POLITICS
Barr should give names, details about the groups
Bob Barr usually presents a reasoned argument, even though I seldom agree with him. But twice he refers to “liberal special interest groups” as obstacles to solutions for the country’s budget/debt/deficit woes (“Ryan plan deserves serious look,” Opinion, April 18).
Who specifically (and by name) are these groups, and how exactly do they stand in the way of solutions to such pressing problems? We want names, Mr. Barr — and details.
James Miller, Hoschton
ANIMAL RIGHTS
Activists, you all need something better to do
Bistro Niko has come under fire from animal rights activists for not caving in to their demands, and for continuing to serve foie gras.
For years, farmers have been fattening up geese and ducks for food by force-feeding them. Now, because some activist believes it is inhumane to force-feed an animal for the last 12 to 18 days before slaughter, the general public should not be able to have a dish which is considered by many to be a delicacy.
It is not as if the farmers only harvested the liver and threw the rest of the animal away. The entire bird is used for food.
Activists, if you don’t like foie gras, don’t eat it. If you don’t like goose or duck, by all means, leave it alone. But you should have something better to do than stand on the side of the road holding signs in the air equating the practice of gavage with hating animals. You need to get a real life.
Michael S. Anderson, McDonough
HEALTH INSURANCE
Elected officials should be responsible to voters
I am gravely distressed at our Legislature’s disregard for women and children’s health. They have passed legislation allowing insurance companies to sell policies that do not cover mammograms, Pap smears, pregnancy, well child care and other major coverages for women and children. This, under the guise of “good business.”
It might be good business for adult males who retain adequate health benefits, but not for the majority of the population who will be struggling to pay for everything insurance won’t cover (and certainly not for the taxpayers who will foot the bills when folks fall sick without adequate coverage).
I hope voters will hold elected officials responsible for decisions they make.
Dr. John Hill, Athens
LIBRARIES
Cobb deserves praise for keeping doors open
If you haven’t been to a public library lately, you might be forgiven for thinking that closing 13 of 17 Cobb County library branches is just another practical business decision. Venture to any library branch, and you might just be surprised to witness the buzz of activity.
From meeting space to computers, children’s collections to reference services, our libraries are even more relevant in the Google and Wikipedia age than ever before. In view of the closing of most bookstores, I for one am delighted to employ the use of my local branch.
Hear, hear to Cobb County officials for keeping branches of its public library system open to serve its citizens.
Laura Voisinet, Atlanta
