Readers Write

SANFORD AND GOP

Bad judgment, hypocrisy

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford’s private life is none of our business. His private sexual escapades are between him and his family. While I don’t condone his affair, I don’t think he should resign his post because of it.

On the other hand, his blatant hypocrisy, and obvious lack of judgment and character are issues that should concern every citizen, and those are the issues that should drive him from public office.

Eric Pearson, Atlanta

Rebranding in order?

Hmmm! Could it be that the Republican Party constitutes an emerging market for male chastity belts? Perhaps the GOP should be renamed the ROP, or Randy Old Party?

Leslie Y. Pounds, Atlanta

WHITE HOUSE

Back up proposals

Can you specifically point to something that shows conclusively the harm done to our planet by so-called global warming?

Do you believe government will run health care better than the private sector? Show examples of successes present and past, to prove that belief.

Do you believe alternative energy can replace oil, gas and coal as the way to grow our economy? Show the studies to prove that is a viable plan.

Can the government tax and spend us into prosperity? Show one example of where that has been successful, past and present.

None of these questions can be answered without the usual Obama spin and lies, and without the help of the flunkies in the media.

Tom Gambeski, Jasper

CARTOON

Luckovich disturbing

I usually enjoy seeing Mike Luckovich’s cartoon, but I found myself saying, “Huh?” after reading his “tribute” to Michael Jackson (Opinion, June 26). With so many people around the world mourning Jackson’s passing, I find the cartoon disturbing and distasteful. I understand it’s a political cartoonist’s job to have edgy commentary on current events, but this cartoon seemed to step over the edge. Whatever point Mr. Luckovich is trying to make, it seems to be lost on me, as I mourn a great icon who I grew up watching, listening to and admiring.

Blair Marino, Lithonia

Upsetting cheap shot

The June 26 Mike Luckovich cartoon regarding the death of Michael Jackson was a cheap shot! Would he draw the same cartoon if the dead were Dick Cheney or O.J. Simpson? The cartoon was disturbing and upsetting to Jackson’s many fans.

I would envision an empty stage with a top hat, glove and cane on it, because his music has been silenced and his performances are now history.

Felicia Strobhert, Stone Mountain

Totally disgusting

I used to be a fan of Mike Luckovich, but now I’m reconsidering. His cartoon about Michael Jackson which references the devil is beyond poor taste — it is totally disgusting. How dare Luckovich show such a lack of human decency after the tragic death of an American icon. Does Luckovich really think Michael Jackson belongs in hell? Will someone please tell Luckovich that the jury acquitted Michael?

Bob Werst, Johns Creek

DEKALB SCHOOLS

Apologies in order

I could not believe my eyes when I read of Superintendent (Crawford) Lewis’ memo to DeKalb school employees (“Support urged for test suspects,” Metro, June 25).

(James) Berry and (Doretha) Alexander must have, through the years, meted out a few punishments to students for cheating. Now they have shown their unprofessionalism and a lack of moral integrity — bad lessons that will be hard to erase from young minds.

Where are the explanations and apologies to these students, their parents and the dedicated professionals of the school system? In fact, apologies to all parents and taxpayers of DeKalb County would be in order.

Robert Duckworth, Tucker

MENTAL HEALTH

Better system needed

Thank you to Chris Pak and his family for sharing their heartbreaking story of the death of his mother and the mental illness of his sister (“System was deaf to pleas,” News, June 28).

I was shocked and angered by the statement from the Department of Human Resources spokeswoman that “Personal responsibility of managing mental illness should definitely be brought into consideration.”

I, too, have a sister who has suffered with schizophrenia for the past 25 years. It seems to be the nature of the disease that those with it and their families are often unable to control or manage the disease either on or off medication.

That is why a comprehensive and competent mental health system is so important.

Julie White, Milton

HEALTH REFORM

Patients need contracts

Cynthia Tucker distorted several important points in “Follow the money in Rx debate” (Opinion, June 17). First and foremost is the notion that anything but patient care is the highest priority for the great majority of physicians. And, physicians in large numbers believe that a public health insurance option could result in a government monopoly that stifles competition in a way that diminishes the greatest health care system in the world.

I recently told lawmakers in Washington that giving patients the right to enter into private contractual agreements with their physician is the most important step they can take to reform our health care system. Doing so will give patients the freedom to choose their own physician. Medical decisions should be made by a patient in concert with their physician — not by the federal government. The appropriate role for government in this context is promoting a stronger physician-patient relationship.

M. Todd Williamson, M.D., president of the Medical Association of Georgia