TRANSPORTATION
For a healthier future, embrace car-lessness
Regardless of whether young people are less car-oriented today because of the economy or a lifestyle choice, this is a trend that should be encouraged. As Jessica Estep rightly notes in “Plotting a car-free existence” (Opinion, July 9), driving is often “expensive, dangerous, stressful and terrible for the environment.”
Car dependency may also be a factor in obesity and the many ills linked to it. For a safer, healthier and more environmentally friendly future, we must make it possible for people to live in modern America sans driving. One step in this direction is developing more bicycle pathways so those pedaling won’t be threatened by those driving. Other steps include encouraging mixed-use development and urban living.
DENISE NOE, ATLANTA
CLIMATE CHANGE
Ideology threatens our children’s future
A writer recently expressed disdain for President Obama’s efforts to limit carbon emissions, and dismissed decades of painstaking scientific research on climate change (“Global warming model spurs costly decisions,” Readers write, Opinion, July 7).
It’s unfortunate that a small number of highly vocal, ideologically driven fanatics have hijacked public opinion and convinced many that everything is all right with the environment — and that we can go on polluting without recourse. The data says otherwise, and it is from that vast store of evidence that more than 97 percent of experts in climatology have concluded the global warming trend is linked to human activities and specifically, the release of carbon dioxide by the burning of fossil fuels.
All through history, ideology has fought scientific ideas that conflict with the supposed truth, which has been proven wrong. Our children and grandchildren will feel the effects of our stupidity if we don’t try to take some action now. Listening to the experts would be a good start.
TOM MCMANUS, ROSWELL
KIDS’ NUTRITION
Lawyers fight hunger through ‘Food Frenzy’
I read with interest the article “Programs ensure kids in need get fed over summer” (ajc.com, July 5).
I was disappointed, however, in the failure of the writers to mention the Georgia Legal Food Frenzy, a friendly competition among Georgia lawyers to collect food for Georgia’s hungry and food insecure. The Georgia Legal Food Frenzy is an initiative led by Attorney General Sam Olens and the State Bar of Georgia’s Young Lawyers Division. As president of the State Bar of Georgia, I had the honor of participating in this incredible effort, in which 249 law firms and other entities in the legal profession raised and contributed 842,317 pounds of food to the state’s regional food banks.
The state owes a debt of gratitude to Attorney General Sam Olens for his leadership in this crucial effort to feed Georgia’s children. I am proud of all Georgia lawyers for the amazing success of the Georgia Legal Food Frenzy.
ROBIN FRAZER CLARK, ATLANTA
HEALTH CARE
Doctors, hospitals plot to profit off patients
Regarding “Hospitals buy out, cash in” (News, July 7), I’ll believe that a change is positive for patients the day doctors and hospitals conspire to cut a deal that actually costs them profits.
Until then, those words are merely a bedtime story they tell themselves to sleep well while the rest of us are tossing and turning, trying to figure out how to pay our ballooning medical bills.
BOB WOLFSON, MARIETTA
