TV icon had influence in ways he never knew
I never met Dick Clark, but he had something to do with my career. Back in 1957, I got a job in the production department of a TV station in North Carolina. Dick’s contribution to us came in an unusual way. We had talked about starting our own dance-party show, but the idea did not catch the imagination of the sales department. One day, the general manager got a call from a high school girl who asked if we were going to do such a show. He reportedly said it would be considered if she came up with a sponsor. About two weeks later, she called the general manager. She said she had a sponsor.
You can imagine the uproar that caused, but the show was born. It became the No. 1-rated show in Piedmont, N.C. Our host was a great singer and musician. The co-host was the young lady who got the show on the air. I had a great time doing camera work on the show (and later directing it). Dick Clark helped birth many such shows. Thanks, Mr. Clark. You gave me some great times and great friends.
John Black, Dawsonville
Law to drug-test poor reveals hypocrisy
Regarding “Singling out the poor for drug-testing won’t cut it” (Opinion, April 18), thanks to Jay Bookman for shining a light on the hypocrisy under the Gold Dome. Wouldn’t we love to drug-test some of our legislators who take junkets and accept lavish gifts?
Sally McDonald, Chamblee
Why exempt anyone from drug-testing?
I applaud the passage of HB 861, calling for drug-testing for anyone seeking welfare. This should apply to recipients of Social Security, welfare, Medicaid, Medicare and all types of private health care insurance. I will be applying for Social Security in a year or two, and am willing to be drug-tested any time.
The company I worked for started drug-testing in 1986. Everyone who drove our trucks, operated our forklifts, worked in our manufacturing plants, sold our products and ran our executive board room was subject to a drug test at any time. It was the safest work environment in the U.S. Why should anyone be exempt from this testing?
Curb the multibillion-dollar drug abuse issue and an uncountable multitude of problems will evaporate.
Benjamin T. Martin, Johns Creek
Easy to stay at home with maids, nannies
There has been much talk about working moms vs. stay-at-home moms since Hilary Rosen’s recent comment concerning Ann Romney. Ann Romney’s response was that she made the decision to stay at home and raise five sons.
It is very commendable to see a person forgo professional achievement or monetary gain to raise one’s children — however, it seems doubtful that such a decision could have ever presented itself to Ann Romney.
She has enjoyed the privileged life since she married Mitt Romney and had no reason to get a job outside of the home. How many nannies, maids, servants and drivers do you think that the Romneys have had while raising their children? It’s too bad the majority of American women don’t have the luxury of making the decision to stay at home and raise their kids.
Jerry Causey, Flowery Branch
