Readers Write 01/06

ANIMAL CONTROL

We should not forget
those dogs, cats in need

For over 20 years, we have provided a foster home for neglected and stray animals. Our economic downturn has created a deluge of cats and dogs that can no longer be cared for by their families.

Recently, we rescued a puppy that had been abandoned on Buford Highway. The pup was screaming in terror, and about to dart into traffic.

We want to remind our fellow Georgians that abandoning an animal is a felony in our state. It is also a cruel felony of mind and heart to discard an animal to possible starvation, being hit by a car or becoming food for coyotes.

If you can no longer care for your pet, contact your local rescue groups. If they are overwhelmed (and many are), contact your county animal shelter. If your local shelter cannot place your pet, they will provide a humane euthanasia.

Please remember our fellow creatures by donating your time and money, and opening your heart and home to those who depend upon us for compassion.

Mike McCrosky, Buford

POLITICS

Enjoy those seats; they’ll be empty soon enough

Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) sold his vote to get something for his state. What happened to men and women with integrity? We are seeing politics being played out on this health care issue. Is this what our founding fathers pictured when they framed the Constitution?

Thank you, senator for reminding us what we hate about Washington. Thank you for showing us what really happens to pass million-dollar legislation.

In 2010, we better remember the people who sold out their country and everything they believed in to get a trinket. Even though a majority of this country doesn’t want this, the Democrats continue to push this legislation through both houses. The Revolutionary War was fought over no taxation without representation. Isn’t it ironic that our representatives are making decisions without considering the people they are representing? Enjoy those seats you’re sitting in, Congress. You won’t be sitting there much longer.

Jonathan McLain, McDonough

HEALTH CARE

Vote buying? There must be a way to find sources

Has anyone seen any effort to estimate and list the cost of votes bought to support the new health legislation? I am looking for sources.

Of course, it will be very difficult to identify all of the ways in which votes were bought. Even when identified, the cost of a promise of a job when the senator is voted out of office, or “support in your election,” or indirect gifts, is very hard to estimate or prove. Finding the myriad of things hidden in other bills, such as “earmarks,” is tedious, but can be done. Promises of airports, or “roads to nowhere,” can be found in many places.

Many of the payoffs will never be made evident, but many will have to be bragged about in some form or other to make them effective in the re-election of the suspect senator.

Is there a Web site or blog where this knowledge is being collected? Let’s share in this collection effort.

Bill Lyons, Smyrna