We must work together to fix critical problems
As 2012 elections approach, we voters must wake up. We must choose leaders and representatives based on their pragmatism — not party ideology (conservative or progressive). Our future (and our present, for that matter) depend on our ability and resolve to work together for practical solutions to our critical problems — economic, social and political.
Deficit reduction requires fiscal discipline, economic growth and effective taxation. Economic growth demands creativity, productivity and sensible regulatory discipline. Cost-effective health care must focus on world-class public health — not just health insurance mechanisms.
Our economic future depends on public education which provides citizens the skills to compete creatively and productively in the global economy. Breaking our dependence on foreign oil requires a combination of efficiency, domestic energy production and new renewable energy sources. We can only meet these challenges with pragmatic (versus partisan) leaders committed to joint problem-solving.
Arnold C. McQuaide Jr., Berkeley Lake
When politicians put politics first, it’s tragic
The Supreme Court will ultimately decide the constitutionality of the universal health care mandate in the new health care law. Our laws mandate hospitals to accept all emergency room cases requiring treatment. Asking millions of “freeloaders” to pay into the system is not just sound fiscal thinking — it’s rational thinking. Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich recognized this — until President Barack Obama championed the idea. It’s tragic when politicians put politics before what they know to be in the country’s best interest.
Sybil Thomas, Whitesburg
Did we learn anything about disposal costs ?
I would like to know the estimate for nuclear waste disposal costs for the Vogtle nuclear facilities.
A realistic estimate would perhaps exceed the construction cost of the new plants. Did we learn anything from Japan? Patrick Tracy, Atlanta
Luckovich’s work
Obama’s soaring debt still will be Bush’s fault
In his “Big fat Greek wedding” cartoon (Opinion, Feb. 16), Mike Luckovich seems to understand the dangers to Greece posed by the massive debt that has been rung up by its government.
Yet, when it comes to President Barack Obama and the headlong charge into record levels of debt he is leading, Luckovich cannot bring himself to criticize (or even point out) the consequences of this action. The “fat lady” will be sitting on America very soon — but somehow, it will still be George Bush’s fault.
Steve Pendleton, Powder Springs
