Reed, Atlanta lead climate change debate
Bravo to Mayor Kasim Reed and Atlanta for leading efforts on climate change. If Georgia’s Republican politicians would be as courageous, Georgia could be a leader in sustainable living while reducing the known risks to future generations. The science is certain and the danger real. UGA climatologists warn of the costs and hardships due to rising seas on our coast, shifts in agricultural production and the health hazards of frequent heat waves to vulnerable city inhabitants. Preparing our economy and lifestyles for climate change can be done successfully, with positive impacts for the majority of residents if we look to our city for inspiration. It’s time for Georgians to ask Gov. Nathan Deal, senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue and our congressmen to put a price on carbon pollutants and pass innovative legislation to spur sustainable technology and development.
JEFF JOSLIN, ATLANTA
Reed should tend to city issues, not climate change
If Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has a job description, would it not prioritize his duties emphasizing crime prevention, traffic, safety, transportation, etc.? Why does he seem to be engaged in climate change activities, commercial development and international trade when our city is choking with traffic problems that make business and leisure travel nearly impossible? Leadership is solving real problems, not engaging in worldwide travel at taxpayer expense. I hope voters will bear this in mind the next election. Vote for someone who understands the job responsibilities.
BRANDT ROSS, ATLANTA
Try civil discourse on gun control
The violence is escalating, and the single common denominator is that people are heavily armed and getting more heavily armed. It has to stop so we can have civil discourse. While I don’t believe we will ever be able to ban guns (and there may be good reason not to do so), we must figure out a way to make killing our neighbors more difficult.
CAROL SENF, ATLANTA
Require safety course before gun ownership
As a gun owner, hunter, and Marine veteran, I’ve experienced how firearms become more dangerous without proper training. Just this past year, several children in Georgia died from loaded handguns in their homes. Too many people who have no training on gun safety carry guns in our communities. It puts us all in danger. That’s why I support efforts by our state representatives to require anyone applying for a permit to carry a weapon pass a basic course in how to safely store, handle, load and fire it. State Rep. Keisha Waites is sponsoring House Bill 709 in the upcoming legislative session that includes that requirement. The right to bear arms carries with it the responsibility to handle them with utmost caution. That’s why I also stand with Outcry: Interfaith Voices Against Gun Violence – a faith-led coalition working to end gun violence.
REYNOLDS COUCH, ATLANTA
