Thanks to Tamar Hallerman for warning us about Richard Shelby and his new senatorial position (“Alabaman’s likely rise to key D.C. post could spell trouble for Georgia,” Politically Georgia, March 16). Mainly, the article begs some thought about real power and from whence it emanates. The so-called “water wars” is, ultimately, not as critical as one would think. Sure, we have to fight it out, but the bottom line is whether Atlanta (the North Georgia region) has water for growth. That water can come from anywhere; we can store more, we can use more and, most importantly, we can trade for water from elsewhere. Everything revolves around Georgia’s total trove of assets and Atlanta’s strategic geographic position in transportation. All of that is anchored by more than 80 years of calculated seating within the justice system, national security establishment and mobilization of media and civic leadership.
TOM DOOLITTLE, ATLANTA
All clauses of 2nd Amendment should be considered
The Second Amendment to the Constitution is short and sweet: “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” The first half of this amendment is mostly invisible to pro-gun enthusiasts; however, to put it in simple terms, the right to bear and keep arms carries the implicit responsibility of participation in a well regulated (e.g. state or federal) militia. Lacking such participation, the right to keep and bear certain weapons of war can (and should) be infringed without violating the Constitution. Certainly the requirement of participating in a state or federal militia would be a small burden, but if it’s necessary to maintain the security of a free state and it safely supports the desire to “keep and carry,” it is well worth the effort.
DAVID H. GOLLINGS, BROOKS
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