GAY MARRIANGE
All bad unions can hurt society
I agree with the letter writer’s assessment that traditional marriage has been on the ropes for decades (“Redefining marriage would only downgrade it,” Readers write, Opinion, April 5).
Where we part ways is when he reaches the conclusion that marriage equality would further degrade the institution (using the analogy of fatherhood). The flaw in the writer’s comparison is that he lumps all same-sex marriages in with the biological but absent father, and lumps all traditional marriages in with the committed father who spends a lifetime raising a child. In reality, all marriages that are entered into for the wrong reasons should be compared to the bad father and all loving, lifelong marriages should be compared to the good father. The latter helps build the strong society that we should all protect and promote - regardless of who’s marrying who.
JIM OHARE, SMYRNA
ARTS TV
Classical music deserves public broadcasting
First, it is perplexing and disturbing that a metro area as large as Atlanta has nothing on TV featuring classical music. Classic Arts Showcase (CAS) offers a variety of clips of classical music, ballet, scenes from classic movies, historic interviews and more - all supplied free and with no advertising to public access channels, public TV and other non-commercial channels. CAS’s programs are entertaining and educational, in different ways, to different degrees, to all ages.
Part of the problem mimics my own eighth grade experience: middle-school students don’t want to listen to “that stuff.” But doesn’t the role of teachers include leading and directing? How many 12 to 14-year-olds would take algebra, Shakespeare, important history or classical music on their own? A few (maybe more) might find an interest, or a stimulus, or a role model that could enrich their future lives. Space on a public access channel is needed for this educational freebie.
LARRY KIRKLAND, ATLANTA
COURTS
Supreme Court needs to catch up
I often disagree with the writings of columnist Ramesh Ponnuru. However, his history lesson on the Supreme Court in a recent AJC was accurate and helpful (“High court wasn’t always a champion of freedom”, Opinion, April 6).
The U.S. Supreme Court, through most of our history, has lagged far behind the other branches and public opinion. It’s another example of the importance of remembering our history.
DAN C. WEST, ATLANTA
GUNS
Finding refuge from gun owners
Why must we carry a gun to be safe from the people who carry a gun?
Because the NRA and their supporters say so.
A gun is not the solution; it is the problem.
KATHIE CHENEY, PEACHTREE CITY
