READERS WRITE: FEB. 10
Dems’ State of the Union behavior was appalling
I was appalled at how rude Nancy Pelosi was at the State of the Union speech. Again and again, she pretended to look at papers – holding them up as she looked at them – and one time, remained standing for far too long. I understand the Democrats were exhibiting their total disregard for President Donald Trump, but their level of bad manners and lack of respect for the office of our president should gain them nothing but derision.
SHARON VIA, MARIETTA
Columnist’s rant on transgender people irresponsible
I applaud the AJC’s commitment to balanced views on its editorial pages, though Michael Ramirez’s cartoon is never funny. But Walter E. Williams’ column, “Fluidity of gender today shows reality is optional” (Opinion, Feb. 6), does not contribute to understanding or integrating transgender individuals into society. His column is simply a transphobic attack so condescending and belittling that printing this nasty, tongue-in-cheek nonsense amounts to irresponsible journalism. Mr. Williams does not appear to grasp the definition of gender dysphoria, instead likening this actual condition to arbitrary constructs and make-believe suggestions. Then he clouds the issue by engaging in a long rant about women in sports. Wait, what? Does he pretend that transgender individuals are making stuff up so they can be subjected to blatant discrimination and violence against them?
BRENT C. FORKNER, CARTERSVILLE
Dems’ SOTU response gave praise to big government
Democrats chose well in asking Stacey Abrams to give the party’s response to the State of the Union speech. She was a strong standard-bearer, but she did not really respond to the speech. Rather, she mesmerized her acolytes with that shiny pendulum, swinging it back and forth, as she appealed to the believers of more and more from our government. Yes, there are people living paycheck to paycheck – and there always will be, just as there will always be poor people and rich people, and the homeless and forgotten. That’s reality, but there are fewer today living in poverty than in administrations past, and the middle class is working and thriving. Ms. Abrams failed to place any responsibility on Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats during the recent government shutdown. Pelosi refused to negotiate. This new Democratic party shows no resemblance to the party I respected, that is, Truman’s or Kennedy’s.
BARBARA KRASNOFF, ROSWELL
‘Local team’ AJC did very well in its Super Bowl coverage
Reading about all the success and accolades Atlanta has received for the Super Bowl, I wanted to give a special shout out to the AJC. The daily special coverage section was chock-full of information. The articles on participating teams, coaches, hometowns, fans and celebrity sightings were informative, and many made for a fun read. As a native Atlantan, I especially loved reading all the kudos our wonderful city received from the visitors. Even the Patriots fans were impressed and complimentary! The amount of time each journalist must have spent researching and writing on deadline is impressive. I was especially impressed with the cover page of the wrap-up section in Sunday’s edition made to read like a movie advertisement. I know times are tough in the newspaper business. I can only hope and encourage folks who read online or bought a paper for these special editions will continue their support of our “local team,” the AJC.
MARGARET MCDANIEL, MARIETTA
