LEADERSHIP
Petraeus incident is
a lesson in integrity
As a former Navy ship captain, I am very disappointed that General Petraeus, the most brilliant military leader of our time, has shown he does not have integrity. Were he still in the military, he would have been relieved of his command — not offered an option of retiring.
I am more disappointed in the opinion held by some that this should not be a big deal — that what goes on in his private life should have no bearing on his public life. That opinion is a sad commentary on our sense of values in America today.
In the military, there is nothing more important in a commander than integrity. Integrity creates the trust that motivates soldiers and sailors to follow a commander into combat. If I were still captain of my ship, maintaining a sense of integrity and honesty would be much harder in the coming weeks. Honesty should have no boundaries.
ALEC FRASER, ATLANTA
HOMELESSNESS
Vets could be solution
to foreclosure crisis
It seems we have a problem in this country that could begin to be resolved with a little creative thinking and cooperation. We have a homelessness problem among our military veterans. We have abandoned and neglected homes as a result of the recent financial crisis. Let’s put together an updated GI Bill that would allow qualified veterans to apply to buy a bank-owned foreclosed home. The veteran could earn title and equity in the home by paying a traditional down payment, and paying down the mortgage, or by “sweat” — repairing and maintaining these blighted and neglected homes and yards.
Companies like Home Depot, Lowe’s and others could earn tax benefits for providing the furniture, building and lawn improvement materials to qualifying veterans at reduced rates. Our communities would win as houses would be repaired; neighborhoods, improved; unsold housing stock, reduced; home values rise, and veterans receive the thanks they deserve for their service — and an opportunity to productively return to civilian life.
STEVE SOTO, ATLANTA
POLITICS
No spin necessary to
explain Obama victory
Much of the election conversation about President Obama in our state, and in the southeast generally, was negative. Yet, he was elected for a second term by a more-than 100 electoral vote margin. A look at the past four years (without any political spin) might reveal why.
He stabilized the economy and prevented a slide into a possible depression. He prevented the liquidation of auto manufacturers and (possibly) many of the auto parts manufacturers. He ended one war and is winding down the other. He signed a bill giving women the legal right to equal pay for equal work. He ended “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” He signed Obamacare into law — and many of those who voiced opposition to it will benefit from its provisions.
An honest evaluation without the political spin helps to explain the election result.
RAY WOOLFOLK, VILLA RICA
HURRICANE SANDY
Obama missed chance
to help storm victims
President Obama missed a great opportunity to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.
By executive order, he could have mandated that thousands of electrical workers (and workers from other fields) from surrounding states converge on Hurricane Sandy’s ruins and restore power. He could have asked FEMA to arrange travel and lodging logistics for these workers as well.
GLEN LILLQUIST, MCDONOUGH
