Why all the hand-wringing from the wimpy left over the killing of a murderous Iranian general?

On education

As a grandmother, public school teacher, and a Save the Children Action Network volunteer, I am especially excited to hear about Gov. Henry McMaster’s plan to expand public kindergarten for 4-year-old children in low-income families across South Carolina.

Given my background I have witnessed firsthand the crucial importance of early childhood education. I urge our policymakers to prioritize kids because they are more than just tomorrow’s workforce; they are our future.

Judy Ryan, Elgin

On Iran

Why all the uproar — primarily from the left — about killing Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani, who was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of our troops through the use of roadside bombs? I don’t recall this same reaction when former President Barack Obama gave the green light to take out terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden.

Both individuals were responsible for the deaths of many Americans. Both were at war with the United States. Both were terminated for their actions against the United States.

While the hand-wringing wimps may decry the action taken by President Donald Trump, I think it’s great to have a president who stands up to Iran and hits back.

Robert Maxwell, Lexington

On refugees

As a Christian I’m concerned that South Carolina is one of the few states that has not yet opted into the refugee resettlement program. Last September President Donald Trump issued an executive order that upon implementation will prevent refugee resettlement except in those states and localities that have submitted written consent — and state governors and city mayors have been told to do so by Jan. 21.

In reality there is already a thorough vetting process for refugees who have been resettled through the U.S. State Department — and since that program was instituted decades ago, countless refugees have relocated in our country in peaceful and productive fashion. In fact, a high percentage of refugees have become entrepreneurs who continue to enrich their local economies.

Gov. Henry McMaster and the mayors in communities through our state should opt into resettlement; it is the right thing and the smart thing to do.

Sara Damewood, Leesville

On Biden

I recently read the op-ed by Nina Turner, the co-chair of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign; in it, Turner criticized the record of former Vice President Joe Biden.

While reading Turner’s piece, I was reminded of some of Biden’s recent quirky behavior, which ranges from getting into a shouting match with an Iowa man who questioned Biden about his son’s links to the Ukraine to blurting “Vote for Trump” at someone who asked Biden a question he didn’t like during a town hall in Greenwood.

No Democratic candidate should ever tell a voter to vote for the other party; it’s not only angry-sounding, it’s just dumb politics. If Biden is so thin-skinned that he’s unable to handle audience questions from well-meaning folks, how is he going to handle being in the boxing ring with President Donald Trump?

Carol Coney, Murrells Inlet

On impeachment

The Senate’s upcoming impeachment trial of President Donald Trump will be a sham, and it will not truly exonerate him. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell keeps refusing to allow key witnesses to testify or vital documents to be submitted as evidence; meanwhile, Trump will cite executive privilege to prevent any subpoenaed current or former White House officials from testifying.

No documentary evidence, no witnesses and no testimony from key officials equals a major cover-up.

Lewis Huffman, Columbia

This story was originally published January 14, 2020 at 2:39 PM.