Readers Write 12/8

SOCIETY

We’re still surrounded by caring individuals

My 12-year-old and I were recently traveling on I-285. As we began to exit, our vehicle skidded, hit the concrete median, then continued to skid and enter the ramp to I-20, before stopping on top of the guard rails on the far right shoulder. That we crossed traffic lanes unscathed is miraculous. What is even more miraculous is the way human beings care for each other in times of crisis.

A young woman who was traveling behind me parked her vehicle on the far left shoulder and crossed all those lanes to make sure we were fine. She called 911 (as I was too dazed to do anything). Another young man also came to ascertain that all was well, promised to stay with us until the police arrived, and then delivered on his promise.

Too often, we focus on all that is wrong around us. That morning, I was reminded of how much good there still is out there, if we only open our eyes. To both those individuals: I may not know your names, but I will always remember your kindness. Thank you, and God bless.

Denise L. Peroune, Lilburn

POLITICS

All Americans must unite for sake of country

How can one sit back and not allow himself (or herself) to be angry as to what is going on in our political system? I was always under the impression that all Americans wanted the best for our country. It seems that lately I have been exceedingly disillusioned with our politicians in Washington. Are we fighting to make this country a better, more loving and peaceful place to live, or are we just backing what we think will satisfy our selfish needs, no matter what? Why should we have to compromise for the good of our country?

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s words say it all.

America, this war between the Democrats and Republicans must cease. Our country is on the edge, and we must unite for everyone’s good.

Bernice Bass, Atlanta

POLITICS

If it’s broken, fix it — a paint job’s not the cure

How is Washington planning to restore the middle class? It can’t be done without people making a living wage. That was the whole basis for the expansion of the middle class following World War II.

All kinds of ideas are roiling in Washington, but none of them addresses the problem that the next generation is systemically set up to do less well than their parents. All the reforms and schemes in Washington do nothing to address this directly. If American society were a car (and that car had a faulty transmission), these fixes would be equivalent to putting new tires on the car and giving it a paint job. The car looks better, but it still won’t go. Without fundamental change, it’s an economy designed to exclude most of us and our progeny. Just tell us we’re serfs, and we haven’t any large stake in the economy or say in how society is shaped. The truth would be better than this charade.

Leave the tires on the rack, and the paint in the can if you’re not going to fix what’s broken.