Welcome to our weekly column in which a topic of interest, piece of news, relevant opinion, or general request for feedback is presented. We’ll offer the topic du jour and accompanying question, and you have the opportunity to respond with your thoughts.
Simply fill out the form below. A collection of each week’s responses will appear in the following week’s column. To read last week’s responses, scroll below this week’s topic.
Publisher reserves the right to edit responses for clarity and publish online and/or in our print publications.
Please let us know your thoughts!
This week’s topic is:
Afghanistan
In the wake of the U.S.’ military withdrawal from Afghanistan, the past two weeks have seen the rapid coup of the Afghan government by the Taliban, which announced plans to govern by Sharia Law (the rules, laws, and theories interpreted directly from the Islamic Quran).
While the final decision to withdraw the U.S. was made by President Biden and the military intelligence he relied upon, critics have been harsh in squarely placing blame for the Taliban’s coup directly on him. But let us not forgot that this U.S. campaign spanned four presidencies. The tragedy of our country losing thousands of lives and spending trillions of dollars, while always facing the high probability of a military coup occurring upon the U.S.’ exit, cannot be overlooked. In fact, history has demonstrated a return to Sharia Law/governing in the Afghan region upon the exit/withdrawal of any foreign intervention.
Currently, the U.S. has frozen all Afghan government monetary assets, which the Taliban desperately wants. Thus, the Taliban will have the opportunity to prove to the world it can effectively govern Afghanistan and maintain foreign diplomacy in order to reclaim those assets in the future and maintain its rule.
Our questions to you:
Do you agree or not with President Biden’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from Afghanistan?
What are your thoughts on the U.S.’ 20-year war in Afghanistan?
Please share your thoughts by filling out this form.
Last week, we asked you about Jeopardy’s New Hosts and you responded! Here is a sampling of reader responses. To read more, click here.
*Editorial Disclaimer: This topic was posed a full week prior to today's announcement of Mike Richards stepping down from hosting Jeopardy due to allegations about his past.
Yes, I've been a big fan for over twenty-five years. I've maintained since day one of the "audition" process, that Mike Richards has been the best host, and most in keeping with Alex's comportment. Of course I care, because why else would I regularly postpone my dinner, until after Jeopardy is concluded!
Greg Stanley, Shady Side
We like watching Jeopardy. It was interesting watching the different hosts. Some were really bland, some bombed, some fantastic. I would have liked to have seen Buzzy as the permanent host. We will continue watching.
Leigh Couture, Gambrills
I had hoped that Ken Jennings would be selected as I always enjoy watching him, but I am delighted that Mayim Bianlk was named. Always enjoyed her on her long running TV show and liked her rapport with the Jeopardy contestants during her hosting assignment. I think I've been watching Jeopardy since its beginning days.
Flo Ormand, Churchton
Sony was in a difficult position of replacing Alex, and while I think no matter who was given the privilege of succeeding him could possibly live up to Alex's standard, I am still disappointed by the new hosts. If Sony wanted two different hosts then Jimmy and Sarah of The Clue Crew were there for the selection. As a fan of Jeopardy! I will still continue to watch regardless of the hosts but nonetheless I believe Sony could have gone a different direction.
Paul S., Annapolis