Readers Write 7/27

HOMELAND SECURITY

Plant safety is not issue

“Chemical Plants Can and Must Make Themselves Much Safer” (Opinion, July 21) demonstrated a pure lack of understanding of chemical facility security. Current security regulations do not exempt any chemical company from its obligations to comply with safety laws. The entire focus of the current security regulation is to require chemical plants to employ security measures. As well, two of the three chemicals listed by the authors as being “extremely harmful” are common, flammable laboratory materials and pose little threat if released. Lastly, the EPA data cited in the article has nothing to do with terrorism. The Obama administration has included language in its budget proposal to extend the current Homeland Security regulations. This strongly signals that the legislation championed in the article is not the correct or appropriate method for ensuring chemical facility security.

Charles T. Drevna, the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association

WATER

Desalinization good idea

It is time — long past time — to give serious consideration to the construction of a desalinization plant in Savannah to supply metro Atlanta’s growing water needs. Tampa has done it. We can do it. Imagine: An endless supply of fresh water, no interruptions based on drought and a job creator, for sure. The water pipeline can follow the interstate, so right of way already exists. It is the right thing to do, and the smart thing to do.

Rick Katz, Cherry Log

POLITICS

More bluster from Miller

Zell Miller is at it again. In his grits and collards twang, he issues his usual tirade against anything and everything Democratic (“Miller likens Obama’s ways to Paris Hilton,” Metro, July 17). He mentions little as a constructive alternative. When I read or listen to Miller, I am reminded of Mark Twain’s famous pronouncement, “Thunder is good, thunder is impressive, but it is lightning that does the work.”

Gary H. Roseman, Decatur

MILITARY

Nunn played to crowd

Lee Raudonis is unable to recall former Sen. Sam Nunn doing his outrageous press appearance during the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” hearings (“Modesty a virtue long gone in politics,” Opinion, July 16). His intent was to appeal to the lowest common denominator of political thought, to show how “dangerous” it would be for homosexuals to have to sleep in close proximity to fine, upstanding heterosexuals. My late partner and I both served honorably in the military, as have millions of gays and lesbians since the beginning of time. We can thank Nunn for his part in a destructive policy that remains in effect today. The U.S. is almost alone among advanced democracies to have such a policy.

Winston Johnson, Atlanta