CHILD OBESITY
Exercise will help kids, schools in multiple ways
I wholeheartedly support the proposed plan to add 30 minutes of physical activity to the school day for every elementary school child (“State’s children are out of shape”, News, March 23) . It might seem to be a challenge to schools already pressed to raise test scores, but in fact, that 30 minutes will have a very positive effect on test scores.
Kids aren’t receptacles for non-stop data and information. They require plenty of time for physical activity. Their behavior is better, and their ability to learn improves. On CRCT testing day one year, a teacher at my children’s elementary school organized a 20-minute run and walk around the track before school. That year, the school was ranked very high in test scores. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Georgia, while you are at it, eliminate loss of recess as a tool of punishment - that is my personal pet peeve.
VIRGINIA VOBEJDA, MARIETTA
IMMIGRATION
Lawmakers right to withhold public benefits
I fully agree with state lawmakers who want to bar Illegals from getting public benefits such as a driver’s license. What makes these lawbreakers think they are entitled to these benefits?
I hope our state’s lawmakers continue to resist pressure from protesters, and to do what is right for Georgia’s legal residents.
JOYCE LEONARD, DUNWOODY
ENVIRONMENT
Bat’s plight no reason to hold up roadwork
I read the recent AJC story about the DOT’s possible delay to $459 million in road projects because of a brown bat (“Rare bat stalls Ga. roadwork”, News, March 22). I first thought this was an early April fool joke.
Something has got to be done about this nonsense. Everybody should write their Congress person to try to get this nonsense stopped.
My son (who is a civil engineer) has been telling me about all the ridiculous regulations that they have had to abide by over the last few years. He says it gets worse all the time.
A job that used to take three years from print to doing the actual job can take nine to 10 years to get started, and have as much as $200,000 in unnecessary cost studies that have nothing to do with the job at all. With all the people who need a job, to hold a job up for some idiotic thing as a bat is asinine.
RICHARD MORRIS, NEWNAN
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
Bible is quite clear on matrimonial matters
I see that Leonard Pitts spewed his usual garbage about same-sex marriage (“Senator sees light only when his son comes out”, Opinion, March 21).
As a Christian, I can say God’s word is clear on the matter of homosexuality. The only sexual conduct sanctified by God is marriage between a man and woman. Any other sexual conduct is sin. I neither fear or hate people who practice homosexuality, but the Bible defines this conduct as sin. No one is forced to believe the Bible - but for those that do, any other form of “marriage” is perverted.
Homosexuals are free to practice this lifestyle, but I am free to believe it a sin and destructive to our moral fiber. America is on the road to financial and moral failure. Mr. Pitts is part of the problem (not the solution).
M. HILL, FAYETTEVILLE
