Speed limits need consistency
I want to thank the AJC for the articles on speed traps. Second, I am glad the speed limit on I-285 has been changed to a more reasonable 65 mph. However, the programming of the variable speed signs needs perfecting. One recent morning, I drove from Riverside Drive to Peachtree Industrial Blvd. The speed signs were as follows: 65, 55, 45, 55, 55, 65, 55, 55. At no point did the traffic density or speed change — it was a steady 70 mph the entire way. I understand the theory behind the signs, but if, in practice, they are inappropriate and inaccurate, motorists will rightfully ignore them.
MARCIA BRANDES, PEACHTREE CORNERS
An encouraging separation on religion
Maureen Downey got it right in “Out of Bounds” (Atlanta Forward, Oct. 27). It’s interesting to note the evolution of the idea of “establishment of religion” from our colonial days to the present. In colonial Virginia, for example, the Church of England was established. Baptist and Roman Catholic taxpayers had to support the local Anglican rector. In Connecticut, Anglicans and Presbyterians had to support the local Congregationalist pastor. Once the Constitution was published, the idea of establishment began to be more broadly understood. Since disallowing prayer and Bible reading in public school opening exercises, our Supreme Court has inclined to give Jefferson’s ” Wall of Separation” metaphor a serious legal force. Government must be neutral concerning religion. Some regions and communities complain that the court is prohibiting “the free exercise” of religion. In fact, the court is encouraging all citizens — including citizens who deny religion — to be free to exercise the freedoms of American citizenship.
JOSEPH D. HERRING, JOHNS CREEK
Rev. Herring is a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta.
Can’t weigh justice through media
A letter on Sunday was entitled “DeKalb still needs closure to Ellis case.” Based on the headline, one would expect that any result from a retrial would satisfy the need. However, the writer stated only a conviction would be sufficient, that he was shocked that the jury couldn’t easily convict the defendant — further admitting his bias was based solely on reports from the newspaper. Why do you suppose jurors aren’t allowed to read media reports of their trials?
TOM DOOLITTLE, ATLANTA
