BRAVES
Boorish behavior shamed Atlanta before nation
I can only say, “Shame on you!” to the “fans” who thought it was appropriate to throw trash on the field in response to a perceived bad call at the Oct. 5 Atlanta Braves game.
I am an Atlantan, and I have been a Braves fan since 1966 (when I only vaguely knew what baseball was), and I am sure I speak for the vast majority of real fans when I assert that never in a million years would the thought of throwing things on the field in protest of a bad call by an umpire cross my mind.
The actions of these idiots gave a huge, nationally televised black eye to Atlanta; to the Atlanta Braves and to loyal baseball fans. Maybe someday, they can show a tape of the spectacle created to their children and grandchildren, and have a conversation about sportsmanship, and the previously honorable pastime of rooting for one’s favorite team.
TOM MCMULLAN, ATLANTA
Baseball deserved better than spectators gave
The rude, shameful behavior of the fans at the Atlanta Braves’ Oct. 5 game was inexcusable.
Such a lack of decorum may be considered routine at another sporting event - but this is baseball! Have some respect, please.
GARY ACITELLI, MARIETTA
DAN UGGLA
He behaves like a true sports role model
On a recent Saturday morning, I drove over to see a great-grandson playing in a Little League game. As I parked, I saw a rather large group of kids and adults gathered around a young man who had their undivided attention. It was Dan Uggla - who was signing autographs, and taking pictures with the gathered group.
This is the second time he has been seen at this same park on a Saturday. I understand he has a son playing on one of the teams there. I have never seen a more gracious, kind and courteous young man. Dan is a real positive ambassador for the Atlanta Braves, and a real gentleman. Regardless of the outcome of the game played the night before, he is a real winner.
JIM ARNOLD, POWDER SPRINGS
POLITICS
Why do smart minds disagree on how to fix U.S.?
A friend asked why half the country disagrees with his political views. I felt the same way (because his views were the opposite of mine). We consider each other responsible, intelligent people. Why are we voting differently? Both political parties seem to agree that to solve our nation’s financial crisis, we need to create jobs. Each has a different view on how to do that.
The Republicans believe cutting taxes (including cutting taxes for the very wealthy) will create jobs. Democrats think government must spend money to create jobs.
Judging from the e-mails I get, Democratic critics believe that government has already given the wealthy too many tax breaks, and cutting their taxes has not created more jobs.
Republican critics think Democrats spend too much money, and they don’t like how it is spent.
To create and sustain this division of opinion, Super PACs spend money on propaganda, which misleads, instills fears, and confuses potential voters. Candidates need that PAC money to get elected - and to keep their jobs, they tend to give their PAC donors the legislation they want.
How did we let this happen?
MARGARET CURTIS, ATLANTA
