Slain Israeli Olympians deserve remembrance
I am one of millions who have hope for humanity because of those who perpetuate the Olympic ideals. The Olympic flame is the symbol of those ideals — but for the Israeli athletes murdered during the Munich Olympics by terrorists, their flames were snuffed out.
The International Olympic Committee should have a moment of remembrance at the London opening ceremonies, not just to remember those athletes but to remind the world what the Olympic movement stands for. Official, public commemoration by the IOC in London is not a pro-Israel political act. The Olympic Games are not about medals or champions or the superiority of one country or ideology over another. Devoting a minute to the memory of the murdered Israeli athletes will do more to reinforce the real meaning of the games than anything I recall the IOC doing since I first watched the Olympics more than 50 years ago.
Ron Dolinsky, Atlanta
It appears educators’ fears were groundless
After following the proceedings of the APS tribunal, I have a question for the teachers and some administrators who claimed fear for their jobs as reasons for cheating: If it is this hard to fire a teacher, even one accused of such a serious offense, why were you in fear for your job?
Patsy Moncrief, Conyers
5-day review period for public is too short
The AJC story on Georgia’s Board of Regents’ intent to cut public vetting of university presidents to five days is proof enough that we still need our daily paper in Atlanta (“Regents fast-track leadership,” News, June 8). The move to cut the old vetting requirement — with the blessing of the Georgia Legislature — can only be described as “slimy” (and that’s being nice).
Regents Chairman Ben Tarbutton needs to be reminded that the mood of the public these days is for more oversight, not less, of public agencies — including his own. An important part of the AJC article was the quote from a UGA student that five days is not enough time for her fellow students to have an impact on the regents’ selection of a new president. The question — the only question — is, will this move by the regents to limit public oversight help Georgia college students? Of course not.
In a note to Tarbutton, I said the regents could easily rescind this action. If they don’t, I am calling on Gov. Nathan Deal to issue an executive order putting the vetting back at 14 days. It’s up to him.
James Hightower, Tyrone
Medical insurance mandates are needed
I see Mitt Romney wants to get rid of President Barack Obama’s health care program. Judging from the stellar way some states protected civil rights, rights to legal counsel for all accused (regardless of wealth) and the environment, I am sure that would be just fine — for the standards of the 1890s!
D. M. SMITH, MARIETTA
Transportation tax also unnecessary?
Since Gov. Nathan Deal says we don’t need an increase in the gas tax, we obviously don’t need T-SPLOST, either.
John Pershing, Carrollton
