Possible explanations for writer’s concerns

I hope I can help [letter writer] Tom Knight (“Help me understand,” May 10) with his dilemma.

1. To vaccinate or not: Cautiousness about inoculations may develop after a parent or their progeny historically have allergic reactions. One may suffer extreme physical distress from having vaccines. Labeling people “felons” or “murderers” because of a bad medical reaction is far too extreme for my taste. It’s a personal dilemma that became a medical accident.

2. Tattoos are popular since they may be a personal expression of one’s individuality. It’s also a current craze. If one doesn’t get job callbacks because his or her face or neck bears tattoos, perma-ink may be seen as the culprit. Or, in this society of internet dating, could be a way of eliminating hopefuls from your dating pools. Example: The infamous homemade prison tattoos heading “Mom” or “Wow” on your knuckles, depending on who your hand is facing. Works for me.

3. There are programs at work to discourage telemarketers/robocalls. Contact the Do Not Call registry operated by the Federal Trade Commission with your information at donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone number you wish to register. It does cut down on the sheer volume of calls. AT&T recommends to hang up on an unwanted call then press *61 [to block that number]. Do NOT call their number back.

My grandmother, also a Knight from North Little Rock, was given a police whistle by an officer who took her complaint of receiving trash calls years ago. He advised “one good long blast.” That solved her problem.

4. I know of no more humane way to kill an inmate (wonder if they worried about the manner in which they killed their victims). This subject has and will be debated as long as people can think it’s human nature.

5. Solar- or alcohol-run cars: Since Gov. Hutchinson was impressed with solar cars (great idea) perhaps the LISA Academy students could have gifted him one so the public could follow the progress.

6. This one puzzles me. To wash/not wash your hands after going to the bathroom. If the Little Golden Books didn’t cover this subject, then your mother, some relative or your pediatrician should have. In public restrooms I’ve noticed running water, sinks, soap, paper towels, disinfectant gel … unless you count the sparest gas station restroom of the 1950s. They all have that now.

Grandmother Knight taught me things when she noticed I questioned a subject. Well, except for solar/alcohol-fueled cars, I passed them on to my children and grandkids. Teachers may do this in the classroom. Education doesn’t stop with textbooks. That’s the best I can do.

NOELLE MEANS BRANNON

Eureka Springs