Most metro growth unlikely to go south
Guest columnists recently wrote about an “aerotropolis” to be built around Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (“Hartsfield to be ‘Airport City,’ Opinion, July 23). The idea is to create a community around the airport that will attract corporate headquarters, businesses, retail and housing. This would be a good idea, except this area is south of I-20. The typical large businesses found south of I-20 are some manufacturers, many distribution centers, and an airport.
Corporate America, along with its young professionals, mid-life managers, executives and associated amenities, operate north of I-20. Only a few nationally known companies are south of I-20. Metro Atlanta will continue its rapid growth in all directions, but it will be in the same pattern as the last 50 years.
South of I-20, airport, retail, small business and distribution center jobs will continue to support a dynamic area. North of I-20, corporate America will continue its northward march toward the mountains. Perhaps the aerotropolis can still be successful if distribution centers are included in the planning.
JOEL SMITH, STOCKBRIDGE
9/11 cartoon was offensive nonsense
I am a long-time fan of Mike Luckovich, and while I don’t see the need to show a “From the Right” cartoon, I think I understand why you do it. What I don’t understand is why you so often choose Michael Ramirez. His caricature of the president as a long-faced, elitist snob was amusing the first time he used it, but that is typically the only thing remotely clever about his work.
Friday’s Ramirez cartoon (“American’s doors should be wide open,” Opinion, July 25) crossed the line from “unfunny” to “offensive non sequitur.” The country’s immigration policies had nothing to do with the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This attempt to equate immigration — or children seeking refugee status — with terrorism is as offensive as it is nonsensical. Go ahead and print “From the Right” cartoons if you must. Just find a cartoonist who is actually funny.
DAVE JOHNSTON, CUMMING
Clergy denied right to marry all couples
I was glad to see David Oedel’s commentary, “Same-sex marriage sprint to court reveals problems” (Opinion, July 25). But he missed the mark. Our state’s laws restrict religious freedom by denying clergy and faith leaders who support marriage for same-sex couples the ability to legally marry them. No clergy member will ever be forced to marry a same-sex couple, but it’s time for the growing number of clergy who do yearn for the ability to legally marry all of their congregants — including gay couples — to have the freedom to do so.
THE REV. ANTHONY MAKAR, ATLANTA
