A stain on conscience
As a concerned citizen, I am writing in regards to the scheduled execution of Arkansas death row prisoner Jack Greene. I am shocked to hear that our state would pursue the execution of a man as severely ill as Jack Greene. I agree that carrying out such an execution would be a stain on the whole state’s conscience. After all, the death penalty serves no legitimate purpose if the person being executed does not understand why he is being put to death.
At the very least, Arkansas should allow Jack Greene a hearing to examine his competency to be executed. I hope those who still have the power to intervene in Mr. Greene’s case will do so and ensure that the state does not carry out the execution of this mentally ill man in our names.
BEN WRIGHT
Hot Springs
About corporate taxes
I can support Donald Trump’s proposal to cut corporate income taxes, but I think that a cut to 20 percent is too steep. I question, however, his assertion that it would lead corporations that collectively have $5 trillion or more (his version) “sitting offshore” to bring those dollars back to the United States to spur economic growth. Many economic experts contend that the actual total is under $3 trillion. I have doubts that these corporations, which I presume are currently paying zero percent in corporate taxes, would be eager to return so that they can pay 20 percent. It makes me wonder how Wal-Mart, with headquarters still in Arkansas, continues as the world’s leading retailer with such confiscatory corporate tax rates. Republicans love the word “confiscatory” when they speak of taxes on corporations and the rich.
OK, forget taxes. Trump ignores a major factor in the defection of many of these corporations to other nations, which involves the far cheaper labor costs that they can obtain outside the United States. I’ll use an example from the automobile industry. The following are average hourly wages paid to auto workers in three nations in which such workers receive the lowest pay in U.S. dollars: China $5.19, Mexico $3.29, and India $1.09 (source: Wall Street Journal). American auto workers get an average of around $40 an hour plus benefits such as retirement and health insurance. The same wage conditions prevail in other industries worldwide. These corporations will not be returning to us.
ED CHESS
Little Rock
Bumbling into history
I keep wondering if I could possibly be any more embarrassed by the president, and constantly am seeing him treat others, including those who work for him, with contempt and scorn. Wait, that’s giving him too much credit. A 3-year-old could act better most of the time.
I know nothing I say will ever change the minds of the true believers, but you would think they’d eventually realize that if every news source but his favored ones is carrying a story, there might be something to it. Insisting that the only real news comes from him—a man who has been documented as a serial liar—is just nuts and shows no understanding of how the real world and real media work.
LML TERRELL
Dayton
Promises unfulfilled
Claiming love of flag now, Donald Trump got five deferments from Vietnam service. He never saw carnage and horror of war. Thousands of black folk fought and died for the same rights as their fellow white soldiers. The life of my older brother was saved by a black medic in Korea.
Now I ask those critical of “taking a knee for equality”: Where were you when Bull Connor’s police dogs were chewing on the knees of black veterans who’d fought for the rights they were trying to exercise? In their white skins, how can they possibly know how a black person feels as he watches his rights eroded by his government, and he’s supposedly equal ?
This president seems not to realize the flag is a symbol. Blacks fought for what it symbolizes in all American wars since the Revolution, yet have been consistently denied what they fought for since then. This president shows apparent white supremacist sympathies and a woefully inadequate realization of black contributions to this country and the freedoms promised to all equally. Kneeling as a form of protest has a long and honored history in this country, but this president does not evidence much knowledge of this country’s history.
So he, like so many others, thinks kneeling is disrespectful of American values. Why can’t they see it is only a peaceful way of saying this nation in not equally fulfilling its promises?
KARL HANSEN
Hensley
Time to talk about it
I believe it is time to talk about guns. Fall and winter seasons are prime hunting months for many Americans. It is a time for a pleasant hobby. It provides a source of food too.
People of many ages enjoy hunting for fowl and game. It is a nice opportunity for family and friends to share good times. Hunters of all ages learn safety and proper storage to prevent accidents. Classes are taught to young people before a license is given. Proper authorities spoke out against guns on campuses, churches and businesses.
Wars gave us assault weapons for defense purposes. They have no place in stores or homes. Many Americans favor strict gun laws. Our state and national elected officials must hear our message—loud and clear. Make strong laws and enforce them. Have the guts to say no to NRA money.
Stand up for all those who defend us daily in homes, cities, and workplaces. They risk their lives to protect us from danger.
ANITA C. GATZKE
Little Rock
Instead of harshness
I have a craving. Not for chocolate. Not for ice cream, but for some kind words.
Things have their opposites, so instead of hate and vitriol, how about things like “How lucky to live in a prosperous and beautiful country full of caring and giving people.” An example: the heroism of just plain people in the horrendous Las Vegas carnage.
We hear plenty of arguments against almost everything. How about an argument for everything?
Even if it seems a sacrilege to consider “nice talk” at this time, we need it. We really do.
CLARA FISHER FIELDS
Bentonville
Editorial on 10/16/2017