READERS WRITE

Public office seekers should have training

In regard to the Clayton County School Board and passing legislation to enable the state to take over a school system, I have a better idea. The Georgia Legislature should enact legislation requiring all aspirants for public office to complete appropriate training for the office before they run. Courses could be offered annually in state public schools, vocational schools and universities.

I realize that any idiot has the right to vote but the public should have protection from idiots getting into office through voter apathy. I commend the people who volunteer to serve the public and regret their service exposes them to the rude side of the public. Enacting higher standards might save some people from such experience.

MICHAEL McGOWAN

Peachtree City

Put an egg in another basket

“All our eggs in one basket” would apply to our gas wells and refineries, the greatest percentage of which are located in the hurricane belt. Allowing oil extraction outside this danger zone would reduce the risk of supply interruptions that occurred recently.

As bad as it has been, Houston refineries dodged the worst-case scenario: A more devastating, direct hit. Imagine weeks or longer without adequate gas supply, soccer moms idle, schools shut down, having to walk to the grocery store —- as if there would be any trucks making deliveries.

Yup. When you have all your eggs in one basket and the basket gets hit by a hurricane, the eggs will break, unless, of course, your eggs are in the [Alaska] North Slope area where there are relatively few hurricanes.

JON FRIEDMAN

Atlanta

History shows women can work, take care of family

In response to the letter “Republicans give family values another boot” (@issue, Sept. 12) on criticism of Sarah Palin’s ability to be a good vice president and mother:

In my late 30s, I went back to college, received my B.S. and master’s degree in librarianship, took the full load and kept my average at 3.75, all the while taking care of three children, the youngest with Down syndrome. I also had time to attend all my children’s outside activities and keep a neat home.

Why do people still question women’s ability to do both well? Do we ask men the same questions? Throughout history during our wars, women kept the home fires burning. Abigail Adams is a good example. Oh, please give me a break!

LOIS T. CRAWFORD

Canton

Let’s focus on issues and not personality

Jim Wooten, I have a simple request. Instead of writing a column every week (“Panic sets in for Obama, Democrats,” @issue, Sept. 14) about how Barack Obama is going to lose, why don’t you illustrate the differences between John McCain and George Bush? If McCain is everything you think he is, you should have no trouble filling your editorial space in the Sunday paper with those differences.

Any space you can’t use should go to an extra Mike Luckovich cartoon. Deal? Let’s make the election about the issues, not about personality. The American people will be better for it!

COREY BERGER

Sandy Springs

Insults trump national problems in press

“Lipstick on a pig.” Overwhelming problems plague this nation, and the candidates and press can only concern themselves with who insulted whom.

God help us.

SKIP BARTLETT

Tiger

Rescuers deserve more than thanks

My husband is in the Army National Guard. He was recently ordered to Texas on a volunteer unit to aid in search and rescue. They took him from his $300-a-day job to pay him $50 a day to help rescue people who had a choice to stay or go.

The people being rescued should have to pay a fee for these brave souls who put their lives on the line, especially ones who are ordered to volunteer. What’s your freedom and life worth? I’m sure more than $50 a day!

KIMBERLY KELLER

Statham