Boehner’s losing his grip on House zealots Re: “Obama, GOP freshmen win in jet engine budget fight,” Feb. 16
After watching the House vote on the F-35 fighter jet, it appears House Speaker John Boehner’s effectiveness is already in serious trouble. In an effort to placate some of his most radical members, Boehner has over the past six months espoused such one-liners as “Obama’s Waterloo” and “job-killing health care bill” when referring to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Most recently, when questioned as to why he refuses to denounce zealots who continue to question the president’s birth status, he punted by stating: “It is not my job to tell the American people what to think.” He also gave us one for the ages when, queried about the prospect of government employees losing their jobs due to the proposed budget cuts, he said, “So be it”.
I truly believe Boehner is a decent and honorable individual. That being said, I respectfully suggest he adhere to the universal axiom: lead, follow or get out of the way.
Marvin E. Adams
Washington
Longer flights are usually the quieter flights
Re: “Senate may add long-distance flights to Reagan National,” Feb. 16
Adding long-range flights to Reagan National Airport would not increase the noise in the surrounding area. As a resident living about one mile away, I can attest to the fact that you can’t tell the difference between a plane taking off for Los Angeles and one taking off for Boston.
In fact, the longer flights are usually operated with quieter, more efficient aircraft, so an MD-80 taking off for Boston makes much more noise than a 737-800 leaving for L.A.
Washington Dulles International Airport is already overcrowded and could use a little competition.
William Burt
Arlington
Military out of reach for most young adults
Re: “Child nutrition: A true bipartisan issue,” Editorial, Feb. 16
On behalf of more than 200 retired generals and admirals who supported passage of child nutrition legislation last December, I applaud your editorial. Like you, we support a bipartisan effort to provide more students access to healthy foods and physical fitness activities.
Such efforts can go a long way in combating the child obesity epidemic. A recent report by our group, Mission: Readiness, found that as many as 9 million young adults are unable to join the military due to weight problems, creating concerns that our military may not be able to meet future recruiting goals.
When weight problems are combined with other disqualifying factors, such as poor high school performance, the picture is even grimmer. The Defense Department estimates that military service is now out of reach for an estimated 75 percent of young adults in this country.
As a nation facing difficult budget choices, we need to focus on making improvements in school nutrition, physical fitness and evidence-based programs that enhance academic performance to provide a better future for our children and a stronger national defense.
Retired Rear Adm. David T. Hart Jr.
Former director,
U.S. Navy Fleet Readiness Division
McLean
