Readers write

Torture images could spur change

It surprises me how many of my friends, neighbors and church family approve, or are in denial about America’s radical departure from its moral/ethical traditions because our government sanctioned torture and denial of habeas corpus.

In the election of 2008, a majority of Americans accepted responsibility to be involved in changes needed for our nation to regain its previous stature in world opinion and self-regard. Open immorality and unethical practices had deeply wounded the United States in business, foreign affairs and military service. We felt this in our pocketbooks, saw it in opinion polls and were shocked by military statistics.

Most of us have made serious mistakes in our lives. For some, we have said, “sorry.” We have also found that repentance is necessary to overcome the results of some mistakes. Repentance is a basic teaching of Christianity.

I believe that nothing short of publishing the actual pictures of torture will convince a significant number of Americans that our government did things that were wrong and that must change. Yes, the pictures will be offensive to all of us, and to people all over the world. But without seeing the evidence, America will be unable to repent and to reconcile with the other peoples of the world.

Barack Obama was right in promising open government. We must have openness now to move on.

Cedric C. Gifford, Acworth

Support for torture isn’t strong

Charles Krauthammer’s column “Congress accepted extreme measures it’s now decrying” (@issue, May 15) slams Nancy Pelosi and other Congressional “hypocrites” who are condemning torture. He says that they all knew about the torture in advance, and supported it. He says that they applied a “reasonable man” test to give approval, under the circumstances. That may or may not be true, but Krauthammer’s argument to support the position that Americans in general also supported torture is an outright lie.

His column says, “the American people (who by 2004 knew what was going on) strongly re-elected the man who ordered these interrogations.” Bush was not “strongly re-elected.” He was re-elected by a razor-thin margin. No sitting president has ever failed to win re-election during a time of war, but Bush came close. A “reasonable man” might believe that re-election was Bush’s primary motive for invading Iraq.

Bill Fokes, Braselton

Banks should maintain foreclosed properties

The issue of foreclosures lately has become more evident in our neighborhood. This caused me to think about this in a bit of a new way. The reason the foreclosures make such an impact on neighborhoods falls into the category of cosmetics. No one cuts the grass. The solution seems simple also. Require the owners, who now are the mortgage companies or banks, to keep the property maintained. They should be required to keep the grass cut, windows intact, roofs repaired and all the things that keep them up to code. Not only would this keep the neighborhoods intact, but it would help the unemployment situation. How simple is that? Who could enforce the requirement? Perhaps the code enforcement people would have something to do that would keep them busy for a change.

Nancylee Drew, Atlanta

Help during fall at Fox much appreciated

I’m writing to express my gratitude to the citizens of Atlanta (and neighboring communities) who attended the premiere of the movie, “The Way Home” May 12 at the Fox Theatre.

I have a degenerative spine condition which can, at times, cause complete numbness in my leg, which leads to a fall. That happened at the theater. Immediately, I was surrounded by caring people who expressed concern, and several men helped me to my feet, retrieved my camera and my cane, and made sure I was steady on my feet before releasing my arms. There was so much honest concern that is so lacking in the world today, that I just wanted to offer my sincere gratitude to those who took the time to help me, including the emergency personnel.

What could have been a very humiliating experience was made easier by the concern of the men and women surrounding me. For that, I am extremely thankful. The citizens of Atlanta have provided an excellent example of courtesy and caring that should be replicated in every state.

Thank you!

Dawn Carrington, North Charleston, S.C.

Veterans deserve our thanks for freedom

With the constant bombardment of bad news, especially regarding our economy, many forget how truly blessed America still is. These blessings are afforded by many factors, especially our Constitution, beginning with the Bill of Rights. However, our Constitution is merely a piece of paper without the sweat and sacrifice of our American veterans. In their honor, and memory, here is my “Bill of Thanks.”

For the freedom to speak my mind, however unpopular it may be, thank you, American veterans.

For the freedom to worship God in whatever way I see fit, thank you, American veterans.

For the freedom to protect myself and my family from those who would do us harm, thank you, American veterans.

For the freedom to gather with others and call our government a bunch of wasteful, irresponsible fools without fear of retribution, thank you, American veterans.

We have these and so many other freedoms. But we should remember that freedom is not a right, but a privilege. This Memorial Day, and every day, remember the real reason we have freedom: our American veterans. And to all American veterans, past and present, thank you and God bless you.

Charles Kimbrough, Sylvania