MIDDLE EAST
Israeli government denies too many rights
A recent letter writer (“Israel surely deserves international protection,” Readers write, April 4) had it almost right. The people living under the Israeli police state are in dire need of support. The government of Israel has allowed millions living within its borders no political rights, and has actively engaged in repeated campaigns to deprive them of basic human rights — routinely denying the right to travel; confiscating property; bulldozing homes; and sometimes firing missiles into residential areas.
It is essential that the U.S., as protector of democratic values around the world, step in to put an end to a government that has abdicated its moral authority, and sponsor a new government that will respect the rights of all the people within its borders.
Marcus Patton, Stone Mountain
TAXES
Voters need to wake up to all the lies we’re told
Whenever a Georgia legislator promises that a proposed tax cut will attract business to the state, we should demand proof. There is none. As long as taxes are not much higher than average, they are not a significant factor in business relocation decisions.
In almost every case, these claims of attracting business with lower taxes are lies, which go unchallenged. The only exceptions are the individual tax breaks given to particular corporations (negotiated behind closed doors).
Another unchallenged lie comes from chambers of commerce and county politicians who say that rapid growth will broaden the tax base, and lower property taxes for homeowners. Show me where this has happened. It hasn’t.
When will voters wake up to these lies, which cover up cozy relationships between business and politicians (while robbing ordinary taxpayers)? Oh, well. We can always hope that these liars will “respect us in the morning.”
Bill Fokes, Braselton
MIDDLE EAST
In truth, we are about economics — not peace
The truth about American foreign policy can be seen in what we do not do in Africa. While we talk about our need to go into Libya to prevent a bloodbath, the reality is that it is about oil, and about our influence in the Middle East.
We do not use our clout, or NATO or our real influence for good to prevent the tragedies that continue daily in much of Africa.
We prefer dropping bombs over saving lives. The use of the word “humanitarian” in the same breath as “bombing” is the shameful truth about American foreign policy. We are about economics — not peace.
William E. Lynch, Adairsville
RELIGION
Quran-burning pastor in Florida is a hypocrite
The Florida pastor who recently burned the Quran (even after being warned that such an act would spark violence) is a hypocrite. He cannot honestly claim to follow the teachings of “The Prince of Peace” who said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
His actions not only insult Christianity, but are unfaithful to our country as well.
Margaret Curtis, Atlanta
