Rector, Arkansas · Thursday, September 2, 2010
[Nameplate] Fair ~ 88°F  
High: 91°F ~ Low: 68°F
Moderation the key to successful society (09/01/10)
What has set America apart from the rest of the community of nations? Of course, one could say right up front that, despite the fact we are a relatively young nation, we are the world's oldest continuous democracy. That in itself is quite an accomplishment...
A newspaperman and true friend (08/24/10)
The newspaper fraternity lost a talented and dynamic member last week with the tragic death of Wally Lage. And we personally lost a great friend. Lage was killed in a drowning accident off the coast of Maine while on an outing with several of his longtime friends in the industry...
Tea Party fells a conservative (08/10/10)
One of the more interesting -- and disturbing -- developments on the political scene in recent months has been the manner in which numerous traditional conservatives have been run out of office by the Tea Party movement. Perhaps the highest-level example was the defeat of Utah Sen. Robert Bennett by a Tea Party crusade against him. Sen. Bennett described the current political atmosphere as "toxic" shortly after his stunning defeat...
Downtown remains important element (08/03/10)
We all realize that the downtown areas of communities, both large and small, have experienced stress (to say the least) as a result of economic changes over the years. Most of us remember the vibrant atmosphere that existed in downtown areas in years past as the businesses located there were the focus of commercial life...
Letters are welcome (07/27/10)
There is no question that the letters-to-the-editor section of the newspaper is one of the most widely-read each week. One of the most basic functions of a community newspaper is to provide a forum for its readers to express views on a wide range of topics -- both local and more far-reaching. In that regard, we like to think the newspaper actually belongs to its readers -- the community involvement aspect is just that important...
Wonder what is around the corner? (07/20/10)
The world can be divided into two groups where travel is concerned -- those who wonder what is just around the next corner and those who don't. My wife Nancy and I are definitely among the former. That's why we travel so well together (admittedly, I am probably a bit higher on the "curiosity" scale than she is, but she is close)...
"Bowling alone" cause for concern (07/13/10)
Those involved in civic organizations in our present-day society clearly understand there is an underlying problem with trying to attract younger participants. As "The Greatest Generation" (Americans of the World War II era) passes away, where are those who will take their place? Of course, to some extent the Baby Boomers have stepped up to the plate, but the trend obviously is away from civic involvement among younger residents of our communities...
Arkansas governor competent, likeable (07/01/10)
Now is not a good time to be a veteran politician. The cries of "throw them all out" are probably greater now than in most recent memory. A lot of it is understandable. The economy continues to falter. A lot of people are out of work. When one looks at the various levels of government for relief, often there is none to be found...
Moderation seems to be an ugly word (06/22/10)
"The best lack all conviction," the poet Yeats wrote in 1919, "while the worst are full of passionate intensity." That thought was shared almost 100 years ago, but the essential truth, of course, has not changed. We live in a world today in which the "true believers" are on the march, especially in the area of politics and social discourse...
Looking at the so-called "socialist" drift in USA (06/15/10)
It seems to be a truism in the modern world that, if a statement is made often enough, it essentially becomes true. Such is the case with all the hoopla over the rise of "socialism" in America -- a supposed drastic shift in the direction of our nation that just happened to coincide with the election of Barack Obama, the latest in the line of illegitimate Democratic presidents (this one is accused of not having been born in America)...
There's too much money in politics (06/08/10)
From what we can ascertain concerning the present political environment, there are three steps a candidate must take to have a chance of being elected to any major office: When one examines this major requirement for mounting a serious campaign, we wonder why anyone would even be interested in going down such an unseemly path. The fact is that lots of qualified candidates refuse to get involved in such a system -- and many good public officials get out because they are sick of the process...
This too shall eventually pass (06/01/10)
It is interesting to see how the basic tenets of civilized life, in the United States, often lag behind the rest of the industrialized world. In some areas, such as the death penalty, our nation actually is behind the curve in relation to many so-called Third World countries...
