Readers Write: Oct. 19

Pets also source of distracted driving

Much has been written about, discussed and legislated regarding the use of cell phones and other devices while driving in order to reduce the number of accidents, injuries and deaths. This is certainly a worthwhile direction. However, there is another that should also be addressed.

Can anyone doubt that a pet, usually a dog, in the lap of a driver would not be dangerous? Certainly it would be a distraction, and it could often cause a driver not to see traffic completely and/or slow one’s reaction to traffic changes. Animals being transported in a vehicle are not the problem, but animals in the laps of drivers are a problem.

MIKE DEAL, ALPHARETTA

Pence should meet with kneeling players

It is understandable why so many are furious about sport figures taking a knee during the playing of the national anthem. It is not the action I would have chosen. But do people seriously ask the question “Why, in 2017, does so many people feel the need to protest in this manner?” Instead of attending a football game with the intention of walking out and creating a publicity gesture, Vice President Pence should arrange to meet with some of the protesters and try to find out what the real problem is and try to seek solutions.

Taking a knee at a football game is a really bold and unpopular way to draw attention to a problem, but after years of marches, civil rights improvements, and “come together” meetings, many people are still being treated unjustly by some police and courts. Therefore, let’s try another way to draw attention to a problem. The goal is to have a country where liberty and justice exist equally for all to the point where no one feels the need to protest in such an unpopular way.