Readers write, Dec. 4

GRADUATION RATES

Business community

should push education

No matter how the politicians spin it, ranking 44th in the nation in high school graduation rates is disgraceful.

It is less than comforting that Governor Deal commented that he has been concerned about the numbers for some time. Rather than wait for politicians to put forward some concrete actions, the Georgia business community should take a much more visible leadership role.

I would suggest that, as major stakeholders in the need for a more educated future workforce, the business community should be out in the community championing initiatives like career pathways, aimed at connecting with students and making their studies more relevant to their future beyond high school.

IAN SHAW, CUMMING

SENIOR CARE

Give elderly parents

a say in their futures

The Nov. 29 headline, “Best to plan ahead for aging parents’ care” ( Living) caught my eye. The word “for” made my blood boil.

At what stage does the adult child assume control when a parent’s mental or physical health are in question? The adult parent should be part of any concern adult children have. The parent should always be included in the decision-making — that is, until the time comes when the parent is so diminished that he or she cannot take part.

In the parent’s eyes, he or she has become less human and powerless when an adult child takes over control, and becomes diminished not only in his own eyes, but in the eyes of society.

Self-esteem and a sense of power are important. Be respectful of the elderly parent, even in the most difficult of situations.

MARY JO WINER, ATLANTA

POLITICS

GOP should just give

the president a chance

Correct me if I’m wrong: Americans elected a man as president. The Republicans spent the next four years rejecting every idea he has, and disowning anyone who liked his ideas.

At the next election, Americans re-elected the same man, and the Republicans want to spend four more years rejecting every idea he has? It seems to me that the majority of Americans really want to give this man’s ideas a chance.

EDDIE ROSS, MARIETTA

DEFENSE PRIORITIES

Reduce nuke spending

to support our troops

The U.S. is projected to spend more than $600 billion over the next decade on nuclear weapons and programs suited for Cold War scenarios that are no longer plausible. Meanwhile, our troops in the field lack for basic protective equipment needed to defeat realistic, 21st century threats faced today.

As Congress struggles with the deficit, we — as responsible citizens — have a duty to insist on reductions to wasteful spending that is overly driven by politicians and lobbyists, instead of long-term 21st century defense strategies. We need to meet the needs of our dedicated troops and veterans who have protected us.

I support the troops, but not the nukes. I urge you to write or call your representatives and senators to tell them to reduce spending on nuclear weapons.