Readers Write 7/26

MEDIA

Buckhead’s big thanks for exposing APS scandal

The Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods board of directors recently voted unanimously to recognize The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for distinguished service.

I am writing to convey the sincere appreciation that the BCN and Buckhead residents have for your outstanding work in exposing systematic test cheating in Atlanta Public Schools. Without your perseverance and willingness to withstand intense pressure from many fronts, the public may never have been aware of this institutional deceit.

Through the involvement of state and local authorities mobilized by your articles, we expect that those who did wrong by misleading the public and cheating their students will be appropriately punished. We hope that APS’ many honorable and dedicated teachers and administrators, with community involvement and insights from your newspaper, will restore our school system to integrity and effectiveness.

In addition to your editorial staff and publisher, we especially extend our thanks to the writers and researchers who uncovered this story. We believe a Pulitzer Prize should be awarded for this outstanding work.

Jim King, chairman, Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods

GOVERNMENT

DeKalb shouldn’t pursue land without way to pay

As a DeKalb County taxpayer, I am outraged that the county is still pursuing the purchase of land off LaVista Road for a park. Recently, county officials presented a sob story to residents in an attempt to gain support for an increase in the property tax, or millage, rate.

Those of us who spend our own hard-earned money know an item is not a deal if we cannot afford to pay for it. When is the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners going to tighten its belt — and become fiscally responsible like the rest of us?

Suzannah Heimel, Lilburn

FINANCE

Savings bonds should be used to cut national debt

Much of the American expense of World War I and World War II was paid by war bonds. Today, federal savings bonds must be used to reduce the national debt. Professional athletes and entertainers should be used to promote the plan.

The mature dates for the bonds should be five years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years and 30 years. President Barack Obama and Congress must use bipartisan reason. Reasonable budget cuts must be made in defense and social justice programs.


Roy Wetherington, Tifton

ECONOMY

Government must create jobs to jolt the economy

The government can and should jump-start the economy by creating jobs — jobs that only government can create such as rebuilding decaying roads and bridges; building high-speed rail; and backing research and development to maintain our technological lead in medicine, communication and other aspects of our capitalist economy. Average earnings are dropping in the U.S. This has led to a loss of demand for manufactured goods. Until demand starts rising again, the private sector has no reason to create jobs.


Lou Troughton, Marietta