Some wars fought under dubious causes
I’m a 69-year-old ex-Marine Baby Boomer who served two tours of duty in Vietnam, and I must take serious issue with the claims made in a letter in the AJC (“Few today understand real patriotism,” April 30).
It’s a fairly common trait for those caught up in nationalistic or religious fervor to question the mindset of their fellow compatriots or worshipers, and to ostracize those under suspicion due to their perceived lack of fervor.
From 1940 to 1945, our military was fully engaged in defending our shores from an invasion by Germany and Japan. Patriotic fervor comes naturally under such circumstances. However, our “police actions” in Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq were highly controversial among our citizenry. Patriotic sacrifice seemed less worthy when it was painfully obvious to many that these countries had no intention or wherewithal to attempt an invasion of our shores.
My simple hope is for a future north and south America full of well-maintained bridges and highways rather than walls.
BIRNEY A. MONTCALM, WINSTON
Congress must unite to make U.S. great
The first 100 days. Are they really so significant? Perhaps?
For many reasons, both real and contrived, this president has been excoriated more than any other in his first 100 days. Representatives from all phases of the media rip him to shreds every day. Watch your nightly news anchors as they feign objectivity. How easy it is to sit on high and criticize. Conversely, President Obama was given a pass and a bulletproof vest.
Donald Trump is a flawed individual, as many of us are. However, I believe that his desire to make this country great again is a true conviction. He can't do it alone. Until all our congressional members try to work together, cooperate and compromise, we will become the dis-United States of America. The country spoke. Accept it.
It is past time for congressional term limits. As long as members can champion their personal agendas, assured of a lifetime U.S. Treasury check, nothing will change.
A negative effect of this attitude has trickled down to the individual who sees his/her agenda overshadow Constitutional law and respect for others. So they form activist groups, march and carry signs with pithy slogans expressing personal philosophies.
Donald Trump was not my first choice for president, but at the end of that day in November 2016, the right candidate lost.
BARBARA KRASNOFF, ROSWELL
Trump’s conduct disrespectful to voters
In his remarks to the NRA, Donald Trump referred to Sen. Elizabeth Warren as Pocahontas, something he also did during his campaign. This remark was meant to disparage Sen. Warren using the name of a historical Native American woman. His remark was disrespectful to both women and totally unbecoming the character of a president. Unfortunately, rude remarks like this by Trump are all too common. His conduct is disrespectful of the voters in this country, the government that he was elected to lead, and especially the office to which he was elected.
REBA KELLER, ATLANTA
Airlines care more about profits than people
The recent incidents at United Airlines and American Airlines are really sad. Additionally, Delta canceled thousands of flights in April and left passengers stranded at the airport with little or no assistance. Families with children and even babies had to sleep at the airport or find some place to rest if they were lucky and could afford it. The airlines seem not to care enough because our government is more concerned with increasing their profits than the safety and comfort of its citizens.
This would never have happened in Europe because they have a Passenger Bill of Rights and airlines look after their passengers by providing them with accommodation, meals, phone cards and booking them on new flights. Why are we so far behind?
PAVITTAR SAFIR, ROSWELL
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