Southern hospitality
I recently had an unexpected experience on a phone call with the Arkansas DMV office in Little Rock. The person I spoke to--she gave her name as Jordan--was not only courteous and helpful, she was actually cheerful as she assisted me in registering a car I had purchased from another state.
She walked me through the process and took care of me in a matter of minutes, and ended by saying, "Is there anything else I can help with? You have a great day!"
I'm aware of the stereotype of government employees being impatient and sometimes even rude, so I thought my experience was worth sharing. Thanks, Arkansas DMV, for serving the public with efficiency, courtesy and some Southern hospitality to boot.
DANNY REDING
Lowell
New use for Dogpatch
As a lifelong angler and Arkansan, I urge the Arkansas Game And Fish Commission to act swiftly to purchase the former Dogpatch USA property in Newton County, which was recently again placed for sale.
That property should become the state's first spring-fed trout park, much like the similar and very popular state parks in Missouri, such as Roaring River State Park.
To be clear, I don't have a direct economic interest in the state purchasing the property. Rather, I was born in Harrison and my family lived at Dogpatch when it was still called Marble Falls. As a child, I recall the spring and lake there housed trout that attracted tourists and locals alike--including my grandpa. Those trout inspired me to become a fly fishing guide, which I do proudly on the White River.
Today, those old trout-rearing pens are sadly empty. The Dogpatch mill pond is still full of cold spring water, but no trout swim above the lonely waterfall. All that could change if Game and Fish used its tax-funded coffers to purchase the land and restore it to its trout-fishing heyday.
Beyond trout and tourism, such a park would be a clear economic boon for the struggling Newton County economy and surrounding area.
I'm certain I'm not the first or only person to suggest using the Dogpatch USA property as a state trout park. Still, I hope Game and Fish puts serious thought into the idea, despite the enormous expense and logistical challenges with starting a new state park.
JASON HARMON
Buffalo City
About time all did it
Here in Arkansas County, we are so happy to see the rest of the state of Arkansas catching up with the voter photo ID laws. In the past four nationwide elections, I have been told by the poll workers here in Stuttgart that it is a requirement that I present a photo ID in order to vote and that I would not be allowed to vote without it. I wonder how many others were turned away.
Ahhhh--the warm feel of democracy.
STEVE KIMES
Stuttgart
By that logic, then ...
If this president can repeal parts of the 14th Amendment by executive order, can the next president repeal the Second Amendment? Just saying.
HOWARD GARRISON
Hot Springs Village
About school choice
In response to the teacher who stated her child was no better than anyone else's and no one's child is better than hers, that statement has nothing to do with parents choosing a school for their child. I do not know anyone that is not as good as I am, but I know many who are much better than I am. Well, heck, on any given day, one of my children is better than the other three. My life is full of people better than I am, more gentle, kinder, more thoughtful, slower to express anger--I could go on and on, but that should have nothing to do with parents and their choice of school for their children.
For some years my children went to private school, while I, at the public school teacher's request, tutored math in her classroom. We went without many material things at that time for the education we wanted. My tax money should have gone with my children, but it didn't.
Today, in Arkansas, I am free to buy the car I want, choose the movies I watch, eat at any restaurant I can afford, but shouldn't choose my child's school??
When I needed a total hip replacement, my doctor said choose any surgeon, as long as he performs at least 100 hip replacements a year. He did not say any surgeon will do. Is the education of my child not as important as a medical procedure?
I have a grandson who teaches in the public school system, and another who teaches in a private school setting. They both love their chosen profession and work hard to help their students build a productive future as good citizens. It is not their job to choose schools for the parents of their students.
Yes, if teaching is my gift, then I do try to teach and certainly encourage and support those who do. But not choose their schools.
MARY ANN VANCE
Morrilton
Stand for what's right
Rep. French Hill and Sens. Tom Cotton and John Boozman: I am writing to express grave concern with the resignation of Jeff Sessions and the reassignment of Rod Rosenstein. This appears to be a transparent abuse of power to derail a critical investigation into the interference of a foreign power in our affairs, and those who may have deliberately enabled it, which we need to protect constitutional American democracy.
I implore you to do anything in your power to protect the integrity of this process and assure us that Robert Mueller can continue to do his job unfettered by partisan political considerations.
I believe the future of the GOP as a credible and viable party depends on its ability to stand up for what is right over what is expedient, even to the point of resisting inappropriate demands of our current president.
Thank you for your consideration.
VIKKI STEFANS
Little Rock
Editorial on 11/13/2018