READERS WRITE: JULY 31

Parker’s column twists Trump’s words to fit liberal worldview

Regarding Kathleen Parker’s column, “Trump siding with enemy in attack on U.S. agencies” (Opinion, July 19), she has, as have so many other liberal writers, twisted simple words to suit her viewpoint, which has been anti-Trump and not really conservative. President Trump said two things: “I have great confidence in my intelligence people.” This means he believes them. There can be no other reading of these words. He then said, “but I will tell you that President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today.” Trump merely stated a fact and made no indication as to a positive belief in what Putin said. Taken as a whole, Trump absolutely stated his disbelief in what Putin said. Parker’s column is an op-ed piece, but I expect her to back up what she says. She doesn’t.

CHARLES K. TIPTON, CORDELE

Torpy’s tree column rightly calls attention to over-development

Thanks to Bill Torpy for calling attention to the extent of clear-cutting as trees are removed to make room for more development of condos or mixed-use projects (“Blame city ordinance for loss of trees,” Metro, July 22). It seems any square foot of space not tightly filled becomes a gleam in the eyes of developers for construction and profit; “developer” becomes tantamount to a term of opprobrium when it comes to preserving green space. I’d add another newly announced project for losing trees to make room for over-development, at Briarcliff and Clifton roads. The construction of a five-story apartment building will not only clear out a heavy tree cover, but contribute to water runoff and traffic congestion. Why can’t those on city or county planning commissions give more value to the environment than to the pressure of the profit motive?

MARY ELIZABETH ETHERIDGE, ATLANTA