America still striving for 'a more perfect Union'
For those whose education neglected civics and history, the preamble to the U.S. Constitution includes the words "in Order to form a more perfect Union ... ."
After 244 years, we are still working on forming a perfect union.
As one of a few survivors of the Great Depression, I have seen unbelievable "more perfect" changes.
Opportunities have not been equal, but choices have helped equalize.
From a farm family of eight children living in a four-room house (with no indoor bathroom, no telephone, no refrigerator, no air conditioner) emerged four college graduates and a registered nurse.
These stories abound from the Greatest Generation, the generation that knew how to get things done. This wasn't white privilege; this was survival.
This is the greatest country in the world if we don't tear it apart.
R.J. Merritt
We can't let police shootings be normal
I don't cry any more every time I hear a story like Jacob Blake's. I've exhausted my tears.
I'm only a 16-year-old girl living in the city, trying to figure out my life, and I know that I am not the main character of this story. I don't want to let these instances, and many more that don't blow up in the media, happen.
We've witnessed police officers shoot and kill Black folks too many times. And each time, people feel the hurt. This is not normal. That is not OK. We cannot allow this to become our normal, and we refuse to stand idly by as police officers kill Black people with impunity.
The police officer who shot Jacob Blake in his back seven times must be fired and held accountable immediately.
We need meaningful, comprehensive reform that will defend Black lives and end this endless cycle of police violence and marginalization of Black and brown communities.
Connie Ni
No surprise some must seek vengeance
We've always tried to teach our children that people of goodwill can hold conservative or liberal views but that a lack of integrity is universally to be rejected.
Many seem willing to support someone they know to be a compulsive liar and serial adulterer in return for the preservation of their interests. To make such a bargain is to say that principle is negotiable, that integrity is just another commodity - for sale like everything else.
So is it any wonder that young people turn away from such moral posturing?
Those denied justice seek accountability. Those denied accountability seek vengeance.
This should come as no surprise.
Matthew King
Writer voting a Democratic ticket
I know what I don't want. I don't want Trump and his minions to be in power, ever again.
I know what I do want. I want leaders who take responsibility for getting this pandemic under control so that we can all get back to our lives. I want affordable health insurance made available to all Americans. I want all Americans to breathe clean air and drink clean water. I want people of all races to be able to interact with police with the same confidence that I, a white person, enjoy. I want all Americans to have the hope of earning a living wage. I want a president who will respect our Constitution and our democratic values and a Congress who will hold him accountable. I want a president who is friendly toward our allies and opposes dictators and demagogues. I want America to be great for everyone, not just for white people.
That is why I will vote a straight Democratic ticket this November and for the foreseeable future.
Herbert K. Lea, Chickamauga, Georgia
All country's needs answered by Christ
Consider four research-based facts:
* Nearly 80% of Americans think our nation is "going the wrong way."
* Coincidentally, 80% of Americans claim they believe in God; 20% don't.
* Virtually all academics, pollsters, reporters, editors and pundits who design surveys, interpret the results, or decide "news" and opinions are among the 20% not believing in God or among those in the 80% who don't trust God's ways. They deny mankind's sinfulness.
* Joining them are most executives and employees of giant technology and social media companies, politicians, bureaucrats, jurists, business leaders, and entertainment actors, directors and producers - other influencers to Americans' thinking.
Those described above assume - and tell us - "going the wrong way" means we need to change the political party "in power" in the White House and/or Congress. They never bother to find out that, for most of the 80%, "going the wrong way" means going away from God and his ways.
Everything good everyone desires is promised by, already fulfilled in, and given through Jesus Christ. Only our prideful, rebellious hearts keep us from it.
Before you vote, ponder Proverbs 14:12 and Romans 6:23.
Bernard Ritterbush, Ringgold, Georgia
Facts overtaking liberal fantasies
It seems that liberal woke fantasies are being overtaken by facts.
* Fantasy: Black lives matter.
Fact: If Black lives matter, somebody needs to get the memo to those punks who kill innocent young Black kids for no reason in cities like Chicago.
* Fantasy: Those marches on TV are peaceful.
Fact: Peaceful? Tell it to the poor guy who was beaten to unconsciousness in Portland for the crime of attempting to rescue a transgender person.
* Fantasy: Socialism is democratic.
Fact: Socialism is, by its inherent nature, undemocratic and collectivist. In such a system, the government owns everything and the individual is nothing. Scandinavian countries are democratic with generous welfare systems. Socialist states are North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela.
* Fantasy: COVID-19 numbers and rates.
Fact: No one knows the true numbers because millions in the U.S. have been asymptomatic and never knew it. Also, numerous people counted as COVID-19 deaths probably died due to other reasons. As to rates, how do you figure the rates if you do not know the true totals overall or by week?
Ronald Williams
Trump, GOP failed to lead on masks
President Donald Trump and the Republicans passed on an excellent change to encourage Americans to wear masks and practice social distancing.
At the White House ground, Trump gave his keynote speech to a large number of supporters who were maskless and seated closely together.
A more responsible assemblage of attendees would have done wonders for a health-conscious, responsible national response.
Harry Geller
Fire pro athletes; find new talent
This is what the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL should do: Fire all of the players, advertise those jobs for $100,00 per year (plus benefits) and people will be lined up for miles to get those jobs.
There is a lot of talent out there that has not yet been discovered.
Then maybe men and women with three or four kids could afford tickets to games.
And if you think about it, isn't it ridiculous to pay a grown man millions and millions of dollars to play a game?
Randy Rogers