Readers write, May 23

The presiding judge should be able to fine the absent officer’s command office, whether it is a city police department or a county sheriff’s office. Fine the office at least as much as the citizen would have had to pay, plus an “inconvenience” charge for the time and inconvenience of all who left their job to appeal their ticket, or who work at the courthouse keeping track of tickets issued and scheduling court appearances.

Budgets being what they are these days, I am sure that the police chiefs and sheriffs would then ensure that their officers were present in court each time they were due.

BOB THOMAS, CUMMING

MIDEAST CONFLICT

Palestinian refusals hinder peace efforts

Regarding “Israel seeks interim deal” (News, May 20), the core issue in the Arab-Israeli conflict is not “settlements,” but Arab refusal to accept a permanent Israel behind any boundaries.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas refused to negotiate for almost all of Israel’s settlement freeze. He continues to reject negotiation, despite repeated requests from President Obama.

Evermore Israeli concessions cannot bring peace when all the Palestinians will accept is Israeli surrender. It is high time that the Palestinians compromise as well — by recognizing Israel as a Jewish homeland, and accepting the rights of Jewish refugees from Arab countries.

DORON LUBINSKY, ATLANTA

STATE PARKS

Deal OK with Bibles; what of other texts?

I was interested to learn that Governor Deal supports the placement of Bibles in state park facilities (“Bibles returning to state parks,” Metro, May 16). Other donated material could be placed there as well.

That would imply that the Koran, the Torah, the Book of Mormon, etc. could be donated and placed in the facilities as well. Pretty soon, we’ll need to add book cases in the rooms. One wonders who would decide what could be placed, and what criteria would be used. Do we need a new state commission to work on this? Perhaps a lengthy study? Or would it just be easier not to get in the business of deciding which religions the state will promote?

STEVE KING, BUFORD

COMMENTARY

Cartoon gives cover to Obama’s Benghazi lies

I am writing to the AJC for the first time to express my outrage over the Mike Luckovich cartoon of May 9 (Opinion). I would dare say that the friends and families of the four men killed by terrorists can hear what is being said.

When our president and our secretary of state go on national television and lie to the American people, our country has hit an all-time low.

Equally sad is that newspapers such as yours provide cover for these lies. Your newspaper is an embarrassment to Atlanta.

ROBERT MATHENY, LILBURN