READERS WRITE: MAR. 5

I read with interest how Gov. Nathan Deal is on the fence about offshore oil drilling. I hope he gets off the fence and joins other Southern governors in opposing seismic testing and drilling. Humans still make mistakes. The two leading causes of spills are human error and weather. Drill, and there will be a spill. Also, a recent study in South Carolina shows tourism in that state would outproduce any oil revenue by 27 to 1. Why risk it? What about jobs? Oil jobs are migratory. Oil workers come from other places and then go home. Do we need the oil? No. We are exporting oil now and soon will surpass Saudi Arabia as the world’s leading producer. Finally, for those who believe there is a Creator and we are called to be good stewards of creation, are we being good stewards by drilling? I think not.

JIM WATKINS, DECATUR

Thoughts, prayers will help Parkland

Like gray fog creeping into our hearts, we learn that another place of learning and growth for the future is invaded. Minds at work and laughter and joy in between, all silenced for the 17 lost. In the green shades of Florida, darkness entered the school at Parkland. Young minds at work and those who helped them, gone forever from this place of hope. How can it be? That silent scream echoes through our intellect and sadness. Yet we know we cannot control every evil or diseased mind. It is a big world with many dark corners. We hold out our hands to those who suffer the grinding grief. We pray. But joy comes slowly in the morning light.

CATHERINE BOONE SHEALY, ATLANTA

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