Letters

For the wrong reasons

I love the beauty of the Buffalo River. Been there many times, floated the river and stayed in cabins along the river. However, I do not agree with the denial of the C&H Hog Farms permit.

These people are responsible and deserve to keep their livelihood. This is just plain wrong, in my opinion. I believe this is politically motivated and being denied for all the wrong reasons.

ELAINE BURKS

Little Rock

Make yourself heard

I have served notice on my representative, my senator and the president that I am not going to vote for any political incumbent in Washington, D.C., until Congress and the president prepare and publish a complete list of all of the money this nation has spent on or given to foreign nations for the last 20 years, some of which are our enemies. Why?

I want to know each foreign nation, the dollar amount, the purpose, the total, why us, who authorized it. Have they paid it back? If not, why not? When can we expect repayment?

It seems many of these countries have been living off the U.S. since World War II, and they still feel that we should support them. Perhaps they can get China, the Middle East countries or Russia to help them.

One more thing: It is time for the U.S. to begin ridding ourselves of all of the foreign elements seeking the easy life with us. In addition to the usual suspects from Europe, Mexico and Central America, why are we allowing Muslims in? Do they know what these people intend? I believe they will when they establish Sharia law, but by then it will be too late. The last thing we need is a bunch of foreigners wanting to live off us.

Make certain that our president and Congress get the message, and do it ASAP. Make yourself heard.

WALTER SKELTON

Little Rock

Electoral rules matter

I get so tired of John Brummett calling Donald Trump our "second-place president." I wonder if John understands the rules. Obviously his candidate does not since she blames everything under the sun for her loss. You both might want to read the 12th Amendment to refresh your memories.

Imagine if we played sports that way. Suppose, after a loss, the winning football team was declared the second-place team because the losing team had gained more yards or made more first downs. Only the points scored matters. Each team understands that going in. I know the president understood the rules for sure. As much as you might like, you can't change the rules after the fact and declare a new winner. I can just imagine the media outcry if conservatives tried to pull that on a Democrat president. Rules are rules, as they say. If you want to change them, then do it within the framework of our Constitution. I know you claim to not like the rules. But I think what you really don't like is the result. Why not accept them and move on instead of constantly rubbing our noses in your displeasure with the outcome ... now over a year old?

Since we are the "United States" and not just the "state," the framers of the Constitution understood the dangers of electing a president based on a simple majority vote. Do we really want our leader to be elected solely by New York, California, Illinois, and a few others? We might as well tell the rest of the states to not bother voting. Try reading some history to understand the logic for the electoral college and then see if you still want to call the president "second-place."

I hope you can see the light and stop referring to the president this way. Hopefully you can then finally accept who the real second-place finisher is and stop the name-calling.

MARC WHITTLESEY

Bella Vista

An economic engine

UAMS is in trouble. It is having to lay off people or not hire in 600 staff positions. These are likely support staff who answer questions, do building maintenance, beautify the building hallways or grounds, transport patients, and make things run more smoothly. Then, reportedly a second round of cuts is coming for faculty who hold positions in teaching, research, biostatistics, grant writing, and translational medicine. Who does that leave: those people who are doing direct patient care where some form of insurance will pay, or researchers and their staff who are receiving mostly outside funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). UAMS will balance its budget by dropping every graceful note, every supportive service. Dust will accumulate in corners. Pictures will never rotate. Flowers will not be planted and trash will blow about the parking decks.

However, even worse than the aspect of an unloved and unlovely facility will be the loss of young investigators who have not managed to break into the difficult peer-review system of funding and all the college graduates in math, biology, and chemistry who will have to look outside Arkansas for a job.

If ever there was a need for the Legislature to step up and help an institution that is a major economic engine, a major employer, and a granter of improved quality of life for Arkansas, it is now.

NELL MATTHEWS

Little Rock

Make this a nice place

Happy New Year, Arkansans. I read the newspaper daily and am aware of much. It makes me sad and angry that we have many billionaires in our country who use foundations for their excess funds. Many market products manufactured in other countries at lower costs, yet the savings are not passed on to the consumer. Our country would benefit greatly by employment here. It would reach far and wide in an economic circle.

Our balance of trade is also affected by all of it. Look around you and see all the vehicles with foreign names. Not me--American brand, please. Many items in our homes and closets are made in other countries. Nice to give them work. What about us--the most important people in our country--American citizens?

It would be nice if employers helped immigrants become U.S. citizens. All benefit by the program. Living wages and work schedules to include benefits are a help to all. Less assistance to food programs, homeless, single parents would result greatly.

Yes, everyone needs to show love and respect for each other in home, work, in the store, in school, on the road. Just imagine how pleasant life could be with a smile, handshake and prayer. Join me in making our state a nice place to call home.

ANITA C. GATZKE

Little Rock

Editorial on 01/14/2018

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