Readers write, Jan. 22
POPULAR CULTURE
TV execs hypocrites
on broadcast content
It’s amazing: On the one hand, TV executives won’t acknowledge that the violence, mayhem and language in their shows may affect the behavior of TV watchers (“TV execs don’t see link with violence,” News, Jan. 14).
But on the other hand, they charge millions of dollars for commercials during those same programs that are intended to influence the audience. The same rationale applies to “product placement” (i.e. “commercials” in movies).
Can you spell “hypocrisy”?
JUDITH MCCARTHY, ATLANTA
GOVERNMENT
Media should report
votes by legislators
I want to encourage the writers of information on national issues to include the voting records of Georgia legislators.
Far too often, the media has not written on the voting records of the individuals we elect to Congress. For that reason, constituents in Georgia often don’t vote, or vote for representatives who don’t put into place policies that help us as citizens.
Do the right thing. Please help keep us accurately informed.
KAREN DAVENPORT, DECATUR
GUN CONTROL
Don’t make killing any
easier for criminals
When I was growing up, my fearless father refused to put locks on our doors, saying that if anybody was determined to break into our house, they could find a way to do it. My mother said he was probably right, but, “Why make it easy for them?”
I see the high rate of gun violence and the political power and influence of the NRA as no coincidence. Like my father, I don’t want to live my life in fear — but like my mother, I see no reason why we should make killing any easier for criminals and the dangerously deranged.
MARGARET CURTIS, ATLANTA
Carrying a firearm
dissuades violence
Liberals make discussions of violence into an issue regarding “gun control.” Unfortunately, violence is a part of the human condition.
Humans deal with each other by either persuasion or force. Ideally, people would interact only through persuasion, and force would not be acceptable. This ideal has never been achieved. The only way to remove force from the equation is with a personal firearm. Without guns involved, the physically superior always dominates personal interactions.
The gun is as lethal in the hands of an octogenarian as it is in the hands of a linebacker. A handgun means that I cannot be forced, only persuaded. A gun doesn’t mean I am afraid; it means I can be unafraid. It is no threat to those who would persuade me with reason — only to those who would do so by force. It removes force from the equation, and that’s why carrying a gun is a civilized act.
FRED CRIGLER, ROSWELL
