Readers Write

PARKS

Benefits aren’t free

I would like to reply to the letter writer who so admires the free nightly music concerts in Chicago’s Millennium Park (Readers write, July 13). She also mentions the “free dance, theater and fitness.” I agree with her, “Chicago is a city with a mission to connect its residents to its public space through architecture and the performing arts.” I was born and raised in the Chicago area, and I enjoyed the lakefront amenities. However, I did not enjoy paying for them, as there is no such thing as free concerts, dance, etc. A quick look at property taxes in Chicago will tell you who paid for this entertainment. If Atlanta’s City Hall doubled the property tax bill for each owner, it still wouldn’t come close to what property owners in Chicago pay. Until voters allow Atlanta to charge property tax in the amounts that big cities do, people shouldn’t expect true big-city benefits in Atlanta for free.

Cherie Culler, Johns Creek

EDUCATION

It’s important to all

A reader recently wrote, “funding children’s education is not an interest of mine” (Opinion, July 13), and I was blown away. He comments that he is a childless man, and bemoans paying school taxes. How many times must we have this same tired argument? My mom does not know how to drive, so should she deduct the portion of her taxes that go to roads? Those children do grow up to be adults, you know. So, that child you did not want to educate can be the one who saves your life as a doctor, or flies your plane safely across the country, or he could end up being the one who takes your life, as an uneducated thug. Every important person who touches your life was not educated in private school. By the way, Capt. C. Sullenberger, the pilot who brought the plane down safely in the Hudson River, graduated from a public school. Get it now?

Elle Anderson, Conyers

OBITUARY

Will miss writer’s charm

It was sad to read of the death of writer Paul Hemphill. I so enjoyed his columns, and was disappointed when they were no longer part of The Atlanta Journal’s offerings. Once, I wrote him a fan letter. He sent back a one-line response: “Dear Sue, I love you very much.” Charming. I’ll miss knowing he was in the world.

Sue Shaddeau, Decatur

COLUMNIST

Hit the nail on the head

I always read Jay Bookman’s column, though I often disagree with him. However, “Politics or reality show? It’s getting harder to tell” (Opinion, July 10) was right on the mark. Not only did it make its point well, but it was one of the most clever and creative pieces of journalism I have seen in a long time. Congratulations to Bookman on a job extremely well done.

Helene Camp, Sandy Springs