Atlanta’s legacy of airport cronyism
Mayor Reed may claim to be surprised by the latest investigation into another airport vendor (“Vendor probe a surprise to Mayor Reed,” News, May 6), but surely it’s no shock to Atlantans who’ve witnessed a mind-boggling, decades-long string of airport contract cronyism. The Jackson/Franklin/Reed gravy train continues to roll faster than ever with no sign of stopping anytime soon.
ARNOLD SIMON, ATLANTA
Fair tax can help our goods compete
Regarding “Consider the FairTax now” (Opinion, May 6), the fair tax is not fair, but it is necessary for the health of U.S. manufacturing. Products “Made in USA” pay a long list of taxes as well as health care and retirement for their employees, who also pay taxes. Products made overseas do not pay those U.S. taxes and very little foreign tax if they are exporting. The fair tax is fair in that it taxes all products equally, regardless of where they were manufactured. Removing the corporate tax on U.S. manufacturers would level the playing field to a large extent. Thanks to Sen. Perdue and Rep. Woodall for starting the process. Please persevere when the lobbyists come out in opposition.
WILLIAM NELMS, CUMMING
Cut fatalities, curb distracted driving
AJC columnist Bill Torpy wrote a very insightful article recently about Atlanta drivers (“Georgia drivers: stressed and selfish,” Metro, May 3). Also, with the advancement of cell phone technology and texting, these factors appear to be causing an uptick in traffic fatalities this year compared to 2014. Studies have found the risk of a crash increases almost sevenfold if a driver is dialing or reaching for a cell phone, and fourfold if a driver is sending or receiving a text message. Install a hands-free device in your vehicle or, better yet, turn off your phone and put it in the glove compartment. There are too many senseless accidents occurring every day from distracted driving.
BRIAN DINAPOLI, DECATUR
Newsman’s humility a lesson for all
Retired NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw, a one-time Atlanta resident, tells a message beyond his “lucky life.” He said recently that his incurable blood cancer has taught him humility and empathy – traits he didn’t have in his career. America may cure many ills that confront us now by learning empathy and humility. Dr. Albert Schweitzer wrote that he didn’t brood over the world’s misery; he believed “each of us can do a little to bring some portion of that misery to an end.” Brokaw’s and Dr. Schweitzer’s words speak to each of us.
GENE CARROLL, DECATUR
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