GOP should show teachers respect
In the recent GOP debates, Jeb Bush said American teachers are paid a lot more than teachers in other advanced nations. This misconception is repeated over and over again by Republicans. In advance nations, most teachers benefit from universal education, health care, universal family leave, a universal retirement program, universal six weeks of paid vacation, and other holidays, all of which amounts to much more than American teachers receive. Moreover, these foreign teachers are respected, as only the most qualified can become a teacher. In these foreign countries, a teacher is one of the most coveted positions, only next to a medical doctor. Some GOP governors cut school budgets and lay off teachers so they can provide more tax cuts for businesses and the rich. The GOP has created a disaster in our public schools; teachers in our country leave the profession or transfer to places where there’s a fair salary, good working conditions and respect.
MIKE NEWTON, JONESBORO
If woman’s fate isn’t cruel, what is?
In response to “Ga. woman on death row loses ruling” (News, Aug. 11), I must confess I am at a loss after reading a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by Kelly Gissendaner, in which she claimed that her rescheduled visits to the Georgia death chamber and the dithering “on again, off again” of her most recent visit were cruel and unusual. I cannot imagine how anyone with a grain of moral fiber could affirm that a person who has been told they are going to be executed, endured for years the agonies of anticipation of death, been given a date that was twice changed, eaten her last meal, been escorted to the death chamber and tied to a gurney, and lain there in anticipation of the administration of lethal drugs only to be told that once again, the execution was “off,” has not been subjected to “cruel and unusual punishment.” If what has happened to Gissendaner is not cruel and unusual, what is? What is the ultimate extension of human suffering and anguish that must be met to qualify as cruel and unusual?
STEVE G. DECLAISSE-WALFORD, GRAYSON
Trump takes focus off real issues
It is pretty sad Donald Trump has taken the focus off real issues with his arrogance and disrespect. Even sadder is that some people find that appealing. The debate last week was watched by millions of people because they wanted to see the next live feud. It was like the WWE of debates. Even I was interested in the next “I can’t believe he said that” moment. It has become a circus. If you happened to look past that, you would have noticed that there were some candidates who had smart things to say, such as Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, and Carly Fiorina.
MARIA ACEVEDO, MARIETTA
