Require candidates to prove their worth
Regarding “Let’s pick legislators based on an IQ test” (Readers write, Opinion, June 6), I have a better idea. Let’s only allow folks to run for office whose personal financial affairs are in order and who have at least a minimum of common sense. I know a lot of “smart” people who aren’t all that bright when it comes to using common sense in their decision-making process.
Make sure legislators don’t owe back taxes, that they pay their bills in full and on time and that — in some way — they have demonstrated the ability to handle their own lives before we let them attempt to run ours from a position of power.
KIMBERLY RAYMER, PEACHTREE CITY
Internal motivation drives best learners
I agree with Shane Blatt (“Competition is best teacher,” Opinion, June 7) that competition inspires some students to achieve — but I disagree that these instances automatically support the valedictorian tradition. Blatt calls for “sound logic.” In that spirit, I wonder if critics of the tradition “downplay excellence.” Could they not, instead, be redefining excellence?
As a high school teacher for more than 30 years, I have seen the most capable learners develop from internal, rather than external motivation. These students tend to focus on the competition of ideas. More often than not, the high grades follow (depending on the particular teacher and school).
BILL BROWN, SANDY SPRINGS
Atlanta needs to fix traffic for our future
I have recently graduated from college and have moved back to my hometown, Atlanta. It has been four years since Atlanta was my permanent residence, and it has not been a pleasant return. I am spending more time downtown due to work and find it extremely frustrating that a commute that should take 20 minutes turns into an hour. While I sit in traffic I repeat over and over how horrible this is and how we need solutions — and lots of them. I was hesitant to support the transportation referendum, but it was not until recently that I learned that this referendum is exactly what metro Atlanta needs.
I hear many people speak ill of my city due to the traffic and underfunded bus systems. Atlanta has grown over the years, and it is time for us to meet the needs of the people. The future success of Atlanta will be determined by the voters on July 31. This referendum will ensure that businesses stay in Atlanta and that jobs are created for me and future college graduates.
JOCELYN THOMPSON, ATLANTA
Big spending caused by Republican policies
In her column (“If you want a paycheck, cast your vote for Romney,” Opinion, June 6), Mona Charen infers that the increase in spending under President Barack Obama shows that the Democrats are the party of big spending. This is a selective presentation of the facts.
She leaves out the millions spent for the unnecessary war and rebuilding of Iraq under the George Bush administration. President Obama’s spending has been for the benefit of struggling Americans caught in a recession brought on by Republican policies of inadequate regulation of our financial system.
KARLA PEABODY, KENNESAW
