Hopelessly devoted
It was with interest that I read a column by Phil Martin on Tuesday, the entire thesis of which was that he never smoked much dope, but that other people might have.
Believing that the readership might enjoy an entire column devoted to that subject could possibly be considered evidence that he smoked more than he thought.
CONNIE MESKIMEN
Hot Springs
Need to trust process
There has been lots of talk, after the Arkansas Razorbacks finished the 2018 football season 2-10, that Coach Chad Morris isn't the right man for the job. We need to trust the process.
It was a long season that saw Ty Storey emerge as the starter with a great game against Eastern Illinois to open the season. Then, against Colorado State, the quarterback controversy was again a question, as Cole Kelley replaced Storey after a dismal first half. He led the Hogs to a 27-9 lead, only to see the 0-2 Rams score 25 unanswered points to win 34-27.
The next week the Hogs were blown out by North Texas 44-17, and people were already calling for Morris to be fired.
We need to trust the process. Anytime there's a coaching change in the SEC, it takes time to rebuild a program.
Bobby Petrino went 5-7 his first season. His last year the Hogs were 11-2, won the Cotton Bowl, and finished No. 5 in the final rankings. Not only do we have a new coach with a new system, we also have a new athletic director.
The football program was in turmoil at the end of last season. We lost senior quarterback Austin Allen, and Coach Morris had to figure out which quarterback could best run his offense at least temporarily.
You also have to consider we play in the toughest division of the toughest conference in college football.
Win or lose, everyone loves the Hogs. Attendance was down, but it will be back up. Even in the cold pouring rain, over 51,000 packed War Memorial in Little Rock to see the Hogs play Ole Miss.
Give Chad Morris time and trust the process.
MICHAEL HARGIS
Fayetteville
Farewell to president
It's with great sadness that we lost a great patriot, veteran, true friend and a strong believer in Jesus Christ. Likewise, he believed in heaven. This person is former President George H.W. Bush.
Back in 1988, his wife Barbara came to El Dorado to campaign for her husband. The downtown merchants were there to greet her. One of the merchants gave her some muffins and other treats to take on the plane with her. Barbara passed away back at the early part of this year.
Their son, George W. Bush, came to El Dorado and spoke to the high school students.
Their memory will linger on forever. Now they are both reunited in heaven, along with their daughter. There are riches in heaven like a glorified body, a robe and a crown, not to mention a mansion not made with human hands.
DONALD PUTMAN
El Dorado
Taking a stand to sit
I recently became aware of new legislation in California that I believe should be recognized on a larger scale across the country.
Are you sitting down? If so, that means you and thousands of others have the opportunity to now sit on the job.
In 2016, California's Supreme Court ruled in favor of the people, declaring that employers must allow suitable seating options for employees. That is, if the tasks can be performed while mostly remaining seated, and if the space allows for a chair or stool. Cashiers to bank tellers around the state now have the option to take a load off for longer than the scheduled 15- to 30-minute breaks allotted by most employers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, close to 3 million people in the U.S. work in customer service fields.
I think anyone that has ever worked retail or customer service can relate to the harsh physical demands these jobs entail and can appreciate why this legislation is so groundbreaking in the fight for workers' rights.
So, the question is, why is California the only state to rule on this subject? Standing employees are not always equivalent to alert, professional, and productive employees. It is time to take a stand to let us sit!
ALLYSON BOWEN
Fayetteville
Reason we celebrate
At this time of year and as I go around the Fayetteville area, I see many displays celebrating Christmas, but I am concerned that it seems people here have forgotten the real reason we celebrate Christmas.
As I go through the city, I see many displays of what people have put out to celebrate the Christmas season. I am concerned that the celebrations do not display the real meaning of Christmas. I see many displays of snowmen, Santa Clauses, elves, reindeer, lights: I see little of the real reason of Christmas.
I see no Nativity scenes or displays of Jesus, who is the real meaning of the season. All I see is people celebrating, and the only time I see the real celebrating of the season is in church.
God is still in control and we must not forget that.
RAY E. POYNTER
Fayetteville
Editorial on 12/08/2018