PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should pull over texting drivers
I am in total agreement with the article “NTSB: Driving with phones must change” (News, June 22).
It has reached the point that you have to watch how you are driving, as well as everyone else on the road. I have yet to see an Atlanta police officer stop an individual for texting, eating, or driving in the center lane at a very low speed (which is dangerous as well). Disaster is just waiting to happen unless something is done. I think suits of armor are in order to protect ourselves. R.L. Turner, Atlanta
POLITICS
Obama off to a bad start in quest for greatness
Many say President Barack Obama wishes to be the modern-day Abraham Lincoln. From my study, the No. 1 objective of Abraham Lincoln was to preserve the union.
In the first three years under the Obama administration, the United States has taken on (or will take on) approximately $4.5 trillion in debt.
What’s happening here? With the fragile recovery as an excuse, the ability to borrow in the future (with the baby boomer entitlements just beginning) is being depleted to preserve lifestyles through the next election. The situation is analogous to the first leg of a seven-leg Alaskan dog sled team consuming half of the food allotted to the team for the entire race.
A great president (which President Obama apparently desires to be) would level with the American people about the gravity of the situation and the need for sacrifice, propose solutions, and then work with Congress to enact legislation that solves the problems. Instead, what the Obama administration is doing could eventually destroy the union.
Allen Buckley, Smyrna
MARTA
That ‘welcome’ might be a waste of money
There is a question that I wish someone at the paper would explore (which was brought to mind by the recent decision to raise MARTA fares).
A couple of years ago, MARTA installed hundreds of digital signs in its system that do nothing but repeat “Welcome to MARTA.” It must cost some significant amount for electricity to operate the signs. What could possibly be the benefit of continuing to run these signs when MARTA is out of money?
Bruce Edelston, Sandy Springs
MARTA
Higher fare still lower than in San Francisco
Regarding “MARTA fares to jump to $2.50, among highest in nation” (ajc.com, June 22), Atlanta’s rapid transit fare is a bargain compared to some.
A round trip from San Francisco’s airport to downtown on their version of MARTA is about $16. Of course, San Francisco transit workers are unionized and well-paid ...
Alan Hull, Conyers
ETHICS
Actually, all governors ought to fly first class
Regarding Gov. Nathan Deal’s medallion status on Delta, every governor in every state should fly first class when traveling on state matters, including our governor.
It’s even better if the airlines comp it, but it’s not necessary.
Tom Wilder, Woodstock
