Readers Write

EMPLOYMENT

Insurance system broken

I was pleased to see you report on the shockingly slow delivery of medical care in the workers compensation system of Georgia, as exemplified by the unfortunate cases of J.J. Biello and the other brave officers (“Police officers seriously hurt on job,” Metro, May 24.) I have represented injured workers for many years, and can attest that the accounts of Officer Biello and others are not limited to the city of Atlanta but are all too common in claims handling, whether by insurers, third-party administrators or self-insurers. I commend Biello and the others who have sacrificed their own privacy to shed a light on this terrible problem in our system. For the sake of the officers and the rest of us, I hope their message will not be forgotten, but acted upon to all of our benefit by those who can make a difference.

Hank Barnett, Decatur

FREE SPEECH

Socialists have rights

A reader (Readers write, May 24) opposes the right of members of the Socialist Workers Party to express their opinions as American citizens, advocating instead for our freedom, independence, and our republic, and further suggesting that, indeed, those party members should leave this country. It is quite ironic that on the page opposite her letter, George Will so eloquently spells out the protection of free speech written into our constitution by the First Amendment.

Lou Troughton, Marietta

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Kim Jong Il is dangerous

At the risk of fear mongering, I strongly suspect Kim Jong Il’s provocative nuclear saber rattling is not mere theatrics. He is a delusional megalomaniac desperately seeking a legacy and a (self-)justification for having lived.

There is little doubt that a brainwashed and paranoid populace would follow him to perdition in a sacrificial defense of their homeland. Thousands would needlessly die, and a country would be obliterated. Ultimately, of course, he would lose, but, as the self-proclaimed “Great Leader,” he would achieve the infamy and martyrdom he seems to desire.

Dan Cowles, Cumming

SOCIETY

Falcon sets example

Re: “Via faith, he’s on field” (Sports, May 28), nice piece. It is so good to read about Falcons that are good role models. Our kids and our society need more like that. A couple of years ago, Falcons were noted for their attendance at Atlanta night clubs, and “trash talk” about opposing players. With the new coach, there seems to be a new spirit. According to this piece, “despite the setback, Thomas Brown impressed the coaching staff by hanging around, attending running back meetings and film sessions.” Attitude is everything, and if this is the spirit of the total team now, we need to hear more about it. Thanks for this.

Bill Ivey, Tucker