As military departs, pray for those left behind
Our military has performed brilliantly and in the face of grave danger in evacuating so many Americans and Afghans from the threats now posed in Afghanistan. But, unfortunately, many more are seeking evacuation and will be left stranded after the departure of our military.
There would be no extension of President Biden’s self-imposed deadline for our military forces to be gone from Afghanistan. Biden has tough words for the ISIS-K group, which claimed responsibility for the tragic attack at the Kabul airport. Still, the president had no plans to demand an extension of the Aug. 31 deadline to continue evacuation of American citizens and Afghan allies under much more favorable conditions. I fear that historians, looking back at this shameful episode in American history, will declare Aug. 31, 2021 as another “date which shall live in infamy.”
Let’s pray for the people left behind and for the fate of Afghanistan, which will now be a magnet for any terrorist group looking for ways to attack the Western world, including the U.S.A.!
RICHARD HYDE, SUWANEE
Immunizations are required for other diseases, why not COVID-19?
Amazingly, Gov. Brian Kemp continues to oppose mask or vaccination mandates as protections against the COVID-19 virus. Surely, state leaders are aware that the Georgia Department of Public Health rules state: “Except as otherwise provided, immunization against the following diseases shall be required of all children entering a school or childcare facility operating in the state.” There follows a list of 13 diseases that require immunizations.
One disease that is not listed is smallpox. The CDC writes, “In 1980, the World Health Assembly declared smallpox eradicated (eliminated), and no cases of naturally occurring smallpox have happened since.” This eradication occurred because children of my generation, and succeeding ones, had a mandatory smallpox vaccination.
It may be possible that we can also eradicate COVID-19 if everyone becomes vaccinated. But, as long as our Republican politicians continue to adhere to Trump conservatism, which is damaging our state and nation, we will never get to that point of eradication.
GEORGE M. DIXON, CARROLLTON
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