The deer -- a problem with no solution

Our city is infested with what some consider a thing of beauty, but in reality is a destructive scourge, which creates frustration and ruin for many residents. This situation has existed for years, but this summer is markedly worse -- and with the sightings of numerous offspring, will only multiply over time.

The deer population is absolutely overrunning this town -- and nothing seems to deter them from destroying gardens and feeding on almost every variety of flowers. I've just given up on my knockout roses -- even large bushes have no blossoms, because new growth and buds are bitten off before they can bloom out. Virulent repellent sprays and swatches of human hair have no effect.

I visited the city code enforcement office a few days ago and spoke with the person involved with animal control. Unfortunately, since deer are not domesticated animals, they fall under the jurisdiction of the State Game & Fish Commission. City officials would like to alleviate the deer problem, but there's actually very little they can do.

As with other city officials I've dealt with over the years, this young man was very responsive and did what he could to be helpful. He has a family member who's been successful deterring the deer using a gadget with a little rod which sticks into the ground with an apparatus on top "which triggers the flight response in deer," and they run away--it's called Deer Off, six to a package, and each one covers several feet of space. He went on the internet in his office and Lowe's had two packages in stock -- which I went directly out and bought. So will hope for the best!

Another bit of information surely defies common sense. Apparently there are residents who live in the same area of town as I do, and actually have deer feeders set out to attract deer -- because they enjoy seeing them in their yard! Have they ever considered some of their neighbors enjoy having a vegetable garden and beautiful flowers -- and don't enjoy going out in the morning to find everything's been destroyed by those same deer?

Considering the severity of the problem, a friend has voiced a good suggestion, a city ordinance prohibiting feeding deer inside city limits.

Barbara Foreman

Siloam Springs

Congress failing with its responsibility

Congress should address the current immigration crisis to fix the current laws. The U.S. Constitution vests Congress with the power and responsibility to enact legislation for the common good of the nation. Currently, Congress is failing that responsibility. Instead, President Trump signed an executive order (June 20) to keep families together to the extent of the law and consistent with resources.

Congress is attempting to pass the buck because it is politically expedient. The Democrats have urged the President to sign an executive order because doing so is easier and swifter than the onerous chore of debating, crafting, and implementing new laws. Republicans have failed to achieve unity and instead have two immigration bills on the table with widely differing consequences between the two. Meanwhile, President Trump has made clear he will sign any immigration reform bill Congress manages to put on his table.

If Congress fails to enact new legislation the options are: continuance of the current system; the President signs a new executive order changing current enforcement of the laws; or the courts intervene to create policy decisions. Neither the second nor the third options are good for Constitutional government and rule of law.

The Framers carefully crafted a government in which the majority would rule while protecting the rights of the minority. Legislators should present their best arguments, enact the best legislation, and ultimately allow the voters to decide. It should not be forgotten that the purpose of government is to secure the natural rights of citizens'-life, liberty, and property. Immigration policy can and should be made with these principles in mind.

For Congress to abdicate its responsibility is to invite judicial or executive overreach. Those concerned with the continuance of a government that has ensured prosperity and liberty for generations should be concerned not just with whether the current immigration problem is fixed but also how it is fixed.

Zachary Rogers

Bella Vista