GEORGE McGOVERN
News reports lacking
in senator’s life story
The news stories marking the passing of George McGovern always emphasize that he was against the Vietnam War, and that he lost a presidential election to Richard Nixon in a landslide. These stories, however, generally fail to remind readers that history has judged the Vietnam War to be a total disaster, and that President Nixon resigned in total disgrace. Meanwhile, McGovern continued to serve in the Senate and worked tirelessly to challenge world hunger. Integrity always wins in the end.
BILL GEIDL, DACULA
BOY SCOUT FILES
‘As safe as church’
is little reassurance
Regarding “Georgia Scout leaders accused” (News, Oct. 19), I’m guessing Jeff Fulcher, spokesman for the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, was not being deliberately ironic when he stated, “Being in Boy Scouts, your son is as safe as being in church.”
Can he possibly not be aware of the scandal involving Roman Catholic priests, as well as the hundreds of youth ministers and others associated with churches who have abused children, with the abuse buried by church leaders? Your son may be safer in a back alley than in church, or in the BSA.
One key to our children’s safety is parental involvement. Also important is honest communication in the reporting of abuse — an area in which our churches and the Boy Scouts of America have failed miserably.
DEBBIE PARKS, PEACHTREE CORNERS
CLIMATE CHANGE
Carbon tax rebates
to benefit, not cost us
Regarding “Tax would cost jobs and hurt the climate” (Opinion, Oct. 19), is a tax actually a tax if the money comes back to the citizens? Not where I’m from.
We have an opportunity to help our nation move away from the destructive policies that are clearly wreaking havoc on our weather — and at no net cost to ourselves. A carbon tax rebated to the citizens will change our behavior slowly, and encourage cleaner sources of energy. The market will take this signal, and accelerate development of those technologies where, for our future competitiveness and security, America can and must be the leader.
SCOTT SADLER, ATLANTA
PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN
Issues make this voter
want to say something
Although I was raised in poverty during the 50’s and 60’s (along with four siblings), I have always made it a point to vote. As this election approaches, I find that I have voted in 11 presidential elections, and worked in one prior to becoming eligible to vote. During this almost 50 years, I have never posted a campaign sign (or a sticker on my car). However, as a retiree, I find that in this election, the difference in the candidates and the distance one candidate’s goals differ from mine will mean that I will be posting some form of expression.
My bumper sticker will not contain the word “re-elect”.
WILLIAM T. HAYES, DUNWOODY
ELECTIONS
States are making it
more difficult to vote
A dynamic democracy like ours thrives when its citizens fully participate in the political process, and the elected officials are held accountable to the electorate. The right to vote and its responsible exercise are essential for this process. Both political parties proclaim their commitment to democratic process and the institutions it creates. It is therefore puzzling to see various state governments restricting or making it difficult for many people to register to vote, and actually cast their vote. And, this is being done to correct non-existent voter fraud.
This is taking place in states where Republicans are in charge. I hope that the party of Lincoln – who signed the Emancipation Declaration – is not trying to bring back de facto segregation.
P. SAFIR, ROSWELL
