UNDERGROUND ATLANTA
Toss out panhandlers,
allow casino gambling
Regarding “City to focus on Underground’s revival” (News, Dec. 31), here comes yet another debate on what will make Underground Atlanta successful.
Only two things need to occur. First, allow casino gambling. That will attract not only business people staying downtown, but tourists and people from the suburbs. This will also attract nice restaurants and bars. Second, create a safe environment by heavy policing — and get rid of all panhandlers. Even the perception of crime must be erased in the public’s mind. Otherwise, quit poring taxpayer money down a failed enterprise. Without these two elements, everything else will be a failure.
GEORGE WILSON, STONE MOUNTAIN
LEGISLATURE
Ethics panel deserves
independence, power
Our current legislators have full-time jobs or are retired. We are lucky and grateful that there are people willing to find, or make time, in their regular schedules to serve the public.
Our state legislators do get paid to attend the annual session. They also receive money for committee work, travel, food, lodging, constituent meetings and miscellaneous costs incurred doing state-related business.
Regarding ethics, it is interesting to note that I have not read that any campaigners complained about the meager pay and proclaimed the need for funds and gifts from lobbyists in order to do their jobs — and yet, the funds and gifts are readily accepted.
We need to stop this practice. We need a true independent, objective ethics commission with the authority and responsibility to fine legislators that accept funds or gifts. I visualize a five-member commission with a secretary and two investigators. These individuals must be retired, and without any connection to businesses, individuals et al that might seek favors of, or business with, the state.
BOB DRUKTANIS, SHARPSBURG
NEWTOWN SHOOTINGS
School tragedy shows
kids, guns don’t mix
“Gun jihadists spur fanaticism” and “Best defense: armed citizens” (Opinion, Jan. 4) discussed guns and gun control. I would like to give a pediatrician’s perspective.
In 2009, nearly 3,000 children died nationwide from firearms injuries including homicide, suicide and accidents. Children 5 to 14 years of age in the U.S. are eight times more likely to die from firearm suicide than their contemporaries in other high-income countries.
A curious child, a depressed child or an angry child (or a depressed, angry or inebriated adult) is more likely to be harmed or to harm others if a gun is readily available. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents not have guns in their homes. If parents choose to have guns, they must lock them in a safe, and lock the ammunition separately to reduce the risk of a child injuring himself or others.
The shooting deaths of the children in Newtown were a tragedy. Similar tragedies occur too frequently throughout this country when children and guns mix. Fewer guns in homes will let more children reach adulthood safely.
DR. ROBERT WISKIND, PRESIDENT, GEORGIA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
