America used to stand for freedom
What does America stand for in this Trump era?
Not the rule of law. The president and many in his administration are openly defying any attempts to put restraints on his power.
Not respect for the dignity and worth of each human being. This group shows its contempt for anyone who doesn’t fit its profile in its attack on DEI, treatment of migrants, and never-ending denigration of anyone in opposition.
Not basic honesty and fair dealing. Donald Trump and Elon Musk have broken contracts right and left and even refused to pay for work already performed.
All these and more show that America no longer stands for freedom. Trump is turning away from our allies and Ukraine, whose people have been fighting for three brutal years for their freedom, and toward a despot who, ironically, wants nothing more than to see America fail. Freedom is a precious thing; it’s been America’s thing until now. Unfortunately, we may not realize its true worth until it is gone.
SUSAN LAUTENBACHER, DUNWOODY
Time to ‘make good trouble’
In real time, we are seeing the hollowing out of our governmental institutions as the Constitution is being thrown under the bus. Donald Trump deliberately ignores the checks and balances of Congress and the judiciary branches of government to consolidate power in the executive branch. In short, we are experiencing a governmental coup. Right now. In real time. Before our very eyes.
Now is the time to resist. Now is the time to make our voices heard. Now is the time to fight for democracy; indeed, the life of our country depends on what we do. We don’t have much time. We can’t wait. We must act now.
Write letters, make phone calls, meet with your local lawmakers, organize, protest — do anything — stand up, speak out and defy tyranny. Make good trouble.
VALERIE RANNEY, MARIETTA
Our ‘better angels’ needed to replace USAID
The goodness of America to fight malaria, tuberculosis, measles, AIDS, COVID-19, polio and other diseases in the world using USAID was like work done by the Carter Center, Rotary International, CARE, World Vision, the World Health Organization, Doctors Without Borders.
The CDC estimated that over 107,000 children died from measles alone in 2023. I did polio vaccinations in Ethiopia and India. Since USAID has been crippled by the current administration, individuals so inclined might consider increasing their donations to the above charities or worthy charities of their choice who cannot replace USAID but can provide some meaningful support. Donors might consult Charity Watch or Charity Navigator for ratings to show how much of their donated dollars go directly to the cause rather than to overhead.
It is unfortunate that America has chosen not to use USAID to help our fellow man. “Our better angels” need to find other ways to take care of our fellow man. Doing so saves us all.
DANIEL F. KIRK, KENNESAW
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