World’s major religions share common ancestor
As most schoolchildren know, the three great monotheistic religions of the world originated in the Arab world and their God is the God of Abraham. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all worship the same God. Apparently, however, that comes as a surprise to some of their parents. God help the children.
You cannot teach world history and fail to mention the great religions which played such a prominent role in shaping events. Robin Hood would not have been the same without Friar Tuck.
JIM MILLER, HOSCHTON
Pols, judges should serve out terms
It is one thing for John Boehner to resign as Speaker of the U.S. House, but another thing to resign from Congress. Way too many who run for office fail to complete their term. Boehner’s resignation from Congress denies his district elected representation for months. He raised money to be elected to serve two years. He should fulfill his commitment to the voters who elected him. In Georgia, this early exit by legislators is outpaced by the early retirement of judges. Many judges retire early for the sole purpose of allowing the governor to appoint their replacement. A change to allow for a special election to replace at least circuit court and local judges should be considered by the Legislature.
TONY PARROTT, FAYETTEVILLE
Execution says much about us
The execution of Kelly Gissendaner said more about us than about her. The American penal system can be traced back to the Quakers of Pennsylvania who sought an option to physical punishment for those convicted of crimes. The penitentiary was created. It was a place where felons would be locked up and were to do penance as they reflected on their crimes. The felons would then, in theological language, live sanctified lives. They would repent and live differently. As we know, simply warehousing those convicted of crimes hasn’t always worked out that way. However, in Kelly’s case, it worked. She became a different person. She repented and, to my way of thinking, as an inmate, she developed a unique ministry. I was struck that, at the end, she sang “Amazing Grace.” Even in dying, she bore witness to the God who can change people. Maybe one day, we will be changed and abolish the death penalty.
REV. JIM WATKINS, DECATUR
Cityhood story used bogus data
The AJC ran an unsubstantiated, erroneous article questioning the feasibility of the proposed city of LaVista Hills (“Taxes shaky for city plan,” News, Sept. 15). The writer relied on a spreadsheet from a “researcher” and admitted cityhood opponent, challenging the feasibility finding of the impartial and prestigious Carl Vinson Institute at UGA. Staffed by specialists in government finance, tax policy, economic impact assessment and other areas of expertise, CVI relies on genuine data. By contrast, the error-filled spreadsheet (claiming a deficit exists) is based on phony assumptions, factual errors and invented data to arrive at its predetermined and bogus conclusion. It simply ignores funding reserves of nearly $800,000. Once the biased and counterfeit math is exposed and corrected, the true figures confirm a large surplus for LaVista Hills. Employing a conservative cost-revenue model, the Vinson Institute has a perfect record predicting city feasibility since Sandy Springs incorporated in 2005. New cities are exceeding Vinson’s projections, like Dunwoody, which posts an annual surplus of $1 to $2 million. Real numbers from real budgets. Regrettably, the AJC did not fact-check before placing the story on its front page, missing the opportunity to provide accuracy in a debate of major public importance. Learn more at www.lavistahills.com.
KEVIN LEVITAS, ATLANTA
