POLITICS
GOP’s ‘pledge’ is rhetoric without real direction
This election season, beware of opportunistic candidates who proclaim lofty principles and goals, but dodge the tough policy questions.
The GOP’s banal “Pledge” and tea party rhetoric offer simple principles and elusive goals, with few realistic details regarding future policy (or how that policy will be achieved in the halls of Congress). This is no time to be trudging forward without a road map, and the “Pledge” is no road map — it’s not even a plan to make a road map!
It is possible for a diverse people to advance diverse principles, and yet reach consensus on policy.
In other words, we can find the middle ground without individuals sacrificing what they hold dear.
So, don’t vote for someone who spouts the party rhetoric, and won’t answer the tough questions. Uninformed voters get the government they deserve.
Mike Ford, Alpharetta
POLITICS
In contest of arrogance, Deal undoubtedly wins
I am a citizen of this state. I am sick of TV advertisements telling us how Roy Barnes was arrogant when he was our chief executive.
Deal is more than arrogant. He thinks he is above the law. He must have been aware of disclosure requirements.
Would you hire a man who did not know he had thousands of dollars in debt on his balance sheet?
Bob Baszkowski, Marietta
GOVERNMENT
Officials no longer care about serving public
As a child who’d just learned to read, I looked over at the police car from the back seat of my mom and dad’s Maverick. The officer inside seemed dignified and imposing. The shiny black and white vehicle seemed equally imposing. I’d seen many police shows on TV, and had come to hold officers in fearful respect. Then, my eyes moved to a quote on the back panel of the officer’s car: “To serve and to protect.” This was an epiphany. Officers had to serve us? I never looked at officers the same after that. I realized that officers got their right to protect from my parents and eventually from me.
After watching the debacle known as the U.S. government for 32 years, I realize the motto should be on the walls of Congress and the front door of the White House. It should replace “In God we trust.”
Officials are our servants — our protectors of individual rights. It’s high time the American public understands this fully, and puts these jackals in their proper place: as servants.
David Elmore, Roswell
SCHOOL SAFETY
Districts need to protect students from bullies
Students are often bullied or harassed without mercy because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, or simply because of who their tormentors think they are. Our local school districts need to take immediate steps to protect all students — and make sure they have a safe learning environment.
Joan Lask, Alpharetta
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