TAXATION
Don’t sock the rich,
raise minimum wage
Instead of raising taxes on the rich, raise the minimum wage for the working poor. Increased taxes will vanish down the black hole of government inefficiency, while increased wages will be spent on goods and services, which will stimulate economic growth.
Taking money from the rich and giving it to an inefficient government will do nothing to stimulate the economy. Increasing the minimum wage will put money to work right away, creating jobs and stimulating growth.
Leave taxes as they are, and increase the minimum wage by at least $5 per hour. Doing this will give the working poor a living wage. It will decrease the need for food stamps and other assistance (thus lowering the deficit). The increased money given to the working poor will go back into the economy as spending on goods and services. The rich benefit because their tax rates remain fixed, and the government benefits as the dependence on social services decreases. This is a win-win for the country.
THOMAS C. PHILIPPS, SUWANEE
CONGRESS
Politicians shouldn’t
just follow majority
I winced when I read “It’s dangerous when elected officials think” (Readers write, Opinion, Dec. 6), which was highly critical of Sen. Saxby Chambliss for thinking for himself.
I do not understand the logic of those who claim our elected representatives should never cast a vote or take any actions that go against the will of the majority. This “logic” has given us far too many majority-supported policies — such as slavery, segregation, prohibition, etc.
Our elected representatives should listen carefully to the wishes of their constituents and respect the views of the majority. That is one of the most basic tenets of a democratic republic. It is also common sense that an elected official is going to follow the wishes of the majority as often as possible.
Rather than chastising Chambliss for having independent thoughts, the letter writer should applaud the senator’s desire to represent his constituents beyond blindly following the majority’s current opinion about every issue, and trying to determine — while giving his constituents’ views great deference — what policies will produce the most desirable long-term outcomes for both state and nation.
LEE RAUDONIS, BIG CANOE
BIPARTISANSHIP
Georgia points way
to working together
I’m weary of hearing about the “fiscal cliff” and the continued standoff between the two political parties at the federal level. Our national leaders could look to Georgia for an exemplary example of bipartisanship.
A recent issue of “The Economist” praises the cooperation displayed by Gov. Deal and Mayor Reed, and their joint efforts regarding deepening the Port of Savannah, and Porsche North America’s decision to locate its headquarters locally.
If these two men can put aside their differences and work together, so can others.
CHARLES H. EVANS, LAGRANGE
