Liberally Biased : The 60th anniversary of Al Nakba

TONY RED

This week marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. For many it is an occasion for celebration, but not for all. For Palestinians it is known as Al Nakba, which means “the catastrophe.” It is not surprising that winners and losers perceive things very differently. What is interesting, if not surprising, is that Americans are so well versed in only the Israeli side of the story. It is a symptom of our appalling ignorance of history and needs to be rectified. - Friday, May 16, 2008

EDITORIALS : For Keith Ferguson

Two years ago, the county was faced with making a choice between a pair of candidates — Sheriff Keith Ferguson and former Sheriff Andy Lee — with the experience and ability to effectively serve as sheriff of Benton County. - Friday, May 16, 2008

For Greg Hines

It’s been awhile since the field of candidates seeking the office of Benton County judge has been this crowded. Bill Williams, the lone Democrat in the race, is running unopposed. But the Republican primary features five hopefuls — Bill Adams, Dave Bisbee, Chris Glass, Kevin Harrison and Greg Hines — who bring a diverse mix of abilities and experience to the table. - Friday, May 16, 2008

LETTERS

Wrong time for rate increase I just want to know — WHY? - Friday, May 16, 2008

EDITORIALS : For Shirley Sandlin

The loss of Tim Summers, who resigned as District 8 justice of the peace to seek a spot in the state Legislature, will be felt by the Benton County Quorum Court. Summers’ command of issues facing the county — especially budgetary issues — was a valuable asset. - Thursday, May 15, 2008

For Mary Lou Slinkard

Most voters have no doubt read or heard Mary Lou Slinkard’s name. Slinkard — who’s running for House District 100 against Byron Warren — has served as Benton County clerk since 1981. She has been part of the fabric of county government for as long as many Benton Countians can remember. - Thursday, May 15, 2008

For Brad Karren

Brad Karren’s enthusiasm made the difference for us in deciding who to endorse for Rogers district judge. - Thursday, May 15, 2008

For Kurt Moore

There are four people running for District 13 justice of the peace, but in our minds, this is really a two-person race between the incumbent, Kurt Moore, and James “Jake” Naramore, who’s by far the most impressive of Moore’s challengers. - Thursday, May 15, 2008

LETTERS

Who’s going to bell the cat? - Thursday, May 15, 2008

Foreign Affairs : Call your mother

THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN

The ad popped up in my e-mail the way it always has: “1-800-Flowers : Mother’s Day Madness — 30 Tulips (PLUS) FREE vase for just $39.99!” I almost clicked on it, forgetting for a moment that those services would not be needed this year. My mother, Margaret Friedman, died last month at the age of 89, so this was my first Mother’s Day without a mom. - Thursday, May 15, 2008

EDITORIALS : For Linda Bisbee

Some might think name recognition is the best thing Linda Bisbee has going for her in the race for Arkansas House District 95. Granted, being married to former state Sen. David Bisbee doesn’t hurt. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

For Tim Summers

Many of the positive things we wrote about Linda Bisbee could also be written about Vickey Boozman, who’s squaring off against Tim Summers in the race for House District 99. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

For Dan Douglas

Dan Douglas, who is challenging incumbent David Hill in the District 9 justice of the peace race, is an all-too-rare find for voters: someone who seems interested in county government for all the right reasons, and whose background gives every indication he can be an outstanding JP. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

For John Skaggs

Bentonville District Court Judge John Skaggs thinks his experience sets him apart from his challengers, Steve Geigle and Lisa Gaddy. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

LETTERS

Founders were politicians, too There’s been a lot of disagreement on the opinion page lately over whether our Founding Fathers were Christians or deists. These letters have been above my head, but I do know what I found in the encyclopedia at the Rogers Public Library a few years back. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Pica Pole : Right place, right time

KENT MARTS

When March rolled in, little did I know that March 5 would be the last time I’d write a column for an extended period. - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

EDITORIALS : For Robin Green

As Benton County has grown and changed, so has its criminal element — and there are few people more familiar with the evolution of crime and justice in the county than Benton County Attorney Robin Green. - Tuesday, May 13, 2008

For Doug Schrantz

Rogers District Judge Doug Schrantz used the word “proud” several times while interviewing with us. It’s understandable. - Tuesday, May 13, 2008

For Jim Wozniak

Mike Horton and Joel Jones, the challengers to longtime District 7 Justice of the Peace Jim Wozniak, are the kind of people we like to see get involved in politics. They’re young and seem interested in their communities. - Tuesday, May 13, 2008

For Tom Allen

Two years ago, then-incumbent JP Tom Allen was our choice for justice of the peace, District 4. We were very impressed with his opponent, Debra Hobbs, but felt that losing Allen’s experience would be too great a blow to a Quorum Court set to welcome several new JPs. - Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Is she a Trojan rabbit?

MAUREEN DOWD

WASHINGTON — Now Barack Obama faces a true dilemma: how best to punish Hillary Clinton. - Tuesday, May 13, 2008