Readers Write 10/14

POLITICS

‘Smarts’ not indicator 
of responsible leader

Once again, Thomas Sowell is willing to go down a path where many others apparently are unwilling to tread (“Brains in power are not always worthy of trust,” Opinion, Oct. 6). How refreshing to have some historical perspective placed on the table as citizens discuss and debate the future of our country. For some of us, the rhetorical skills and “smarts” of many of the most evil foreign leaders of the past 100 years seem to have been forgotten, or never known, by many fellow citizens engaged today in politics, academia or punditry.

Thomas Sowell’s observations on this subject are important reminders that charisma, intellectual brilliance and public speaking abilities historically have not always resulted in responsible national leadership in other nations throughout the world.

Dick Hodges, Marietta

POLITICS

Washington ignores what’s best for nation

Re “American political divide turns deadly” (Opinion, Oct. 4): the political divide exists for many reasons, but the primary culprit is Washington and the way it conducts business. The drive for power by each political party has so corrupted the political process that decisions are no longer made to better our nation, but to feather one’s nest.

The current health care debate is a great example. Tort reform and the care of illegal immigrants are two of the biggest causes for the runaway costs associated with health care.

Neither issue is addressed in the current debate. The absence of these two critical issues showcases the Democrats’ willingness to abandon change for a difference in order to protect their current political support and attract future support for continued political prominence.

The reason we have become so partisan as a nation is our government is failing us, and more of us are sick of it every year. We can only hope that Washington wakes up before it’s too late. Where are the statesmen who are more concerned for our nation than themselves?

Tim Downing, Holly Springs

GOVERNMENT

DeKalb CEO: Writer got facts on retreat wrong

I am writing in response to a letter from Larry Venable (“Readers write,” Sept. 28). The writer makes several factual assertions that are untrue.

The letter states that Michael Bell and I were in attendance at a retreat to discuss a “financial crisis.” The writer asserts the meeting was held outside of county facilities and questions whether our spouses were invited. In sum, the writer raises strong concerns regarding the county’s fiscal prudence in this difficult economic environment.

First of all, the retreat referred to was held by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, and not by me. Neither I nor my spouse was invited, and neither of us attended.

The retreat was held on county property, not in an outside facility. It is my understanding that commissioners met to discuss the state of the economy, not a “financial crisis.”

Our citizens expect and deserve honesty and accountability in fiscal and other public affairs. My administration is working in an open and transparent manner to deliver just that. Unfortunately, Mr. Venable’s letter offers neither.

W. Burrell Ellis Jr., chief executive officer of DeKalb County