Hospitals, assault weapons and state Sen. Bill Stanley in today’s letters to the editor.

Pick of the day: Nurture opportunity

Fifty-two years ago, President Kennedy audaciously asked this country to unselfishly strive for our common good rather than seek personal benefit. President Obama regularly cites that we are “our brother’s keeper,” although many feel that America’s issues are someone else’s duty to solve.

What if those struggling to make ends meet were not viewed as dependents sapping governmental assistance, but instead promising citizens who could be the solution with their accomplishments? Not only would these hard-working individuals bolster our economy when successful, they could bring America back to prominence with their abilities.

What if we viewed the elderly not as problems of economic strain, but rather our responsibility to take care of as a result of their devotion? America is better than to provide only lackluster care in the golden years to those with dwindling options.

What if, instead of looking for additional ways to cut public education, we realized that our precious children are our brightest hopes for a prosperous future? Nothing should ever get in the way of providing every child in America a fair shot of making it through opportunity and hard work.

Our biggest problems become attractive opportunities for healthy sustainability. President Kennedy would be proud.

JONATHAN FIEDLER

ROANOKE