With these leaders, anything is possible
It must be very difficult to be a liberal journalist in this environment. Jay Bookman scoffs at the notion that the federal government is playing “hanky-panky” with the books “If we’re merely 48th in joblessness: Now what?” (Opinion, Sept. 24).
How could that happen with an administration that allows IRS to avoid testimony on illegal activities, multiple hard drives that crash, government intrusion in searching our personal records, gun running in “Fast and Furious,” constant adjustments to CPI and CBO data, and a Department of Justice consistent in ignoring issues other than its own agenda — not to mention spokespeople who are unable to agree on any messaging about international crises.
Remember that it is the administration keeping the score, and you can be suspicious when even The New York Times reports that this administration is less than responsive to questions about anything. Let’s face it: Everything that this administration is doing is all about the next election(s). Sure, both parties have done it, but this one has taken it to a new and unique high.
BRANDT ROSS, ATLANTA
Special truck lane could ease backups
Any casual observer will recognize that large trucks and smaller vehicles do not mix well in traffic, particularly in the rush hour. Large trucks particularly have trouble with the stop-and-go of tight traffic. This makes for heightened congestion and danger.
The solution is to separate cars and trucks as much as possible. Formerly, trucks were required to keep to the two right lanes, but that makes things worse when exiting traffic causes backups, often into adjacent through lanes as well as in the exit lanes. It would be better for I-285 to make the far left lane “large trucks only,” at least during rush hours. Most large trucks are going much farther around the Perimeter than the cars, so being that far over makes sense. The trucks also would be attracted to an exclusive lane because it would be easier, safer and quicker for them.
By separating the trucks, smaller vehicles could get through the rush hour quicker and safer.
TOM MACDIARMID, MARIETTA
World-class cities support their artists
Where is the leadership for supporting the Atlanta Symphony (“Symphony season delayed,” News, Sept. 23)? We can find millions of dollars to subsidize the Falcons, Hawks and Braves. The salaries paid to professional athletes is almost ridiculous, and then, to ask professional musicians to reduce their salaries is obscene. Atlanta does not deserve to be called a great city if it cannot support a world-class orchestra.
JOSHUA D. SHUBIN, ATLANTA
