NEW STADIUM
Why hold referendum with so much backing?
Regarding “City says stadium referendum effort futile” (Metro, June 13), Common Cause has done some great work over the years, but why they are jumping into the stadium issue is a mystery to me. I see a real consensus behind the stadium, if the design is correct, truly interfaces with the community and becomes the true catalyst for revitalization for the nearby historic neighborhoods.
I have never seen so many divergent forces at work: community leaders, churches, universities, elected officials, foundations and residents all pushing in the same direction. We know what hasn’t worked in the past, and will not repeat those mistakes.
Common Cause should really focus on its original goal: transparency and accountability in government where it is truly warranted.
MIKE KOBLENTZ, CHAIRMAN, NORTHWEST COMMUNITY ALLIANCE
BUDGET PRIORITIES
Forget public health, spend funds on fishing
I wanted to thank the AJC for your comprehensive and informative coverage.
I was initially disappointed to learn that Gov. Nathan Deal will be turning down expanded Medicaid to thousands of poor in the state. But after reading your paper, it has become very clear to me that we only have limited state funds to go around, and they must be carefully allocated.
Let’s keep our eye on the prize, and continue to spend what limited funds we have on the more important things — like helping billionaires construct football stadiums, and building and maintaining expensive fishing museums.
THOMAS R. DESIMONE, DECATUR
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Our Mideast policy is marked by arrogance
Since the conclusion of World War II, America’s foreign policies have been driven by absolute stupidity.
We were arrogant in our policy making as if we were God, deciding who should live and die.
The turmoil in the Middle East has been of our own doing. Supporting repressive dictators, supporting bully regimes and trying to buy allies have all failed miserably. We need to learn to think, instead of being reactionaries.
DONALD VARN, CONYERS
IMMIGRATION
A citizenship path even Republicans can back
I agree with the descriptions of three choices outlined in “Seeking a solution for those here unlawfully” (Readers write, Opinion, June 17). Choice “c” offers the best result, but definitions of secured borders and amnesty will be used by Republicans to stop that plan.
There is a fourth choice that Republicans would accept. In exchange for citizenship, all the illegals already here would pledge to vote Republican for the next 25 years and not help others to cross our borders. Election records do not indicate how an individual voted, so it would be impossible to verify the pledge was kept.
If this sounds like duplicity, welcome to American politics.
TONY GARDNER, CUMMING
