Readers Write 2/22

POLITICS

We need a third party,
as GOP isn’t the answer

After a relatively short honeymoon, many voters appear ready to return many Republicans to Congress. Was it not November 2006 when the Republicans were swept from power due to fiscal recklessness, a war based on fraud, and abuse of civil liberties? What have they done since to redeem themselves?

The pendulum may swing back as a means of punishment, but it’s not fixing any of the real problems. A new major party must emerge that emphasizes fiscal sanity, reduced foreign intervention and reduced regulation. If the laws of supply and demand hold true and the media will not act to hold it back, after a lot of work (because ballot access laws in almost all states are designed to keep third parties out), it will happen. If that party could remain free of special interest groups, we’d all have a reason to rejoice.

Allen Buckley, Smyrna

ENERGY

Nuclear power would be a smart choice for cities

Nuclear power in Georgia (“U.S. aids Georgia nuclear project,” News, Feb. 17) is a step toward cleaner energy as well as energy independence. The jobs created will stimulate the economy of Burke County and its cities.

Our Navy uses nuclear power to provide energy to submarines in contained spaces. Why not use nuclear plants to power our cities?

Sarah Walraven, Dallas

TRANSPORTATION

High-occupancy toll lanes won’t cut gridlock

The Georgia Department of Transportation has proposed converting some HOV lanes to HOT lanes next year. This looks like a good idea — for road contractors and a Transportation Department that seldom make good decisions regarding Atlanta traffic. Please consider that this proposal adds no capacity to existing roads, but does add significant costs for monitoring and payment systems. Improve congestion? I don’t think so.

James Vesser, Conyers

SOCIETY

Impossible to mandate marital commitment

Edward Watkins wrote, beckoning us back to when people worked out “compromises necessary for a lasting union” (“Readers write,” Opinion, Feb. 16). He asserts that we ought to re-enact laws to compel people to stay married. I say “bunk.” People either want to stay married or they don’t. If they lose, or never had, commitment, being coerced to stay together is no answer. Back when divorce was hard, the children of dysfunctional parents suffered and society was plagued by secret affairs and hidden shames. It was no great time.

Commitment is good and you should want to pursue it. But you cannot be forced into commitment.

Parents and role models — not government — are responsible for telling our kids to build backbone.

If government has any role in promoting personal growth and accomplishment, it is through education and health care — not divorce court.

Bob Wolfson, Marietta