Agency gives thanks for community help
I’m writing to thank the people of metro Atlanta, our Georgia neighbors and fellow Americans for their extraordinary goodness — something we experience every day at the American Red Cross. There wouldn’t be a Red Cross without their selfless generosity. Two hundred times a day, volunteers bring hope to families who lose everything in a fire or other disaster.
Every two seconds, someone needs blood, and 456 times a day, the Red Cross connects deployed service members with their families through a network supported by contributions.
March is American Red Cross Month. This recognition belongs to every person, business, community friend and partner whose gifts of time, money and blood are the reason we exist. On behalf of the 250 people who benefit from Red Cross services every second of every day, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Terri Badour Duckett, chief executive officer, Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter and Georgia Region American Red Cross
Church, state division vital then and now
How amazing that in 2012, a Republican (and Catholic) candidate for president can be so ignorant of the concerns at the time that John F. Kennedy was running for office. Although I then heard many express fear that his election would place the presidency under the control of the pope, the fear seemed hypocritical — because I was in the South, where religion already exerted a heavy (and often negative) influence over local and national politics.
Kennedy’s speech about the separation of church and state impressed many. Rick Santorum’s ignorance and reaction to that speech, as well as many of his other views scare me. I want no politicians elected who would impose their religious views on the country.
Linda A. Bell, Decatur
Radio jock shouldn’t be taken so seriously
As a liberal, progressive American, I want to say: give Rush Limbaugh a break. Have we left-sided Americans managed to become so inflexible that we can’t laugh at him — and appreciate his right to be a rude loudmouth? If so, I need my left-sided friends to explain why Howard Stern gets a pass. Fellow liberals, the rights we cherish and hold up to the world as the better way don’t include whining.
Marc Sizemore, Norcross
Self-made woman a role model for all
Highest praise to Sara Blakely for her incredible accomplishment in making Spanx a billion-dollar company (“7 Georgians among richest of the rich,” Business, March 9). From the beginning, Blakely has made this ascent with creativity, intelligence, persistence and a strong sense of altruism through her foundation. She is doing well by doing good. She is a role model — not only for women, but for all beginning entrepreneurs.
Paul Muldawer, Atlanta
