GOVERNANCE
Shocking that indicted
official still gets salary
It is shocking and inconceivable that Dekalb County taxpayers are on the hook for paying the entire salary of an elected official while he is suspended from his job (“Suspended CEO gets $16,000 monthly,” News, March 11).
This is just another example of the “country club” atmosphere our politicians enjoy when they decide to run and be elected to office. It’s unconscionable that an indicted official can still dine at the taxpayer buffet table while suspended from his duties due to ethics issues in office. At the very least, his pay should be held under a suspension or, if he is found guilty, paid back.
Taxpayers have had enough. Politicians should not be rewarded for their misdeeds while performing official elected duties. Unfortunately, don’t look for this to change anytime soon, because greedy politicians will do anything to protect the government perks they would not be able to keep in private industry.
J.A. JERNIGAN, ATLANTA
RACE RELATIONS
Discrimination cuts
both ways, hurts all
Regarding the letters “Reverse discrimination hinders blacks as well” (Readers write, March 9) and “Societal dysfunction not just a black issue” (Readers write, March 13), I don’t think anyone would say all blacks are racists or that all blacks have more children out of wedlock or prefer welfare to a decent job. However, one letter writer is right that there is a higher percentage of black babies born out of wedlock than with whites, Asian or Hispanics, and unfortunately and unfairly, this reflects on all blacks.
Having served in the Navy, I know of instances where a single sailor got out of line in public, and certain individuals would be critical or even hostile toward anyone wearing a Navy uniform. It wasn’t fair, but there will always be a percentage of the population that will be biased — and that includes people of color. Having said that, it doesn’t give certain blacks the right to disparage whites as racists and ignore the problems in their own backyards.
I feel we all should work to see that people of all colors thrive to reduce the number of babies born out of wedlock, see that every child gets a good education and promote good family values. As long as individuals feel they are wards of the state and not a part of society, they will not have respect for themselves or others. Reverse discrimination cuts both ways, and we are all hurt by the results.
W.E. STAVRO, SUWANEE
FAIR WAGES
Obama is right to seek
expanded overtime pay
Regarding “Obama signs memo to strengthen overtime pay rules” (ajc.com, March 13), if a worker is given the title of manager, and they make more than $11.38 per hour, their employer currently does not have to pay them any overtime. That manager can work 50, 60 or even 70 hours per week and never see an extra dime in pay. That is outrageous.
But the shameless U.S. Chamber of Commerce complains that requiring businesses to pay overtime to low-wage workers is harsh and burdensome to businesses. What is harsh and burdensome is working for $11.38 and not qualifying for overtime. Bravo to President Obama for addressing this injustice.
DON MCADAM, SANDY SPRINGS
