
Aided climate change
I was so discouraged to read in this newspaper that a University of Michigan professor thought the earth had already passed the tipping point of no return and our climate system has changed irreversibly.
Even more disheartening is the number of cars and trucks I passed by in parking lots this summer with engines idling. Some of the occupants appeared to be eating lunch or reading books. Others were talking on cell phones, checking/sending messages, charging batteries, or using WiFi. In other idling cars or trucks, the driver was not in the vehicle, but other adults and children were. Sometimes there were dogs in idling vehicles, but no driver. Often the vehicles were still idling when I returned to my car.
Our personal vehicles are a major cause of climate change. An idling vehicle's tailpipe emits carbon dioxide and other global-warming gases that contribute to smog. If wasting money and pollution don't provide enough reasons to avoid unnecessary idling, many states now have laws against it. I would like to see Arkansas become one of them.
BETTY HUNT
North Little Rock
Light pollution rising
I just read in your paper a wire story which asserts that "light pollution" is on the rise, and is environmentally damaging. It seems that the night is no longer dark enough for many of earth's creatures.
If you live in or near the city, when was the last time you were able to view the Milky Way, or see the Big Dipper?
Outdoor lighting should be directed downward so that we don't light up the whole night sky. And while we're on the subject, how about cutting back on those garish lights on the square? It seems every town is competing to see who can have the brightest lights. Seriously, how many more lights are we going to cram into the available space?
"Boo," you say, "what a downer!" No, here's a constructive suggestion. Next year let's have an "old-fashioned" theme. About 10 percent as much light, accompanied by some greenery.
Light pollution is a problem. Where are the environmentalists on this one?
MILTON JONES
West Fork
A lesson on our debt
Back in the olden days under Barack Obama, Republicans insisted on a balanced budget. They bemoaned the fate of future generations saddled with national debt. Politicians compared government to a business, and the federal budget to a household budget.
Yet most households also live with debt: mortgages on our houses, cars on the installment plan, and Christmas gifts on our credit cards. About 40 million of us hold student loan debt adding up to $1.2 trillion. The problem for either household or government is in getting overextended.
One big difference between households and government is that the latter makes war. The national debt grew the most under two wartime presidents, Woodrow Wilson and Franklin Roosevelt. The U.S. military is by far the largest in the world and now accounts for over half of all U.S. discretionary spending. Our nation is currently involved in from five to over 100 wars, depending on your definition. Maybe we're overextended?
By several estimates, Donald Trump's budget plan would add $10 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. The former fiscal conservatives say that's OK because the economy will now grow like a magic bean. This claim has been put forth over and over for 35 years. It is "trickle-down economics" or, in the words of President George H.W. Bush, "voodoo economics." It is a propaganda fantasy.
How can you trust people who drop their principles as soon as they get into power?
CORALIE KOONCE
Springdale
Class versus classless
Thank you, Coach Bielema: You are a class act while dealing with a classless UA administration. You improved the student athletic classroom performance, you kept the university violation-free, and you won the respect of your players and their families. You are a class act.
A dark contrast exists between you and the interim athletic director and administration. It seems the administration can't even agree or calculate your buyout correctly.
If any Razorback fan read or heard the interim AD's press announcement, it was pathetic. Is this really the spokesperson we want recruiting and interviewing coaches for Arkansas?
Perhaps it's time to drain the Hog pen, starting with the interim AD before any further embarrassing press announcements.
God bless you, Coach Bielema, and your family.
MORRIS POLSTON
Hot Springs Village
Editorial on 11/29/2017