When airport was ‘Candler Field’
Bill Torpy’s article, “Hartsfield Airport: What’s missing?” (Metro, Feb. 9) struck a chord. As a boy, I referred to it as “Candler Field”; as an aspiring Naval aviator (an aspiration not attained), I took five hours of instruction in 1945 as part of Georgia Tech’s flying club. Returning veterans taught there; their only compensation was lunch provided by the student. As the article correctly states, it was called Candler Field then. Although I have no recollection of the 2003 name change tug-of-war, today, to me, it is simply “the airport,” conveniently reached by MARTA.
Cheers, to Bill Torpy, whose reporting in my opinion is enhancing the AJC. Never miss one of his stories.
LINDSEY CRAWLEY, ATLANTA
NBC’s Williams fails to admit lie
Brian Williams is a liar. NBC is condoning his lying with a six months' suspension ("NBC suspends Brian Williams," News. Feb. 11). Six months is a "pat on the wrist." Williams has a net worth of more than $50 million (based on published figures). He won't miss his lost income. Wealth and fame were not enough. He wanted to be a make-believe hero. NBC is allowing him to continue lying, as he declares that he didn't understand the "why" of his behavior. He has not said, "I lied."
Brian, show strong character. Say that you lied. Then, leave. Now, not six months later. Americans have more to do than waste time in making you feel good. NBC, please forego ratings. Do the right thing and be honorable.
GENE CARROLL. DECATUR
Self-interest pays off for politicians
The recent push for pay raises for Georgia judges ("Pay hike for Ga. judges gets push," News, Feb. 12) misses the effect this has on the state. Over the years, politicians have been leery to vote themselves raises. As a way to hide pay raises, the pay of many local offices, from solicitors to county commissioners, are tied to the pay of judges. Of course the vote in the Legislature is bipartisan. The lawyers want to help the judges, and politicians want to help the local office holders who support them. The taxpayers get to watch as many elected officials get a raise while being able to say it was automatic and they did not vote for it.
TONY V. PARROTT, FAYETTEVILLE
Judges’ pay raises show who counts
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could announce a pay raise for all of Georgia’s police officers and teachers of 7.1 percent to 10 percent? Typically, their raises, which they seldom get, come in at around 2 to 3 percent. But then, they are not nearly as important as those who get to decide which politicians go to jail and for how long.
JAMES T. MILLER, HOSCHTON
