Columnist’s humor helps during a difficult period
It’s so much fun to read humorous takes on a situation that is anything but humorous. Gary Smith’s piece, “The work-from-home diaspora” [March 27], was spot on to what most people are experiencing in these tough times.
Thanks, Gary, for a great start to another day of self-distancing!
PEGGY GROSS
Fayetteville
Deal should be pursued
in troubled legal case
I recently read in the paper that Mauricio Torres is scheduled for a third trial. At this point, I have to wonder why.
Let me make it clear at the outset, Mauricio Torres is a despicable individual who deserves whatever he gets. However, I question whether life in prison without parole as a child molester isn’t a worse fate than the death penalty. Indeed, it may well better fit the crime than putting him to death.
His wife took a deal and we were spared the expense of a trial and appeals in her case. I have seen nothing that would indicate he has been offered such a deal or that he wouldn’t take it. Clearly the time he has spent in jail awaiting trial has been hard on him as far as food. He’s at least half the man I saw in the courthouse soon after his arrest.
At this point, it appears to me a third trial, as opposed to a plea deal, will happen for political appearances.
There was at the onset a question about Arkansas’ legal foundation for the capital murder charge, which is why the first conviction was overturned. The action that resulted in the child’s death occurred in Missouri. In spite of that, the action was brought here. That decision seemed motivated by political posturing. A plea deal will bring this matter to an end.
A third trial will not only incur the cost of the trial, but also of the appeals that will surely follow, and who knows, maybe the need for a fourth trial. Let’s put Torres where he belongs and needs to stay for the rest of his miserable life.
W. MARSHALL PRETTYMAN
West Fork
Government giving
begins with taking
While I am thankful for the help and relief being announced recently from Washington and designed to benefit those in need, there remains a concern about misplaced adulation of our elected officials.
The members of Congress and the administration who identify as self-anointed purveyors of the public largesse should be reminded of the wisdom of Winston Churchill: “There is nothing government can give you that they haven’t already taken from you in the first place.”
SKIP HOLLAND
Fayetteville