Linguistically impressed
Dear editor:
I’m really impressed with the linguistic skills of many of our contributors to the letters to the editor. I have to keep a dictionary and thesaurus by my side as I desperately attempt to decipher their letters. When I moved to Arkansas 28 years ago, it took me some time to interpret local colloquialisms and dialects. (had to look up these big words that mean slang). I also had to understand that being “tared” meant being sleepy.
It seems that many contributors attended the George Will School of Confusing Readers and graduated with honors; sort of a Magna Cum Haughty.
I look forward to the day I can understand these eloquently written epistles of superior intellectual prowess. Whew! Please write letters using good old everyday English language. Jack McKinney Hot Springs Village
Dear editor:
In today’s edition (Wednesday, June 10) is a column by David Ignatius entitled “Reasons why officers finally broke their silence.” As a U.S. Army veteran, I will not criticize the officers mentioned in the column, as that is not my nature and I have been taught not to do that unless regulations are violated.
I will, however, quote the oath I took when enlisting and reenlisting: “I, Melanie Ann Clark, do solemnly affirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.” (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962).
“… Against all enemies, foreign and domestic … ” As I have said before, I agree that George Floyd did not need to die that day. The officer should be held accountable for his death. In my opinion, he did not mean for Mr. Floyd to die. Careless? Too aggressive? Thoughtless? Probably. But a murderer? A racist? I don’t think so. He has, however, been fired and arrested. He is facing charges.
On the other hand, there are protesters who think and believe that violence is the answer. They see racism in every one of society’s problems. Looting, destroying property, assaulting people is justified because of racism!
I consider these people domestic enemies. If I were an active duty again, I would willingly go to quell these violent protests. I believe we should leave the peaceful protesters alone to exercise their constitutional rights. Melanie Clark Hot Springs Village