Freedom of the press
Evidently, over 300 newspapers across the country responded to the Boston Globe's request to speak out in editorials Thursday about the importance of freedom of the press in a democratic country, and to counter President Trump's thoughtless vilification of the legitimate press as "the enemy of the people" (a very Soviet expression).
And, here in Arkansas--from the state's largest newspaper, the award-winning Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (as you say in your promos)? Nothing.
That really is pathetic when a newspaper won't even stand up with others in its industry to defend the right to print news and opinion unfettered by government censorship. It is your livelihood, and a constitutional right that is absolutely critical to maintaining our democracy.
Who are you afraid of offending? Don't you actually believe in press freedom? That's a previously unthinkable, but legitimate, question now. As your favorite demagogue would tweet: "Sad!"
ROBERT WOOD
Little Rock
Need dose of honesty
This is the truth. Our country is in great distress. We have become, both literally and figuratively, fat and weak and bankrupt. We have become a gross caricature of the worst aspects of ourselves, bitterly squabbling over tribal divisions, while the once beautiful home we built together burns down around us. For decades, sitting on our couches, we have watched and waited for someone else to come along and do all the hard work for us.
It is time for us to take responsibility for our country. Until we stand united, hold hands with our neighbors, and each sincerely ask once again, "What can I sacrifice for America?" we will continue to write our own nation's obituary, minute by minute.
Words, wants, and wishes do not build a strong country. Blood, sweat, and tears do. This is the truth. If we choose not to acknowledge it now, we will be unable to ignore it soon.
BENJAMIN HEMINGWAY
Little Rock
Clearances revoked
President Trump has revoked former CIA Director John Brennan's security clearance. The president claims to have a unique constitutional responsibility to protect the nation's classified information. I agree wholeheartedly with him.
He stated that, to fulfill that responsibility, John Brennan's security clearance must be revoked because Mr. Brennan's lying and recent conduct characterized by increasingly frenzied commentary is wholly inconsistent with access to the nation's most closely held secrets.
I would suggest that Mr. Trump review some of his own recent comments and apply the same aforementioned reasons to revoke clearances to himself. It may be the appropriate time for him to actually do something for the good of the country and revoke his own clearance.
RANDY BLAKEY
Cabot
Remove that statue
I have taken it upon myself to show a diverging viewpoint on the possibility of the pagan and/or Satanic statue becoming a permanent fixture at our Capitol. There have been many cases in recent days exposing crimes such as sex trafficking, child trafficking, and pedophilia. Those crimes are too terrible to even imagine, but they are real and much too commonplace in our society. That being said, I do not think any morally upright person would extol, promote, uplift, or represent those crimes as positive or something to admire.
This new statue offers a vision of a couple of children at the feet of some god and as such I think it alludes to those previously mentioned crimes, albeit slyly. It has long been a belief that Satanic and pagan cults have been involved in such crimes, not to mention the possibility of actual ritual sacrifices involving children.
So the viewpoint I hold is that this statue should not be allowed to stay at our Capitol, or anywhere else for that matter, as it can be perceived to extol or exonerate such crimes. As I patrol the news lately I see more and more stories of such crimes and I believe this statue should be fairly dismissed from the grounds of the Capitol on the basis that it promotes specific crimes and violence. That would not be a religious decision, but rather a logical, common-sensical, and most importantly, an appropriately lawful decision.
I do not intend to mislead, as a man of faith; I find this statue to be totally abhorrent on a completely different level. But also, as a patriot who loves our Constitution, I do try to be fair when it comes to the rights and freedoms we all have in this country. I just don't think this statue makes the cut, no matter how you look at it, and I believe it should be removed immediately.
MIKE KNAPPLE
Van Buren
Proud of your stance
Kudos for taking "a pass" with your "day late in the groupthink effort." By not succumbing to the sudden desire to jump on board with the masses shows courage and journalistic professionalism. Your reminder that "Groupthink ... leads to mob action [and] bandwagon bias" is spot-on.
While 300-plus newspapers across this nation suddenly--as if by decree from the almighty--decided to take on President Trump, it merely showed their lack of insight, serious thought and contempt.
Yes, "some in the media have gone overboard and lost their sense of proportion and perspective." Fortunately, this newspaper chose otherwise and did not simply follow the lemmings over the cliff. And, yes, you should "criticize POTUS when it becomes necessary." That's what editorial writers do. They do not, however, schedule, coordinate or concoct criticism.
As you so eloquently said, "the only time readers want to hear the Voice of God ... is when it's God." Amen.
Again, kudos to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, its publisher and editorial writers for standing tall. Arkansas is proud of you.
BETH FRENCH GIPSON
Sheridan
Editorial on 08/21/2018