Citizen Forum

Editor:

At the last City Council meeting, Alderman Eric Scheunemann refused to stand and repeat the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Joy should have immediately dismissed Mr. Scheunemann from the council table. During the meeting the alderman continued his disruptive manner arguing with the mayor over procedural matters that are clearly (and legally) within her authority.

Eureka Springs council meetings are well known throughout the state as being divisive and small-minded. Until now, folks just shrugged their shoulders laughingly stating, "That's just Eureka."

However, Mr. Scheunemann's most recent council actions exceed, by any reasonable standard, appropriate behavior. Mr. Scheunemann should immediately apologize to the citizens of Eureka Springs. His refusal to rise and join in the Pledge is a clear slap in the face to our country, especially to the men and women who have given their lives for us, including Mr. Scheunemann.

Mayor Joy, do your duty and dismiss Mr. Scheunemann at the next council meeting if he continues his outrageous and disgusting performance in again refusing to stand and pledge allegiance to the flag and country.

Mr. Scheunemann needs to learn good manners, civility and respect toward others. These lessons should be applied by the mayor and other aldermen at the table when he acts so immaturely again.

Steve Barnes

Deer mutilations Satanic?

Editor:

Regarding the comments on senseless, deliberate maiming of deer ... I wonder if anyone is aware that the removal of ears, tails or testicles is an ancient form of Satan worship. It's very old and very twisted, yet it seems to remain alive and well right here, right now.

Perhaps instead of attacking one another, it would be more intelligent to investigate these crimes on another level of interest.

J. Dianne Basta

Thanksgiving thanks

Editor:

Thanks to all who participated in the community feast on Thanksgiving Day at the Unitarian Universalist church. The generous donations of turkey, bread and desserts, along with everyone's potluck contributions, filled the tables with abundance for all.

A special thanks to the team who set up and cleaned up, and to those who baked the turkeys. The use of the UU church was greatly appreciated, and the beauty of the day completed a perfect celebration of community and sharing.

We are so very blessed!

Carolyn Oakleaf

Naughty or nice?

Editor:

An open letter to Eureka parents:

Some of your children belong on Santa's naughty list.

Last Wednesday night about 5:30 p.m., I watched as some young men climbed into the Basin Park Bandshell and proceeded to stomp around the beautiful Nativity scene and take a swipe at one of the hanging baskets, causing an ornament to crash to the floor. Upon being confronted they sped up Spring Street, one on a little dirt bike.

Many ornaments have been being smashed since the day they were installed. Boys have been seen hopping over the fence and grabbing decorations from the Christmas tree. Besides the money invested, believe me when I say that blood, sweat and even tears have been shed to create a park for everyone, of all ages, visitors and locals alike, to be proud of and enjoy during the holidays.

What a beautiful Christmas display the park offers this year! Many volunteers and city workers have spent many, many hours to create this picturesque scene. Imagine how they feel to have it ruined by a few thoughtless children.

It is too bad that these young people have no respect for the unique gifts offered by our wonderful town and the hard, heartfelt work of both city workers and volunteers. Destroying property is not an option. Vandalism is not an option.

As a parent, it is up to you to know where your children are and what they are up to. Otherwise, you may not be happy about where he ends up.

This city has many, many projects that could use this extra energy constructively. Maybe your youngster would like to walk up to the hardworking city gardener and offer his services. Or maybe they would like to apologize for destroying the work of many.

Eureka Springs is blessed with many hardworking, talented and community minded students. It is too bad that a few are ruining things for them.

Freedom without responsibility is chaos.

It's 5:30. Do you know where you children are?

Carol Friesen