Consider the middle
I just finished reading the week's column by Walter E. Williams on the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette editorial page. The column was titled "Diversity and exclusion." Mr. Williams discusses what he presents as the overwhelming number of left-leaning professorial types found in colleges and universities, and how these intellectually infused people are influencing the opinions of our young folks. He cites some statistics, showing how, in his opinion, there really isn't diversity in the halls of academia across America. However, there is exclusion of diverse thought, to the point that the scales are continually leaning to the left.
Mr. Williams' piece begs the question: What's wrong with the "middle"? Isn't balance a preferable state? Doesn't it provide for a more open, insightful and intellectually mature vision for considering all views? Wouldn't it make for a better model for our politicians to follow, and our society to function in these United States of America?
As the song goes, "Why don't you just meet me in the middle?"
HOSEA LONG
Little Rock
Standing up for Sarah
How disappointed I was to read Assistant Editor Brenda Looper's column on Wednesday. She had the opportunity to talk about how disrespectful Michelle Wolf's comments about Sarah Sanders were, but instead she chose (as always) to chastise our president on his choice to not attend. She wrote about members of the "Trump administration" who walked out.
So Brenda, what about Sarah Sanders, who was viciously and disgustingly attacked, who sat in her seat and never walked out? Did you forget to mention that? Of course you did because you are never going to give this amazing woman the respect and ovation she deserves because she is not of your political affiliation. Shame on you, Brenda. Shame on you for not standing up and supporting Sarah. How do you look yourself in the mirror? Hypocrite!
JANET DAVIS
Little Rock
On teachers striking
While I certainly applaud everyone's right to protest, I wonder if the striking teachers are being paid for the days they choose not to attend to their students. I've not seen this mentioned in the news media (print, electronic, etc.) But I am sure as you read this you will want to know the answer.
JIM LITE
White Hall
Local arts can thrive
As a frequent Arkansas Repertory Theatre patron, I am saddened of The Rep's current financial problems. However, it is unfair to blame decreased ticket sales over the past few years to the success of this one year's Celebrity Attraction shows. Yes, The Lion King was a sold-out show, but the attending audience was family-heavy and may have had little interest in The Rep's 2017-2018 season. The predominately African American cast of The Lion King may have drawn similar interest as the movie Black Panther. For many young children in attendance, this may have been their first live theater experience. A positive theater experience at The Lion King means that family audiences may be more likely to attend future shows like The Rep's past productions of Elf, Because of Winn-Dixie, or The Little Mermaid. It's a win-win situation.
I am certain that The Rep will emerge from its financial ashes an invigorated and sustainable theater. Why? Because of the outpouring of support within days of its announcement. Because Fayetteville's TheatreSquared has thrived among the Walton Art Center's offerings of touring Broadway shows. Because of the continued success of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, Ballet Arkansas, Praeclara, Opera in the Rock, and other performing arts groups. Because despite disparaging comments about community theater and the paucity of hired Rep actors with Arkansas roots, the area community theaters have shown support for The Rep. Because the Arkansas Art Center has recently re-conceptualized its vision in order to move forward while holding on to its past. Because of the many locally owned restaurants, art galleries, and small performing venues in Little Rock.
All of this provides fertile ground for sustainable local arts that collaborate and engage with all aspects of its community. Viva La Rep!
MARIA CASTRO
Little Rock
Help it back to its feet
I was the featured dancer in the first performance of the Arkansas Repertory Theatre 42 years ago. It was Bertolt Brecht's Threepenny Opera.
I have been privileged to perform in about a dozen musicals over the first years of this magnificent theater's run. That has been one of the highlights of my life.
Now The Rep is in dire straits. I'm asking all those who care about it to send a generous donation to get The Rep back on its feet, dancing and performing again.
GAIL BOGARD
North Little Rock
Letter of the Month
Editor's note: The Letter of the Month for April was originally published April 21.
Our eminent leader
By way of deduction, reader Ed Hancock opines that "our eminent leader wouldn't know the truth if it bit him in the ischial tuberosity." I propose that is not a possible scenario under any circumstances.
Given that the ischial tuberosity is effectively covered by the gluteus maximus when standing, one could presume biting this particular area of the anatomy to be impossible. Conversely, when by the process of sitting the ischial tuberosity actually is uncovered, it nonetheless is rendered inaccessible because the platform used for seating would prohibit access--so it appears to me Eminent Leader can rest easy of the likelihood of this scenario ever becoming reality.
JAMES BARRÉ
Little Rock
Editorial on 05/04/2018