FIREARMS DEATHS
Keep kids safe, don’t leave guns unsecured
I applaud the AJC for the front-page story detailing the death toll for Georgia’s children from gun violence (“Ga. child gun deaths mount,” News, May 12).
Mass shootings like those which occurred in Newtown are horrendous, but focusing solely on these incidents ignores the children dying one by one due to homicide, suicide and accidents. Recognizing that guns in the home increase the likelihood that a child will be harmed by gun violence, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents not have guns in the home with children. If parents choose to have a gun at home, they must ensure that a child will not have access to the gun by locking the gun in a safe, and locking the ammunition separately.
The AAP also supports expanded background checks to keep guns away from those who cannot use them safely, and a lifting of the ban regarding gun violence research at the CDC, so we can learn how to keep children safe.
Every child killed by guns is a tragedy.
DR. ROBERT WISKIND, PRESIDENT, GEORGIA CHAPTER, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
FALCONS STADIUM
Comfortable seating can bring back fans
Regarding the goal stated by new Falcons stadium architect Bill Johnson (“Getting fans back in stands,” Sports, May 12), I have one simple suggestion: focus on providing bigger, and more comfortable seats.
In the attempt to increase revenue by jamming more people into the stadium, planners have downgraded the seating to the point of forcing fans to be squeezed into an uncomfortable seat for four or more hours. My wife and I do not enjoy being elbowed by the fans sitting next to us, and it is no fun having the fans sitting behind us constantly punching us in the back with their knees. Forget the high-tech frills, and give the fans better seating with wider aisles that allow frequent movers to actually walk by without everyone seated having to stand up to allow them to pass.
WAYNE ESCOE, MONROE
IRS MISCONDUCT
Government’s turned against its own citizens
With the IRS going after select groups of people that may not agree with the government, the government has officially turned on its people. It’s chilling, to say the least.
GEOFF KNAFOU, HOG MOUNTAIN
GOOD NEIGHBORS
Expressing thanks for strangers’ generosity
Kindness is alive and well out there, I am happy to say.
My husband, who had been ill, hospitalized and in rehab for more than a month, had just returned home. So, with oxygen, a wheelchair and some amount of nervousness, we recently went out to dinner for the first time. Restaurant personnel were helpful and everything went well — but what nearly made me cry was the waiter telling us that the lovely young couple seated next to us had paid for our dinner.
They had left, so I don’t know who they are, and I don’t know how to thank them for their kindness and generosity. They will never know how touched and grateful we are. Thank you, whoever you are!
LUCY BRADY, SUWANEE
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