Religious freedom an American pillar
There may be planning, zoning, land use, parking and other issues I am not aware of that went into the decision by the city of Kennesaw to deny the request for a mosque. That said, I do wish to respond to a letter to the editor (Opinion, Dec. 10) in which a writer defends the refusal of Kennesaw to approve the mosque by pointing out that “Muslims terrorize people and will not let one Christian worship or build a church in an Islamic country, so why should we let them build here?” Well, we are not an Islamic country. We are your country and my country. We are our country. I hope that answers your question.
BEN DOOLEY, ATLANTA
U.S. was wrong to torture suspects
Regarding “Senate torture report condemns CIA tactics” (News, Dec. 10), is there anything in human history of which we can say, “That is an example of morally justifiable torture”? No; history champions those who resist the torturers. By condoning torture, American policymakers risk spoiling the very principles and values this nation should embody. History’s torturers share these qualities: They are immoral and irrational. That is not to say Sens. Isakson and Chambliss are immoral or irrational people, but they certainly hold immoral and irrational positions on torture.
Torturers do not recognize the clear hypocrisy and absurdity of becoming evil in order to fight evil, and that’s what makes them irrational. While war may be one necessary evil here on earth, torture is not. Our politicians often cite Christ’s teachings on the campaign trail, but they’re not so eager to apply such wisdom in their decisions. Strong, brave, moral, rational people do not torture other people under any circumstances.
MIKE FORD, ALPHARETTA
CIA report poses some key questions
The predictable moral indignation at the publication of the Senate report on CIA interrogation techniques is a case of being wise after the event. People should remember the chaos and real fear after 9/11, when no one really knew who the perpetrators were and what would come next. Is anyone naive enough to think our enemies and even our allies do not use similar or worse techniques? The key question posed by Senator Feinstein is, “Were these techniques effective?” And did the appropriate people including the president know what was going on? If the answer is no to both questions, the report has served a purpose exposing an ineffectual, self-absorbed CIA to the American public. We deserve better!
IAN SHAW, CUMMING
Companies seek another tax break
While one can appreciate the need to improve our state’s infrastructure (“Business Leaders set 2015 Priorities,” News, Dec. 9), it is ironic the heads of UPS and Delta Air Lines accept millions of dollars in tax breaks and subsidies from Georgia. Maybe they should be willing to decline those gifts before they ask hard-working Georgians to pay higher taxes.
MARK CARSON, ATLANTA
