Iran deal on nukes is a big mistake
We are making a cataclysmic error trying to sweet-talk Iran out of its nuclear ambitions. As Neville Chamberlain discovered 75 years ago, peace through weakness just doesn’t work. Nations who export terrorism coupled with a suicidal mentality cannot be allowed access to weapons of mass destruction. Unlike Russia, suicidally minded people will not be deterred by the threat of massive reprisal. If they have it, they will use it. Threatening war is never a good option, but it is far better to deal with Iran now when we clearly have the military upper hand than when they have nuclear-tipped missiles aimed in our direction. Leaving future generations to face a nuclear-armed Iran is simply unforgivable.
JOHN COWAN, CARTERSVILLLE
Region is still rich in Southern pride
My ancestors are from Alabama and Oklahoma, Indian Territory. My concern is that special-interest groups want to destroy or move anything relating to the Confederacy. My mother’s family ran a plantation in Alabama using freemen as labor. My father’s family came to Indian Territory via Texas. I am proud of my heritage and do not want symbols of that era erased. I agree slavery is a terrible thing, but don’t punish those of us who came from a heritage rich in Southern pride.
ANN PERKINS, GRAYSON
Non-believing bigots need protection, too
Atheists and agnostics can hate people, too, but only religious people get special government backing for their bigotry. Is not government establishing religion when it supplies special protection from the law to only religious bigots? Let atheists and agnostics have special protection, too. Let them discriminate without fear of prosecution, just as the Religious Freedom Act would do for people who claim religion as an excuse. Then, the government would protect all bigots, not just religious ones. Equal rights for all — not special rights to discriminate, even if you use religion as your excuse.
M. A. APPLEGATE, WOODSTOCK
Mass transit can benefit environment
As a frequent rider, I applaud Frederick Daniels’ guest column on MARTA’s value as an investment for the state (“MARTA investment lifts Ga.,” Opinion, July 14). Now MARTA has excellent leadership, operates well — and in the black — and is poised to expand. These expansions are truly needed, and would be a benefit not only for Atlanta, but for the entire state. In addition to the strong economic incentives to upgrade MARTA, there are environmental ones as well. Reducing the number of cars on our roads would mean less delay and traffic congestion and importantly, would reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
KATHERINE MITCHELL, ATLANTA
