‘Misadventure’ in Iraq should’ve been assailed
The AJC’s recent coverage regarding the conclusion of the Iraqi debacle was far too gentle.
That mindless adventure, dreamed up by George W. Bush and resulting in the murder and maiming of our children, and the expenditure of trillions, called for the most severe condemnation.
We, the people whose children have been crippled and murdered in Iraq, and we, who have carried the financial burden to support that misadventure, deserve a stronger voice and more severe condemnation of that tragic undertaking.
Your timid disapproval is hardly the thunder that was called for.
HERBERT SHAFER, SANDY SPRINGS
CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
A few more factors for the AJC to consider
In reference to your Sunday article “Winners linked to city officials” (News, Dec. 25) regarding campaign contributions to Atlanta officials, I want to point out related thoughts that should be considered for your inference to be “credible, compelling and complete.”
Let’s admit that so far we’ve been unable to devise a practical system whereby candidates for office can run successfully without contributions.
Let’s note that the contributors listed were only a very small percentage of the total contributors (and contributions), the vast majority having no interest in concessions.
Most importantly, let’s emphasize that every contributor is encouraged to give to those candidates it is thought will provide the best government, and this philosophy can be brought to the forefront by reporting that these same contributors probably give to the United Way, to religious institutions, to neighborhood civic associations and other worthy causes.
Then we will have a more credible, compelling and complete picture on which to draw a conclusion... and I wager we’ll not be alarmed.
SAM MASSELL, FORMER MAYOR OF ATLANTA
Words of wisdom that, sadly, apply to Atlanta
The adage “the more things change, the more they stay the same” certainly appears to apply to the process of doing business with the city of Atlanta, (“Winners Linked to City Officials,” News, Dec. 25).
Apparently one of three things is true:
A: In order to do business with the city one must contribute campaign funds or have a relationship with city officials.
Or B: To get elected to city office one must accept all of these campaign fund contributions.
Or C: Both of the above.
From the article, the answer is clearly “C.” So much for our mayor’s insincere promise to legitimize the concession bidding procedure.
MICHAEL L. SHAW, STONE MOUNTAIN
METRO ECONOMY
Out-of-state licenses may indicate a turnaround
Every time I go out in the car, I notice more out-of-state license plates everywhere I go. It is clear to me that (though this is anecdotal and not scientific) these “sightings” are increasing.
Are more people moving to the Atlanta area? Does this coincide with the recent increase in employment in Georgia?
Is this a sign of an improving local economy? Maybe this is grasping at straws — but I hope not.
Bill Mackinnon, Atlanta
U.S. is falling apart and we must unify to save it
Seems hate, dishonesty and greed have grown to monumental proportions. Our nation is in danger of permanently transforming.
Gone will be our shining hope of freedom, equality and even the viability of democracy itself.
Can it be that the great gift of our land and the sacrifice of millions of men have only molded a people solely interested in violence, greed, deception and disrespect?
These practices are so prevalent they are permanently poisoning America’s legacy ... our precious kids.
Consider malevolent Internet chatter, poor sportsmanship, widespread cheating, as well as an insatiable appetite for material goods and fulfillment of personal desires.
The danger is real and as threatening as worldwide depression or world war. We either end our bitterness or create a future nightmare with a malevolent, frightening social face.
Everyone must consult their heart, their soul, their intellect or their God and act in unison to divert this looming national fate.
MARY SHAW, JOHNS CREEK
Urge the City Council to slow the process
Atlanta residents should contact their City Council members and persuade them to slow down the airport contracting process. There is a significant cause for pause. This is a $3 billion decision and it’s being decided after only three council business days. The Atlanta City Council members need time to understand the process and ensure that it’s been conducted in a fair manner. There needs to be time for public input and discussion. So far the claims of transparency have been false, because the public has had no access to any of the information. This is a major decision that will impact our city and state for years to come. These contracts should not be blindly rubber stamped and passed along without the council’s time and attention.
WILLIAM PERRY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMMON CAUSE GEORGIA
