Readers Write 11/25

SPORTS

Articles on Greenville
uplifting, appreciated

Both my husband and I begin our morning with breakfast and the AJC.

Over the years, I have been duly stressed by the numerous articles on crime, death, destruction and general state of bad news making headlines.

What a pleasure it was for us to read about the Greenville High School coach, Jeremy Williams (“Undefeated, even against fierce illness,” News, Nov. 13; “Quiet conviction,” News, Nov. 14).

It was heartwarming and positively uplifting to read that wonderful, caring people are out there, inspiring others with their dedication, attitude and conviction.

Thank you for pointing out an obvious star shining in a dark world.

Donna Groover, Peachtree City

SPORTS

Trip to small-town game a valuable lesson in life

I recently read your story on Jeremy Williams and the Greenville High School Patriots. I’ve always been a big football fan, but mostly of college ball (until this year).

My son is a freshman at North Atlanta High School. After only one season of football experience, he made the varsity this fall, and started most of the games as a wide receiver and defensive end.

At breakfast last Friday, I suggested we could attend a playoff game that evening, since North Atlanta’s season was over. After I read your story, I decided he and I would drive down to Greenville from Atlanta that evening.

My son could experience something I could never fully explain to him — how people can draw inspiration and hope from dark and uncertain circumstances.

So, we went to Greenville. Throughout the action, he and I talked as much about life as we did about the game. He totally understood why I wanted him to see small-town football, but he also got why it meant much more than just the game. It was a great night for us. We watched, we learned, and we became fans of a man who has everything on the line.

Keep up the great writing — and thanks.

Lee Echols, Atlanta

HEALTH CARE

Boortz is wrong about government entitlement

Neal Boortz’s silly column (“Moochers need free-market dose,” Opinion, Nov. 14) misses the point about health care reform entirely.

It has nothing to do with creating another government entitlement, and everything to do with regulating a broken and overly expensive system. Health care premiums have increased over the last decade, and are expected to double again in the next 10 years.

Many working Americans have seen minimal or no raises over the last few years as employers struggle to keep up with the costs. As the nation struggles with high unemployment, many companies are scaling back or dropping coverage, and hiring fewer workers due to high premiums.

The era of corporate deregulation is over. The health care industry cannot be allowed to bankrupt this country any more than the financial sector giants.

Trying to paint this as a personal responsibility issue misses the point by a mile.

Charles Summers, Duluth