Readers Write 03/05

SECOND AMENDMENT

Sauce for goose should be sauce for gander

I have visited the capital several times to speak with my legislators. Each time, I have been required to pass through the metal detectors.

Can I assume that if people are allowed to bring firearms into my university classroom, the metal detectors will be removed at the Capitol?

Pat Nodine, North Georgia College and State University

POLITICS

Without D.C. lobbyist, the jobless suffer

It is really quite unbelievable how our United States Senate can debate funding for unemployed people in this country, after the funding we gave Wall Street and the auto industry, and the aid we promised the people of Haiti and Chile.

The only people who would voluntarily stay unemployed are those who can only find minimum-wage jobs, since maximum unemployment compensation in this state is slightly higher than minimum-wage rates.

It is clear that since the unemployed do not have a lobby, they are the last to get attention. They need lobbyists like Wall Street and the UAW have to get attention in Washington.

What a country we have. We cannot see the forest for the trees, and work on the penny-wise and pound-foolish principle. We need leadership in Washington — not chameleons.

William Crawford Jones, Roswell

POLITICS

Perdue out for himself at education’s expense

Your excellent article questioning the fiscal priorities of our irresponsible governor demonstrate once again that his tenure as chief executive has been nothing but a quest for personal gain, at the expense of education and other worthy programs (“‘Extras’ in a lean budget?” Metro, Feb. 28).

Barry Pack, Dallas

GOVERNMENT

Insurance official delivers for voters

Over the past few years, I have had occasions to write to Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine to seek his assistance in complaints against my insurance provider for unreasonable delays in settling claims and other similar problems.

In every case, I have received a prompt and personal reply from him, providing me with the name and phone number of the investigator to whom the matter had been referred, and in some instances, a follow-up letter to ensure that action had been taken. In every case the matter was resolved to my satisfaction.

I have never met the commissioner, and as far as I know we do not share the same political affiliation, but I think that such performance by a highly placed elected official on behalf of a member of the public is worthy of public mention and commendation.

Allan McDermott, Fayetteville