"The Natural State" still not apparent (05/12/10)
As the prospect of a beautiful summer (hopefully) begins to take shape, one's thoughts turn to enjoying life here in "The Natural State." But an underlying problem creeps in to spoil our sense of reverie. And it is simply this -- can Arkansas really be called The Natural State?...
Letters are welcome (04/22/10)
There is no question that the letters-to-the-editor section of the newspaper is one of the most widely-read each week. One of the most basic functions of a community newspaper is to provide a forum for its readers to express views on a wide range of topics -- both local and more far-reaching. ...
The here and now compared to the "good old days" (04/15/10)
"Nothing is more responsible for the good old days than a bad memory." Franklin Pierce Adams. "Things ain't what they used to be and probably never was." Will Rogers. "If you're yearning for the good old days, just turn off the air conditioning." Griff Niblack...
Small towns need more positive thinking (04/08/10)
We all know the many challenges faced in our smaller communities as economic and social trends work against them in so many ways. Job opportunities abound in larger cities and suburbs and, over time, there has been a migration to those locales...
History will judge health care bill (04/01/10)
Needless to say, debate and the controversy have swirled around health care reform legislation for months now, both in Washington and around the nation. For better or worse, the debate is over for now and the implementation will begin...
Sharing thoughts from a Kentuckian (03/24/10)
It really is remarkable some of the coincidences one encounters in our world today -- a world in which our modes of travel and communication are so much more advanced. We were camping last weekend at a beautiful state park in Kentucky on a high bluff above the Mississippi River. It was a remarkably peaceful scene on a literally perfect weekend weather-wise...
Let's not get confused by facts (03/10/10)
"Well, look how much it snowed here yesterday." "Yep. I bet ole Al Gore is feeling pretty stupid about right now." That is just one example of the kinds of conversations that have been going on among "climate-change deniers" over this past winter, a season which saw record snowfall in some parts of the country, especially along the Eastern Seaboard...
Civic participation on the decline (03/04/10)
One of the more disturbing trends in modern society is the startling decline in civic participation in our communities. There is no question the problem exists in communities of all sizes, but it seems more measureable in rural areas where "everyone knows everyone"...
Money will rule in our system (02/24/10)
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all corporations are created equal." That should be the revised beginning to the Declaration of Independence as a result of last month's shocking 5-4 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that opens up new and wide-ranging avenues for corporations (and unions) to donate funds for independent political campaigns...
Gridlock threatens nation's well-being (02/10/10)
It seems more and more observers of the national political scene are starting to realize the devastating effect on the future of our citizens due to irrational partisan gridlock. There seemed to be a glimmer of optimism developing recently when the Republican leadership hosted President Barack Obama for a question-and-answer session on his policies and goals. ...
Politics-as-sportnnow is the norm (01/27/10)
Here's something anyone who enjoys games and competition can do: --Check all the sports scores each day, determining which teams are on the way to a championship. --Check the latest polls and elections, determining which party is up or down in the current political arena...
Letters are welcome (01/21/10)
There is no question that the letters-to-the-editor section of the newspaper is one of the most widely-read each week. One of the most basic functions of a community newspaper is to provide a forum for its readers to express views on a wide range of topics -- both local and more far-reaching. ...
Moderation the key to successful society (01/07/10)
What has set America apart from the rest of the community of nations? Of course, one could say right up front that, despite the fact we are a relatively young nation, we are the world's oldest continuous democracy...
Politics, power rule our system (12/30/09)
Generally, we believe the majority of Americans want issues addressed and problems solved by our elected representatives. But there is more than enough evidence that is not happening now because of a broken legislative system -- politics and the quest for power rule...
More beautiful than it is useful (12/02/09)
"This curious world we inhabit is more wonderful than convenient; more beautiful than it is useful; it is more to be admired and enjoyed than used." Those words easily could be stated by an environmental leader of the 21st Century. But such is not the case...
