READERS WRITE

Deadly regulation had best intentions

In response to “1970s federal rules improved cars” (Letters, @issue, April 14): Before plunging headlong into increased government control and regulation of the auto industry based on the perceived success of the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standard implemented in 1975, we should note the impact those standards have had on our safety.

A plethora of research exists illustrating a direct correlation between increasing CAFE standards and increasing deaths on our roads and highways. In 2007, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported an additional 250 to 500 deaths per year for each mile-per-gallon increase. A quick search of the Internet will find many more scientific studies from reputable organizations proving this correlation. Rather than a shining example of government regulation that works, CAFE is an example of how government inadvertently kills its citizens with good intentions.

CHRISTOPHER RAISSI

Marietta

Obama seems to be rewriting history

President Obama recently stated during a speech in Turkey: “I’ve said before that one of the great strengths of the United States is —- although as I mentioned we have a very large Christian population —- we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values.”

That was quite an odd statement. What ideals and set of values was he talking about? Of course we are not a “theocracy,” as our founding fathers did not want that. But we are a nation built on Judeo/Christian morality, ideals and values and although we are not perfect, our laws come from that. To believe otherwise is to deny reality and to stick one’s head in the sand of revisionist history.

The United States has done more for mankind than any other nation on earth. That didn’t come from a heritage of sun worship, idol worship or some other religion. It came from the great majority of our forefathers’ Judeo/Christian heritage and what they believed about the worth of the individual vs. the state or some despotic political or religious ruler. I am concerned our president didn’t say: “This country was founded on Judeo/Christian values and we welcome yours as long as they equate to those same principles.” I am truly troubled that he apparently doesn’t understand that.

JAMES COOL

Johns Creek

Current transportation systems need stimulus

It’s time for President Obama to do some prioritizing. MARTA is facing a financial crisis. Atlanta may have to lay off employees and cut service. The result is an immediate detrimental effect to all of us.

One of the programs in the $700 billion-plus economic stimulus bill is the “maglev” train from the Los Angeles area to Las Vegas. The money earmarked for high-speed rail is over $8 billion. Having lived in Southern California, having driven to Las Vegas many times and having flown from Los Angeles to Las Vegas as a pilot, it is going to be extremely difficult to build and maintain the train across the different types of terrain. If this train is actually built, it will provide a service, but that service will be a long time in the future.

Wouldn’t some of that federal money be better spent in supporting public transportation systems that people need right now?

PHILIP I. LEWIS

Acworth

Socialism removes incentive to produce

Jay Bookman’s piece on socialism was very disturbing (“Socialist charge has lost its power to sting,” @issue, April 13). If it’s true that so many Americans, especially young adults, believe that socialism is a better economic system, then we’re destined for the perpetual economic stagnation, high unemployment and unsustainable dole of the European socialist economies, or, even worse, to the purer socialist doctrine as practiced by Hugo Chavez in Venezuela.

I’m reminded of the old joke that compares all the “isms.” Socialism is when you have two cows and the government forces you to give one to your neighbor. Capitalism is when you have two cows and you sell one and buy a bull so you will have more cows, which you can then sell or trade with others.

Once we have taken all the extra cows from the “rich,” and no one has the incentive to produce more cows, please tell me how we’re going to function economically. Who’s going to pay for the social welfare programs?

GARY MAY

Newnan

Tobacco taxes encourage smokers to quit

Quitting smoking is no easy task, and your article shows that motivation ranges from the personal to the pocketbook (“Federal tax increase gives many Georgians incentive to kick the habit,” Page One, April 13). It is clear that federal, state and local tobacco tax increases discourage the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products, which is why the AMA supports these taxes.

Smoking causes cancer, heart disease and lung disease, resulting in chronic illness and death, but it is never too late to quit. Efforts to encourage Americans to quit —- including higher taxes —- save lives and reduce long-term health care costs.

DR. REBECCA J. PATCHIN

Patchin is board chair-elect of the American Medical Association.