Readers Write 9/1

RELIGION

Subject not relevant,
per U.S. Constitution

Regarding “Obama’s faith discussed” (News, Aug. 30): Why is this article even newsworthy? Why is any discussion of President Barack Obama’s religious views relevant?

Why should the Pew Research Center even undertake a survey of public perceptions on the matter? I refer you to Article VI of the Constitution:
“... no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.”

Donald Pattillo, Marietta

WATER

Get busy, governors, or the feds will step in

The future of our water supply is far too important to be referred to by a cliché like “water wars.” The governors of Georgia, Florida and Alabama were given a deadline to come up with a fair and equitable solution to sharing the water of the Chattahoochee River.

It seems that each governor is merely sparring and posturing for their state’s self -interest, but there is an overriding issue that goes unspoken.

The federal government (in the form of a court ruling) has said to the governors that they are given three years to work this out among themselves. This opportunity thrust upon the governors is almost unheard of.

The implied threat goes almost unnoticed: “If you three can’t settle this by negotiation within the time frame, then the federal government will step in and do it for you.”

The clock is ticking, boys. Get busy!

Alton Powell, Chattahoochee Hills

ENVIRONMENT

Move forward to stop corporate polluters

Corporate polluters and their lobbyists have succeeded in stalling Senate legislation on climate and clean energy.

They are lining senators’ pockets with campaign donations to forestall the Environmental Protection Agency from moving forward on legislation that will enforce common sense safeguards to protect public health.

We need to move forward on the Clean Air Act, and provisions like the good neighbor rule, which could help avoid thousands of heart attacks,
hospital visits, asthma attacks and premature deaths each year.

Safeguards such as these use science to prevent heart disease and premature deaths, asthma and cancer throughout our populace, yet dirty industries are intent on blocking them.

The EPA must be given a clear path to set the strongest standards to protect our public health and welfare. Corporate polluters must be held accountable, and must move quickly to clean energy.

Norman Hoffman, Marietta

SPORTS

As long as there’s money, Satan will have to wait

Tiger Woods’ ex-wife (Elin Nordegren) claims she has been through hell. That’s bull!

No doubt her feelings were hurt, and her ego was bruised. But, hell she knows nothing about.

The road to hell begins when the money has run out. Therefore, hell will not be on her itinerary for the foreseeable future.

Kevin Palmer, Martinez