TRANSPORTATION
Here in Atlanta, folks are working on great ideas
Bob Barr gets it half-right about high-speed rail (“High-speed rail is a false remedy,” Opinion, Feb. 28). Now is not the time for any multi-billion dollar investment in transportation.
Barr conveniently ignores the billions we spend on roads; lost productivity due to traffic; the costs of owning a car and the end of cheap oil. The symptoms are as plain as the nose on your face: high gas prices; isolation of nondriving children and the elderly; road rage; exportation of our country’s wealth to our enemies; and the expanding cost of extending infrastructure.
What the U.S. needs is a competent transportation plan; one that provides a choice to those who cannot or choose not to drive, and that addresses the financial mess we’re in.
I need my car just like everyone else. I also recognize we cannot afford to keep doing things the way we used to.
Folks are working on some great ideas right here in Atlanta. Brain Train and Beltline, anyone?
Dan Curl, Atlanta
SUNDAY SALES
GOP will lose supporT if it disallows freedom
I can’t remember the last time I voted for a Democrat above the county level, but if the state GOP wants to lose my vote, all they have to do is continue this Sunday liquor ban nonsense.
It’s quite obvious that a majority of Georgia citizens want to be able to buy alcohol on Sunday, and equally obvious that the state GOP isn’t interested in democracy on this issue. That’s fine. We’ll throw them out of office, and find someone who does.
It would be a shame to allow conservatives to lose control of the state government, but their stance on this issue makes it obvious that they believe in control, rather than freedom — and even on such an overall unimportant issue, I will not support politicians who restrict my freedom.
Ben Skott, Roswell
STADIUM
While programs are cut, city is falling over a cliff
I hope that the debate continues to “rage” over the proposal for a new stadium — at least until the idea is defeated. How can the city be led over this cliff when there are so many more important programs that are dying for lack of funding?
Mayor Kasim Reed’s desire to help Atlanta become a world-class city could be defeated by the lack of intelligent choice that this proposal represents.
Bob Kirby, Atlanta
ENVIRONMENT
Clearing trees for signs is an issue of character
May I respectfully suggest that clearing trees on public land for billboards is not an environmental issue (nor is it a political issue)? This is an issue of character.
Any member of the General Assembly who would place the outdoor advertising industry’s interests above the reputation of Georgia as a clean, beautiful, family-friendly destination should have difficulty looking at him or herself in the mirror.
What does it gain a politician to win dinners, drinks, sports tickets, and campaign cash if, in return, they sacrifice any right to self-respect?
Mark Whisenant, Marietta
