Letter to the Editor: Anonymous mailer missing facts about county judge candidate

From Martha Orsburn

To the Editor:

Well, I spent almost an hour writing what I felt about that dia-lie. (That’s a play on the word diatribe for the one with the lack of intelligence that wrote this mess to pick up on it.) When I went to find Bill’s opponent’s name to make sure I spelled it correctly, all my perfectly worded response was gone! Truthfully! It was perfect grammatically, in punctuality, capitalization AND factually! 

A little something the topic of all this public humiliation of an anonymous author threw out there was missing was the facts. Oh, and the courage to stand on the accusations. But then, slander and liable has no firm foundation, does it? How embarrassing. How cowardice. Racism? Really? Every time somebody throws that word, it just screams that’s the only thing they have left to depend on to divide good people. Who doesn’t know a racist?? There’s a good deal of people that have them in their midst, their circle, even their family! Why must people rely on the downgrading generalization of a whole group of people that have different skin color to hide the same color of blood and guts? So ridiculous to me. 

Whoever wasted trees to write this pitiful attempt at division would have been better served to have used the ink to voice gratitude that there were two men of great accomplishments, acts of kindness and a desire to improve their fellow citizenry. But no, we have to be reminded of the olden days when the proof has been given all colors either owned slaves or was one. I wasn’t either one. My ancestors were both, as were so many others, most assuredly the author of this. I would rather speak of the strength and honor it took from those before us, of all colors, to give us the opportunities we have today. Who speaks of the atrocities Native Americans suffered? What of the Italian immigrants or Asians that were enslaved, or owned slaves, etc.? No. We have to hear what stirs the most. Does it figure into the statistics of the income anywhere the vast difference in population of the races? How many blacks or whites do you know personally in this county that have been held down because of their skin? I’d venture to guess if they weren’t able to reach their personal goals it was based more on their character and fortitude (or lack thereof) than anything else. 

I was raised in Okolona, population about 340, with around 140 of that being cows. I came to Arkadelphia and began my work life when I was 18 years old and never missed a lick till I retired because of a wreck causing disability. Y’all know me. Yep, I was married and divorced 5x and I own that, will even laugh with you about it. I raised my 3 kids as a single parent for the most part, bought my own building in town, bought, paid for and retired from my own business of right at 30 years, all while living in a house I bought and paid for. A single parent, white female with no generational wealth, a minority. Just as many other minorities have done before me. 

People please, don’t pay attention to this grab at a hopeful willingness to coddle these poor people as they’re hoping for. I told you all that to tell you this … I was able to succeed as I did due in large part to Percy Malone because he took a chance on me and trusted me with his business all those years. He rented to me and gave me grace when my payments were late. It was his desire to see me succeed and assisted me in doing so. Through all those years I never witnessed racism on any level. For all he helped me acquire for my family I will be forever grateful. 

As for Bill, we’ve known each other since high school. Bill Rogers wears me out just watching him. Oh what I wouldn’t give for the energy and tenacity he still has today! He has served this community in more ways than any of us will ever know because his humility, personal honor and character limits his need for outside praise. He has what it takes to be Clark County Judge, successfully, but not without mistakes, (ones that will be lessons and not repeated) tirelessly, but not without comfort from his faith and with pride based in a job he’ll be able to stand behind, not because he has anything to prove, but because he wants the best for his community.  The years he’s shown his willingness to help when needed, even when it wasn’t required should’ve shown what he’s made of clearly, to those that don’t see through biased or prejudiced eyes. Bill Rogers was there in ways for this family when our precious Brinly was taken nobody else ever could’ve been. He has a place in our lives and family because he gave of himself in ways that hurt his own heart when ours were torn away. Bill Rogers is a good, decent, compassionate and Godly man with a conscience and a willingness to serve ALL people. 

I’m sure Mr. Ankton is a fine and upstanding, intelligent and capable man. I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting him. I’ve seen nothing in the debates that would indicate otherwise. Nor have I seen or heard anything that would lead me to believe he would encourage or participate in anything such as this. 

With that being said, Bill I have full faith that if given the chance,  you will be a source of great pride in the representation of this county. I pray you’re given the opportunity to do so.

Now, last but not least, I am Martha Orsburn and I approve this message written by my hand. I would humbly ask that if it contains anything you deem to be offensive, please do not let that reflect on Bill. He had no clue I was writing any of this, nor did Percy Malone. God bless Y’all.

Letters to the editor are considered for publication. Email them to editor@arkadelphian.com.