Death penalty threat effective
Do you recall the serial killer who raped and murdered a young female just off the Appalachian Trail in North Georgia? He was also suspected of killings in Florida and North Carolina. When caught and convicted, he was offered the choice of either the death penalty, or life in prison without parole if he would divulge the location of his crime and the victims body. Due to fear of being put to death, he chose the latter and the victim’s body was found. Although greatly saddened by their daughters death, the victim’s parents at least had the peace of closure with the benefits of a memorial service and burial site for their daughter. Without the threat of being put to death, the killer would not likely have been willing to divulge this information.
CHARLES R. ANDERSON, MARIETTA
Kim Davis Unworthy of MLK comparison
How distasteful that Kentucky County Clerk Kim Davis received an award at the recent Values Voter Summit for discriminating against gay couples, and was then compared to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. MLK died while uplifting and seeking parity for African-Americans’ access to all the rights and services being afforded to Caucasians during his time. Davis is strictly holding a group of people back and denying them equal access to rights now legally given to gay couples. I’m fairly certain MLK would fight against her if alive today. His message was love and hope, not dislike and hate. I’m all for religious beliefs, but the rule of law and separation of church and state must be followed by government officials like Kim Davis.
DAVID DUDLEY, ALPHARETTA
Medicaid expansion reduces costs
With proper mental health care, Edd Blot is living a successful, fulfilling life. For him, the expansion of Medicaid in Oregon made that possible. But Georgia’s GOP still refuses to approve expansion here. The excuse is that we just don’t have the money. But wait, we are already helping to pay for Medicaid expansion in other states. Republicans refuse to allow our federal tax dollars to be used to help people those in need in Georgia. Also, let’s not forget the financial success of Medicaid expansion in Oregon, where per member mental health care costs decreased after Medicaid expansion. That success could be mirrored here in Georgia. As more studies point to reduced costs and improved outcomes, our politicians will find their excuses have no standing. How many more people will needlessly suffer because of the inaction of our lawmakers?
DON MCADAM, SANDY SPRINGS
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