PATRIOTISM
The United States is a quilt of its own kind. It is a kaleidoscope of colors, prints and patterns — all different, but sewn together by the thread that is pride for America; that is liberty, that is freedom.
My family and I belong to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, and we are proud that we (and our community) are part of this quilt. I recently took my family down to our mailbox with two American flags and some tape. Both flags in hand, I put them on our mailbox. Every time I drove in and out of my driveway, those flags put a smile on my face. I smiled because I realized how proud I am to be an American citizen.
Sometimes I wonder what the forefathers’ vision for America was. George Washington once said, “The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.” I hope, in honor of our first president, we will all take pride in being Americans and celebrating this Independence Day.
Khola Humayun, Tunnel Hill
TRANSPORTATION
Second airport needed but politics may intrude
Thanks for the well-researched article on the unlikelihood of a second airport (“Secondary airport faces hurdles,” Business, June 26). I am a frequent flier living in Kennesaw, and it’s clear to me that Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport already has far more flights than can be supported by existing capacity. The tarmac traffic feels like I-285: Planes have to get in line by the gates simply to merge with the main take-off line, and then they’ll be given number 10 or 20 for take-off. Upon landing, it seems like there’s always a wait for an open gate. These delays are increasingly built into the scheduled flight times. I am now far more likely to drive than fly to Charlotte, Nashville, and even Tallahassee.
My cynical nature wonders to what extent the ongoing aversion to a second airport is partly a function of political dynamics and relationships between Fulton County, the various public transportation authorities and Delta. These groups are almost certainly satisfied with the existing air transportation situation in Atlanta.
Brian Zeiler, Kennesaw
SUPREME COURT
Wal-Mart been nothing but helpful to career
My experience at Wal-Mart has been the opposite of Cynthia Tucker’s characterizations (“Wal-Mart? More like Wal-Marx,” Opinion, June 26). Wal-Mart has encouraged my career development every step of the way. I am grateful I have been able to move up within the same company, and build a great career.
I started in Arkansas as a finance manager at the Sam’s Club division. I earned several promotions. In 2008, I wanted to leave the home office support team and run stores. Wal-Mart helped me make that huge leap. I became a market manager, with responsibility for nine stores. Today, I’m a regional general manager, with responsibility for 88 stores, and 26,000 associates in and around Atlanta.
One reason the Supreme Court rejected the class-action filing in the Dukes lawsuit is that associates like me (who have had such a positive work experience) would have had no ability to opt out of the case. I would essentially have been forced to join in suing the company that has given me so much opportunity. That is a decision I can make for myself. I believe the court made the right decision.
Karen Brewer-Edwards, regional general manager, Wal-Mart U.S.
HOUSING
Owning a home not the right answer for some
Regarding “Homeowners living dream deserve break” (Readers write, Opinion, June 26), since when do apartment dwellers not pay taxes and since when do they not put down roots?
I have paid my taxes through management for the last 25 years of two apartments I have occupied. For many of us senior citizens, an apartment is an excellent solution to our housing problems. Aging comes at a high price. I no longer am in a position to do maintenance on a home. But there are also those whose careers depend on their mobility, and an apartment provides that, with many amenities.
Not long ago, an economist who lived in an apartment compared the costs of home ownership with apartment dwelling, and pointed out that home ownership is not the answer for everyone. The recent meltdown in the housing market is often attributed to the fact that people who could not meet the costs of home ownership were often encouraged to enter that market (with the accompanying disaster). Believe me, that disaster has cost us all more than any taxes we might pay.
Madeline G. Korff, Canton
POLITICS
It’s time for the governor to get to work on jobs
It will soon be approximately six months since Gov. Nathan Deal has taken office. Georgia ranks in the top 10 with the highest foreclosure rates. During his campaign, candidate Deal said he was a businessman, and talked about his experience with job creation; that he would bring business acumen to the Statehouse. Those Georgia residents who are unemployed are still waiting to hear from the governor’s office on his job creation plan.
The honeymoon is over. We need to hear from the governor on his economic plan to turn the state around. Remember, each employee who is hired pays city, state and local taxes, which can help each one of those municipalities with their budget issues.
Jim Shallis, Suwanee
