Calhoun offers us words of warning
Sometimes history can be a guide to present circumstances. John C. Calhoun, a Democrat from South Carolina in the 1830s, said “The very essence of a free government consists in considering offices as public trusts, bestowed for the good of the country, and not for the benefit of an individual or a party.” With the daily disclosures of Secretary Clinton and her staff dispensing favorable treatment for individuals in return for donations to the Clinton Foundation and personal fees for speeches, perhaps we should consider Calhoun’s words before enabling even more opportunity for large-scale graft. Local Georgia officials have recently been held accountable for far less — shouldn’t we apply the same standards to national leaders?
GARY S. O'NEILL, MARIETTA
Climate change doesn’t have to be partisan
Thank you for the article ("Climate debate more divisive than abortion," News, Aug. 15), but I think the headline missed the mark. As the author pointed out, climate change wasn't always a partisan issue. Ronald Reagan himself favored aggressive regulation when the ozone layer was threatened by man-made chemicals. Even today, the issue isn't as contentious among voters as you might think: According to the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, 63 percent of Georgians acknowledge climate change is real. With a majority like that behind them, U.S. senators Isakson and Perdue should not be afraid to take action. I'd suggest a market-based solution like a carbon fee and dividend, which would put a price on carbon emissions and return the revenue to American households. Boosting the economy and protecting the environment with one piece of legislation seems like something we can all get behind.
FLANNERY KECK, ATLANTA
