Troop pullout good for the country, military
Now that President Obama has announced that U.S. troops will pull out of Iraq by year’s end, there has been a storm of criticism from the GOP. Even Mitt Romney has jumped on the bandwagon.
It’s about time our troops came home to their families. We have sacrificed enough in that miserable country. Let the Iraqi citizens sort out their differences and finish rebuilding their country and its infrastructure. There will be a contingent of U.S. troops left behind to protect our embassy.
Our military is stretched too thin with overseas commitments, and our withdrawal from Iraq will only help our military become stronger.
William McKee Jr., Flowery Branch
Cut congressional benefits, not military’s
The Senate has said it is considering cuts in pension and health benefits for our military.
My suggestion would be that they consider the largest salaries, early retirement benefits and health care programs that members of Congress receive, start their chopping there and leave our military alone. Our military has served us well — but I can’t say the same for Congress.
W. E. Stavro, Suwanee
World speeds ahead; metro stuck in neutral
In the most recent issue of Smithsonian Magazine, there is an article regarding the incredible growth of Shanghai, China. The city opened its first subway line in 1995. Today, they have 11 lines — and they are already planning to have another 11 lines by 2025.
This is just another example of China’s ability to plan for the future. Let’s contrast that to Atlanta, and the never-ending infighting, wrangling and opposition to the 1-cent sales tax.
We have finally reached a point of no return. If we do not approve that sales tax, we will have lost the opportunity to maintain our position in the domestic and international marketplaces.
William Parker, Atlanta
Gaming issue should be put before voters
Does Gov. Deal take into consideration that many folks like to gamble and travel to North Carolina, Mississippi and Alabama where gambling is legal? If Georgia had casinos, people would patronize them and not travel to other states. That money would stay here. Why should those other states benefit and not ours?
Many events in Atlanta and surrounding areas bring in a lot of folks. Many like to gamble and casinos would generate more revenue for the state and help pay for services.
Why not put this on a ballot for Georgia residents to vote on? The residents of the state should be able to have a say if they want gambling or not.
Rita Connuck, Jonesboro
