NORTH KOREA
Remember lessons of nuclear proliferation
The April 11 cartoon by Michael Ramirez (Opinion) was great, as usual.
However, I suspect the “Fat Man and Little Boy” allusion left many (perhaps most) of your readers scratching their heads. Aside from the fact that it was but one more — albeit unnecessary — reminder that I am officially “old,” more importantly, it reminds us that a knowledge and appreciation of history, though essential, is woefully lacking in the world’s populace. As the saying goes, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
DAN COWLES, CUMMING
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
Writer draws wrong conclusions about gays
The author of “Redefining institution invites societal chaos” (Readers write, Opinion, April 10) makes some hefty assumptions in his letter regarding marriage and children.
We should remember that straight couples have a poor track record with the institution of marriage. Gay couples enter into marriage against all odds, and with eyes wide open. When they choose parenthood and want to adopt, it’s been my experience that they’re the ones to volunteer for children that biological, straight parents can’t or won’t protect and nurture. They accept older children, and those hard to place from the foster care system.
Marriage is a stabilizing institution for any community. We should applaud, rather than reject, more entrants.
SALLY MCDONALD, CHAMBLEE
EDUCATION
Be careful not to lose teachers with potential
I just read the article about the rule change that allowed Superintendent Avossa to dismiss “new hires” during their first 90 days (“Fulton teachers face quick firings,” Metro, April 13).
What process precedes the dismissal of an inexperienced teacher? Who makes the determination that the teacher is ineffective? Will the teacher be notified that deficits exist, and be offered the possibility of working with experienced teachers to correct those deficits? In almost any profession, one grows into a job with experience, and help from colleagues and supervisors.
Educational reform in Georgia is imperative. I believe that teachers are the key to good education. We should be sure that we don’t lose potentially strong educators because they falter at the beginning of their careers, and we should be certain that we don’t allow poor educators to remain in the classroom — no matter how long they have been teaching.
LYNDA GREER, ATLANTA
NEIGHBORLINESS
Inspiring stories give hope for good in world
Kudos to the author of “Gas station attendant was Good Samaritan” (Readers write, Opinion, April 12), for such a great letter, which reminded me that Good Samaritans are still out there in this world.
I love to read newspapers throughout this nation, and I love to look for inspiring stories and letters to the editor. I found one in the AJC, and it gives me inspiration that there is more good than bad in this world.
JEFF SWANSON, EVERETT, WASH.
