Essence of hypocrisy

We ban books and abortions in Arkansas, but not assault rifles. We worry more about the unborn than the women who do the bearing.

We’re eager to give parents the right to not send their children to public schools, but pass laws to restrict their right to manage their child’s mental and physical well-being when gender dysphoria is diagnosed.

We tout religious freedom but seek to establish a Christian culture in a secular world. We lash out against “indoctrination” in the classroom but have no problem indoctrinating students with Christian prayers and stories.

Conservatives have railed against government interference in people’s lives, and now all they do is interfere. You can’t read that book. You can’t teach that idea. You can’t use that bathroom. It is the very essence of hypocrisy.

Now, attempts to remedy the effects of prior discrimination through affirmative action are apparently illegal. My dictionary defines affirmative as “supportive, hopeful or encouraging.” What is wrong with that? If you do not believe that Blacks have been discriminated against, disenfranchised, and denied opportunities to advance socially, economically and politically in this country for generations, then a little critical race theory might be good for you.

It has been heartening to read Rex Nelson’s recent columns. He has added his voice to the Republican minority who have both a brain and a conscience. Unfortunately, those qualities seem lacking in our current governor, who said in her response to President Biden’s State of the Union address: “The dividing line in America is no longer between right or left; the choice is between normal and crazy.”

It was crystal clear that night which side was which.

DAVID ELI COCKCROFT

Little Rock