Readers Write 11/16

CARTOON

Luckovich clearly feels drawn to Obama

Re Opinion, Nov. 6: Has anyone else noticed that Mike Luckovich seems incapable of a political cartoon that in any way takes aim at the Obama administration and his policies?

No one is laughing at the health care debate, and a more realistic image would be the couple sitting on the couch with fear in their expressions at the Democratic health care plan, and the prospect of our government controlling yet another portion of our lives. I know I am afraid — very afraid.

Judy Chasey, Buford

CARTOON

Jab at GOP health bill amounts to childishness

Mike Luckovich’s Nov. 6 cartoon concerning the Republican health care plan would be offensive if it were not simply so infantile. His comment, “Hey, if laughter’s the best medicine ...” has a classic schoolyard level of maturity.

At least he did not join the mistaken chorus that has consistently held that there is no Republican plan. Rather than dealing with the issue in an intelligent way (he is capable of such discourse, I believe), he simply deploys the equivalent schoolyard level of epithet, “So’s yours.”

Bill Lyons, Smyrna

POLITICS

Nathan Deal’s priorities are out of place

If Nathan Deal feels the most pressing issue in Georgia is to question the already established validity of our president’s birth certificate, then he is clearly not the right person to be governor of Georgia (“Deal to quiz Obama on birth,” Metro, Nov. 7). I guess unemployment, education, water woes, etc. just aren’t that important to him.

I guess I won’t even consider him to be governor of Georgia.

Leslie Wolfe, Atlanta

PUBLIC HEALTH

Mentally ill patients need a stress reliever

Re “State bans smoking in mental hospitals” (News, Nov. 9): it is my opinion that patients who qualify to be admitted to our state hospitals are already under considerable stress. Why would we place them under more stress at this time, when we cannot guarantee that we can provide an evaluation and treatment for the cessation of smoking in a safe environment?

Many of them will not be there long enough to complete any program that might be offered. I would suggest providing a safe smoking room that does not impinge on nonsmokers and offer an evaluation and treatment program for smoking cessation in the community when the patient is discharged. This would be much more humane, caring and practical.

Marilyn Vance McGaughey, Atlanta

STATE PARKS

Start petition to change Jekyll Island leadership

I’ve been following the Jekyll Island travesty since its onset, and I totally agree that something has to be done to get our island back. What I see is a groundswell in favor of doing something, but no action.

Where is the petition to remove the Jekyll Island Authority and replace it with members who will better reflect the wishes of the people? Let’s do it now!

Mary Shepherd, Atlanta