GANGS
Law enforcement deserves our gratitude
Regarding “Gang sweep nets 49 alleged members” (Metro, Dec. 20), I want to express my gratitude to members of the Gwinnett County Police Department and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their important work investigating gangs.
I know they work hard and are dedicated to making a dent in the ever-increasing gang crimes in our county. This type of criminal activity is a cancer on our neighborhoods, and on our society as a whole.
These public servants put their lives on the line as they try to solve these problems, and they don’t get the appreciation they should. It takes hours of work beyond their regular requirements, and I wish they could receive more reimbursement for their efforts. I wholeheartedly thank them — and hope they know how grateful we are.
Susan DeReimer, Loganville
PROPERTY TAXES
Base rate on acreage, replacement value
Since neither the need for local government services (such as schools, roads etc.), nor citizens’ obligation to pay for them have anything to do with the ups and downs of the housing market, why are property taxes based on such a volatile measure? Wouldn’t it make more sense to base property taxes on some combination of land acreage (which doesn’t change at all), and replacement value of the structures, which is far more stable than current market price?
John Pooler, Doraville
Real hero
Tebow a true leader and great role model
Thanks for the story on Tim Tebow (“Talk turns to Tebow,” Sports, Dec. 18.)
What a super role model for all ages all over the world. Many non-Christians tend to bash him, but I’m not quite sure why (other than the fact that they simply don’t understand the depth of our faith).
Tebow is a true leader with a tough work ethic — and I am betting even those teammates who may not believe exactly as he does still respect him completely. How refreshing it is to see a good guy do well in this world of phony heroes!
Susan Hartsfield Tanner, Cumming
Energy
Thomas Edison would embrace technology
What would Thomas Edison say about the closing of our oldest, most polluting power plants? As the inventor of the system by which these plants operate, is there any doubt that he would be dismayed that, with all of the technological breakthroughs in energy generation, we remain tethered to the one most destructive to our environment?
If Edison were alive today, he would surely be at the forefront of new technologies, and an advocate for progress. As it is, we are told that we will have to accept things as they have been (not as they could, and should be).
Don McAdam, Sandy Springs
