Please consider fireworks’ costs
Did anyone who voted to legalize fireworks consider the downside of fireworks every night of the week? This is not harmless fun. Besides terrifying small children and animals and preventing anyone from getting a good night’s sleep, this bill has neighbors arguing and is causing property damage, bodily injury and trash everywhere. I think our representatives failed to consider that funds generated by fireworks sales tax are offset by the cost to taxpayers for the extra burden placed on police, fire and medical services. Also, don’t forget that property insurance costs will increase when insurers start paying for damages.
It’s obvious to me the cons outweigh the positives, and it concerns me our elected officials think this is good legislation. In this case, instead of protecting the public and solving problems, they created the problem.
VICKI SMITH, MARIETTA
Serve our heritage, take down that flag
As a resident of South Carolina and a native of Decatur, I have appreciated your coverage of the Confederate battle flag debate. I’m a 72-year-old white male whose grandmother registered me in the Children of the Confederacy as soon as I was born. My ancestors were Confederate soldiers.
Take down the flag from public places. When I served my country as an infantry officer, I swore to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, not the Confederate States of America. At a time when we need unity as brothers and sisters, the Confederate battle flag has become a symbol of disunity and, for many, pain. The best of my heritage is served by taking it down from public places.
JIM WATKINS, PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C.
If Price is right, where’s his bill?
I heard Congressman Tom Price all over the airwaves today attacking the Affordable Care Act while promoting his replacement legislation. Both the congressman and his surrogates have repeatedly written in the AJC that Obamacare is terrible for the country and that the congressman has a viable substitute. Really? Then explain why your bill has never gotten out of committee. Explain why the Republican leadership in the House has not endorsed it. Explain why Senate Republicans have never taken it up in their chamber. Explain why not one in the army of Republican candidates for president has championed it, or why Fox news isn’t behind it.
RAY ZAVACKI, DECATUR
