Over the last week, the "Letters to The Editor" in the state's largest newspaper have contained some very interesting thoughts.
And some really great letters for us all to digest and read these diverse political thoughts.
To assess the political climate of the writers of these inky dispatches, I've once again focused on the last sentence or two in each letter -- that's enough to give us all something to think about as the March 5 preferential primary looms here in Arkansas.
So here we go, the last couple of lines of recently published letters to the editor in the statewide newspaper.
"It's time Tim Griffin (Arkansas' Attorney General) started doing his job instead of playing politics."
"Great communities are upheld by great leaders."
"They (Marshallese) are here trying to make a new life because the United States devastated their beautiful paradise with permanent radiation poisoning and have given any Marshallese citizen Compact of Free Association status should they want to relocate here."
"History will be the judge."
"What does this man (Donald Trump) value that we as a country value? The answer is nothing."
"I applaud the editor's proposal to help save our democracy by not supporting Nikki Haley's primary opponent." (The statewide newspaper endorsed Nikki Haley in the upcoming preferential primary in Arkansas.)
"He (Donald Trump) knows not how to govern, and couldn't care less as long as he gets to be a dictator."
"Both parties (Democrats and Republicans) are failing in their efforts to present Americans with a suitable choice. Take heed and lead."
"Another one of our institutions (the U.S. Supreme Court) of our great democracy appears to be abdicating its responsibility to stop a presidential candidate (Donald Trump) who seems intent on toppling that democracy for his own power and gain."
"Since it seems that one of them (Joe Biden or Donald Trump) will be president next year, voters should assess which one, if faced with a major crisis, will be more likely to listen to advisers who hopefully would be able to think more clearly about solutions."
"And the word of the Lord is already blessed."
"And some, of course, just don't know what they're doing. God bless us."
"No way should Nikki (Haley) drop out in this scenario, with everything shaky."
"Caring for the homeless, hungry, and helpless has no losers. Winner, winner, chicken dinner. Love your enemies and you won't have any."
"The Monument to the Unborn (planned for the state Capitol grounds) and any of the possible monuments mentioned above will/would no doubt be a monument to the sad ignorance of what we've elected to run our state."
"It's not that complicated people, just my two cents worth."
"(Donald) Trump's memory condition is considerably more worrisome than (Joe) Biden's. It's obviously contagious."
"I don't even need to read the funny pages anymore after looking through the letters to the editor."
"On that point alone, I agree with (Donald) Trump."
"I am not the only one asking. One hundred and fifty years of the history of fanaticism is asking."
"I'm sure the Republicans (lawmakers in Washington) will send their thoughts and prayers to those dying in the Rio Grande, and to our allies Ukraine and Israel."
"Otherwise, how can they justify laws forcing our youth to risk dying in defense of our country when they won't risk electoral defeat?"
"I would take that as an open invitation to attack NATO allies!"
"The world is watching Senator Cotton. You'll never be Daddy's vice president pick, so try putting the USA first instead of Donald Trump, so embarrassing."
"If (Donald) Trump loses and is done with politics, maybe the Republican House and Senate will regain their moral compass and go back to legislating instead of investigating a president's son (Hunter Biden)."
"His physical and mental health (Joe Biden) affects more than just a few family members."
And there you have it, a local barometer on the political thoughts swirling around out there for public consumption. Letters to the editor are a lot like political columns, everyone can write one. Some are certainly better than others.
Early voting in preferential primary continues. Election Day is March 5.
Maylon Rice is a former journalist who worked for several Northwest Arkansas publications. He can be reached via email at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.