An Arkansas Jesus opinion - echo letter

Jesus and politics
An echo letter to the editor published in Arkansas Times.

Jesus and politics

I'm not claiming Jesus would be a Democrat if he lived in present-day America, but would he support the GOP? Let's see. He was a radical peacenik. Which party is more supportive of war? Jesus healed the sick for free. Which party is opposed to universal health care? His followers held everything in common. Which party promotes private property? He fed people and didn't ask for payment. Which party is less supportive of public food assistance? Jesus said, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." Which party hates taxes? He said, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Which party is more supportive of the wealthy? Jesus taught radical forgiveness. Which party most strongly opposes the death penalty? Jesus told The Parable of the Good Samaritan, a tale that promotes showing love for foreigners. Which party is anti-immigrant? 

Just some things to consider.

R.L. Hutson,  Arkansas

Trump racism existed long before *$%T-hole" comment

Echo opinion published in the Arkansas Times:

Surprised about Trump racism?

Is anyone really surprised at Trump's latest racist (aka "shithole") comments? 

It's not like this is a new thing. He has a history of this kind of behavior, even predating his GOP primary run. 

What's disheartening is people continue to support Trump's presidency despite his reprehensible behavior while in office. It's almost as disheartening as knowing how many supported his candidacy in the first place. What does our own president's world view, as he himself expresses it, say about us as a country? What does this say about what we value as Americans? It says this is either who we really are, or a minority of citizens has a disproportionate amount of influence over our nation's political institutions. 

Whether the former or the latter is the case, neither represents the values of a true democracy.

R.L. Hutson
Cabot, Arkansas (largest city in Lonoke County)