Letters to the editor
Issue date: 11/3/08 Section: Opinion
Economy not affected significantly by students who drive
Your editorial on Monday showed lack of knowledge about the way the world economy works. Your stated reason for the decrease in gas prices is that "with less money comes less demand, and with less demand comes higher supply."
To begin, "less money" implies that the monetary base is shrinking, also known as deflation. This would cause a decrease in nominal, not real, prices. That is, the dollar price of most goods would decrease but these goods would still "cost" the same amount, in terms of actual resources.
Second, decreased demand may be caused by a decrease in income, but it most certainly will not cause a decrease in supply. These are the most basic principles of economics.
Third, the drop in gas prices is likely caused by a precipitous slide in the price of crude oil, which may well be a function of a slowing global economy. Nonetheless, the U.S. economy is not the sole culprit.
As a final note, you asserted that, were students to begin "their old, gas-guzzling habits" again, gas prices would again rise. Now, the notion that a few thousand students driving a bit more could have a substantial impact on the price of gasoline nationwide - or worldwide - is preposterous. I suggest your editorial writers read up on economic theory before opining on economic events.
Stuart Shirrell
Sophomore
Economics and mathematics
Signs for change: Lioneld Jordan
On a recent drive to the Fayetteville library, I was delighted to see many Lioneld Jordan signs prominently displayed in front of homes and businesses.
From the beginning of Lioneld's candidacy, I've been drawn to his message of local government for the people. Lioneld has a record of leadership in our community as vice mayor and alderman. Lioneld has served on multiple committees and received a range of awards for his service over the years. Most important, I have been impressed by Lioneld's vision of "growing" Fayetteville by cultivating its unique strengths.
With all these qualities, it seems like a sure thing that Lioneld would be a clear leader in the pack of mayoral candidates; however, Lioneld is not one to be flashy. He represents the people, and Lioneld Jordan - solid, dependable, capable, intelligent - is what we need in Fayetteville now. After seeing so many signs, I realized many others have recognized that, too.
My friends and I are excited to vote for Lioneld Jordan for mayor and urge you to do the same.
Sonya Zimmer
Fayetteville, Ark.
Jordan is 'real deal' for Fayetteville
From my vantage point, it appears that a diverse groundswell of support is boosting Lioneld Jordan, Ward 4 alderman & vice mayor, toward becoming our next mayor of Fayetteville.
I find it exhilarating to think about the citizens electing this special man to lead our fair city. No doubt, Jordan comes with an amazing depth of knowledge and passion for Fayetteville and all her people. After all, this is his hometown that he has served well for many years.
So, it seems to come as no surprise that Lioneld has very deservedly earned the endorsements from our Fayetteville Fraternal Order of Police, Fayetteville Fire Fighters Association, Sierra Club Ozark Headwaters Group, Washington County Green Party and the AFSCME Local 965 (University of Arkansas workers).
Perhaps you've seen Fayetteville's "finest" at locations around town, displaying their yellow Jordan shirts and signs? It's certainly an exciting show of support that will lead us into Election Day.
Lioneld also gets a public endorsement from many citizens because he passionately believes in an open and transparent government. He also believes strongly in protecting and promoting environmental quality, preserving our historic heritage and recruiting green economy businesses that pay a true living wage.
Because Lioneld understands that the vision for Fayetteville's future starts with all of us communicating at the table, he is proposing a series of ongoing "summits" starting in January.
Let's support him in bringing forth true, open-door government and the involvement of the citizens in ways that will lead toward the brightest future for Fayetteville. It's time to vote for Lioneld Jordan for mayor - he's the "real deal for Fayetteville"!
Linda Ralston
Fayetteville, Ark.
Your editorial on Monday showed lack of knowledge about the way the world economy works. Your stated reason for the decrease in gas prices is that "with less money comes less demand, and with less demand comes higher supply."
To begin, "less money" implies that the monetary base is shrinking, also known as deflation. This would cause a decrease in nominal, not real, prices. That is, the dollar price of most goods would decrease but these goods would still "cost" the same amount, in terms of actual resources.
Second, decreased demand may be caused by a decrease in income, but it most certainly will not cause a decrease in supply. These are the most basic principles of economics.
Third, the drop in gas prices is likely caused by a precipitous slide in the price of crude oil, which may well be a function of a slowing global economy. Nonetheless, the U.S. economy is not the sole culprit.
As a final note, you asserted that, were students to begin "their old, gas-guzzling habits" again, gas prices would again rise. Now, the notion that a few thousand students driving a bit more could have a substantial impact on the price of gasoline nationwide - or worldwide - is preposterous. I suggest your editorial writers read up on economic theory before opining on economic events.
Stuart Shirrell
Sophomore
Economics and mathematics
Signs for change: Lioneld Jordan
On a recent drive to the Fayetteville library, I was delighted to see many Lioneld Jordan signs prominently displayed in front of homes and businesses.
From the beginning of Lioneld's candidacy, I've been drawn to his message of local government for the people. Lioneld has a record of leadership in our community as vice mayor and alderman. Lioneld has served on multiple committees and received a range of awards for his service over the years. Most important, I have been impressed by Lioneld's vision of "growing" Fayetteville by cultivating its unique strengths.
With all these qualities, it seems like a sure thing that Lioneld would be a clear leader in the pack of mayoral candidates; however, Lioneld is not one to be flashy. He represents the people, and Lioneld Jordan - solid, dependable, capable, intelligent - is what we need in Fayetteville now. After seeing so many signs, I realized many others have recognized that, too.
My friends and I are excited to vote for Lioneld Jordan for mayor and urge you to do the same.
Sonya Zimmer
Fayetteville, Ark.
Jordan is 'real deal' for Fayetteville
From my vantage point, it appears that a diverse groundswell of support is boosting Lioneld Jordan, Ward 4 alderman & vice mayor, toward becoming our next mayor of Fayetteville.
I find it exhilarating to think about the citizens electing this special man to lead our fair city. No doubt, Jordan comes with an amazing depth of knowledge and passion for Fayetteville and all her people. After all, this is his hometown that he has served well for many years.
So, it seems to come as no surprise that Lioneld has very deservedly earned the endorsements from our Fayetteville Fraternal Order of Police, Fayetteville Fire Fighters Association, Sierra Club Ozark Headwaters Group, Washington County Green Party and the AFSCME Local 965 (University of Arkansas workers).
Perhaps you've seen Fayetteville's "finest" at locations around town, displaying their yellow Jordan shirts and signs? It's certainly an exciting show of support that will lead us into Election Day.
Lioneld also gets a public endorsement from many citizens because he passionately believes in an open and transparent government. He also believes strongly in protecting and promoting environmental quality, preserving our historic heritage and recruiting green economy businesses that pay a true living wage.
Because Lioneld understands that the vision for Fayetteville's future starts with all of us communicating at the table, he is proposing a series of ongoing "summits" starting in January.
Let's support him in bringing forth true, open-door government and the involvement of the citizens in ways that will lead toward the brightest future for Fayetteville. It's time to vote for Lioneld Jordan for mayor - he's the "real deal for Fayetteville"!
Linda Ralston
Fayetteville, Ark.

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