A disingenuous state

If the character of a people can be judged by its laws, then Arkansawyers, despite much loud protest against abortion, have little actual regard for life and a disheartening willingness to kill. The morbid eagerness with which the executions of eight men in April has been anticipated by the state is grotesque.

The governor has been quoted as saying his attendance at the events would be “inappropriate.” Wrong. His approval was required for the killings; his presence should be required as well. Only a coward would shirk such a duty. If the executions are so morally justifiable, why shrink from watching? Mr. Hutchinson should be making sure everything is done right and humanely, especially considering the widespread objections to the method Arkansas still employs in the face of claims it is inhumane and “unusual” punishment.

Shootings in the metro area seem to be on the rise. The usual pastors voice their usual earnest concern but the official response is the same. Words that mostly sound right coupled with actions that mostly make things worse. Miserly landlord legislators assess depressingly low dollar amounts to the value of humans. Guns, far from being confiscated, are being forced on the unwilling.

The local news broadcasts have begun including in their coverage of local homicides a graphic depicting how well the city is doing compared to other years. So far, with 11, we are “on track” (actual words) to reach 51 by year’s end. Do those people even hear what they are saying? If we are discussing predictable “rates” of homicide as if trying to achieve some contributions goal, then any talk of victory over violence is disingenuous. STANLEY G. JOHNSON

Little Rock