Readers Write: Friday

ISRAEL

Withhold aid to Israel

The Israeli government recently announced authorization of new construction in the West Bank, thereby undermining the Obama administration’s call on a complete construction freeze. Israel’s actions are a violation of international law and a provocation that prevents a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As a retired U.S. Army officer who served many years in the Middle East, I support the call for a complete freeze on settlement construction and wish the call would go one step further. I would like to see the U.S. withhold aid to Israel until Israel agrees to abide by U.S. and international law — and that includes stopping settlement construction. Enabling such disregard for internationally accepted standards only fuels the conflict and world hostilities.

James J. David, Marietta

IRAN

We must model tolerance

It is highly unlikely any immediate changes will result from the rebellion in Iran. I don’t believe it wise for this government to jump into the fray, other than to express concern for how Iranian leadership handled the situation.

We can never lose sight of the fact that, regardless of who emerges as the titular head of government in an Iranian election, they will be no more than figureheads. The ayatollahs will remain the real power, and they control every aspect of Iranian life for the foreseeable future.

Changes can only come from within. Whenever religion is involved, politics become secondary. Our dedication to maintaining separation of church and state is not shared by most, if not all Moslem countries.

Old ways die hard in old societies. Tolerance is a relatively new concept, but it can catch on if countries like ours can showcase it by example.

George Morin, Auburn

HEALTH CARE

Feel our pain, Congress

OK, Congress. I’ll accept whatever health care “reform” you come up with, but only with one stipulation: All three branches of government must drop their present plush health care programs and be covered only by what they foist on the rest of us.

Walter H. Inge, Atlanta

BANKS

Shun the bad actors

The news today is all about the big banks and the many that received government help, planning on giving executives and many workers bonuses and raises. They have every right to do so, no matter how irksome this may seem.

However, there is action that we, the public, can take. Simply put, we can use capitalism to our advantage and take our business to banks that are not acting in this bothersome manner.

We have a choice here: Deal with the banks that are acting responsibly.

Bill Burns, Stone Mountain