Readers Write

IMMIGRATION

Don’t use kids as shield

After reading D.A. King’s column stating we do not grant birthright citizenship to children of foreign diplomats, I called my congressman to verify (“Should U.S. deny citizenship to children of illegal immigrants?” Opinion, June 17). King is right — we don’t. I expect the folks who defend illegal aliens are less than thrilled about this becoming widely known. The fact that we allow people illegally into our country and reward them by making citizens of their children is not only madness, it is not the intention of the 14th Amendment. In the interest of keeping families together, illegals should consider the consequences to their own children when they violate American laws. Using children as a shield to elude American justice was not the reasoning behind the amendment, and I am outraged that it is being used as such.

John Litland, Marietta

HEALTH CARE

‘Trillions’ glossed over

Cynthia Tucker opines that doctors should only be concerned with the best care for their patients (“Follow the money in Rx debate,” Opinion, June 17). She infers those who want to make a few dollars are doing so at the expense of patients. She then says things will be made right if the Obama health plan is adopted. The cost of these plans is fuzzy, but one thing is clear. The number “trillion” keeps coming up. Where the trillions will come from is glossed over. There is no something for nothing. Someone is going to have to pay for Obama-care. Tucker also notes Americans are not the healthiest humans on the planet. If new taxes are introduced, will more Americans toss their cheeseburgers for tofu? I fail to see the connection between more taxes and health, but after Obama-care is enacted, maybe I will be able to find some cheap optometrist to assist with my condition.

John Wiley, Marietta

BUSINESS

Are five execs overpaid?

I read Henry Unger’s “Big change in exec pay is unlikely,” (News, June 16). I then looked at the executive pay listed in the June 14 AJC, and noticed that there are five execs for Delta Air Lines who make millions a year between them. I wonder just what those five are doing that they get paid so much, even as Delta is struggling.

Jeff Groenen, Smyrna

GOVERNMENT

Martin could care less

C.T. Martin shows he has no concern for the well-being of the city of Atlanta or taxpayers (“Kiosk plan charges vendors a $500 fee,” Metro, June 15). The vendors have been operating illegally since Bill Campbell instituted the vendor system for the Olympics with no enforcement built into the system. The vendors do not follow any vendor regulations, and compete with tax- and rent-paying businesses.

John Mount, Atlanta