Путешествие по истории Арканзаса: школьники посетили исторические парки штата

Arkansas history tour A journey through Arkansas history was what my grands and I embarked on last weekend. We toured and learned in Jacksonport, Powhatan, and Davidsonville Historic State Parks. A great fit with Arkansas history taught in eighth grade at their fantastic Ouachita Public School. The ghost building at Davidsonville caught their imagination. But they hung on to the story of a privately owned swinging bridge across the river at Powhatan. It was so terrifying to cross that the school bus driver had students get off the bus to walk across before he drove the empty bus across the bridge. Tolls were paid to the owner of the swinging bridge for the privilege of using it to cross the river. Privatization might not have been such a swell thing? Thankfully, we drove ArDOT's great highways and bridges and enjoyed the hospitality of historic downtowns in Newport and Pocahontas. Next up in our Grands series of state history travels will be Louisiana Purchase State Park and Arkansas Post State Park this winter. JEAN HARPER Malvern For a brighter future The control of both the executive and legislative branches by the current Republican administration and Congress has accelerated a deeply concerning decline in our nation's foundational systems and global standing. The relentless focus on deregulating major industries has dismantled decades of critical environmental protections, accelerating habitat destruction and leaving public health vulnerable to industrial pollution. Economic policies favoring tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy have worsened wealth inequality, putting an unsustainable financial strain on the middle and working classes while ballooning our national debt. The administration's isolationist foreign policy and erratic approach to international diplomacy have severely damaged our relationships with our global allies. By retreating from international agreements, this administration has created a dangerous leadership vacuum on the world stage, allowing adversaries to expand their influence unchecked. We urgently need a return to balanced governance that prioritizes long-term economic equity, environmental stewardship, and responsible global leadership. Let's choose leaders who will defend our democracy and build a country that works for all of us, not just a few. Let's choose leaders who listen, who serve with integrity, and who will fight for the issues that matter: affordable health care, good jobs, strong public schools, climate action, and protecting our fundamental rights. I encourage everyone to vote Democratic in this year's elections. Let's move our country forward with hope, with unity, and with a commitment for justice and opportunity for all. Our future is in our hands. Let's make it a brighter one, together. BECKY GREEN Little Rock Remember the names The Iran war is mismanagement 101. President Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth started this without approval from anyone. We could be looking down the barrel of Vietnam 2. Trump and Hegseth have no business directing American forces. This is one of the most complex geopolitical, economic and religious quagmires in decades. Yet I've never heard anyone anywhere doubt the dedication and skill of our military forces. We can't vote out Trump, but our senators and congressmen can loudly demand Hegseth's removal. Let America's sword arm be guided by experience and professionalism, not hair gel and testosterone. Remember that Fox News and Newsmax admitted they lied and paid altogether a nearly $1 billion settlement. All for lying to America related to the 2020 election. Fox was Hegseth's previous employer. Don't forget all the other unqualified bozos in service to MAGA. What is the common thread with all these hustlers? All are kneeling worshipers. Who could possibly support such staggering mismanagement? In Arkansas that would be all our senators, congressmen and governor. Trump recently tried to blackmail the IRS for $10 billion. The $1.8 settlement was to fund the Jan. 6 mob. This is Al Capone stuff on steroids. Who supports this staggering level of corruption? All our senators, congressmen and governor. Trump's tariffs? Proven unworkable and often illegal. Who would support bankrupting our family farms? All our senators, congressmen and governor. Contact your rural family and friends. Remind them to vote for their benefit, not New York City's perhaps greatest con man of all time. Time's up, senators, pick a side. We'll remember your names. Change your ways and support the voters. Or stay with the Golden Caesar who may have just set the world on fire. SPENCER BAKER Little Rock You're one step away from the full story. Log in or create an account to continue reading.