It is time to give thanks (11/26/09)
We hear an increasing number of people expressing the view that Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday of the year. Of course, it could have something to do with the turkey and dressing, rolls and gravy, pumpkin pie and on and on...
Loving without full understanding (11/18/09)
"But you can love completely without complete understanding." Those are the words of author Norman Maclean in his autobiographical novel, "A River Runs Through It," which also was made into a brilliant film by Robert Redford in 1992...
Paranoia strikes deep in today's society (11/05/09)
Mixing politics and science is a big mistake. Allowing reason and logic to fly out the window in the face of a political agenda is a sad thing to witness. In many cases it is relatively harmless, but in others it can have devastating consequences...
Things we don't understand about health care reform (10/28/09)
We will be among the first to acknowledge that very few issues in our society are more complicated and difficult to grasp than our health care system...
"The Natural State" still not apparent (09/30/09)
As the prospect of a beautiful fall (hopefully) begins to take shape, one's thoughts turn to enjoying life here in "The Natural State." But an underlying problem creeps in to spoil our sense of reverie...
Where has all the civility gone? (09/17/09)
We've got to believe even the most vehement opponents of President Obama, if attempting to be objective, would have to agree his recent health care reform address to Congress was presented in a moderate and reasonable manner...
Time, understanding lead to compassion (09/02/09)
Not long ago a pastor made a comment in a sermon concerning one of the true tests of Christianity. He said (and we are paraphrasing a bit here), that it is in the nature of a Christian not to hold bitterness or animosity in his or her heart for anyone...
The contradiction in health-care debate (08/27/09)
We have watched more than our share of the "town meetings" regarding the ongoing health-care debate. While one can draw several conclusions from the give-and-take, a glaring contradiction has emerged in the position of the group which generally can be described as the moaners and hecklers...
Here's an idea: look at the issues (08/12/09)
A key to the success of a democracy is educated and reasoned positions by the electorate on important issues. Judging by the reaction and, especially the tone, of recent "town hall meetings" on health care reform, one cannot be optimistic about the direction in which we are heading...
Looking back at the Gazette (07/29/09)
Remembering to the "good ole days" is both rewarding and deceptive, depending upon how one wishes to "spin" it. That is certainly the case with the newspaper business. Anyone who has been involved with newspapers as long as we have can look back wistfully at some of the strengths and favorable elements associated with the industry in earlier days...
Letters are welcome (07/22/09)
There is no question that the letters-to-the-editor section of the newspaper is one of the most widely-read each week. One of the most basic functions of a community newspaper is to provide a forum for its readers to express views on a wide range of topics -- both local and more far-reaching. ...
Bigger is better, but so is just better (07/15/09)
It goes without saying that the last several decades have been difficult for small towns in rural America. The agricultural revolution has led to bigger farms, bigger equipment and a significantly reduced need for farm labor...
It's only a crisis if you are affected (07/08/09)
It continues to amaze us that so many observers of the health care coverage debate in our nation don't seem to see a problem with the current system. In fact, one columnist said something to the effect that President Obama and certain members of Congress are trying to force changes on an American public that supposedly is more than content with the way things are...
But for fortune go you or I (07/01/09)
Despite the topsy-turvy nature of labels in our current political atmosphere, we believe there is a fundamental difference between those who tend toward what is considered a more liberal philosophy of government and those who lean to the conservative side...
Quite a challenge for small towns (06/24/09)
Smaller communities across the country have been facing survivability issues in recent years and those in Northeast Arkansas are no exception. Speakers at an economic forum in Jonesboro noted that growth numbers for the booming northwest corridor somewhat skewer the statistics for the state -- making it appear Arkansas (one of the most rural of states) is doing a bit better than is the reality.. ...
Is regulation a dirty word? (06/17/09)
Most of us immediately think negative when the word "regulation" is mentioned, particularly as it applies to the government. We envision "red tape" or "paper work" or similar unpleasant images...
Understanding the pesky apostrophe (06/11/09)
One of the more interesting internet sites for those of us involved in writing -- and those who wish to be accurate in their use of terms -- is "Common Errors in English" developed by Washington State University professor Paul Brians...
