PUBLIC SPENDING
Congress has choice
of helping or harming
Normally, if a family has debts, it makes sense to cut spending — but if it loses its income, obviously, it will be unable to honor that obligation.
Taxes are income the government, our civic family, needs to keep the country functioning, but people without jobs are people who cannot pay taxes. They can’t buy anything, either, which will cause the loss of still more jobs. Without enough income, our country won’t be able to function or pay its debts.
Will cutting government jobs save enough money to compensate for a huge loss of tax income? Congress has only a few days to find the answer to that question, so pray for them. Their judgment will either help or do great harm to our country.
MARGARET CURTIS, ATLANTA
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
Discouraging lawsuits
denies victims justice
Regarding “Adopt new system for medical justice” (Opinion, Feb. 21), I have been a practicing attorney for 36 years, and have represented people who have been injured or killed by the negligence of doctors, hospital employees and nursing home employees. I have never turned down a meritorious wrongful death case due to the age of the client.
I find Mr. Oliver’s opinion to be uninformed, self-promoting and downright nonsensical. It is obvious that his organization has no desire to see that individuals with valid malpractice claims are fairly compensated, but instead to prevent victims of medical malpractice from having their cases heard and decided by a jury of their peers. Our judicial system was established to protect the rights of every individual, regardless of their station in life, and to prevent manipulation of the system by those with greater wealth and power. To propose that these protections can and will be maintained by a panel of doctors is ludicrous.
I only wish that Beverly H. Bachman would have called me. I can assure you that I would not have turned her away.
ERVIN H. GERSON, ATLANTA
ROSWELL RETREAT
Thank city officials
for working weekend
This letter is in response to “$4,800 retreat draws outcry” (Metro, Feb. 21), which questioned the expenditure and site of a work weekend involving the Roswell City Council. I thank them for giving of their time, and sacrificing their weekend, for the benefit and good of our city.
As with all public servants, the mayor and council of Roswell deserve our thanks for the work they do every day. Mayor Wood and the council are making high-impact contributions critical to the safety and well-being of the residents of Roswell. Especially during these difficult financial times, they are continually challenged to find innovative solutions to complex issues.
I want to say, “Thank you,” and that their hard work and personal sacrifices are recognized and greatly appreciated. On behalf of our great community, thank you for the time and energy you give to serving Roswell and making it such a great place to live, work and play.
SUE SHARP, ROSWELL
