City’s complexities go beyond walking
Jessica Estep’s Opinion column in the Nov. 7 AJC (“Walking equals freedom”) certainly suggests a youthful pie-in-the-sky attitude about living in the city of Atlanta. I would remind her that you are not in Lula or the suburbs of Gwinnett County and to exercise extreme caution, for the streets are full of trickery and deception. I would remind you, as you walk, to take notice of the trees and green spaces, for tomorrow another office or condominium will take their place. I would suggest to you, as you walk, to think about the cheating scandal in the city schools where your children might go and the taxes you will pay to help fund these schools.
I would suggest to you, as you walk, to inhale the industrialized air and the carbon gases that burn the lungs and redden your eyes. I hope you understand, as you walk, that you are living in the South, but the culture has changed; it is just not that trusting, tight community where life is simple. It’s a big city with big problems, and yes, I hope you find your freedom here and live happily ever after.
WILLIAM MICHAEL, ATLANTA
Use free market to trim emissions
As Kyle Wingfield wrote recently (“Isakson eyes path forward for new GOP majority,” Opinion, Nov. 6), Republicans proved they could win across blue, red and purple states. Now we’re looking for Republicans like Johnny Isakson to prove something else — that they’re ready to solve problems.
Climate change has a huge impact the health and security of our country. To address climate change, we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from carbon-based fuels. Most economists agree that the most efficient and effective way to reduce these emissions is to price carbon. Since Isakson sits on the Senate Finance Committee, which would have jurisdiction to price carbon, he has the opportunity to lead on this issue.
If a fee is placed on carbon, and revenue from that fee is returned to households, we can cut emissions and add jobs to the economy. A market-based approach like this, rather than regulations, is a solution that Senator Isakson should find easy to embrace.
ELIZABETH EDIGER, PEACHTREE CITY
Saying ‘I do’ while Ga. says ‘you can’t’
After reading “More in U.S. saying ‘I don’t’” (Living Nov. 10), my first thought is that I would simply like the opportunity to say “I do” in the state of Georgia. My partner and I have shared our lives for 20 years, have moved all over the world together, and have faced numerous legal obstacles and spent thousands of dollars as we tried to get legal rights for me to live in other countries when his work required it. Many other gay and lesbian Georgians face much worse financial penalties for various situations in their lives simply because gay marriage isn’t recognized in this state. It’s time for us to get on the right side of history and fix that.
DALE DUNCAN, ATLANTA
Personal Journey with dog lifts soul
Wendell Brock’s story about the short life of his dog Lucy (“Rescue me,” Living & Arts, Nov. 9) was so moving that I am sitting at the Sunday breakfast table crying. What a lovely piece of writing! I am glad Mr. Brock quickly found another dog after his short time with Lucy ended. Thanks for printing this uplifting story.
JONI PELTA, ATLANTA