Whatever happened to moderate Republicans? (06/03/09)
We were reading a column the other day in which this statement was made -- "It's no longer your father's Republican Party?" How true that is. As the Rush Limbaughs of the world continue to gain traction in the Grand Old Party, one wonders if the institution will survive at all in the face of obvious changing demographics in America...
Letters are welcome (05/27/09)
There is no question that the letters-to-the-editor section of the newspaper is one of the most widely-read each week. One of the most basic functions of a community newspaper is to provide a forum for its readers to express views on a wide range of topics -- both local and more far-reaching. ...
Cheney picks Rush over Colin (05/14/09)
If the Democratic Party were assigned the task of creating the official "poster boy" for the Republican Party, it's doubtful it could do any better for itself than to pick Rush Limbaugh...
A mystery of life: man's inhumanity (05/07/09)
Many and sharp the num'rous ills Inwoven with our frame! More pointed still we make ourselves Regret, remorse, and shame! And Man, whose heav'n-erected face The smiles of love adorn, Man's inhumanity to man Makes countless thousands mourn! The Scottish poet Robert Burns penned those words in 1786, but we still have no better understanding of the reason for "man's inhumanity to man" than he did more than 200 years ago...
Your community has deep qualities (04/22/09)
Many times those of us in smaller communities look with longing eyes at some of the advantages enjoyed by our brethren living in larger towns. We see the job opportunities, the wider selection for shopping and just the overall greater commerce and wish we could have a "bigger piece of the pie" ourselves...
Remembering one of history's greats (04/16/09)
"No man ever made a bigger mistake than he who could do only a little and did nothing." Edmund Burke. One of the greatest persons of the 20th Century is largely unknown in this country...
The key factors in happiness (04/08/09)
What makes you happy? We learned from an early age that we all have the right "to pursue happiness" in America, but somewhere along the line it seems our priorities may have become off-track...
Negativity infects our small towns (04/01/09)
We all know the many challenges faced in our smaller communities as economic and social trends work against them in so many ways. Job opportunities abound in larger cities and suburbs and, over time, there has been a migration to those locales. There simply are fewer economic, educational, recreational and cultural opportunities in rural communities when compared to our urban areas...
This contest has a message (03/25/09)
Nothing would please us more in the community health arena than to see a significant decline in smoking among young people. It is so tragic seeing our young people take up a habit that is so clearly harmful to their health and their future quality of life...
Smalltown downtowns wane over time (03/11/09)
Nostalgia is a mixed bag. As we grow older, it is natural to think back on the past and what was and what might have been. We recognize that memory is selective, fortunately, and we are more focused on the good than the bad as our minds wander back to earlier days...
The Great Storm brings out the best (02/06/09)
There were probably a lot of exchanges similar to this one over the past few days in the Rector area: Rectorite 1: "You holding up okay?" Rectorite 2: "Just barely." Rectorite 1: "We are all tougher than we thought we are."...
Deadlines loom despite the ice (01/30/09)
It's at times like this that we certainly learn to appreciate the amenities associated with modern life. get As with most of you, we had been watching the weather reports and anticipating bad times ahead for several days now. ...
My 25th anniversary (01/30/09)
Twenty five years. That's a long time. But that's how long my weekly column has appeared in the Piggott Times. The date slipped my mind but Tim Blair, news manager, reminded me last week that my first column appeared on January 25,1984...
New president seeking unity (01/22/09)
Barack Obama comes into the White House promising both change and unity. Change was the theme of the campaign, but unity has come to the forefront since that momentous election day last November...
America must adapt as we move forward (01/07/09)
In looking at the state of our society moving into 2009, there certainly are lots of reasons for concerns about the future of our nation -- this is especially true when one considers the challenges to be faced by our children and grandchildren...
