FALCONS STADIUM
It’s appropriate to use
hotel taxes for project
The recent guest column, “Local residents pay hotel-motel tax, too” (Opinion, Feb. 13) seems to be against this type of funding for a new stadium. In reality, it is the correct way to help fund this project.
Atlanta is a vibrant and dynamic city, with many conventions, events and great places to visit. Locals make up a small portion of the visitors to local hotels when there are large conventions in town. Despite the dire economic predictions of the writer, I don’t think the hotel-motel tax is going to hurt business.
A new stadium will help thrust Atlanta into the future. Arthur Blank is willing to make concessions to get the stadium built. And, the stadium project would help create many construction jobs during the building process.
WILLIAM MCKEE JR., FLOWERY BRANCH
SECOND AMENDMENT
Obama correct to call
for vote on gun safety
I am in complete agreement with President Obama’s statement during the recent State of the Union address that the American people deserve a vote regarding gun safety. As a matter of fact, I believe that we deserve a vote on all major issues.
Regardless of our political beliefs, we deserve to see how our congressmen stand on issues. We deserve to see how the people we voted for stand. Counting the Senate and the House, we spend over $93 million annually for decisions on policies that affect the future of America.
I am one American citizen who is tired of news reporters, opinion writers, or commentators telling me what legislation can or cannot be passed. I want to see the votes.
MACK GRAHAM, DOUGLASVILLE
When there’s shooting,
guns always get blame
What could you do if you wanted your name and face to be splashed all over the major national newspapers, and your life history and every wrong ever done to you discussed for hours on national television? The proven way to do that is to go to a popular place and start shooting people.
If you do, you and your life history will be sensationalized. And, you will not be blamed. Guns will be blamed — and the media will memorialize you as a victim.
Our media will then start sounding the alarm for gun control. But, newspapers and broadcasts are tools ( just like guns). They can all be used for good or evil. We don’t need more gun control. We need more media control!
FRED CRIGLER, ROSWELL
RELIGION
Catholics are owed
apology for cartoon
Regarding the Mike Luckovich cartoon of Feb. 12 (Opinion), with Catholics saddened by the ill health and resignation of the pope, Mike Luckovich produced a cartoon that is the height of insensitivity. The decision to publish such an offensive cartoon reflects equally bad taste.
Yes, there have been sexual abuse scandals in the Church, but Pope Benedict recognized the problem. He did not sweep it under the rug. He engaged with, and apologized to victims, and took action to prevent abuses going forward.
The many Catholics in this area are due an apology.
LEWIS J. WALKER, JOHNS CREEK
