ROOTS OF POVERTY
Response to "Low grad rates persist," News, May 26
In a recent AJC, in reasoning the causes behind low graduation rates, no factor was mentioned as frequently as poverty. But what lies behind poverty? The breakdown of the family, and teenage pregnancies.
It is past time for government officials, pastors, priests, community leaders and parents to discourage births outside of marriage. It is a fact beyond dispute that education reduces poverty, but the role of the two-parent family is paramount. Starting with pre-pubescent students, a massive campaign should be instituted to convince them that if they do not want to lead a life of poverty, they must either refrain from sex, or practice birth control.
DENNIS BALLOU, ATLANTA
CEO COMPENSATION
What’s point of citing
discrepancies in pay?
“CEO, worker pay gap huge” (Business, May 26) has the feel of “gotcha” journalism. But what is the point?
So, these folks make lots of money. The top players for the Braves, Hawks and Falcons also receive enormous compensation packages, but they are not singled out as “greedy” — nor is the gap between player salaries and the salaries of people who sell the tickets or clean the stadium.
In a free market, the best talent goes where the compensation is highest. There is nothing wrong in that.
Most of the companies in the AJC report are publicly traded, and their boards set the pay for these executives. Board members are elected by shareholders, and those people can voice their displeasure with CEO pay by voting in new board members and/or selling off their stock. Those companies must report CEO pay in their SEC filings and annual report — so we don’t need the AJC doing it. The AJC needs to find a new cause to champion.
FRANK MANFRE, GRAYSON
TAX ENFORCEMENT
IRS is criticized while
bankers go unpunished
Senator Isakson has demanded action and justice in the case of the IRS story.
I don’t remember him being so vocal for action regarding those responsible for the financial debacle that plunged this country into the Great Recession. I don’t know of any bankers who have been sent to jail for their irresponsible behavior and actions. I don’t know of any significant action that has been taken by our Congress to safeguard our country from another such occurrence.
MARC SADOUX, MARIETTA
FISHING, BOATING
Spend time on water,
help fund conservation
Americans everywhere are gearing up for an exciting summer of outdoor activities. National Fishing and Boating Week, June 1-9, is an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors and spend a day on the water.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources is encouraging those in the Atlanta area to enjoy an American tradition and our nation’s most popular outdoor activity: fishing. Fishing is affordable, accessible and absent of daily stressors. It is a sustainable tradition passed down from one generation to the next that benefits the environment and future generations.
Buying a fishing license and registering a boat help fund efforts to conserve our natural waterways through projects such as fisheries research, habitat improvement and fish stocking. Fishing also fuels a significant engine of the U.S. economy.
Consider a day of fishing with friends and family. You can visit takemefishing.org for details about boating and fishing, and www.georgiawildlife.com for information about Georgia’s kids’ activities and special events.
JENIFER HANCOCK, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, WILDLIFE RESOURCES DIVISION
