I’ve said it here before (and I’ll probably say it again): the very last lines in most, if not all, published letters to the editor are the very best lines, the true meat of the letter.

So here is a sampling of the views of last week’s letter writers, as found in the region’s largest and only daily newspaper. (For transparency: This weekly and all the newspapers whose articles you read are owned by the same company.) While we devour this non-binding survey of political views, just listen to people’s views.

“Nothing new, he exposed the faces of his agents for a photo shoot. From the injured police officers and his supporters to COVID to a brave firefighter killed behind him, the question is who is the next collateral damage in this drama and does our democracy have a hand in it?”

“I prefer Kamala Harris’ desire for justice over Trump’s desire for power any day.”

“Could someone please tell Mr. Thomas (Cal Thomas, a national columnist) that Trump’s attempt to overthrow the U.S. government should not, for any other reason, disqualify him from ever holding public office again.”

“I have no respect for a semester of ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) at a Bible college. This veteran and Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz have one very important thing in common that (former Arkansas Governor) Mike Huckabee has no idea about: mutual respect.”

“A million people are now following their Messiah, and he will lie to them and tell them what they want to believe.”

“I was surprised to see a sign on the front door (of a restaurant) saying that there was a 3% discount for paying in cash. I hope more restaurants follow this example.”

“Simply saying (to push through a sales tax or millage increase) that it will increase funding for this or that is not the best way to do it.”

“The theme of his lies is like a 12-year-old saying he’s going to destroy his sister and make his family great again. Not funny at all.”

“These are the visions that the two (political) parties have of the country we all live in. Joy or hate? You decide, then vote.”

“Of course, he could have done a simple thing to bring all these criminal charges against himself, but it probably never occurred to him. Don’t break the law!”

“Although the Ten Commandments should be taught and discussed both in the home and in church, I believe that legally requiring their display could lead to division rather than unity.

“Governor, will you grow up and be a governor for all? End the war between red and blue. Be more aware and stop embarrassing yourselves at the local and national level.”

“The Democrats and their media partners cannot transform a Kamalpillar in 90 days.”

“No one is so blind as he who does not want to see.”

“But unfortunately the Confederacy mentality remains.”

“And finally, it seems like they could use some help.”

So, those were the last lines for now.

I think there are still more than 60 days until the general election in November.

And as usual, the letter writers are just warming up their keyboards.

Maylon Rice is a former journalist who has worked for several publications in Northwest Arkansas. He can be reached by email at (email protected).