Palestine Is Not a Threat
It was afterward the American people learned they had been lied to about the Vietnam war. It was afterward the American people learned they had been lied to about the need to attack Iraq. It was afterward the American people learned they had been lied to about the need to attack Afghanistan.
Today, many Americans believe the lies fed to them about the Israel-Palestine war by the same American government and the same mainstream media that fed them the lies of the needless wars mentioned above. Too many people do not know that Israel was rammed down the throats of the Palestinians by the United States government, and is today.
On Mar. 25, 2025, a military slaughter against the Palestinian people by Israel killed at least 420 dead (175 children) and wounded 540 more in a needless attack with munitions and war planes furnished by the United States government. All of the above killings and wounded within a 24-hour period. How many more innocent dead and wounded until my country is satisfied?
My government is allowing and abetting in the genocide of the Palestinian people. The American people deserve to know why. Since when has Palestine been of any threat to the United States of America? Not ever.
Where are the ministers who should be speaking out against this genocide? It is a church disgrace that they have not. May they be reminded that not only did Jesus preach peace, he practiced it—in the streets if necessary.
Dennis A Rice
Athens
Greed-Driven Government
President Donald Trump and his acolyte, billionaire Elon Musk, are endeavoring to destroy the agencies created by Congress to promote and protect the education, health, welfare and safety of Americans.
It is not about eliminating fraud, waste and abuse. The comically inept and inaccurate reports of Elon Musk and DOGE have been hastily withdrawn in the face of public hilarity. Nor are the firings about incompetence, as attested to by the innumerable glowing evaluations of those fired, allegedly for poor performance.
Why is President Trump signing dozens of executive orders, which federal courts are routinely declaring invalid and in violation of the constitution and federal laws, in a concerted effort to disable the federal government? Something different and more nefarious is behind these attacks on federal agencies and employees: greed.
President Trump and his supporters in Congress have decided to give the wealthiest Americans an immense gift. They have decided to give a $4.5 trillion tax break benefiting primarily the wealthiest Americans and major corporations. And they are doing it shamelessly.
Congress can put a stop to this, but the majority party in Congress, including our congressman Mike Collins, show nothing but enthusiasm for this massive transfer of wealth to those who already have plenty of it.
Bruce Menke
Athens
Keep the Hands Off Energy
Over 1,000 Hands Off! rallies around the country on Apr. 5, including 15 in Georgia, gave Americans an opportunity to stand up and to speak directly to the Trump regime about the damage they are wreaking on the American people and our economy. There were many clever rally signs, but the strongest message was the message we sent by our numbers. We show the power we hold when we work together. That work is not over. All of us can take action, and it will take all of us taking continual action to sustain the momentum.
What can you do? Here are some suggestions: support local organizations working to create the world you’d like to live in; stay informed about harmful cuts in funding, services and workers, and do so by following trusted media sources; speak with friends and neighbors about the changes and encourage them to join you in pushing back; write letters to your local paper; call or email your elected representatives as often as you feel necessary; and show up in person for rallies in the future. No one can hear you if you don’t raise your voice.
None of us should feel we are alone. When we stand together, we are powerful. Stay healthy, find joy, make new friends, be kind. Do what you can do every day to fight the blatant cruelty and ignorant destruction coming from Washington. Let’s all keep our eyes on the prize of a better America.
Barb and Rick Burt
Athens
Co-leaders, Indivisible GA 10
Collins Brushes Off Breach
I’m disappointed with Rep. Mike Collins’ delayed response to a District 10 constituent (Flagpole, Apr. 9) concerning the Signal “chat group” fiasco. Astonishingly, Collins defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whose security team discussed a secret mission (bombing Houthi targets) on an unsecured commercial app with a random reporter accidentally listening in. Collins brushed off this security breach because—get this—there was no immediate harm done to our side. Only credulous MAGA cultists would believe him, but this long-retired combat weapons director (AFSC 1744) ain’t buying it for a second.
I served 13 months in a war zone directing armed fighter jets on intercept and interdiction (bombing) missions, so I know what I’m talking about. The enemy could have heard those battle plans and retaliated with deadly countermeasures. The service member responsible for a security violation like that would have immediately lost his or her security clearance and faced severe disciplinary consequences, perhaps even court martial.
Rep. Collins stated, “I applaud Secretary Hegseth for what he is doing for our men and women in uniform.”
Duke Geddis
Athens
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