Use common sense

Some traditions need to be reviewed. America’s Declaration of Independence rights of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” come to mind. Sadly, 2022 Republican influencers allow no reasonable abridgment of these rights, even when needed for the common good.

My right to free speech warrants restrictions lest I cause harm. My freedom to bear arms should include obligations to use and store those arms safely. My freedom to make a profit should not be absolute, especially when such profit comes while poisoning water and air or while sickening or endangering my workforce.

At some point, the common good needs to take preference, tradition be damned!

Conversely, the tradition of citizens’ freedom to vote should not be curtailed by recent state laws making voting harder for millions while simultaneously assuring that partisan election overseers can throw out random votes on an evidence-free whim if they don’t like the election outcome.

In Arkansas, our supermajority Legislature regularly grants cisgender white men far more rights than women and LGBTQA folks of all colors. They refuse even minor gun-safety measures that could save many lives. They pass measures that assure inadequate and incorrect education of our children. They refuse to restrict traditional liberties in common-sense ways, even in the face of increased violence being incited in their fold. They ironically do this while distorting the Prince of Peace’s message. Democracy and safety demand that they do better.

Arkansans deserve better. Dr. Chris Jones brings integrity, an impressive education, and relevant work experience to the table. His opponent brings none of these. Please support him and defeat the supermajority. And while you are at it, please support the Voting Rights Act to protect our traditional democratic republic.

MARY REMMEL WOHLLEB Little Rock