Letters

Slice of American pie

I note that the "What we all deserve" letter by Katherine Tucker closes with the sentence, "We all deserve at least a small slice of the American pie."

Did she consider upfront as to just who is going to furnish this pie?

ALFRED KAHLER

Little Rock

Rescind dicamba ban

I am a proud Arkansas farmer in Marion. From early mornings to late nights, I work hard to provide for my family. Farming is my life and my livelihood.

Many farmers, including myself, need an option to control weed pressure, which is the biggest hurdle we face each season. As I researched and planned for this year's growing season, I decided to purchase many dicamba-resistant seeds for my soybeans because I knew dicamba herbicide was a legally available product in Arkansas to help me battle pigweed. As of July 11, a 120-day statewide dicamba herbicide ban went into effect and I, along with other farmers, were not only at a disadvantage for the end of our spraying season, but potentially next season as well.

The need for new technologies continues to be important to farmers as weeds become resistant. With anything new, there is always a learning curve, but instead of turning our backs on new technologies, we need to work together to find a solution that would protect all of Arkansas' farmers. To date, we are the only state in the nation to implement a dicamba herbicide ban on current dicamba technology for an extended period of time.

Please do not deprive me and the hundreds of other Arkansas farmers that need dicamba applications to provide for our families and our communities. I urge you to consider contacting your local state representatives to ensure this dicamba herbicide ban does not become permanent.

FRANKLIN FOGELMAN

Marion

Will honor oath taken

The recent events in Charlottesville were terrifying. Much has been said and written about white supremacists, the klan and neo-Nazis. I do not support their views or doctrine. However, I do put blame on both sides including Black Lives Matter, Antifa and other bigoted racist leftist groups.

I believe to put the blame on them (alt-right) is simply wrong, for the liberal socialists of the left have shown by their actions and words that they are bigoted and racist, having committed violent actions in their rioting, attacks and injury of those who disagree their views.

I feel that President Trump was correct that both sides share blame. I do not agree with either side but consider myself independent. I am neither a Democrat or Republican.

I served three tours in Vietnam because I support America, its legal citizens (not legal but a criminal by law) and the Constitution as written by our founding fathers over any other nation, any other people, or any other government. I honor the oath I took on enlistment in the Army to defend America, its citizens and our Constitution against enemies foreign or domestic. There are millions more that honor that oath.

WAYNE KNOWLES

Shannon Hills

Save flag from bigotry

Being a veteran and a retired U.S. Navy petty officer, I did not vote for Donald Trump because he is a draft dodger. And all draft dodgers are cowards. And all cowards are liars. These are self-evident truths I have come to trust.

The past seven months have proved my judgment sound. Now the draft-dodger-in-chief claims there are some "fine people" among Nazis and Ku Klux Klowns rioting in the streets. Clearly, the man is unfit for duty. My core values, as a veteran, are offended beyond recovery.

But as disgusting as this is, I am also dismayed to see the opposite side setting out to further divide our nation. I am speaking of one NFL player's plan to disgrace his team by sitting during the national anthem. And I fear a replay of last year's Razorbacks parroting this display. Ballplayers, know that when you "sit it out" or "take a knee," you are surrendering your flag to the Ku Klux Klowns and alt-right thugs. You also abdicate your voice as your act will close down those you are trying to reach.

As a Navy corpsman I have seen more than a few men, black men and white, give their life for that flag. I guarantee you will lose my ear forever if you dishonor our flag.

But what if you, the players, hold that flag yourself? Parade the colors and post them at the opening of the game? Then lead the anthem. Forcing all eyes to recognize that you have as much right as any to hold and possess that flag. That you are not going to surrender it to some slobbering fool carrying a swastika in one hand and a pacifier in other.

To stand and tell America that you are holding, and keeping, your flag safe from those that would defile it with bigotry.

Don't let the draft-dodger-in-chief win and take your flag away. He would also love to see us further divided; please do not abet him.

BUDDY BOYD

Eureka Springs

Must rely on ourselves

I believe most of America has known what Donald Trump is for well over a year now. We all now know that our president will not defend us against the enemies of our nation. He is firmly marching in lockstep with the groups who want to eliminate anyone who does not share their fascist ideology, including eliminating our democracy itself.

We cannot rely on him at all. We must rely on each other. We must pressure the people that we can. We must thank those who have used their influence to speak for us. Write, call and fax your representatives. Send encouragement to the CEOs and the organizations who are standing against the darkness that is the Republican right.

MARK EASTBURN

Eureka Springs

To the least of these

Should our elected officials involve themselves in the political dispute in New Mexico regarding the posting of the Ten Commandments, rather than the full-time job at home trying to live by them?

How about a little more of the "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" spirit, and protect the children and adults in Arkansas who for the first time in their lives have insurance? Repeal greed and replace it with the Golden Rule.

GLENNETTE HANCOCK

Lonoke

Editorial on 08/20/2017

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