Readers Write 12/28

AIR TRAVEL

Controllers working to ensure your flight safety

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association represents nearly 20,000 air traffic controllers and other safety professionals who work all year to ensure that you and your family travel in the safest, most efficient airspace system in the world. At Atlanta Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), which handles all airborne traffic into and out of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, we have 94 controllers. Many will be working this holiday season to keep you and your family safe.

AvoidDelays.com offers up-to-date flight information and links to view real-time traffic conditions around the country. You can also enter a flight number to see its past on-time performance, track live airport delays and get travel advice from air traffic controllers. At natca.org, you can learn how the air traffic control system works, and about the men and women who put your safety as their top priority.

It is our hope that you not only arrive safely this holiday season, but on time, too.

Michael S. Ryan, Atlanta TRACON facility representative, National Air Traffic Controllers Association

PATRIOTISM

Let’s reclaim the fervor we felt after Sept. 11

I noticed that a huge percentage of cars displayed an American flag (many had two flags and some, even four flags) following the horrible events of Sept. 11. This was a remarkable symbol of patriotism.

It is interesting to see just how fickle we are and how quickly we forget. There are very few flags displayed today. It is even difficult to find flags in some of our stores.

Let’s all return to that state of patriotic fervor.

William A. Teasley, Canton

FIRST RESPONDERS

Just wondering what makes them unique

The first responders injured and killed during the Sept. 11 attack are heroes, to be sure. But how is their sacrifice any different from that of many other emergency personnel killed and injured across America? Why does one group get millions in benefits — and the other, merely a mention in the local paper?

Regarding aid to these first responders, Congress seems more interested in political theater than in crafting sound policy.

John Cowan, Cartersville

ENVIRONMENT

America plays with fire in relying on crude oil

The form of energy supplying the modern world is limited, polluting and an ancient energy source. Converting buried hydrocarbons to energy is not a natural geological process and is out of sync for the absorption of the by-product by the world’s oceans.

Our infrastructure is now dependent on foreign commodities to sustain commerce, transportation, and a healthy economy. No military can force a supply of hydrocarbons by foreign nations to keep America’s infrastructure from crashing.

Unfortunately, human nature only acts after tragic events: world crises, then a supply network breakdown. America is at risk every day of a financial calamity and a global meltdown. The pinnacle of mankind’s achievements teeters on a cliff.