Readers Write 02/25

GOVERNMENT

Strong library services crucial to DeKalb

With almost daily reports of the grim fiscal picture in DeKalb County, possible budget cuts to the library system will truly hurt.

Unemployed patrons are using library computers, with staff aid, to conduct their job searches. People of all ages are being aided in their research, study and computer use by skilled library staff members, library materials and favorable hours the libraries are open.

Good public libraries add greatly to the appeal of communities.

Diminished library services will ultimately be reflected in lower home values.

Libraries can’t compete with fire and police protection — nor should they. But they are essential to the life of communities and neighborhoods.

John Hawkins, Decatur

ENVIRONMENT

Clean up emissions to lessen air pollution

I’m no scientist, and neither is George Will, who sides with those who spoof the idea that climate change is a reality (“Climate alarmists blinded by faith in dubious science,” Opinion, Feb. 21). Even so, we have another problem with carbon emissions, as neither of us can reasonably claim that air pollution does not exist.

When I see young children struggling with inhalers, or forced to remain indoors on a summer day (when air pollution tends to be worse), I am certain that we have more than one reason to clean up our environment, even if it does hurt corporate profits. After all, what good is money without quality of life? 

Margaret Curtis, Atlanta

POLITICS

This Republican says president is a moderate

I am a Republican elected official, but I cannot stomach the growing criticism of the president. It is disturbing that many in the Tea Party movement and the Republican Party seem to question his commitment and patriotism in a time of war and economic crisis. This president has governed from the middle, not the left.

We still have troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is committed to supporting them, even if it takes more money and time to do it. His policy seems to be the same as the Republican before him, right or wrong.

On health care, he did not advocate for what would have been, and still is, the liberal solution: single-payer insurance. He has instead stated repeatedly that he wants bipartisanship. He has generally shown that he means it through his actions. He has instead advocated relatively minor increases for wealthy people.

You can agree or disagree with him, but he is no socialist.

Jack Bernard, Commissioner, Jasper County Board of Commissioners

HEALTH CARE

Republicans need to work toward solutions

I do not understand how individuals like Rep. Phil Gingrey can not see how not moving ahead on health care reform is putting our country in more debt and putting the lives of Georgians in danger.

It is not about a government takeover of our health care — it is about providing health care at a reasonable and fair cost. Some individuals are working toward solutions. I wonder when Republicans will begin to do that. Karen Davenport, Decatur