Trump, abusive frats both examples of ‘cultural disruption’
In “Fraternity video exposes our crumbling decency” (Opinion, April 26), Kathleen Parker makes the case that horrible behavior by the Theta Tau fraternity at Syracuse University is a measure of “a larger cultural disruption,” and that “children learn the values of decency … from within the family’s miniature social system.” She is correct. However, a better example is the current occupant of the White House. A compulsive liar, bully and serial adulterer, he enjoys an approval rating among Republicans in the mid-80 percent range. My fear is the children of Trump voters. What kind of values are they learning are acceptable? What are they bringing to the next generation? I do indeed fear for the Republic.
MIKE CANFIELD, ATLANTA
Trump’s negotiating work may prevent nuclear war
It’s encouraging that President Trump is open to negotiating a new treaty with Iran, a diplomatic effort that may prevent nuclear war. And his belief that talking with Kim Jong Un could establish a solid foundation is exactly the approach we should take. True, the United States may not get everything it wants in the upcoming talks, but taking a risk that may prevent war is worth it. Gen. J.D. Thurman, former commander of U.S. forces in Korea, says, “The last thing we need to have over there is a military conflict, because it will be very bloody. I often think people are very cavalier about going to war.” When my grandson asks where he could hide in case of a nuclear blast, I can say that even generals don’t want war, even though we are preparing for one. I will tell him the president will take a risk to prevent nuclear war.
SUSAN MAY, ATLANTA
Socialized medicine has no place in free-market U.S.
Socialized medicine is again in the news, sometimes labeling health care a “right” and sometimes, “free.” Neither is accurate. Exercising rights doesn’t require someone else picking up the tab. Speech, assembly, worship and other rights all come with no bill. Health care isn’t free. The British pay from $6.30 to $10 a gallon for gas to pay for their free health care. Canadian families pay an extra $12,000 a year, on top of regular taxes, for health care. Both systems have months-long wait times for critical care and surgeries like joint replacement and cataracts. Rationing has become common. Care availability has been hopelessly compromised by the bureaucracy that is universal coverage and single-payer reimbursement. Fixing health care in the U.S. requires getting government out of the system, not running it to ruin. The alternative is having the right to die and paying plenty for it.
DENNIS MCGOWAN, SNELLVILLE
Sadly, Georgia has a global reputation for accommodating racist hate groups. Recently, an article appeared in a British newspaper: “Members of the National Socialist Movement, one of the largest neo-Nazis groups in the U.S., gathered in a field to torch wooden swastikas in a ceremony reminiscent of similar acts by other white supremacist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. Saturday’s swastika burning took place several hours after a rally in Newnan, Ga., which passed off without violence despite the presence of hundreds of armed antifa protesters.” Obviously, the neo-Nazis are still not prepared to fulfill the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.: “I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.” Nor are neo-Nazis prepared to “Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain, Ga.”
KEVIN PALMER, EVANS
About the Author
