Readers write: Sept. 2

Strong cities shun displays of power

You can’t build a meaningful brand with “Show and Tell.” It has been my observation over the years — including presidency of the 15,000-member National League of Cities — that the larger the “key to the city,” usually the smaller the city. Likewise, the greater the militarization of the police, usually the less powerful the governmental entity deploying same. I’m proud that Atlanta doesn’t feel a need for either.

SAM MASSELL, PRESIDENT, BUCKHEAD COALITION

Offended by latest anti-Obama cartoon

As a liberal, I should be delighted by the repetitive inanity of Michael Ramirez’s attacks upon the president, as it makes the cartoonist look ignorant and narrow-minded. He should be a Republican congressman, since his work reflects the current attitude of this august body — namely, to ignore all issues except exposing Obama as the spawn of Satan. Portraying Obama and his policies as the vile executioner of our journalist in Syria, however, went too far (Opinion, Aug. 27). Somewhere out there, there has to be a conservative cartoonist with a brain in his head. Can I do anything to help you find him?

BARBARA RIVES, STONE MOUNTAIN

Obama’s response was not so historic

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt: “Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. … As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.” President Barack Obama: “We don’t have a strategy yet.” God help us.

ROBERT ROGERS, COLLEGE PARK

Clean house at DeKalb commission

It is clear to me that the entire DeKalb Board of Commissioners should resign. The commissioners are either individually involved in criminal activity, or they are allowing such activity to take place under their watch. Either way, they have failed the citizens and violated the public trust. We could do no worse in DeKalb by starting over completely. Thank you, AJC, and your investigative reporters for the hard work and analysis necessary to expose this corruption and criminal behavior.

ROB AUGUSTINE, DUNWOODY