What happened to college football?
I have loved college football for most of my life. Indeed, one of my earliest memories in rural Sylvester, Ga., was arising early to read the Sunday edition of this paper — to learn the scores of the Georgia Tech and Georgia games. Then, television brought Curt Gowdy and live images on Saturday afternoons. Later, I was fortunate to play the game, although I was no marquee player.
Fifty years have lapsed since I first played at Georgia, and there have been many changes in the game. Some changes are very positive: better equipment and medical care, more racial diversity, and limitation of two-a-day practices, to name a few. Yet, some changes, I just do not know: Head coaches making millions of dollars more each year than university presidents; universities in the entertainment business; teams comprised of many athletes who are not genuine students; colleges serving as “minor leagues” for the NFL; players’ DUI offenses and marijuana use being punished with only partial game suspension at School A, but multiple games at School B in the same conference.
I certainly do not have all the answers, but honest and open discussion at the NCAA and the Big Five conferences could be a stimulus for positive change. Is college football primarily a game for kids, or a business for adults? Please … the little boy in me still wants to love college football.
TOMMY LAWHORNE, COLUMBUS
In a recent letter to the Legislature, Attorney General Sam Olens fanned confusion surrounding a proposed Clean Water Act rule.
He says the rule is a “dramatic attempt” to redefine what waters are protected by the Act. In reality, the rule does nothing to expand its coverage.
Although certain water bodies in floodplains will be covered, as they are now, no land will be. Fewer ditches, not more, will be covered. Farmers will keep existing exemptions and gain new ones.
What the rule would do is clarify protections for streams, wetlands, and other water bodies that 4.9 million Georgians use for drinking water. Enforcing these protections not only represents the basic interests of the state and its citizens, but also preserves these water bodies for Georgia’s flourishing tourism and recreational industries, and the jobs they support.
If we want native trout to catch, wood ducks to hunt, a successful tourism industry and places for our children to swim, we need to keep our water clean and plentiful. And we need to work together to make that happen.
BILL SAPP, SENIOR ATTORNEY, SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER
Take pride in girl who won a Nobel
As a Pakistani-born Muslim girl myself, I am very proud of Malala Yousafzai for winning the Nobel Peace Prize. At such a young age, Malala was able to convey to the world an important message about equality and education. She is a living example of proving that education can and always will be the solution to all problems. Malala stood up for what she believed in. Her bravery and courage is an inspiration for everyone around the world.
Malala raised awareness about issues not only concerning Pakistan but concerning of other countries as well. She brought attention to the fact that men are not superior to women. Both are equal. Malala also signified the point that by educating everyone, we can solve all kinds of issues. Her dedication and willingness to bring about change is my inspiration. By supporting Malala and her purpose, we can surely bring world peace.
MEHWISH PALL, LAWRENCEVILLE
