More than records will be broken
Regarding “Heat wave sets an all-time record for Atlanta” (ajc.com, June 30), after adding billions of tons of carbon dioxide into our air, we can plainly see that climate records are made to be broken, now more than ever. In March and May, breaking record after record was delightful. Not so much now, and much less so by 2050.
The United States is the most innovative and powerful economy the world has ever seen, and if we tackle global warming head on, we can lick this problem in no time — and put America back to work in 18 months.
Otherwise, we will add more and more carbon to our climate — and pretty soon, it won’t just be records that get broken.
DR.TIMOTHY HANES, ATLANTA
Why not mention climate change?
I was shocked to find in your article on Atlanta’s record heat no mention of human-induced climate change (“Atlanta Weather: Day 3 of temps above 100 degrees,” July 1, ajc.com).
It is a deep abrogation of journalistic responsibility to fail to mention the scientific consensus about greenhouse gases and our changing climate.
TONIO ANDRADE, DECATUR
Just an effort to dumb-down voters
Sen. Chip Rogers once again clearly demonstrates just how stupid he thinks Georgia voters are (“Senate leader’s big challenge,” Metro, July 1).
The article closes with his quote, “You can do it yourself. You don’t need government to do it for you.”
He will also tell you why you should vote for an amendment to the state constitution which would give a state commission power.
Despite Rogers’ efforts to cut funding for traditional public schools, and to dumb-down Georgia voters, we can still spell “hypocrite.”
ELIZABETH HOOPER, ALPHARETTA
Why the uproar over new requirement?
Years ago, Georgia (and other states) passed a law mandating that all drivers be covered by automobile insurance. No one whooped and hollered about “loss of freedom” or “government takeovers.” Most folks were glad to see this law passed so that all drivers bore their share of responsibility in case of an accident.
Now we have pretty much the same thing with health insurance. However, a lot of people are now convinced that storm troopers are coming down their street to steal their liberty.
What’s the big difference?
JEFF COGHILL, ATLANTA
Great Depression
Response to “Great Depression drove America to brink of ruin.” Business, July 1
Your story comparing the Great Depression with the recent financial meltdown and recession misses a salient point that reinforces the story’s main message (“Great Depression drove America to brink of ruin,” Business, July 1).
The Depression’s financial calamity was compounded by a catastrophe called the Dust Bowl, a series of dust storms that wiped out a large part of agrarian America during a time when far more people earned their living off the land than they do today. As bad as the last five years have been, they are a walk in the park compared to the 1930s.
MARK B. SOLOMON, ATLANTA