Readers Write 6/23

SOCIAL SECURITY

To solve debt crisis, somebody has to lose

The report that the AARP would support some cuts in Social Security (albeit for future recipients who are probably not current members) was welcome news.

For all the attention our inability to solve the pending debt crisis has received, there has been little mention made of the role of Americans’ deep-seated need to win. Winners are celebrated in everything from sports, business and politics, to reality shows and highest-grossing movies. Yet, if we are going to solve the debt crisis, we are going to need losers. Resolution of the problems is going to require everybody to lose something. The AARP’s move to face this reality and acknowledge that Social Security recipients will need to lose some of their benefits is a good start.

Now, if the wealthy will lose a few percent in additional taxes; public workers, a few percent in pensions; Medicare recipients, a few dollars in additional co-pays; and Congress, their earmarks, we could probably fix things in short order. Come on, everybody. Let’s lose one for America.

Randy Schneider, Atlanta

IMMIGRATION

Georgia’s new law distorted by media

Despite the chant of the national media (including Fox), Georgia does not have a new immigration law. Georgia has a new law trying to deal with illegal immigrants in the state.

House Bill 87 in no way changes legal immigration into Georgia or any other state. The law is concerned only with illegal immigrants already in Georgia.

If the liberal groups want to distort the issue by calling this law an “immigration law” or even “anti-immigration law,” that is their right to be wrong.

Clayton Conarro, Atlanta

ETHICS

Is medallion status only reserved for governor?

If the Delta medallion status for Gov. Nathan Deal is a contribution to the state of Georgia, can I (as a citizen and taxpayer in good standing) use that medallion status — or is it reserved only for Deal?

Are there no ethics in business or government?

John H. Neel, Atlanta

POLITICS

Americans must vote with minds, not hearts

How many hours do you have in your lifetime? What we do with each precious hour defines our life.

In the past two (almost three) years now of American politics, how much can we say has actually been accomplished in this country or the world? Has electing a black president eradicated racism?

In the upcoming election, how can we better utilize what few hours we have in this life? For the good of the nation, understanding the leadership qualities and qualifications of each candidate might help propel the nation forward once again, and rekindle the beacon of leadership the nation once held in the world.