CRIMINAL LAW
Juvenile justice bill
benefits all Georgians
At first glance, Gov. Nathan Deal’s overhaul of the criminal justice system, which has become law, and his call for more comprehensive re-entry services may seem like a win for adult and juvenile offenders.
In reality, all Georgians — including victims — will benefit. These policies are designed to transform those who have broken the law into good neighbors when they return to our communities. Respecting victims means not only advancing victims’ standing in the criminal justice process, but also holding offenders accountable — as Governor Deal and the Legislature have done through these reforms. Public safety is increased when fewer juvenile delinquents become adult criminal offenders.
Justice Fellowship applauds Governor Deal and the Georgia state Legislature’s continued leadership in making communities safer, respecting victims and transforming offenders.
CRAIG DEROCHE, PRESIDENT, JUSTICE FELLOWSHIP
MIDEAST UNREST
Be wary about getting
involved in Syrian war
We as a country should be vary wary about rushing into the Syrian situation without better intelligence. Even a “no-fly zone” involvement has inherent risk, as Syria is not a Libya, where even the Arab League championed intervention.
President Assad is being quietly supported by a list of countries. There is also the question of who is backing and arming the Syrian rebels and what their agenda is if they are successful. The civil war has been going on for two years, and it is unlikely that the rebels could have survived without significant outside help.
The prospect of an extreme Islamic nation coming out of the civil war would not be in the long-term interests of the region or the United States.
IAN SHAW, CUMMING
TAXATION
Online retailers should
collect, remit sales tax
The bill before Congress requiring online retailers to collect taxes on behalf of the states is reasonable and fair. If a firm can offer a better price because it’s more efficient, has superior processes and is willing to accept lower margins, their competition has to deal with that. If one company gains an advantage because it doesn’t have to charge taxes imposed on its competition, that’s creating an unfair advantage.
A friend of mine works at a bookstore. People often browse the shelves, ask for assistance, then order the item from an online retailer on their phone while they’re in the store. The store becomes a free, 3-D catalog for online retailers. Technology marches forward and offers new consumer benefits, but traditional businesses shouldn’t be handicapped by government. That is the case when online businesses don’t have to collect sales taxes.
BILL FOGARTY, ALPHARETTA
