Bias in beholder’s eye

I have long accused the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette editorial staff of political bias. With the obvious exception of John Brummett and the recent addition of Philip Martin’s periodic navel-gazing, local editorials lean noticeably to the right. Consistently supportive of charter schools, strict voter ID requirements and the fictitious rights of the so-called unborn, the ADG is as red as it is read.

Luckily for those of us with more liberal opinions, the Voices section exists and at its helm is the redoubtable Brenda Looper, word nerd extraordinaire. Looper has been criticized by some readers for a variety of complaints about her fairness and objectivity. I must rise to her defense as she herself did quite eloquently in a “Readers ask” column on Dec. 5.

A complaint was made about cartoons on the editorial pages. Really, cartoons? Cartoons are supposed to poke fun at those in power. Granted, Trump’s entire demeanor is a caricature of an imposter playing a president—a joke, a spoof, a Monty Python skit—reducing it to a drawing on a page is somewhat redundant. Coincidentally, the main cartoon on the same day as Looper’s reply is aimed at Nancy Pelosi. Fake news, perhaps?

Next Looper was portrayed as anti-religious. Sorry, pal, there are more Bible quotes and “Jesus loves you” declarations in the Voices page than quotes from Nietzsche or Richard Dawkins.

When religion enters the fray, can abortion be far behind? The pro-life/ pro-choice schism will continue to divide us. If God is so just and forgiving, let her judge each individual’s choice. We should stay out of it. Leave it to God.

Finally, Looper took it on the chin for word nerdiness. We should all remember the first verse of the Gospel of John: “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” She’s doing the Lord’s work. Leave her to it.

DAVID ELI COCKCROFT

Little Rock