BUDGET TALKS
Chambliss praised
for fiscal leadership
I would like to express Emory University’s deep thanks for U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss’s strong and courageous leadership regarding reducing the federal deficit and avoiding the “fiscal cliff.”’
In fiscal 2012, Emory University received over $349 million in federal research funding. If our national leadership cannot agree on a way to avoid budget sequestration, non-defense funding will drop by roughly 8.2 percent next year. Emory will experience a $29 million decline in federal research support. Other Georgia universities will face significant cuts as well. The total impact on university research and development support in Georgia is estimated at $73.5 million.
The consequences of cuts like this will be magnified, as they halt promising lines of investigation. What will happen to the groundbreaking work being done to defeat cancer and other diseases?
Our country faces an unprecedented, self-inflicted fiscal disaster. A “kick the can” legislative approach will only worsen our situation. The time is now for our leaders to make difficult decisions. I am proud that U.S. Sen. Chambliss is willing to drive that conversation.
BEN F. JOHNSON III, CHAIRMAN, EMORY UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
It’s dangerous when
elected officials think
As a lifelong conservative, I would like to offer a point regarding U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss’s statement, “I think that you sent me to Washington to think for myself.”
No, Senator Chambliss, we did not send you to Washington to think for yourself. We sent you to Washington to represent the majority political positions of your constituents. Politicians thinking for themselves and acting accordingly is not representation; it is the beginning of tyranny.
Republicans like Saxby Chambliss are why I no longer belong to the Republican party.
BRIAN WILSON, ATLANTA
CHRISTMAS PRESENT
Glee clubs give city
a festive gift of song
I was present recently as wonderfully talented, dedicated, smart and beautiful young women and men sang their hearts out as a “gift” to the Atlanta community.
Thank you to the Morehouse and Spelman glee clubs, for the fantastic Christmas Carol Concert. Wow!
SUSAN J. THOMPSON, STONE MOUNTAIN
SOCIAL SERVICES
Georgia needs more
disabled adult homes
The article “Life of respect found at home” (Living, Dec. 3) embodies what every parent of a disabled adult dreams of: a full life in a community surrounded by people who care, and are involved.
Georgia needs more of this kind of community support. Thousands of people in the community are reportedly waiting for home- and community-based services. These people could benefit from living situations such as this — as could those who already are in living situations in the community, and dealing with inadequate and uncaring support that often leads to neglect, abuse and exploitation.
DIANE PROSSER, MARIETTA
