What is Trump teaching our children?
As the author and screenwriter of “The Fat Boy Chronicles,” a story used by schools nationwide in their anti-bullying efforts, I have interacted with many students and teachers. One thing I have learned in this journey is that kids are not born a bully. They are taught how to be a bully. And guess who is doing the teaching of that behavior? Adults. Whether it’s through the actions of a parent, a neighbor, a teacher, a celebrity or a TV character, our kids become a reflection of how they see us treat each other. So, it is very distressing when I see a presidential candidate disrespect others because of their looks, religion or disability. Bullying among kids and the devastating consequences will never stop if we don’t call it out in adults. We would never accept this behavior in our children, so why is it tolerated in Donald Trump? Our kids are watching our response.
MICHAEL BUCHANAN, ALPHARETTA
Police are damned if they do, dead if they don’t
Let’s face it. The police in this country have a unique problem, i.e., “damned if you do and dead if you don’t.” Imagine yourself as a police officer facing a man (or woman) who has violated some public law and you command him to keep his hands up and stand still. Instead of doing as he is told, he puts one hand in his pocket. What would you do? Do you wait until he possibly pulls a weapon out of his pocket and fires at you? Should you be required to participate in this “duel” situation? I think not. It is totally unfair to tie the hands of our police force in order to accommodate the relatively few “bad guys” who challenge their authority.
BOB GRAYSON, CUMMING
Today is World Day for Farmed Animals
It seems like there is always some special observance around the corner.
There is even a World Day for Farmed Animals. It’s observed fittingly today (Gandhi’s birthday). It’s intended to memorialize the tens of billions of animals abused and killed for food around the world.
My first instinct was to dismiss it. But, I wanted to understand the impact of my diet and my food dollars on others.
Recent undercover investigations showed male baby chicks suffocated in plastic garbage bags or ground to death, laying hens crowded into small wire cages, injured pigs killed by slamming their heads against the concrete floor, and cows skinned and dismembered while still conscious.
As theologians debate whether there is life after death, I wondered whether these animals have a life before death and why I should subsidize these barbaric practices.
I wonder no more, as I have now embraced a plant-based diet — green and yellow veggies, legumes, fruits, nuts, and some grains. Occasionally, I indulge in nut-based cheese or ice cream. Although I was motivated by compassion for animals, I have since learned that my diet is also great for my health and for the health of our planet.
ANTONIO MATHERS, ATLANTA
Elderly candidates make VPs key
With the oldest two geezers ever running for president this year, the vice-presidential nominees are more important than any other time in history. One of those two guys will be literally a heartbeat away from the presidency, and most Americans don’t know much about either of them. The VP debate coming up on Tuesday will be the only time we get to see Pence and Kaine side-by-side. I know it’s supposed to be a snoozer, but we’d better all watch and size up which one of them would be best to step into the Oval Office, if ever necessary.
LINDA EDMONDS, DECATUR
About the Author
