Green buildings aid sustainability
I think it is important to understand why we should care about the green initiatives. (“Atlanta’s green movement,” Atlanta Forward, July 23). Buildings are a significant contributor to carbon emissions and global warming. That is in great part why the LEED certification ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was developed. By building and operating buildings in compliance with energy efficiency requirements, and with respect for the natural environment around them, carbon emissions are reduced and the health of the public is improved. Water is a finite resource that is growing more scarce as the climate changes, the population expands and demand grows. That is why the Emory Water Hub is so profoundly important. Both green buildings and water recycling programs are key components of sustainability, a concept that has arisen as a necessary response to a warming world.
LINDA ARONSON, ATLANTA
Keep Scout leadership straight
I wish to comment on the possible reversal of the non-gay leadership policy within the Boy Scouts. (“Scouting eyes gay leadership vote,” News, July 26). When I was an eager Boy Scout in College Park in the early 1960s, there were rumors that our assistant scoutmaster was gay. We didn’t use the “g” word, but the “q” word then. From my perspective, I never saw nor experienced anything but good leadership from him until we participated in a regional camp out on Lake Allatoona. One afternoon, everyone was to assemble for a mass naked swim in the lake. I went, “uh-hm” and passed to work on my lanyard. I am sure, while I never heard of any physical improprieties, our leader got quite an eyeful at the expense of innocent, clueless kids, many of whom like me, I am sure later felt “used.” For this reason, I am hoping Boy Scout leadership remains straight.
ROBERT ROGERS, COLLEGE PARK
Good guys need safety training
The Pentagon on Friday urged Americans across the country not to take up arms to guard military recruitment centers, in the wake of the tragic mass murder in Chattanooga. While protecting these recruitment centers, there were a series of accidental shootings by volunteers spurred into action. One man in Georgia was hospitalized after shooting himself last week, while standing guard. Police in Ohio confiscated an AR-15 assault rifle from another volunteer guard, who accidentally fired a round into the pavement. These are good guys with guns. National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre says guns protect us from the bad guys with guns. It’s time we require background checks, as well as gun safety training for all of these good guys with guns.
DAVE FEDACK, LITHIA SPRINGS
