CIVIL RIGHTS
Response to “The Freedom fighter” Living, Dec. 15
If there was ever a man who deserved the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he would be C.T. Vivian.
The Personal Journeys story about him — so vividly written by Ernie Suggs — was one of true courage and perseverance in advancing the civil rights movement. It is difficult to comprehend the fortitude it took for Vivian (and others) to non-violently confront evil and bigotry, when their lives could have ended in an instant.
This is a story that should be read and discussed in every social studies classroom in America, and I thank The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for bringing it to its readers.
JERRY SCHWARTZ, ALPHARETTA
TRAVEL
Carolina spa lives up to its luxurious billing
I enjoyed reading Mary Ann Anderson’s interesting article, “The 12 spas of Christmas” (Travel, Dec. 15).
I’ve even visited one of the places mentioned: The Spa at Grove Park Inn (Asheville, N.C.). Taking the elevator from my guest room down to the hotel spa — which is indeed mostly underground — made me think I was in a James Bond movie, with all the gorgeous rock and beautiful waterfalls leading up to the well-appointed haven of health.
Thanks to my brother, who picked up the tab, I enjoyed an incredible 80-minute massage, then relaxed in a warm jacuzzi. Who knows? Perhaps next year, I will visit one of the other spas listed in this article.
DAVID TULANIAN, LOS ANGELES
LIVING WAGE
Taxpayers underwrite employers’ big profits
I believe the writer of the letter, “Cartoonist should try sharing his own funds,” (Readers write, Opinion, Dec. 15) missed the point.
First, we hear that anyone who is dependent on unemployment benefits, food stamps or other assistance should get a job; then we hear that wages in many jobs are so low, workers must depend on food stamps and other assistance just to survive.
Something is wrong with this picture. If workers are paid such low wages that they need government assistance just to survive, and they work for companies that are making huge profits, does it not seem that taxpayers are subsidizing the wages of these employees? Should we not respect those who do honest work enough to pay them a wage that will at least provide them with the necessities of life?
The writer fails to realize that his tax money — and everyone else’s — is going to provide assistance to these workers, while their employers are reaping the benefits of their labor. To challenge just one person to find one worker and give them money makes little sense. Perhaps we should start to consider the bigger picture.
MARY BAGWELL, ATLANTA
JUSTICE
Discrimination lawsuits are costly to employers
Regarding “Judges are following the law” (Opinion, Dec. 20), about 10 years ago, my company was forced to defend against two racial discrimination cases. One ended in dismissal; the second was won in magistrates court. These two cases cost my firm over $200,000 and a great many hours to defend. My company employed a large number of part-time phone interviewers and was a well-respected survey research company.
Randy C. Gepp’s comments about the financial impact on companies, especially small employers, is absolutely correct. He left out one important point: Even if the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) finds no discrimination or cause for action, the courts allow legal action to be taken against an employer. There is no cost to the employee — but often, a back-breaking cost to the employer.
PETE BOOTH, SANDY SPRINGS
