Marijuana’s risky as moonshine
We were saddened by the recent stabbing death of a 17 year-old girl (“Girl, 17, allegedly killed by teen step-cousin,” Metro, Nov. 16). It was suggested that marijuana was involved. When will people realize that marijuana, as an illegal substance in Georgia, is as unpredictable as moonshine was and is? Who knows what goes on it or into it? Going where it is sold is dangerous enough, but that may not be the only bad trip. Smokers should either move to a state where it is legal and tested, or leave it alone.
ROBERT REDMOND SR., CANTON
Stop this fear of Syrian refugees
The Republican Legislature led by Gov. Nathan Deal in Georgia is showing the world how fat and selfish we’re becoming in this country. Our forefathers who dealt with British spies and countless other challenges would look aghast at how we are becoming. We see refugees, including women and children, fighting to stay alive, and we are frightened of helping them because we fear dying.
Dying is a part of life. What happened in Paris could happen anywhere. Cars kill 36 times more people in a day in this country alone than terrorists do in the entire world. Guns in this country kill more than three times more people than do terrorists throughout the world in one day. Stiffen your back, Gov. Deal, and stop making people afraid of Syrian refugees — or any refugees, for that matter.
MICHAEL DE GIVE, DECATUR
Climate change worsens unrest
In the wake of several tragic terrorist attacks, world leaders will go on with the UN COP21 climate talks in Paris at the end of the month. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed will be among the delegates working to address the gravest threat to our security: climate change.
Climate change exacerbates international conflicts, even when it does not directly cause it. Extreme weather, like droughts and floods, drives agricultural collapse, conflict and mass migration. Syria has experienced long-term drought throughout its civil war, forcing millions of people to flee their country and seek refuge elsewhere.
Coming to a global agreement to reduce carbon emissions and slow climate change is now even more important. Nations of the world must demonstrate that we can work together to solve great challenges rather than be divided by violence. Join the climate movement in Atlanta at 2 p.m. Nov. 29 at Old Fourth Ward Park to march for climate justice and peaceful global cooperation.
IAN KARRA, SIERRA CLUB
