Back stricter air controls in Georgia
It’s a terrible feeling to watch anyone with asthma struggle to breathe during an asthma attack, but it’s even worse when it’s your daughter. That’s why I feel so strongly about the Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to clean up our air and reduce carbon emissions from power plants.
For years, fossil fuel-fired power plants have been allowed to release unlimited amounts of carbon dioxide without regard for how it might affect air quality. Air pollution makes people sick, and it contributes to the increasingly erratic climate changes we’re experiencing. As part of the president’s clean power plan, each state must reduce CO2 emissions to help cut overall carbon pollution levels by 30 percent by 2030. It’s time for Georgia residents to take a stand in support of clean, healthy air. I know my daughter and many other children in our state will directly benefit from this important public health measure.
MICHELLE L. WISEMAN, STONE MOUNTAIN
Balance tree law in Sandy Springs
For a city that prides itself as being in the top tier of leafy American communities, shouldn’t it be concerned with trees throughout the city and not just those in areas that have experienced limited development? In the AJC of July 17 (“Sandy Springs boasting more trees,” Metro), it was reported that Sandy Springs officials boasted of an increase in our tree canopy. This is a good example of “the devil is in the details.”
The numbers they boast have to do with a city average, with most of the growth appearing in districts with very little development, and over years of limited development due to the economic downturn. In no way does it reflect the effectiveness of city ordinances. Districts 3, 5 and 6 are a very different story. That canopy has deteriorated dramatically. Averages may be true, but definitely deceptive.
Shouldn’t the goal of a city proud of its tree canopy be to protect them in all the districts, with strong constructive ordinances that are workable for residents and developers? Other cities have accomplished this balance of construction and enforcement. Sandy Springs needs to do so too for the entire city.
SUSAN JOSEPH, SANDY SPRINGS
Don’t slam protests of illegal invasion
Sometimes I’m amused by Mike Lukovich’s cartoons and their liberal bent. The July 17 cartoon sinks to labeling as “racist” and “nitwits” those who challenge relaxing our borders for illegals. Showing Lady Liberty captioned, “I’ll trade you your huddled masses for my racist nitwits” is offensive: an Alinsky tactic to demean political opponents, it has no place in the free market of ideas. This would be branded “hate-speak” and severely criticized if spoken by conservatives.
Legal immigrants become contributing members of our society. They bring the best, not potential terrorism and exotic illnesses. Uncontrolled borders equal national suicide. Caring for illegals is cost-prohibitive. The influx impacts the progress of our citizens, especially minorities, by causing upheavals in the workforce and schools. Americans who treasure the system of laws that has guided our country since its inception are rightfully concerned. Patriotism, not racism, is the motivation for protesting illegal invasions.
SYLVIA NOLDE, FAYETTEVILLE
