SECOND AMENDMENT
Senators’ gun votes
make case for change
I agree with the recent column by E.J. Dionne Jr. (“Gun bill defeat just the opening round?” Opinion, April 22).
Our two Georgia senators voted against common-sense legislation which would have expanded background checks for those purchasing a gun. An overwhelming majority of people supported this legislation, but our senators caved in to the pressure from a minority that used fear-mongering, paranoia and lies to distort the facts of this legislation, in order to protect gun manufacturers.
All Georgians should be asking themselves whether this is the type of representation we want in the U.S. Senate. I suggest that voters in Georgia stop the reflexive habit of voting Republican, and start choosing candidates who will look out for the interests of the majority — regardless of party affiliation. It is time to make significant changes to the Georgia delegation in Congress.
MIKE HAREMSKI, TUCKER
POLITICS
With today’s elections,
inexperience matters
We have perfected politics to the point where actual leadership experience is a detriment, and an ambiguous record, ideal. Never having to make a decision, take a stand, lead an initiative or bring adversaries together is the hallmark of an electable candidate. Political savvy and slick campaign rhetoric trump actual, real world experience.
The people are left with a capable politician devoid of any transferable leadership attributes. And we wonder why we are in a 24/7 campaign mode.
RICHARD CLARK, DECATUR
TEST CHEATING
Scandal has Chamber
in need of new leaders
I’m writing regarding “Chamber suspected flaws in its APS audit” (News, April 21).
I believe the newspaper is doing its job — to get at the truth. Some might say the Metro Atlanta Chamber was doing its job — to show Atlanta in a positive light. However, it appears the chamber was doing more than that. Instead, it was acting as a busy public relations firm which was trying to influence public opinion, rather than demanding a thorough investigation of the statistically unlikely changes in student test scores.
Thanks for shining a light on previously unpublished information. The chamber’s actions are as “yesterday” as those of the guilty administrators in the APS. Fortunately, APS now has new leadership to guide its future. Likewise, the chamber also needs new leadership to break with its past behavior — leadership that will honestly represent Atlanta to its many constituents.
RICHARD W. AUGUSTA, ATLANTA
