NEW STADIUM
Does Atlanta need or deserve two stadiums? If a new stadium is built and the “old” one becomes an antique, will it be torn down or abandoned?
Like many, I have admired the remarkable stadiums of Rome, Greece and other nations. A friend just returned from the Holy Land, where he stood at the bottom of a 2,000-year-old stadium with a capacity for thousands.
My reason for mentioning these famous stadiums is that they are icons, and treasured by their nations. Their owners would never, ever entertain the thought of replacing them. This is in direct contrast to our “progressive” Atlanta leaders. Any building that is 25 years old becomes a candidate for remodeling, or replacement with a more modern structure. As the result of that thought, we have neglected and lost numerous buildings — some of them historical, and gone forever. There are many I could list.
Atlanta has rightfully been called a “city too busy to hate,” which I agree is a compliment. However, I wonder if perhaps we have become a “city too busy to preserve”!
DENTON HARRIS, ATLANTA
GOVERNMENT
Voters should insist
on strong ethics laws
Our best way of knowing what our lawmakers are doing for their constituents was emblazoned across the front page of the AJC recently (“Money, secrets, power rule Dome,” News, Jan. 6). Once again, diligent reporters dug out the facts of closed-door deals, huge donations and lobbyists behind the laws that benefit their companies.
The only way we can begin to compete with these powerhouses is to educate ourselves and use our numbers to vote for strong ethics laws that remove power from those who should be controlled.
SHIRLEY SESSIONS, CARROLLTON
Let’s hope for some
courageous decisions
Regarding “Money, secrets, power rule Dome” (News, Jan. 6), it certainly comes as no surprise to readers of the AJC that questionable ethics and politics generally run the state of Georgia.
On countless occasions, the AJC has pointed out shortcomings of our current system of good old boy politics and undue influence. That Georgia ethics laws are so abysmal is just unacceptable. The General Assembly has ample examples of existing flaws (and abuse). With the current session, legislators have an opportunity to correct and improve our system of lawmaking. Surely, there are enough responsible elected officials who have the sense of responsibility to make it happen. Let’s hope they find the courage to do so.
MICHAEL L. SHAW, STONE MOUNTAIN
MENTAL ILLNESS
We need discussion
to prevent tragedies
I think people are avoiding the discussion of the mental illness component of recent murder sprees. I also think it is more difficult to find a solution for issues involving mental illness, than it is to discuss gun control.
James Holmes and Erika Menendez, the alleged subway pusher, were being treated for various mental issues. They were over the age of 18, so they were legally adults entitled to make their own decisions. In the 1950s, these people may have been in a mental institution. Now, one has to prove individuals are a danger — meaning an attempt to do harm to themselves or others — before they are locked up. The lock-up is prison, and the proof is death of innocents.
On the other hand, many mentally ill people are functional and safe while on prescribed medications. The problem arises when they forget or refuse to take their medicine. Is there a way to assure this doesn’t happen? Families are often at a loss. Perhaps someone wiser than I can come up with ideas.
SYDNEY SIVERTSEN, ALPHARETTA
