Monuments continue
to remind of past’s evils
How sad it is to see monuments and memorials that have stood for over a hundred years have to be relocated and, even worse, destroyed. These monuments and memorials have been near and dear to hearts of countless thousands of people (the politicians should keep that in mind) for generations. But no one seems to want to consider their feelings.
The others say they want these things gone because they are a reminder that this country once enslaved people. Well, I say good — leave these things to remind us that there was a time when people were enslaved in this country so that it will never be repeated. There is an old saying that “those who will not learn from the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat those mistakes.” But, there are those today who want to erase that memory. Does that mean, then, that we just might, at some distant date in the future, enslave other people once again? Auschwitz, and other places, have been preserved. Memorials have been erected to that terrible time in the history of the world. Holocaust museums have been built (we have one in D.C.). All of this to preserve the memory of this terrible time. The Jewish people want these things preserved because, as they say, “Lest we forget.”
One thing more. For those who want to destroy these memorials, remember many are being made angry over the destruction of these memorials and statues that they hold near and dear to their hearts. Those memorials and statues that you hold near and dear to your hearts are also vulnerable. Let the courts handle this. And if they have to be removed, let the authorities do it.
RONALD HAGEN
Fayetteville
School should be renamed
to avoid racist message
It has been rumored that Springdale Public Schools intends to change the name of Robert E. Lee Elementary. It’s about time! This racist symbol needs to be removed from the taxpayer-funded institution. There is no place for this in the diverse population currently being served in our area or in American as a whole.
My hope is that our local media will take on this movement and help to make a difference. As a former employee of the school system, I have emailed the school board but have received no reply. There must be support for this and the media needs to help by asking the right questions, spearheading a just cause, and eliminating yet another racist scourge.
MARK NEWMAN
Lowell
New health care bill will have ‘devastating effects’
Thirty-two million residents stand to lose heath coverage. Insurance companies will discriminate based upon preexisting conditions. Cost will increase by 20 percent. If over age 50, five times this amount and women who wish to have children will pay more than men. Medicaid to states could loose $4 trillion for nursing home care [and] care for children with mental and physical disabilities.
This bill will have devastating effects for Americans of all ages.
LYNDA COWAN
Rogers