Economy
When I was a kid, we lived with my grandmother, a tough, independent, high-spirited lady, and the wife of a dirt farmer.
She was a recognized leader in her community. She put out word that the Depression had hit everybody hard and we should find a way out. She gave orders that everybody should cut everything 10 percent. That included suppliers, professionals, teachers, and the farmers themselves. People listened to and obeyed that grandmother. She, her friends and associates survived the Depression. Their children went on to colleges, entered society and became successful, and inspirations to others.
I suspect my grandmother (were she living today) would suggest that everybody, from the top industrialists to the home-cleaning service people, cut back 10 percent. I believe once inside the Beltline, our political representatives lose focus on the needs of those back home. If my grandmother were alive today, and if the Democrats and Republicans would listen to her sage advice, we would be well on the road to recovery. Denton Harris, Atlanta
BUSINESS
Regardless of religion, biblical principles a plus
The Sunday article about Chick-fil-A was interesting and informative, and demonstrates that a company can prosper without ignoring ethics and principles (“Biblical principles help shape business,” News, Feb. 20). While those without religious convictions or with strongly differing beliefs may attempt to criticize the company, success is difficult to demean, particularly when such success was not achieved “on the backs” of others. The principles set forth in the Bible are applicable to business and life, whether or not one is a Christian, Jew or any other religion.
If those on Wall Street accepted the same principles and ethics and conducted business according to them, far fewer people would suffer, and the economy would most likely be better, and with fewer wild swings. Mike Deal, Alpharetta
Chick-fil-A founder sets a great business example
Praise and affirmation to Truett Cathy and Chick-fil-A for sticking to their principles and running a deservedly successful company (“Biblical principles help shape business,” News, Feb. 20).
I owned a sandwich shop years ago and taught my employees to provide that same warm and friendly service given at Cathy’s stores. What a great example they have set for all businesses to follow. The food and service are consistently outstanding, and being closed on Sundays is extremely respectful.
I believe this goes to show that employees who pray together stay together! Susan Hartsfield Tanner, Cumming
HOPE
Some would gladly pay to attend Georgia
I understand and agree with many of the points made by guest columnist Hugh D. Hudson Jr., although I do disagree with his assertion that what HOPE actually changed was the types of cars driven by rich kids (“HOPE’s founding ideal lost in debate,” Opinion, Feb. 20). I have two children: a daughter who is a junior at the University of South Carolina, and a son who is a senior and has been accepted to four of his choice colleges. Both would have liked to attend the University of Georgia, but, though both attended one of the top high schools in the state (and in the country), received great grades and pretty good SAT scores, neither one was accepted.
The one question not asked is, if my children had been given the option of attending Georgia without the HOPE scholarship, would they have done so? In our case, the answer would be, “Yes.”
Unfortunately for UGA and the state, my children and my money will go elsewhere.
Maybe this should be a question asked on all Georgia college applications: “Would you accept admission to the university if the HOPE is not offered?” Roy Wronker, Johns Creek
ETHICS
Oxendine’s power abuse should spur tough laws
Regarding “Oxendine’s actions assailed” (News, Feb. 20): On his last day as insurance commissioner, John Oxendine granted himself various regulated licenses without taking required tests. He rationalized this breach because of his industry experience, and reportedly acted to allay distractions to others following proper testing protocol. How nice of him to be so considerate.
The only thing worse than Oxendine’s actions is that our government has no policy in place to prevent such an occurrence, or to correct it. When are lawmakers going to realize there will always be disreputable politicians like Oxendine, who have no compunctions about flagrant abuse of power? If bipartisan agreement to strengthen and enforce ethics laws come about due to this situation, then it will have served at least a limited purpose. Michael L. Shaw, Stone Mountain
ATLANTA FALCONS
Don’t settle for less than a retractable roof
As a Falcons season ticket holder for several years, I would like to protest the plans for a new, open-air stadium. I don’t believe the Falcons management is listening to what the fans and season ticket holders want. Atlanta weather (varying from extreme heat during preseason to sub-freezing rain in the fall) is not conducive to fan comfort. Meanwhile, the wealthy and corporate sponsors will relax in their climate-controlled suites.
While there certainly is merit to having open air for the many beautiful Atlanta days (and to support a grass field), there must be a roof that can be closed during inclement weather. Why should Atlanta, as a cosmopolitan city, settle for anything less than a state-of-the-art facility with a retractable roof? I, for one, will drop my season tickets if the Falcons switch to an open-air-only stadium. Mark Hackett, Marietta
