Scattered thunderstorms this evening, then cloudy with rain likely late. Low 52F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..
Scattered thunderstorms this evening, then cloudy with rain likely late. Low 52F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Updated: January 9, 2022 @ 5:00 pm
The Post and Courier provides a forum for our readers to share their opinions, and to hold up a mirror to our community. Publication does not imply endorsement by the newspaper; the editorial staff attempts to select a representative sample of letters because we believe it’s important to let our readers see the range of opinions their neighbors submit for publication.
The James Webb Space Telescope is bigger and 100 times more powerful than the nearly 32-year-old Hubble Space Telescope.
The James Webb Space Telescope is bigger and 100 times more powerful than the nearly 32-year-old Hubble Space Telescope.
A Dec. 30 letter writer’s view on the development of the James Webb Space Telescope was not in tune with my understanding of scientific principles and the universe.
There are considerably more than just a few scientists and engineers who will benefit from the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope.
Many of the designs and technological achievements resulting from the collaboration of thousands of scientists throughout the world will have numerous applications here on Earth as it relates to optics, medicine and other engineering principles.
This new advanced technology is exactly why NASA and the entire scientific community continue to push the limits of what is possible.
Once in orbit, the telescope should be able to help us visualize how the universe began and how our galaxies formed. It could easily put us on the edge of new scientific breakthroughs not yet imagined. We must take risks; the reward is worth the effort.
The writer seems to suggest that the Big Bang and other cosmological discoveries are unimportant ideas not widely accepted.
This space telescope could quite possibly answer some unknowns relative to what we now know about the formation of galaxies, stars, black holes and planets.
What I particularly find exciting is that the Webb telescope also will be able look at planets beyond our solar system and others to determine if there is the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
The telescope will be able to determine if a planet is in the “Goldilocks” region of its star, has an atmosphere, water and other characteristics that are conducive to life.
I, for one, would like to know if we are not alone.
RICHARD PORTER
Daniel Island
U.S. Sen. Tim Scott seems proud of his role in increasing defense spending.
He stated, “At a time of growing and evolving global threats, it is unthinkable that the Biden administration asked for tens of billions in cuts to our military.”
Perhaps Sen. Scott might restudy the actions of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who during his presidency demonstrated his characteristic thoughtfulness, compassion and concern for the well-being of the country.
Eisenhower, who knew a thing or two about war and global threats, slashed defense spending by 27% during his time in office.
He also budgeted two major infrastructure investments: the St. Lawrence Seaway and the interstate highway system.
In his first major speech on foreign policy, he stated, “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and not clothed.”
As supreme Allied commander of all forces in Europe, Eisenhower oversaw the defeat of the Axis forces in World War II. Since then, no American general has come close to such an achievement.
Eisenhower knew the cost of war, and how to assemble a lasting, effective coalition.
His accountability was evident by the fact he wrote a letter the evening before the Normandy invasion in which he accepted blame in the event it was unsuccessful.
Eisenhower was the reason I considered myself a Republican for a number of years. I now feel an affiliation with neither party.
The lack of Eisenhower’s attributes in today’s Republican Party is responsible for that.
RICHARD GROSS
Mount Pleasant
It is no surprise that artist Mary Whyte gave such an inspirational bronze statue of a child at play to Joe Riley Waterfront Park.
I remember Mary from the years we both served at Church of Our Savior on Johns Island.
Let me tell you a story about her. Many years ago on a pledge Sunday, Mary had been asked to encourage the congregation to make contributions.
She told of the time when she was younger and lived in an apartment building.
Up the stairs from her apartment lived a desperately poor family with a young daughter. The child had no expectations of Christmas gifts that year.
Yet, when she opened her door, there were several small gifts waiting for her. She insisted that angels had brought them.
But Mary told us it wasn’t an angel. It was her. She said we must remember that however small or large our gift, it makes someone happy.
I have never forgotten Mary’s speech that day. And I have no doubt that through her art, personality and generous spirit, while she may not be from heaven, Mary’s a blessing to the city of Charleston.
MARIE L. STONEHOUSE-WATTS
Charleston
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