Ga. should be not just for privileged
Jay Bookman’s column (“Congrats to GOP, Gov. Deal,” Opinion, Aug. 10) captured the essence and results of Gov. Nathan Deal’s tactics in the Republican Party‘s war on the common people, and once again, it is the less fortunate who pay the price. Conservative successes that shifted business focus from stakeholder to shareholder is now being applied in social programs. These disastrous policies have led to the abolition of unions, unemployment and decline of the average wage for workers whilst the rich have enjoyed low tax returns from dividends and capital gains as stocks surge.
Employees, customers and suppliers have lost at the expense of those who have inherited money to invest. Now rich conservatives are working to make basic services, such as a reasonable living wage and health care, outside the realm of possibility for poorer people.
For too long, Georgia has been run by a Republican cabal that has imposed its authoritarian concepts on us all. This year, we actually have a choice. It’s also time that our state returned to one that considered the welfare and prosperity of all citizens, and that means we have to remove the people from office who are servants only to the rich and powerful few.
TOM MCMANUS, ROSWELL
Blame GOP with others in control?
In response to the recent spate of letters bemoaning the alleged “obstructism” and “inactiveness” of the GOP-controlled House, I would like to ensure that I understand their accusations. The GOP has controlled one-third of the government for less than four years, while the Democrats have controlled at a minimum two-thirds for eight years.
As I look at our economy and see record high numbers in income inequality, wage stagnation, underemployment and people on government assistance, along with the worst economic recovery in history, I should blame the GOP House. As I read about tens of thousands losing their current health care coverage even though they were promised they wouldn’t, I should blame the GOP House.
When I read about IRS leaders referring to Republicans as terrorists, I should blame the GOP House. As I watch the radical Islamic terrorists kill thousands and create their own state in what was once touted by our current president as sovereign and stable nation, I should blame the GOP House. As I watch Russia and other countries ridicule and ignore our president and invade one of our allies, I should blame the GOP House.
Thank you, I think I understand now.
PATRICK BELDEN, ATLANTA
A practical energy source is ignored
The pair of guest columns on Georgia’s energy future and family forests (“Georgia’s energy future looks promising,” “Family forests critical to emissions reductions,” Opinion, Aug. 13) begs a question: Georgia does not have any oil or gas. Georgia’s anthracite is not a long-term practical energy source. Tom Bishop, a board member of the Southern Co., told the Atlanta Chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma in November 2013 that research into wind and solar had found neither to be economically favorable at this point.
But Georgia does produce wood pellets for energy, which have become one of the largest export items from the Port of Savannah. Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford, British consul in Atlanta, recently told a group meeting at Nelson Mullins (an Atlanta law firm) that fuel pellets are an essential part of balanced-energy production programs. Georgia Power does not use any of Georgia’s plentiful energy product. Something is very wrong with this picture.
JOHN A. OAKEY, PEACHTREE CITY
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