Stepping into politics drives wedge for group
Susan G. Komen for the Cure opened Pandora’s box with its controversial decisions concerning funding to Planned Parenthood. This is not a matter of pro-life versus pro-choice. This is a real lesson in what happens when a popular nonprofit steps into politics — especially with a highly charged issue such as abortion. The reversal of the decision was an attempt to make it all go away. Now, many supporters are trying to sniff out suspicions of Komen having political leanings. One consequence of this debacle has been the release of “too much” information — information that the average Komen supporter did not have, information which can be easily misconstrued to indicate politics. Komen has lost its innocence (perhaps forever) and split its support in the most horrible way: along political party lines.
CARLA HYMAN, ATLANTA
Tax chiefs shouldn’t be able to pocket payment
I have a hard time understanding why county tax commissioners in Georgia receive a personal payment (as a supplement to already-generous public-servant salaries) for collecting municipal taxes (“Tax chief may face pay cut,” News, Feb. 6). I appreciate that cities arrange with counties to collect taxes. My home is in the city of Atlanta and DeKalb County, and my tax payment goes directly to DeKalb County. While I understand why Atlanta should pay a small fee to DeKalb for collecting the tax, I see no reason why the commissioner should pocket that fee when our county-paid staff processes the tax payments. This practice must end.
Tom Salyers, Atlanta
Congress must OK reforms to regain trust
Congress must approve the following reforms to restore the trust of Americans in the federal government. Pass constitutional amendments requiring term limits for members of Congress and a single six-year term for presidents. Require senators, representatives, presidents, vice presidents, Cabinet members, White House advisers and high-ranking policymakers to release their yearly tax returns. The reforms would provide solid evidence that the legislative and executive branches represent the concerns of all Americans (and not a select group of corporations, national organizations, the wealthy and unions). The United States once again would become a nation of problem solvers and a beacon of hope.
Roy Wetherington, Tifton
