Readers Write 7/25

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

BUILDING CODES

Response to “In icy economy, a warming trend.” Living, July 18

The too-hot/too-cold debate is a common problem, and it was great to see the issue addressed in the AJC. Whether at home or at work, we all just want to be comfortable, which can be hard when one thermostat is shared among 50 people or, as we saw with the Crooks, just two.

Questions regarding the battle of the office thermostat are among the most frequently asked of Atlanta’s American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Our thermal comfort standard (which is included in building rating programs and national building codes) sets requirements related to office temperatures. The standard “specifies the combinations of indoor space environment and personal factors that will produce thermal comfort conditions acceptable to 80 percent or more of the occupants within the space. To be specific, temperatures in the winter should range from 68 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit, and 73 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.” Stay cool (or do you prefer it warmer)?

Lynn G. Bellenger, president, ASHRAE

SOCIETY

Can’t trust Tucker’s comments about race

Regarding Cynthia Tucker’s column (“Let’s stop running from race,” Opinion, July 18), wherein she asks that we come together and talk about race honestly: After all her years of spewing racial accusations through her own hurtful diatribes, it still may appear to some who read her that she is simply mellowing and sincerely desires meaningful discourse.

However, anyone recalling her divisive drivel should have serious reservations concerning her intent now — especially when she can impose her own definition(s) as to what constitutes thoughtful and candid discussion. Donald Case, Mableton

Lack of discussion isn’t the problem

I can’t understand why Cynthia Tucker is always asking whether we can “talk about race?” (“Let’s stop running from race,” Opinion, July 18). She has talked of little else throughout her career, and if any subject has been more thoroughly discussed nationwide during the past 50 years, I’d like to know what it is.

Our libraries have whole sections devoted to race, while our colleges and universities have entire departments dedicated exclusively to the study of it. It has been, and continues to be, the subject of rap lyrics, plays, movies, books, documentaries, talk shows, congressional debates and every other form of communication.

I’m not suggesting that racism has been completely eliminated.

In a nation of millions of people, there’s bound to be almost every form of human aberration. But if racism does still exist to any appreciable extent, it’s certainly not because we’ve been unwilling to talk about it.


Joe Williams, Douglasville

GOVERNMENT

Little issues have a big impact on quality of life

While other issues may not be as important as education, immigration, or balancing the budget, some have the potential to affect us in small ways that still represent a hassle caused by our government.

I would be interested in the candidates’ views on letting the people of Georgia decide on Sunday liquor sales in their area. While there seemed to be popular support for this in the past, it never went anywhere. I still don’t get why I have to “plan ahead” because of my governor’s religion.

Customer service by government departments would also be of interest. At one time, you had to get in line hours before the driver’s license offices opened, and the process of getting a license or renewing one could take half of your day. It became a campaign issue, and the lines were shortened. Now they are getting longer again.

While it’s important to discuss the big issues, the little issues of daily life add up, too. The AJC doesn’t have to devote lots of space to them — but at least, ask the questions.


Mike Danielak, Roswell

POLITICS

Some questions for candidates to consider

What if a winning candidate called in all of his or her opponents, and honestly sought their advice and help in getting their job done?

What if the losing candidates actually were willing to meet with the winning candidate and share ideas and offer help?

What if they really worked together to see their ideas realized? What if they cared more about this state than about their political futures?

How could a winning candidate not be as good as his or her word if those “what ifs” came to pass?

And p.s.: What fodder the losing candidates would have in the next election if the one in office failed to follow through on their ideas and help!
Sue Shealy, Loganville

Can’t let Deal forget
he began as a Democrat

Republican Nathan Deal conveniently forgets that he was elected to Congress as a Democrat.

Is it an honest act to betray the voters of the 9th District who voted for a Democrat?

Mr. Integrity ? I think not. Can a leopard change his spots?

Philip Parker, Hoschton