READERS WRITE

Troy Davis case

Following are two of an approximate 3,000 letters to the editor asking to stop the execution of Troy Anthony Davis (right), who was issued a stay by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Friday.

The world is watching; will Georgia remember ‘reasonable doubt’?

The state of Georgia is on the verge of executing Troy Davis, a man with a strong case of innocence, as described in state Sen. Vincent Fort’s opinion piece (“Execution clearly would be callous act,” @issue, Oct. 21). There is now much doubt of the evidence used to convict Troy Davis.

What has happened to “beyond a reasonable doubt”? The Board of Pardons and Paroles should remember “reasonable doubt” and grant clemency. The governor should remember “reasonable doubt” and prevent the execution of Davis. The world is watching what the leaders of Georgia will do. They need to remember “reasonable doubt.”

PEGGY HENDRIX

Decatur

We all will face the court of last resort

The U. S. Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the Troy Davis case is a deplorable travesty. I’ve always considered the Supreme Court to be the “court of last resort,” but this court will not be the court of last resort. That court will be when we appear before our Lord and master.

I do not believe the creed we recite as Christians allows us to take a life, especially if there is a question of one’s guilt. If Davis is executed he will pay the price, whether guilty or innocent we really won’t know. The court is remiss by not serving in a worthy manner. I hope the Pardons and Paroles Board, along with the lower courts, will grant a trial to hear the evidence not heard when they sentenced this man to die. It is too late when the judgment day finally comes. Will we be ready to stand before God?

HAL S. CRAWFORD

Marietta

Only one ‘poll’ is valid —- the one on Nov. 4

We’re being bombarded with all kinds of reports and polls predicting the outcome of the presidential election. However, going back 60 years, starting with Harry S Truman, history shows that the media and the polls almost always get it wrong and end up with egg on their faces on Election Day. Typically, their predictions seem to be more wishful thinking and propaganda than valid, fact-based findings.

Of course, the only “poll” that really counts is the one on Election Day.

GORDON CURTIS

Atlanta

No photo ID? That tells you something

Please, enough of Cynthia Tucker’s self-induced hysteria over voter ID (“Don’t buy frenzy over voter fraud,” @issue, Oct. 19). Republicans/conservatives have gotten enough wrong in the last four years to keep legions of liberal editorialists busy, but the one issue that absolutely rings true seems to irritate the most.

The notion that anyone eligible to vote should be able to produce some rudimentary form of identification is so innocuous that opposition to it seems odd, unless you look at it in terms of the Democratic Party’s vision of America.

They know that a majority of the would-be voters who are the focus of their current registration frenzy are the uninformed, lazy, never-bothered-to-vote-before segment of society most likely to fall for their government-as-nanny pitch, and the ones most unlikely to possess something as “daunting” as photo ID.

JAMES M. WILEY

Decatur

We’re moderate, lean to the middle

Recently a guest on CNN called America “moderate with a leaning to the right.” I find our country is quite moderate and is constantly trying to pull itself back to the middle. Case in point: Two Clinton elections, a Gore loss despite more popular votes, a close Bush-Kerry contest, and the current elections point more to the middle of the political spectrum.

The liberals vs. conservative argument has given way to voters who have slowly carved a new ideology into the political map. While some groups may be more vocal, the electorate is pointing to yet another election and saying, “This is where we want to be.” Old habits die hard.

STEVE LEWIS

Atlanta

Replace the word ‘disproportionate’

Please put the word “disproportionate” to rest (“Barrow, Marshall see tide shift in re-election bids,” Metro, Oct. 21). Several times this word has been used in AJC articles to describe folks who are registered voters going to vote in counties in which they live.

This word seems to imply that they should not be voting at all. Perhaps words that could be used include “responsible citizen” or “enthusiastic voter.” All of us appreciate the opportunity to vote early and to exercise this privilege of every citizen.

CAROLINE LEACH

Decatur

Pete Van Wieren a broadcasting gem

The soothing tones of Pete Van Wieren’s voice will be missed. He, along with the late Skip Caray, presented the perfect broadcast team through the years when the Braves had their losing seasons and then the exciting times.

He was truly called “The Professor” with all the facts and figures he presented concerning not only the Braves but baseball in general. One of the best was his “Diamond Notes” that he presented before each Braves broadcast.

A job well done for the good and faithful servant of the Atlanta Braves. May he enjoy a well and deserved retirement.

TOM DURRETT

Flowery Branch