KOREAN WAR
Two nations recall conflict differently
This Friday, Korean War veterans will mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War. South and North Korea will observe this day in distinctly different ways.
South Korea is thanking friends and allies who sent their soldiers to uphold freedom and democracy. Our deepest gratitude will always be with those who fought to defend a country not their own.
North Korea, on the other hand, is marking this anniversary in its own way. Kim Jong Un will unveil a multi-million-dollar war monument and stage an extravagant military parade. Sadly, the people of North Korea, already plagued with torrential rain and flood damages, are certain to bear the brunt of his extravagant celebration.
We sincerely hope that Kim Jong Un gives up his military ambitions and joins the international community, walking the path to peace and prosperity.
HE BEOM KIM, CONSUL GENERAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, ATLANTA
ZIMMERMAN TRIAL
Have some respect for yourself, others
We cannot legislate love. In light of the Zimmerman verdict, where do we go from here?
First, you must respect yourself before others will respect you and your culture. Start by pulling up your pants. School is for your benefit. Sit down, and shut up. Listen; you might learn something. Disrespecting leaders and fighting profits you nothing.
Leave other people and their belongings alone. Stop the killings, carjackings, stealing and drug use. Try it; you might like it — and you might even like yourself better.
GRACIA F. CARROLL, CONLEY
Obama should use trial to open tough dialogue
The country should leave George Zimmerman alone.
If the president were a true leader, he would say this in no uncertain terms. And perhaps, if he had the courage to do so, he might use this trial to further a tough, truthful dialogue about race relations in this country, instead of being so politically correct.
E. MARTIN, PEACHTREE CITY
NEW STADIUM
Church should insist on better buyout deal
News reports about the attempt by those interested in building a new football stadium to purchase Friendship Baptist Church focus on the dollar amount being offered.
Such a focus ignores a basic financial problem. The assessed value of any church building is far less than the replacement cost. This is because church buildings are single-purpose structures. It is difficult to use a church for anything else.
If the Friendship congregation is going to sell, it needs to hold out for replacement cost — which is likely to be twice, or more, the assessed value.
RICHARD DAVIES, MORROW