Hutchinson: 10 yrs later, no impeachment regrets (12/24/08)
Source: AP - AP Wire Service Dec 20 12:53 By ANDREW DeMILLO Associated Press Writer LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) _ Ten years after he argued before the U.S. Senate that Bill Clinton should be turned out of office for lies he told in the Paula Jones sexual harassment case, Asa Hutchinson says he doesn't have any regrets for being one of House managers in the 1999 impeachment trial...
It is time to give thanks (11/27/08)
We hear an increasing number of people expressing the view that Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday of the year. Of course, it could have something to do with the turkey and dressing, rolls and gravy, pumpkin pie and on and on...
New president-elect appears reasonable (11/20/08)
In his first nationally-televised interview since being elected President of the United States, Barack Obama on Sunday night certainly appeared, to us, quite reasonable. Contrast that with some of the wild charges, both ideologically and personally, leveled against him in the recent campaign...
Military leader endorses Obama (10/23/08)
The major development this weekend as the presidential race winds down was the endorsement of Barack Obama by Gen. Colin Powell, widely-admired military leader and former Sec. of State for President George W. Bush...
The deal that wasn't a deal (10/01/08)
Political and financial observers were shocked Monday with the news that the House of Representatives failed to pass the so-called "bailout" of financial institutions that has been in the national focus for the past week...
There is now hope for small-town mayors (09/03/08)
Small-town mayors across the nation who harbor strong political ambition now have hope. A person who just a few years ago was the mayor of a town of less than 8,000 now potentially will be a "heartbeat away" from holding the most powerful position in the world...
'Fiscal conservatives' leaving a legacy (08/28/08)
We all realize that poll results ebb and flow and the only one that really matters doesn't come around until Nov. 4. But it is interesting to see how opinion changes out in America -- even when one is absolutely flabbergasted by the results...
Arkansas smoking down dramatically (08/13/08)
How about some good news for a change? A new study shows that there are 84,000 fewer smokers in Arkansas in 2007 than if smoking rates in 2002 had continued unchanged. The percentage of adults in Arkansas who smoke decreased from 26.3 percent to 22.4 percent in 2007...
Looking back over 30 years (07/23/08)
We heard a local resident the other day make an unfavorable comment on the relative merits of Rector now as compared to 30 years ago. In light of the fact that our annual progress edition runs this week, we thought it might be appropriate to take a look at that specific question...
Facts certainly can be interesting (07/17/08)
Going way back, we always have been fascinated by the World Almanac. To some that may seem strange, but it always been deemed here as interesting reading. We suppose it has to do with the clarity of facts -- there they are so starkly in black and white -- quite impressive at times in an ambivalent world...
The reality: "we are they" (07/10/08)
"Without prosperous local economies, the people have no power and the land no voice." --Wendell Berry It should not be surprising to learn that rural communities in various parts of the nation share similar problems and aspirations. But to see that reality first-hand in another southern state can be very enlightening...
Basic human rights upheld in ruling (06/18/08)
The U.S. Supreme Court's narrow 5-4 ruling last week upholding the concept of habeas corpus was, of course, specifically welcome news for the hundreds who have been held without being charged at the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba...
Much of election is foregone conclusion (06/11/08)
As one looks at the national political landscape, one fact emerges -- a lot of the results are already in. Under the way the electoral college works, it's all or nothing for the votes in each states -- and the reality is that, from a certain perspective, one's vote really doesn't count...
What really hurts: lack of respect (05/28/08)
If one holds on to a fashion item long enough, it may very well come back into style. Take, for example, wide ties -- they went completely by the wayside at one point in favor of razor-thin models, but now they are the norm...
Memorial Tribute from Marine mom (05/22/08)
(Editor's Note: This is a tribute to all service men written by the mother of a Marine...)
A message for The class of '08 (05/14/08)
(Editor's note: This message to graduates was written 10 years ago by David Cox, who at that time served as publisher of the Cherokee Villager newspaper. His words apply as appropriately to the Class of 2008 as they did to the Class of 1998)...
Ron Kemp
Editorial