Readers Write 11/28

ROYALS

Response to “Readers write,” Opinion, Nov. 21

I believe Mike Callahan must be looking through a very cloudy window when he claims that Prince William’s wedding announcement is somehow a window into how royalty can be corrupt and destructive in government.

On the contrary — those countries that still retain a constitutional monarchy are in fact among the least corrupt countries in the world. Callahan also suggests that monarchy is still alive in the form of oppressive socialist regimes — but it should be noted that most countries that practice this form of authoritarian government are republics, or dictatorships.

Colin Mason, Atlanta

SPORTS

Redemption for Vick must come off the field

Regarding “Tale of two cities, two quarterbacks” (Sports, Nov. 21): Announcing Michael Vick’s redemption because he’s playing football well is implying he went to prison because he played badly. He went to prison on a federal dog fighting conviction.

To those who say he served his time and should be celebrated for his athletic ability on the field, I remind you that he had some spectacular games while participating in criminal activity. Redemption will not come from being a hero on the football field. Redemption can only come from being a decent human being off the field.

Leslie Garretson, Marietta

IMMIGRATION

There’s no excuse for illegal entry into U.S.

Re “A foreign U.S. deficit reducer” (Opinion, Nov. 21): I am mortified that you let Cynthia Tucker write for the AJC.

My wife and I are first-generation Americans. Our parents emigrated to the United States, went through Ellis Island, learned the language, studied and applied for citizenship. They became “legal” immigrants and were finally awarded citizenship.

What nonsense Tucker advocates — that just because America needs young workers, they should be awarded citizenship without going through the process of becoming citizens. There are people who have legitimately entered the country and are going through the process to become citizens. The “illegals” should go back to where they came from, apply to enter the country and go through the process.

With unemployment hovering at around 10 percent, it doesn’t appear that we need more unskilled, uneducated people right now.

Fred Hahn, Roswell

ECONOMY

Hiring is dictated by need, not tax rates

To my fellow Republicans: Many of you are saying that increasing taxes on the wealthy (thereby reducing our cash) will limit our motivation and ability to hire. That is specious reasoning.

I used to own a foundry employing 50 to 75 people. I don’t like paying taxes any more than the next guy. However, my hiring decisions were never influenced by my ability to hire, but by my need to hire.

If my customers’ demands warranted it, I hired — if they didn’t, I fired. It’s that simple. My tax rates never entered the equation.

J.D. Holmes, Fayetteville

HEALTH CARE

Those who huff and puff over law are hypocrites

Don’t tell me that we can’t afford the Affordable Health Care for America Act. I find hypocritical the talk by our conservative patriots (in the media and government) of repealing this act. We have listened to talk show fans express their fake outrage at the huge deficits and enormous burdens facing our country, while offering nothing in return.

Members of Congress who are so angry at the idea of a government providing socialist medicine should give up their government-provided health care. They are not that angry, now — are they?

Kevin Kellogg, Cumming

DEFICIT

United States is heading in Ireland’s direction

Ireland’s government has announced it would borrow billions from the European Union and International Monetary Fund. This does not appear to be much — but for Ireland, this is extra debt on top of other debts for everyone who lives in Ireland. This is pushing their citizens into a hopeless amount of debt that was caused by their government.

The United States is heading in Ireland’s direction, and government spending on all levels must be drastically reduced. The first savings can be achieved by eliminating government-provided cell phones, cars and credit cards. Government subsidies for projects also add to debt, and Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson should support debt reduction (instead of lobbyists) and vote this session to stop renewing subsidies for ethanol.

James Rust, Atlanta

GOVERNMENT

GOP probably pulling our legs about earmarks

Pardon the expression, but it is time for the Republicans to get off the pot.

Since they know exactly what the American people want, they can start by eliminating all earmarks.