GOVERNANCE
GOP should reveal its strategy for the future
I understand that it is summer. Schools are out, and we all look forward to a beach trip with the family. Washington politicians, at least the Republican side, fill their thoughts with the latest scandal they can hang on the administration — or, like Senator McCain, take unwise trips to Syria. Meanwhile, the important matters of state (the national deficit, immigration, gun control, etc.) seem to be left on the sidelines, unattended and uncared for.
As a neutral, I would have thought this would be an ideal opportunity for the Republican Party to quit saying what they are against, and courageously state what they stand for — including their platform and strategy for the future.
IAN SHAW, CUMMING
STATE PARKS
Privatization efforts give rise to questions
Regarding “Facing cuts, some state parks go private”( News, May 27), a request: Please do follow-up stories on the management companies. How much do the executives make? Do the new employees have benefits? Health care insurance? Retirement? Are the company executives buddies of the governor?
State parks, like libraries, are not designed to be profit centers. They are a benefit for all the people, whether they are rich or poor.
The AJC graphic accompanying this story shows these popular state parks experiencing “losses.” That’s a misnomer. Businesses show profits and losses, not public parks.
Republicans have insisted that if we just cut taxes deeply enough, all will be well. That isn’t happening.
GENE GRIESSMAN, SANDY SPRINGS
JUSTICE
Fire those responsible for traffic court mess
Regarding “Working on a traffic court fix” (Opinion, May 28), Atlanta’s chief operating officer needs to do more than cite what the city has done in areas unrelated to current traffic court problems, such as giving raises and pension reform, and focus on traffic court.
And rather than “look forward” to solving these very real problems, why not start with firing those who are responsible for the mess? Of course, that never occurs to government officials who want to shift responsibility from themselves.
JIM NELEMS, DULUTH
STUDENT SUCCESS
Athletics hoopla tends to overlook academics
How refreshing it was to see your recent feature, “Students of success,” profiling some of the metro area’s top high school scholars (Metro, May 26).
Each time a major sport has its signing day, with the accompanying over-the-top frenzy over teens who can run fast and hit hard, I worry that we glorify our athletes too much, and our academic stand-outs, too little. Thank you for seeking out these kids, telling their inspiring stories, and helping to bring some balance to whom we celebrate.
DORI KLEBER, DUNWOODY
