America can reverse its course Re: Has America reached the point of no return?” June 2
Walter Williams’ op-ed is the first I have personally seen that links America’s current decline with the decline of other great nations throughout history. America’s population demands immediate personal gratification, and the government, generally speaking, usually provides it in the name of self-centered political survival or party politics.
Only when the people elect representatives who are going to act in the best interests of the nation as a whole, and those elected officials act by doing what is best for the country and not necessarily what is best for their constituents, political survival or partisan politics will we be able to truly stop this downward trend. All nations rise and fall over time. But our progress along this path can be slowed, if not stopped and reversed, if we as a nation, not individuals, take the appropriate steps to avoid reaching the “point of no return.”
Keith Falcetti
Centreville
Palestine should be a state
Re: “Palestinian state requires UN council support,” May 27
I have read with interest a number of articles on the possibility that the United Nations could recognize a state of Palestine this September. In 1948, the state of Israel was created by the United Nations. Israel had not existed for over 2,000 years before 1948, yet land was taken from the Palestinians to create Israel and they have never been compensated for this, nor are they or their descendents allowed any right of return to their homeland.
Now it is possible that that same United Nations that recognized Israel as a state may recognize Palestine as a state. If the United Nations can create a state of Israel, why cannot the United Nations create a state of Palestine and finally take a step toward bringing justice to that area of the world?
Some supporters of Israel want the United States to veto such a measure, which, if it comes to a vote, sadly will happen. Never mind that England, France, Germany, China, Japan and the rest of the world will support a U.N. resolution to create a state for the Palestinians.
This is hard for Israel and its supporters to accept, but it is the only way to peace.
Gerald Otten
Ellicott City
No problems with Metro shuttles
Re: “Metro plans improvements during holiday weekend,” May 27
I live near the Potomac Avenue Metro station, one in a string of four that were closed from Friday evening until Tuesday morning. I was expecting problems having to ride the shuttles that were put on to keep service from breaking down altogether. I had five occasions to ride the shuttles between Potomac Avenue and Federal Center SW.
Actually, I had no problems. None. The shuttles ran more often than the train and were seamlessly integrated with train arrivals and departures. Congratulations to the Metro employees who planned the shuttle operation and to those who made it work!
Gilbert Adams
Washington
