Readers Write 8/27

TRANSPORTATION

Streetcars not solution for Atlanta’s traffic woes

Streetcars for Atlanta is a dumb idea. Taking two lanes on Peachtree is one of the only things that Atlanta can do to actually make traffic worse.

MARTA cannot pay its costs on its current system. The best streetcar systems only get half their operating costs from the fare box, so where will the additional operating subsidy come from? Certainly not from stimulus funds, or from the federal, state or local governments (they are broke, too). MARTA already has toxic assets on its books, and it has already been bailed out once this year. No one knows how in the world MARTA will even survive next year, and so it simply cannot afford another loser. Atlanta has serious traffic problems, and it needs serious solutions. Unfortunately, this isn’t one.

Tony Morris, Marietta

POLITICS

A word to McKinney: We’re glad you’re gone

Thanks to Rosalind Bentley (“Politician-activist resolves to aid others,” Metro, Aug. 16) for her diligent efforts to engage Cynthia McKinney in a frank discussion. McKinney’s comments clearly exude an attitude of “it’s all about me.” To borrow a baseball phrase, her relocation from Georgia to California represents addition by subtraction for many Georgians.

Rich Lapin, Dunwoody

POLITICS

Conservatives ask how deeds can be done

Liberal arguments are often based on emotions, pointing out in generalities the injustices that need to be addressed. These perceived injustices are sometimes quite real.

Conservatives tend to get into the pragmatic details of what is realistic to accomplish. They do not necessarily disagree there are things that need to be addressed, but their question is how — whether how to pay for it or how to do it constitutionally.

John Watson, Marietta

WATER

Pearson’s ‘act now plan’ absolutely best option

I want to thank and congratulate Sen. Chip Pearson for “Expand water storage options to secure growth for Georgia” (Opinion, Aug. 19). This is absolutely the best “act now plan” I have heard or read. This senator is being pro-active, rather than re-active. With due respect to Gov. Sonny Perdue, he should have been doing this one or two years ago. This suggestion by the senator should be Plan A, in case Georgia loses the water battle. Plan B should be fighting like crazy to win the war battle. Look alive, Georgia politicians. Let’s get moving now.

Bobby Huckeba, Marietta

COLUMNIST

Sowell’s historical sense is what is really lacking

It’s ironic that Thomas Sowell should criticize President Obama for his lack of historical knowledge regarding the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri (“Obama pushes United States toward disaster,” Opinion, Aug. 4). Contrary to Sowell’s histrionics and predictions of doom and gloom, the country will move forward in a uniquely American way. He should look to the past to try to understand the historical significance of America’s insistence on improving the quality of life of its citizens.

Jerry Hulshult, Canton