GOOD WORKS
Kudos to program to bring food to pets
I was extremely touched to read the article about Meals on Wheels Atlanta providing dog and cat food for struggling pet owners (“Program aids furry clients,” Living, April 7). As a devout animal lover and pet-sitting business owner, I know firsthand the abundant joy and peace our furry children bring to our lives. When tough times are thrown our way, their innocent love and dedication remain the same and bring comfort and peace. Having no food for them only brings more stress and turmoil, so this is a fabulous idea. This has inspired me to inquire about such a service here in Forsyth County. A heartfelt thanks to all involved!
SUSAN HARTSFIELD TANNER, CUMMING
WRITING
Feminist shook literary circles
I read with interest the article on Rosemary Daniell (“70’s rabble-rouser nurtures new writers,” Living & Arts, April 13). Pearl Cleage hit the nail on the head with her evaluation of Daniell’s writing. Thank you, Ms. Cleage, for expressing with your knowledgeable and respected voice what I have long felt is the truth about Daniell’s writing.
MARY OWENS, MONROE
ETHICS
Credit card misuse just disheartening
It was disheartening to read the investigative report concerning DeKalb County Commissioner Elaine Boyer (“County card use at issue,” News, April 14). I always thought her to be one of the few responsible members of an otherwise somewhat lackluster board. I admired how she was quick to point out ethical shortcomings in our county – of which there are many. Now, to see that Ms. Boyer is just another politician whose personal interest is placed ahead of those of her constituents is indeed disappointing. For her to attribute the transgressions to poor record-keeping and failure to read documents she signs is a lame attempt at justification. Further, this is not a case of an error or two, but rather a pattern of deceit and misuse of public funds over a number of years.
MIKE SHAW, STONE MOUNTAIN
EDUCATION
Little data validate passion on charters
Kudos to the AJC for examining the donations pouring into the race for school superintendent (“Money targets school choice,” News, April 14). Clearly, charter schools are big business for somebody. What are the facts regarding performance? A recent study by the National Center for Education Statistics shows that public school test scores are at their highest, and dropout rates are at their lowest, in history. Another recent study by Northwestern University shows that in Chicago, public school students far outperform their charter school peers — despite the mayor and his cronies having funneled millions of dollars to their charter schools. There are many more such studies. Charter schools are notorious for recruiting high performers and expelling low performers for bogus disciplinary reasons to be able to point to their skewed end-of-year results. It’s all just a way to profit from parents’ misplaced desire to resegregate our schools.
CLAUDE CRIDER, WALESKA
