We’re all responsible for national security
As the United States enters a new era concerning military forces and strategy, there appears to be a disconnect among policymakers on how best to secure this nation. Until we learn that most wars are futile, the least we can do is recognize that national security is everyone’s responsibility. Part of the future fighting strategy should include reactivation of the draft. It’s one thing to place someone else’s youngster at risk; it’s another to have the political and moral will to risk your own. The realities of war still elude us.
Ronald D. Johnson, Austell
Jobs, support aren’t part of core mission
Regarding “Boeing to close Wichita plant with 2,160 jobs” (ajc.com, Jan. 4), Boeing’s recent announcement underscores that job creation and community support are not part of its core mission. Maximizing shareholder value is a corporation’s reason to exist. America needs Boeing, but it is absurd to suggest Boeing or any corporation qualifies for constitutional personhood, and the First Amendment guarantees and protections that apply to humans. I accept the reasons Boeing is closing its plant — but I don’t know of a single “person” who feels the need to cripple the economy of a small city. Movement toward corporate personhood is movement away from humanity.
Thomas Spach, Atlanta
Luckovich’s work a disservice to military
As a former member of the U.S. military, I take exception to the Mike Luckovich cartoon depicting our military as a bloated pig dressed in a military uniform (Opinion, Jan. 6). This is a disservice to the American men and women in our military serving our country around the world. They make sacrifices every day they serve in keeping our country safe and secure. Federal spending is out of control and needs to be cut, but I would look at cutting the other 80 percent of the federal budget much more than cutting defense. There will always be threats to our nation’s security — and we cannot let down our guard.
Steve McElhannon, Woodstock
Our laws need to be a little more flexible
Regarding “Child support lawsuit gets class-action status” (Metro, Jan. 4), our conservative principles of unobtrusive government fail us if we think our Legislature is wise enough to pass laws that can defy economics when couples with children get divorced. Parents will try to limit what they pay in child support if they fear the amounts are excessive or a substantial portion will be used for purposes other than support of their children. Still, court-ordered payments can work, unless the payer’s job is lost. Then, the law demands payments continue or the paying spouse can go to jail. Our laws need flexibility — rather than pay or go to jail.
Tony Gardner, Cumming
