In an attempt to refute the charge that "Americans are challenged regarding geography," Mr. Furtnett reverts to the tactics of the ignorant and immature by totally changing the subject.
Despite Mr. Furtnett's allegation of "no morals," Holland ranks very high as a nation for the quality of life for its people.
The percentage of AIDS/HIV infection is one-third that of the U.S., and the rates of infant mortality, longevity, and violent crime are all proportionately better than U.S. rates--to me, all signs of "good, clean living."
Further, of the 20 Dutch students I knew in college, I was aware of only one who occasionally smoked pot, and none did cocaine or hallucinogens. I cannot say the same of the 10 American students I knew at the time, even prior to their visit to Holland.
Living amid temptation without succumbing to it is "morality." It is also called "personal responsibility," a quality that is so lacking today in the U.S.
We cannot create a moral society by dictating personal choices; to do so only creates more criminals and a totalitarian regime.
Elsa Katz
Spotsylvania