America’s diversity is one of its strengths
After reading the March 29 article, “Trump targets Smithsonian’s ‘ideology,‘” regarding Trump restrictions and censure being placed on the Smithsonian Institution, I actually cried. We are Americans first, which comes before any political party.
As stated in the article, the Smithsonian Museums were founded by British scientist James Smithson “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” You can’t erase history, although that seems to be the current administration’s priority. It is already being done in the records of the brave Americans who served in our military, and now they are going after our diverse history museums.
This country is diverse. It has always been diverse, and that is one of its strengths. Diversity is not a dirty word. I grew up in the South. You can’t erase the segregation and mistreatment of African Americans that I witnessed from childhood through my teenage years. Or the demonstrations against the Vietnam War. Or the Civil Rights Movement. But we have moved past that and learned. Let’s not allow this administration to take us backward. Stand up, Americans, and speak out. It is still one of your First Amendment rights!
NANCY INMAN, MARIETTA
Painful watching legislators destroy trans youth
It pains my heart every time I read more about the focus on transgender people by our legislators. They want to destroy the lives of many young people by taking away their right to be who they know themselves to be. (And believe me, they do know.)
Being transgender (or LGBTQ+) is not a choice. What I would have given to have had the knowledge parents have today when I was raising my child. My biggest regret is that I didn’t know about puberty blockers, which could have prevented so much torment for my child. I wish these legislators would stay in their own lane and not make judgments (and especially laws) on topics of which they know nothing.
BARBARA WARSHAW DALE, DECATUR
We can do better, Atlanta
I flew into Hartsfield last Thursday at about 9:30 p.m., only to find the trains not running between the terminals and baggage claim. The airport was jammed. Thousands of people were coming for the Sweet Sixteen NCAA tournament and the Atlanta soccer game, and there was the normal "busiest airport in the world" crowd.
Not only were the trains not running, but some of the moving sidewalks were not working either.
Once I got to the daily parking garage, the prepay kiosk was closed and the elevator was broken. The exit line was 30 minutes long because all booths were not open.
To top off the day, the I-85/75 connector had four lanes closed northbound into Atlanta. I thought I would read something about these screwups in the AJC, but not a peep.
Atlanta can and must do better!
JOHN MCNAMEE, ALPHARETTA
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