GOVERNANCE
We reap what we sow
in ‘wacko’ legislators
Regarding “Academic achievement a matter of public policy” (Opinion, Oct. 15), “American exceptionalism” aside, it could be that our academic chickens are coming home to roost.
It’s well known that we reap the fortunes we sow. Continuous cutting of education, health care and safety nets has produced an ill-informed, unhealthy and contentious population. It’s no wonder that “No Nothing” voters elect wacko legislators who march to their own beat.
When government budgets reflect third-rate values, our results yield discounted product quality.
SALLY MCDONALD, CHAMBLEE
Future’s bleak due to
entitlement spending
I generally dislike the Republicans because they say that they stand for smaller government, but have completely failed to halt the Democrats’ continuous drive to semi-socialism. I would like to give them credit for fighting to stop yet another increase in the debt ceiling. However, I ask what many have asked regarding health care: What is their plan? It is pretty apparent that they have none.
In the long term, the growth of entitlements and debt produces an ugly ending. Democrats will never reduce entitlement spending, and human nature is to take the easy path. Most people live for today, and will exchange current ease for whatever pain will come in the future. However, it is hard to draw a picture of that pain, particularly since it has never been experienced here, and the debt has continued to grow without consequences.
Fiscal conservatism and true patriotism likely will become “cool” when it is too late to help us.
ALLEN BUCKLEY, SMYRNA
Reform Congress by
limiting terms, salary
Our reputation in the world theater is suffering. We look like a bunch of incompetents — which we apparently are. The recent fiasco is due to Congress not passing a budget early on. They do a lot of talking, but have done little positive work for us.
The only way to fix a broken Congress is to pass an amendment to the Constitution that would require age and term limits, and that Congress no longer vote itself pay raises, use the same health care system as all Americans, and abide by the laws it passes.
Experienced people working for our government have failed us. If they were working for non-governmental (private) companies, they would be fired.
Less government is the way to go.
ROBERT BLUM, SUWANEE
AIR TRAVEL
Disturbing backlash
to second airport proposal
The backlash from Atlanta’s mayor and Delta’s chief executive regarding additional air service in the Atlanta metro area is somewhat disturbing.
Air travel is a form of commerce, and our national air space is governed for the use of all. The majority of cities with thriving economies have more than one commercial airport, including Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.
Atlanta’s mayor doesn’t want to lose revenue to another local entity, and the airport’s No. 1 tenant doesn’t want competition.
L.I. HUTSON, SUWANEE
