CHILD CARE
Inspections alone aren’t enough to ensure safety
I am writing about the horrific tragedy wherein 2-year-old Jazmin Green died after being left in a van outside a child care center. As the executive director of the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, I know how important it is to investigate such tragedies. The issue, though, is much larger. Marlo’s Magnificent Early Learning Center has a history of violations. What is most troubling is the lack of follow-up and accountability to ensure that all violations were resolved and would not happen again. Inspections alone are not good enough. Effective oversight requires the immediate written notification of parents, and subsequent compliance checks to ensure all issues have been corrected.
Linda K. Smith, executive director, National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies
PEACE CORPS
Isakson is doing what more politicians should
Regarding “Death binds Isakson and Puzey family” (Metro, June 30), Sen. Johnny Isakson’s involvement with the Puzey family, and what must be an excruciating effort in getting protection for Peace Corps volunteers, is one of the most inspiring stories I’ve read in a long time.
I usually disagree with Isakson’s politics, but this gives me hope that politicians are capable of understanding that they are put in office to help their constituents.
Kudos to Isakson, and thanks to the Puzeys for their determination in the face of atrocity and sorrow.
Katherine Bolt, Roswell
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
Workers who come here help Georgia to succeed
Our immigrant workforce helps Georgia companies to succeed and create more jobs for all of us — and all of the businesses that support those companies. Income of all workers goes to our communities to pay rent, purchase homes, and to buy gas, groceries and other goods and services.
Increased sales tax helps our local and state governments operate effectively, benefiting Georgians from Atlanta (where construction is vital) to towns like Vidalia, where one of our favorite exports is at risk of rotting in the ground. Most Georgia businesses will be at a competitive disadvantage with other states should we fail to implement an effective work-permit system.
John Barbour, Atlanta
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
It’s a crime, so why shouldn’t U.S. deter it?
If I sneak into a place of business and steal goods for a long time, I am subject to being arrested and jailed. But, if I sneak across the border and steal free education and free health care, I then can march and demand that I should be allowed to continue my theft with no penalty.
If those taking these freedoms were to demand them from their home country, all of Central and South America would have the same rights that the United States fought for, and won. I realize the genie is out of the bottle, and we cannot send millions back home — but if we can use thousands of troops to guard the South Korean border, why can’t we at least put a plug in our southern border?
Glenn Mixon, Covington
