AJC.com > Talk of the town > Archives > 2007 > February > 09
Friday, February 9, 2007
Should DA accept Nichols plea deal?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard has refused to negotiate with attorneys for accused Fulton County courthouse killer Brian Nichols, who is willing to plead guilty if prosecutors will drop their plans to seek the death penalty, Nichols’ attorney say.
What do you think? Should the DA accept the plea agreement and spare taxpayers the cost of a lengthy trial? Or should prosecutors go forward to prove their case that Nichols killed a judge, court reporter, sheriff’s deputy and federal agent on March 11, 2005, and seek the death penalty.
I just don’t feel safe on MARTA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Two weeks ago, after a pleasant, hassle-free trip to Hartsfield-Jackson on MARTA, I gave some thought to taking the train more often. Right now, my car is in the shop. Couldn’t I take MARTA rather than renting a car?
No, I won’t. It gets dark early, and I don’t take MARTA after the sun goes down. I don’t feel safe. It’s a rare day that I see a MARTA cop in or around a train station, and the lack of visible police leaves me feeling too vulnerable.
If I were a guy, I might feel differently. Call me paranoid, but as a female city dweller, I take a lot of precautions. (I lock my car doors before I crank up.) I need to see more police, around the stations and on the trains, before I take the risk of riding MARTA after dark.
Am I the only woman in Atlanta who feels that way? Let’s hear from men, too. Do you think MARTA is safe? What experiences have influenced your opinion?
(In today’s AJC: MARTA crime numbers show that someone is robbed or beaten up twice a week on MARTA property. )
