HISTORY
Kennedy challenged us
to uphold nation’s vow
I wanted to share some thoughts in light of the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
The specials broadcast this year are much more complete, revealing his health problems. He had always been in pain since back surgery, and faced physical disabilities or possible early death because of Addison’s Disease. He was a man in a hurry when he ran for president — knowing he had little time to make his mark.
He challenged us to uphold our nation’s promise as a land of opportunity, in which each of us is entrusted to do our part. He showcased our country as a model for excellence. Ironically, his outward appearance masked the true nature of his ill health. In today’s climate of naysayers, ideologues and 24-hour news cycles, he probably wouldn’t have been elected. However, we don’t have anyone today who would measure up to his standard for leadership.
President Barack Obama recently bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on 16 recipients. I think President Kennedy was there in spirit, flashing his famous grin, and knowing we go on — all the better, because of him.
PATRICK LONGHI, KENNESAW
TURNER FIELD
Opportunities beckon
if ballpark is vacated
If the Braves are intent on moving to Cobb County, I’d love to see the city seize the opportunity to transform the Turner Field area from a sea of parking into a vibrant part of town.
Why not meet the demand for more residential housing by building a new neighborhood with quality single-family homes, condos, apartments and small retail centered around a park where the old stadium once stood?
The area right next to the interstate would make an excellent expansion area for Georgia State University, which could use more dorms, athletic facilities and other space. You could cap the development off by building a 10,000- to 12,000-seat amphitheater. This would transform the area, have a positive impact on the surrounding neighborhoods, give the city a long-term source of property tax revenue, and add an entertainment venue to help draw more visitors to the city.
AMY MARTIN, ATLANTA
HEALTH CARE
‘Substandard’ policies
all had state approval
We have recently heard from many in this administration and in the media the constant drum beat regarding “substandard” health insurance policies. This is insulting to me, and should be to every voter in this country.
The insurance polices that were sold in previous years have all been approved by the insurance commissioners (or the equivalent) in 50 states and other districts. These positions are either appointed by a governor or elected. This insult says that the commissioners are lazy, incompetent or on the take. Either way, the people who subscribe to these polices did so of their own free will.
The real fix would be to allow any policy to be sold on the public exchanges as long as they are approved by the state commissioners. But that would require logic.
JAMES VAN VALKENBURG, SNELLVILLE
