Fouling the Natural State

I’ve recently moved to Arkansas from Wisconsin for a job relating to natural resources. I was excited to move to the self-proclaimed “Natural State.” The incredible diversity across the state was exactly what I was looking for along with the added bonus of the lack of snow and sub-zero temperatures.

Shortly after settling in to my new home I learned that a new coal-fired power plant is proposed to be built in southern Arkansas.

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I wondered how “The Natural State” could possibly let a known form of dirty energy be built. The first thing I thought of was how I wouldn’t be able to eat fish due to heavy metal contamination. This was a concern in the Midwest but I was hoping it wouldn’t be a problem here.

Regardless of the possibilities that could come from this facility the negatives surely outweigh them. I would hope the people who grew up here would feel just as strongly about this issue as I do.

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Ben Thesing

Little Rock

Liked Orval

Loved the Orval cartoon Sept. 4 re: gay adoption. Hatred in the name of God is the reason why I gave up my Christian faith. Glad to see that somebody is actually looking out for the children who so desperately need loving homes.

Linda Farrell

Bella Vista

Argenta sparkles

I was privileged to attend the very first Argenta Art Walk in downtown North Little Rock. As one of the founding members of 2nd Friday Art Night in Little Rock, it did my heart proud to know that after many years of hard work, Little Rock and North Little Rock now have enough arts venues to cover two art walks on two different weekends.

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I applaud the artists, business owners, and city leaders who made Argenta Art Walk become a reality. The more cultural opportunities, the better for all of us!

Debra S. Wood, owner

River Market ArtSpace

The ‘minor leagues’

Why not make professional sports, specifically the NFL and NBA, pay compensation to colleges and universities when they sign a player after their freshman year, but before graduation? Otherwise the colleges and universities have developed the player for professional sports at no cost to them, but at great cost to taxpayers and other students.

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Costs paid should include full scholarship tuition and be prorated to cover coaching staff, athletic equipment, tutors, book store costs, etc. If they refuse to pay their fair share for these “student athletes,” then ban them from campuses, games or talking to players until after they have actually graduated and left school with a bona fide degree.

It’s time that colleges and universities stop being the minor leagues for the NFL and NBA. 

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Chris Lane Gray

Monticello

The change we need?

What has happened to the Republican Party? Remember when they spent $55 million of our money going after Bill Clinton for Whitewater and lying about his infidelities? They presented themselves as the moral standard for the nation.

Well, here we are today and the Republicans have offered John McCain, and Sara Palin as their candidates for president and vice president. Their cheerleaders are Newt Gingrich, Rudy Giuliani, Dick Cheney and of course George Bush.

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John McCain admits that he does not know much about the economy. While he was married, he cheated on his wife and left her and his children for another woman who had the money and power he wanted. He made his choice for his vice presidential candidate after meeting Sarah Palin only once for some 15 minutes.

Sarah Palin was the mayor of a small town in Alaska, and is halfway through her first term as the governor. Her qualifications in the area of foreign policy are, and I am quoting McCain’s wife, Alaska is close to Russia on the map

Newt Gingrich was on TV every day during the Clinton witch hunt. During this time he was cheating on his wife.

Rudy Giuliani was having an affair while he was married and the governor of New York, even moving his mistress into the Mansion.

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Dick Cheney, well, we all know what he is. This man is Pond Scum.

George Bush is the dumbest president ever. He has done more damage to this nation than anyone in history.

My fellow Americans, we need a change. Are you better off today than you were when Bill Clinton was president?

My evangelical brothers and sisters, please open your eyes before it is too late. The election of Barack Obama will send a message to the world that America is what it has been saying it is — a land of equal opportunity, regardless of the color of your skin. Take to heart Matthew 25, 34-46. Let us again become a nation that cares for those less fortunate. The rich have had their eight years, now it is the people’s time to sit at the table of prosperity.

Butch Stone

Maumelle

 

When will there be a discussion about the intersection of five years of being a prisoner of war, being tortured, the possibility of PTSD and anger management on the part of the person who, as president, would have a major say in whether the United States goes to war or spends more effort on peaceful alternatives?

Past experience tends to indicate that McCain has been a consistent advocate for the use of military force. Is this not a valid concern? With the war presently costing $10 billion a month, there is not an unlimited expense account for military adventures. The American people are hurting.

John A. Hollingsworth

Cherokee Village

 

So let me get this straight. John McCain, the same person that questions Barack Obama’s readiness to be president has asked Sarah Palin, who has 1.5 years experience as the governor of a state with a population 1/4 that of Arkansas, to be his running mate? Sarah Palin is three years younger than Obama but got her passport little more than a year ago. This is who John McCain — who at 72 would be the oldest president to take office — has selected as second in command? If Americans elect John McCain after demonstrating this kind of judgment and indicating his intent to continue with the Bush-Cheney brand of economics and foreign policy, we’ll truly get what we deserve.

David Humphrey

Little Rock

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