CIVIL RIGHTS
War vet had courage to seek social justice
On May 12, a beautiful obituary appeared in the paper with a headline lauding someone who had served during World War II: a woman committed to social justice (“Mother, vet agitated for social justice,” Metro). In the story, the family described the quiet work she had done during the civil rights era. She lived in an upscale neighborhood, but never missed an opportunity to speak of the things that were happening — often, when it wasn’t comfortable to do so.
How neat that her family recognized and celebrated her integrity. For any of us who lived through those times, we understand that these were the unsung heroes who brought about changes without fanfare. They belonged to organizations like the League of Women Voters or country clubs, but they didn’t hesitate to fight for justice.
She was special for her courage, and in a day when some radio pundits are denigrating the words “social justice,” it is wonderful to see the courage her family displayed by publicly celebrating her life.
MADELINE G. KORFF, CANTON
GOOD WORK
As AJC improves, so does morning routine
I have been an avid newspaper reader all of my life. I’m 57.
For years, it seemed the AJC went into the doldrums. But for the last month or so, I can’t wait to go out in the morning and get my paper. The investigative reports; local and national news; human interest stories, and editorials (left and right) are awesome!
I used to just blow through the paper every morning in 10 minutes because there just wasn’t much there. Now, if I try to read the whole paper before leaving for work, it makes me late getting out the door. Please continue what you’re doing.
Thanks.
DAVID REED, MARIETTA
TAX EXEMPTIONS
Maybe IRS is correct to scrutinize tea party
While I understand the concern of possible overreach by the IRS in investigating tea party groups’ applications for tax-exempt status, I am more concerned as to why tea party groups should expect to be awarded such status.
I may be missing something, but what acts of charity or services do they provide? I can’t see any reason they should be considered a tax-exempt organization. As (the tea party’s) main reason for existence seems to be to destroy our government, I would expect the IRS to take a harder look at any application from the tea party a bit harder than most.
I’m no fan of the IRS, but this seems to be a reasonable course of action.
SAM SNOW, KENNESAW
MARTA
Union hurts its cause by hurling allegations
I am pro-union and very pro-public transit, but in reading Curtis Howard’s editorial, my take-away is that this is Amalgamated Transit Union posturing ahead of new contract negotiations (“Officials ignoring MARTA safety issues,” Opinion, May 21). It is shameful to try and harm the agency he works for.
If the buses are not safe, why is the union allowing its drivers to operate them? Howard did himself no favors — nor the MARTA riding public, either.
SCOTT PRESSMAN, ATLANTA
