AFGHANISTAN
Must do more to reduce spending on warfare
I applaud President Barack Obama’s decision to begin reduction in troop deployments in Afghanistan. However, I fear that the rate may not be sufficient to meet the needs of our struggling economy. Too often, the calls for budget reductions pay inadequate attention to the enormous cost of our ongoing military deployments on foreign soil. History is replete with examples of nations that have bankrupted themselves by going beyond pure defense and engaging in conflict which exceeds their financial means. Such nations feel the devastating economic and social consequences of their mistake for decades.
Our budget deficit makes it evident that the United States is dangerously close to becoming just such a nation. Our resources are needed at home.
Arnold C. McQuaide Jr., Berkeley Lake
ENERGY
Seems a peculiar time to tap into oil reserves
President Obama’s decision to tap into the country’s strategic oil reserve, apparently to help lower the cost of fuel during the summer driving season, seems a bit self-serving. The summer driving season essentially means “people driving to vacation during the summer,” and for those who have already been, this action is no help. Given the number of Americans who are out of work or under-employed, it is likely that fewer will be going on any real vacation this summer anyway.
If the president really wants to make a difference at the most crucial time, this action should have been postponed until mid- to late August — or early September, when schools start again. School systems across the nation continue to experience tighter budgets. And while eliminating teachers, enacting furlough days, etc., may help, the school buses still have to run. It is not the summer driving season that needs a boost, but the upcoming school year.
Mike Deal, Alpharetta
ENERGY
Drawing from reserves is just another quick fix
The “cash for clunkers” and first-time homebuyer tax credit programs were quick-fix policies that only left us with a larger federal debt burden. The latest example of our quick-fix addiction is the most pathetic yet: tapping our strategic oil preserve for short-run political/economic (not strategic) reasons. Instead of quick fixes, the economy needs a permanent fix for our long-run federal debt problem (i.e. tackling out-of-control entitlement spending).
Arnie Dill, Atlanta
PUBLIC LANDS
Don’t open wilderness to developers
I love the summer. It is the one time of the year where almost every day, I can be outside gardening, walking, or enjoying the view. I also love this time of year because (as a person of faith), for me, summer is a time when creation springs to life, and lands and wilderness serve as a place for spiritual renewal. As we enter summer, I am saddened to learn that some of our elected officials want to open proposed wilderness areas and roadless areas to development. I believe we can and should retain these wildlands and public lands as places of intimate connection with God for all generations. Katie Preston, Atlanta
