PRIORITIES
GOP rewards wealthy yet stints on veterans
On Feb. 27, the Republicans stopped yet another attempt by the Democratic Party and the president to aid those who honorably served our nation. Senate Republicans filibustered a bill to aid veterans with medical, housing, education and other needs. All major veterans organizations supported this legislation. The Republican Party, which claims it supports veterans and often uses them as props in campaign ads, says we just cannot afford it.
Yet they supported sending these veterans to unfunded, unnecessary wars that cost trillions. They also vigorously fight to defend every tax break for billionaires and large corporations. Many of these super-rich and large companies, while making among the greatest profits in world history, are paying little or even no taxes. Yet Republicans say we cannot afford to meet obligations to those who served this country. Have these politicians no shame?
RICHARD PRIMUTH, VILLA RICA
LOTTERY
Where’s oversight for inordinately high pay?
Few can argue against our HOPE educational program funded by the state lottery. Lottery sales bring in tremendous revenues. However, in “Ga. Lottery officials get big raises” (News, March 1), it appears more oversight is needed on compensation so those funds can be better allocated.
I believe similar figures would be produced if salaries were more in line with pay guidelines commensurate with private and most public-sector jobs. To provide inordinately high salaries and bonuses while slighting those utilizing the program is a travesty and not in keeping with the original mandate when HOPE was first established. Let’s “hope” the Georgia Assembly recognizes this disparity and makes necessary corrections this session.
MICHAEL L. SHAW, STONE MOUNTAIN
RELIGION
Politicians don’t look at laws’ consequences
It was good to read that important Georgia corporations oppose proposed legislation allowing businesses to discriminate against gays (“Businesses wary of religion bills,” News, Feb. 27). Our constitutional policy of separation of church and state requires each to keep a respectful distance from the other. As individuals, we can accept or reject religious instruction about how we should behave, but we are not free to reject what the law demands.
There are so many different and controversial religious beliefs in this country, it would be impossible for government to satisfy every person’s personal beliefs. Even so, I wish government could satisfy my own religious belief that we “judge a tree by the fruit produced.” Carefully studying the potential consequences of actions are essential in making wise decisions, particularly if the consequences will do more harm than good.
MARGARET CURTIS, ATLANTA
