Earth Hour

Keep Georgia dynamic, growing

Mayor Shirley Franklin has added Atlanta to the list of cities participating in Earth Hour from 8 to 9 p.m. Saturday. According to organizers, you should turn off your lights to send a message that you are fighting manmade global warming.

However, the idea that reducing energy consumption will save the planet is based on questionable science. To blame normal cycles of climate change on human production of carbon dioxide is blaming a substance that makes up only approximately 37 molecules out of every 100,000 molecules of atmosphere. The proportion of carbon dioxide in this mix has increased by only a few molecules in the last 50 years.

Proponents of man-made global warming want us to go on an energy diet. This can throttle our economy and way of life. We are about to enter a recession. This will put us on an energy diet (fewer goods shipments over the roads and rail, fewer conventions and meetings in Atlanta, manufacturing cutbacks, etc.). Nobody likes a slowdown. Everybody likes dynamic growth, new opportunities, etc. It takes energy to do this. Georgia should not turn off the lights. Georgia should remain a beacon of light in America and the world.

JOEL SMITH, Stockbridge

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Teen seat belt law would have saved lives

The Georgia General Assembly missed the best opportunity to save teen lives this year, a statement that comes from teens themselves. The National Safety Council's defensive driving program participated in a risk assessment survey of Georgia teen drivers over a year ago. Teens ages 16 to 19 told us punitive actions were the most effective deterrents to unsafe driving behaviors.

In scientifically structured questions, 79.4 percent said that license suspension would "definitely cause me to drive safer" and 10.9 percent said it "might cause them to drive safer." More than 90 percent of our highest-risk teen drivers made it very clear. Lawmakers felt that HB 924 [teenage seat belt safety law that would have suspended licenses if teens are caught more than once not wearing a seat belt] was a little too harsh. Harsh for teens or inconvenient for parents?

PAT WILDER

Wilder, of Woodstock, is interim director, National Driver Training Center, National Safety Council, Georgia Chapter, and a former Arizona state representative.

Invoke Barney Fife Rule to keep skies safe

Regarding the US Airways pilot whose gun accidentally went off while making an approach to land: I recall back in the '50s, this problem was solved by invoking the Barney Fife Rule: The gun can be kept, but only a single bullet is issued, which must be kept in one's shirt pocket until needed.

DAVID PORTER, Peachtree City

Economic news not all gloomy

How refreshing to read the AJC article "Financial stress a chance for new banks" (Business, March 25). With so much negative news about today's economic climate, I appreciate your highlighting the fact that opportunity exists for some, even when others may be having difficulty.

As one of the 21 banks to debut in 2006, it is nice not to be painted with a broad brush suggesting that all financial institutions are struggling.

CHARLES B. CRAWFORD JR.

Crawford is chairman, president and CEO of Private Bank of Buckhead.

Grisly, sad article was uncalled for

I am appalled at the article regarding Meredith Emerson ("Hiker never gave up fight, her killer said," Metro, March 23). What need was there to tell the details of her abduction and death? What is newsworthy in this article other than the pure sensationalism of a horrific crime?

I guess there are those intrigued by a deranged man and his actions, or those who thrive on grisly detail. Most of us, however, do not need to know these things. Did anyone at the AJC stop to think about Emerson's family and what this article may do to them? Now, while trying to grieve and remember an amazing life rather than her final days, they are faced with this article.

SHARON STEINGRUBER, Norcross