JOBS TRAINING
So glad 2 businessmen are making a difference
A favorite hobby for most adults is complaining about their local schools. Congratulations to Jay Cunningham and Paul Letalien, who took action — instead of just bad-mouthing their local public schools (“Looking to fill vocational void,” Metro, Oct. 16). I am so impressed with these businessmen spending thousands to set up a program at a Cobb County high school to teach students vocational skills.
College is a wonderful thing, but it’s not for everyone. Even if it were, who is going to sort out the world’s plumbing, heating, air conditioning, repair, appliance and other problems? In these days of high unemployment, it’s terrific that Cunningham and Letalien are using their funds to set up a vocational program that will lead to high-paying jobs for young people.
Joni Pelta, Atlanta
PROSTATE CANCER
Criticism of PSA test should be questioned
The article “Prostate test can lead to dire outcomes” (News, Oct. 16) was disturbing, since it echoes the dubious conclusion of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that routine PSA testing does more harm than good. Unfortunately, this federally appointed panel lacks expertise and comes between physician and patient.
Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. How tragic if the rate of prostate cancer death would increase because the Preventive Services Task Force has deemed early intervention ineffective.
I can’t help but feel that this group’s recommendation is self-serving in its quest to cut costs.
Christine T. Kenyon, Suwanee
TOLL LANES
Still steamed over support of HOT lanes
I read “A HOT flash in the pan?” (Opinion, Oct. 16), and it angered me more than sitting in traffic.
Do you really think that the average motorist is going to believe how terrific the HOT lanes are? They are a boondoggle and need to be removed immediately. Tolls do nothing to alleviate traffic. They just put an unfair burden on people trying to make a living.
I pay taxes on every gallon of fuel I purchase. I pay ad valorem taxes, state income taxes, federal income taxes, tag fees, registration fees, emissions fees and the list goes on. Where does all that money go?
The editorial states, “If any immediate action was necessary, it might have been an enhanced effort to educate drivers about the HOT lane concept, its benefits and growing popularity nationwide.” The motoring public does not need to be educated on the supposed benefits of tolls. There are none. Perhaps those needing to be educated are the people who put the HOT lanes in place. During the next election, they’ll see what a terrible idea HOT lanes were.
John Schiereck, Lawrenceville
HOV LANES
Injustices to drivers given the green light
I have to agree with guest columnist Allen Buckley regarding the police using HOV lanes as a money machine (“Better solution: Eliminate lanes,” Opinion, Oct. 18).
This is just one of many examples where a typically law- abiding citizen is ticketed for trivial nonsense designed to make money. How have we as a society allowed these injustices to become so routine?
Jim OHare, Smyrna
HOV LANES
Consider other cities’ more-flexible approach
Why can’t the HOV lanes be limited to rush hours and used the rest of the time as a legal lane for any car? I have been in several cities where the HOV time is 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., for example. This would help with traffic tie-ups during the day or night — especially when there is an accident or road closing.
Carolyn Hawkins, Cumming
GOP RIVALRIES
Qualities of leadership? That’s not debatable
To candidates at the presidential debates: If you view every question put to you as an opportunity to continue speaking about whatever you want, you are not a leader.
If you choose to respond to every criticism with an equal criticism of your accuser, you are not a leader. If your insults and criticisms far outweigh your sensible ideas, you are not a leader.
If your goals are party majorities instead of national well-being, you are not a leader. If you feel the need to conceal (from the public) your true motive for any policy, you are not a leader.
Eddie Ross, Marietta
OCCUPY ATLANTA
Mayor Reed errs in not ousting protesters
I am glad that I do not live in Atlanta, even though the outrageous lack of action by Mayor Kasim Reed affects me. His failure to throw out the protesters in Woodruff Park is a violation of the law and a tragic failure to uphold the rule of law. This is a slippery slope. Where will the line be drawn? What other laws will officials decide not to enforce?
I am not opposed to the protesting there. I believe in the right to free speech. I have no problem with the peaceful and legal assembly to protest and educate. But I do have a problem with the failure of elected officials who take an oath to uphold the law and cave in like a punctured balloon when the “politics” get dicey.
Does this give the homeless the right to occupy these same grounds without arrest and harassment? I ask the residents of Atlanta to take Reed to task — as those of us who are impacted (but not eligible to re-elect him) are whistling in the wind.
James Segars, Decatur
JOBS BILL
Is it not interesting that while President Barack Obama takes his argument to the towns and cities of America, and to the unions and his supporters to stir up support for his failing jobs bill, the opposition just sits on its hands?
If it is so vital to the Republicans that the jobs bill would be harmful to America, why is it that they do not take their argument to the same people (in the same way as President Obama) — so that both sides can be heard by the people? After all, the election campaign is under way. Both sides should be heard on an important matter such as this, for the outcome will most likely have far-reaching effects — whichever way it goes. That would be democracy in action.
Simon Bennett-Odlum, Lilburn
