There’s nothing new (or Newt) about them
A letter writer claims that candidates bickering and attacking each other is “not entertaining or informative” (Readers write, Opinion, Feb. 2). These political games, however, have been played out in public as long as I have been voting — over 40 years.
The Republicans are not the only ones to engage in such behavior. Does anyone remember the Barack Obama-Hillary Clinton feuds four years ago? Criticizing one’s opponent and seeing how evil you can make him or her appear seems to be the American way, and we voters have done nothing effective to try to rein it in. Therefore, one could assume maybe it is entertaining or informative.
As for the writer’s observation that once out of office, a person should never use his or her former political title, I hope he remembers this when Obama is ousted — and must settle for plain “Mr. Obama” for the rest of his life. Betsy M. Kerr, Lilburn
Legislators won’t bite hands that feed them
Regarding “Legislators graze on lobbyists’ tab” (News, Jan. 29), lawmakers see no problem with industries picking up the check. I can understand that only as long as the lawmakers are honest and don’t let favor influence their decisions.
If you are a lawmaker and have an option to help either a company that has done nothing to influence you, or a company that has wined, dined and given you gifts, which are you going to help?
Lobbying should be outlawed. Whatever lobbyists do, they do for a reason, and they expect something in return. Any third-grader can see that. Jim Fonville, Marietta
Columnist should heed his own advice
Regarding “Forget mudslinging, it’s time to get serious” (Opinion, Jan. 31), this may be a first. I actually read a Thomas Sowell column and agreed with part of it. Maybe his first step in “getting serious” would be to re-read his own half-truths over the years. Corey Berger, Sandy Springs
Legislation should include a sunset date
Gov. Nathan Deal’s proposal to exempt construction materials used in projects of regional significance from sales and use taxes should stimulate large construction projects in a struggling Georgia construction industry (“Make Georgia No. 1 in nation for business,” Opinion, Jan. 29). The exemption would foster overbuilding in better times that was very much a part of the bubble of a few years ago. Deal’s proposed tax exemption legislation should therefore include a sunset (say, July 1, 2015).
Sunset dates on tax credit or exemption legislation (not only this legislation, but such legislation in general) should serve as a prompt for the state to evaluate effectiveness on its own. Dave Bearse, Atlanta
