POLITICS
Congresswoman’s comment was clueless
U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., says the tea party can “go straight to hell.”
Not being a tea party member, I don’t intend to defend them. I would just like to give Ms. Waters a ticket for the “clue bus,” as she seems out of touch with a growing number of Americans. Ms. Waters, you and your co-conspirators have already gotten us into hell. The fight now is to stop you from forcing our grandchildren to join us. Susan E. Rogers, Dalton
BUSINESS
Need another Steve Jobs? There’s no app for that
Under Steve Jobs, Apple has seen phenomenal stock growth because of such innovative offerings as the iPod, the iPhone and other products. Now, Mr. Jobs announced perhaps his last brainchild: the “I quit!”
David Reingold, Atlanta
ETHICS
Request for Masters tickets a hole in dumb
Tim Echols really saw no “issue” with him putting the squeeze on Augusta National Golf Club (“Ticket request stirs concerns,” News, Aug. 25). This is another prime example of our public officials not getting it. Ethics violation or not, Mr. Echols is making bad choices with his public responsibility. Kudos to the AJC for being vigilant when it comes to our public officials. Tickets for the Masters for Mr. Echols to visit with constituents — really?
Gordon J. Elkins, Dunwoody
BOOKS
Can’t help but question company’s methods
Thank you for the article on Better World Books (“Helping others aids company’s success,” News, Aug. 25). I wonder how many people putting books in the ubiquitous bins realize that they are giving to a for-profit organization?
Kathleen Burk, Atlanta
ECONOMY
Cuts that hurt those in military hard to fathom
I read Andrew Bacevich’s piece concerning the cutbacks that could affect the retirement promised to people who defended our country (“Reducing military benefits unfair to those who served,” Opinion, Aug. 24). I understand that hard budget cuts need to made, but I find this really hard to believe. In my business, when cuts have to be made, I am the first one who bears the cuts. I have not heard one Republican or Democratic lawmaker stand up and say that his or her benefits, retirements or perks should be cut. Art Hamilton, Atlanta
EDUCATION
Cheating sure to result when cash is the prize
The APS school cheating scandal should not surprise anyone. It has been known for a long time that money is a dangerous motivator, although that knowledge has been ignored. When substantial monetary awards are offered supposedly to motivate an educator in a school district with weak achievement, it is not the least bit surprising that some succumbed to the temptation of money and cheated to win it.
Dorothy Freeman, Stone Mountain
