Business deregulation helped free enterprise
Regarding “Troubles began with Carter’s presidency” (Readers write, Opinion, Dec. 5), airline deregulation (as with other deregulation initiatives of the Carter administration) was designed to “reduce” regulatory burdens on business and allow free enterprise to play a greater role in business success. Before the Carter administration took a knife to these knots, many industries were bound by regulations put in place by lobbyists and parochial congressional interests to inhibit competition. This had been the practice for many years. Business deregulation under President Jimmy Carter benefitted free enterprise by removing government interference with business in a way that promoted competition. The result of free markets and competition is that some businesses succeed — and others don’t.
Jay Beck, Atlanta
Many have gotten wealthy off their labor
Regarding “Gingrich should drop immigration baggage” (Opinion, Dec. 6), Thomas Sowell suggests what’s preventing Newt Gingrich from being the perfect Republican candidate is his soft stance on deporting illegal immigrants. Newt believes (as do I) that it’s sheer folly to consider removing millions of illegals (many have been here for decades, have naturalized offspring and own property). With amnesty out of the question, Sowell apparently relishes the prospect of government troops rounding up illegals who don’t leave voluntarily onto cattle cars, and dumping them across the border. Sowell (like so many others of his ilk) doesn’t [care] that these oft-exploited, hard-working people have long been tacitly welcomed into our country and our economy, and many an American has gotten rich off their labor.
Birney A. Montcalm, Winston
Jobless shouldn’t be forced to volunteer
Under no circumstances should anyone unable to find a job be forced into volunteering, whether they are on unemployment insurance or not. I have never worked outside my home and have done tons of hours of community service because I wanted to and because they fit my talents. While I can see community service as an alternative to imprisonment for misdemeanors, I consider that a person’s free time is his own. He paid into unemployment when he was working.
Did the state representative [behind this idea] do that as well? What happens when he loses his job? Should we penalize him as well? Come to think of it, maybe we ought to since the job comes with so many perks, he probably doesn’t need another one.
MADELINE G. KORFF, CANTON
