Will should know money buys influence
Recently, the AJC reported on a study that showed how even a gift of a slice of pizza from a pharmaceutical lobbyist affected the prescription practices of doctors. On a grander scale, a study by ProPublica showed how pharmaceutical and device companies plied Georgia’s doctors and hospitals with $97,600,000 over a recent 16-month period. These companies know that money is a worthwhile investment. The payoff to them is enormous.
But George Will absurdly believes that money does not sway the actions or priorities of public officials. He thinks that the Supreme Court should further dismantle restrictions to money in politics. Thankfully, most people disagree.
Voters here in Georgia chose to limit lobbyist gifts. Also, recent polling shows that 84 percent of Americans think that money has too much importance in our elections. But, to George Will the undue influence of the wealthy and powerful means that the right people will be assured of their rightful place and reap their just rewards.
DON MCADAM, SANDY SPRINGS
Bookman doesn’t know what Trump would do
Jay Bookman writes that Trump’s election would mean loss of jobs in Georgia. (“Trump’s policies will cost GA jobs”, Opinion, July 3). Bookman doesn’t really know. He’s listening to campaign rhetoric. I recall that Barack Obama’s rhetoric showed him to be a fairly centrist candidate. However, he governed as a man of the far left. Those who studied the president understood him. Many did not. Many of us believe we understand how Hillary Clinton would govern if elected but aren’t anymore sure than is Bookman of what Trump would do.
EDWARD A. WATKINS, LILBURN
