CIVIL RIGHTS
Commemorate march
by renaming interstate
The year 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. I’ve written my General Assembly representation suggesting that Georgia and Alabama cooperatively commemorate the anniversary by designating I-85 — between its southern terminus, the I-65 interchange in Montgomery, and the Lakewood (Connector) interchange — the Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway. I’m unfamiliar with the history of I-85 construction, but King may well have traveled I-85 or portions of it when returning to Atlanta from Montgomery.
“Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway” above or below “Atlanta” on I-85 directional signs would promote King’s Georgia roots to visitors and tourists. The King Expressway designation could perhaps be extended from Atlanta through the Carolinas to Virginia.
DAVE BEARSE, ATLANTA
NEW STADIUM
Razing Dome wastes
perfectly good facility
Yes, the Georgia Dome generates revenue and provides jobs. Yes, a new stadium would provide even more jobs — during the construction of a new facility and the demolition of the current, perfectly good facility. Yes, it would not be built on “tax dollars” paid by Georgia citizens, but the surcharge on our tourists.
Surveys show that more than 60 percent of Atlantans, and an even larger percentage of Georgians, are opposed to a new stadium at this time. The majority of our citizens do not approve of this expense, yet there are many in power who are charging ahead full steam on this as if the future of all Atlanta depended on it.
It is just wasteful to tear down a structure that is in good shape. This has become an integral part of our modern culture, though: We must have new and deluxe, just because we can.
AMY PARKER, DECATUR
BALANCED VIEWS
Negative rants grate;
find a new columnist
I applaud the AJC’s policy of presenting “Balanced Views.” It is interesting to read opinions from both sides of the political spectrum, and most of the contributors present ideas which are (at least) food for thought — even if I do not agree with them.
However, I have to make an exception in the case of Mona Charen. Her columns are boring, repetitious rants, poorly written and always totally negative. She apparently can find something negative to say on any subject.
Please, AJC: Find someone who can write well and present some positive thoughts.
RICHARD G. LOW, ATLANTA
QUALITY OF LIFE
Cops don’t respond, so
neighbors on their own
Anthony Elder is frustrated with the police response to quality of life issues in city neighborhoods (“Residents deserve police response, too,” Opinion, Jan. 25). I agree with him.
As an elderly woman, I have my frustrations with young people and children who live next door to me in an apartment complex. Unsupervised, the children have played outside nearly every night (weather permitting) until as late as 11:30 pm. Young people cruise the driveways and blare music. My neighbors and I have called the police numerous times, to no avail.
I finally visited the children and, with their mothers’ permissions, provided them with playground equipment and art supplies. Now, for the most part, they go indoors by 9:30 p.m. I haven’t found a solution for young people and their music, but I know one thing: I can’t count on the police to help solve quality of life issues.
P.C. RIVERS, ATLANTA
