Democracy can’t be forced on others
As citizens of the United States of America, we appreciate freedoms that come with living in a democratic society. However, many of us have forgotten how difficult, deadly and painful it became to move that democratic republic from dream to paper to reality and, most importantly, how long it took and is taking. Operation Iraqi Freedom was not launched as an experiment. The mission changed when WMDs were not found.
I’m not here to cast blame, but to explain that democracy cannot be force-fed to an unwilling population that has no notion of the concept. It’s always painful to see people killed and maimed in conflict, whether it’s sectarian or political. Each sovereign nation must eventually work towards its destiny. Armed interference only brings unintended consequences, as we’ve seen in Iraq and will see in Afghanistan.
RONALD D. JOHNSON, AUSTELL
Remake soccer in the American style
After watching parts of a few World Cup Soccer contests, I conclude these games need improvements to increase interest. A few suggestions: Shorten the length of the field by 20 yards and the width by 10. Put 20-foot glass or net backboards on goal lines and 5-foot boards on sidelines. This would cause interesting ricochets. No throw-ins, corner kicks or goal kicks. Divide each contest into four 25-minute quarters and eliminate stops. Increase referees to at least three. Shorten days between contests. And most of all: Put players in pads, minus helmets and allow them to bang and hit each other. We need American football action! It needs to be played “The American Way.”
CHARLES TATTER, MARIETTA
Support Obama’s mandate on carbon
In response to “Obama orders pollution cuts” (News, June 2), there are four compelling reasons to support Obama’s carbon-reduction mandate: mercury, sulphur, carbon and nitrogen, those pesky elements that become the al-Qaida of the Periodic Table when oxidized in coal-fired power plants and released into our atmosphere. Sulphur dioxide causes acid rain. Carbon dioxide propels global warming. Nitrogen dioxide contributes to asthma, emphysema and cardiovascular disease. Mercury is a neurotoxin.
Poisonous chemicals released by coal-burning plants account for premature deaths and lost workdays. Coal ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, is cached in dump sites and contaminates drinking water with heavy metals linked to neurological damage and increased cancer risks. Those who argue for coal over clean, renewable energy bequeath to future generations a legacy of birth defects and increased risks of cancer, chronic illness and reduced longevity. Worse, they threaten the survival of our planet.
BRENDA CONSTAN, ATLANTA
