LANGUAGE
Euphemisms for ‘death’ may have place in societal lingo
In response to Justice Leah Ward Sears’ guest column “The right words for dying” (Opinion, Aug. 3). It is my understanding that “passed” is an abbreviation for “passed on”, which, like “transitioned”, conveys the notion that death may be final concerning the physical body, but that a spiritual essence/soul survives physical death and moves on into another dimension. In our overly-materialistic world using a word other than “died,” with the sense of finality that it carries, may help affirm our fuzzy faith. It may more accurately depict what has happened and recognize and honor that a deeper essence of those who have “passed on” has survived.
STEVEN J. GOLD, TUCKER
MARTA
Improving phone reception would help agency, riders
As a former daily MARTA rider, my husband shared one of the greatest opportunities for new revenue: lease out space within the tunnels for repeaters to be placed so cell phone coverage is not lost multiple times during your trip. Each cell provider could pay to make sure their customers have continuous coverage when traveling on MARTA. Also, this would enhance the sense of security for riders knowing that they would always be able to call for help if needed.
SUSAN KNOX CREMERING, ATLANTA
GEORGIA 400
Cheaper solution than razing toll booths
So the state plans to spend $3.5 million to remove the toll plazas on GA 400. I hereby offer to save the state $3,499,900. I’ll just leave the toll plazas intact, remove the gates, and put up signs reading, “No toll required, but if you toss some coins into the bucket the money will go to charity.”And I’ll only charge $100. I await the governor’s response.
WALTER H. INGE, ATLANTA
RAIL SAFETY
Improving safety at grade crossings should be priority
In a year in which rail tragedies are up, Quebec, for example, the story of ungated rail crossings in Georgia deserves the public attention the story will command. “Danger lurks around every rail crossing” (News, Aug. 4).There is another aspect that deserves attention.
On my Navy destroyer in World War II, we could detect a submarine miles away and hundreds of feet below the water’s surface.
Later, as a Naval Aviator, I was just one of millions of air passengers who benefited from technology that provides warning signals when two airliners are within a danger envelope.
So, in addition to the necessity for rail crossing gates, I believe a locomotive engineer can and should be provided with a warning signal when a crossing is occupied.
FRANKLYN E. DAILEY JR., SMYRNA
POLITICIANS
Blame lies more with voters than those they elect
Over the years I, like many people, have detested various politicians for their abhorrent beliefs. Teddy Kennedy epitomized my tendency to demonize someone for having views so foreign to my own, that pillorying him became good sport and strangely pleasurable. Lately, I have come to realize the folly in detesting politicians who represent views I disagree with. In the Kennedy example and many others including President Obama, the true fault lies with the constituents who elected them, not the larger-than-life representatives they sent to Washington.
ERIC SANDBERG, ATLANTA
