Readers write

The 1996 Atlanta Olympics was one for the ages for our town. It should be left to stand on its own as a masterpiece. What Billy Payne did was truly amazing. The idea that was first laughed at became a wonderful reality. Nothing before or since comes close to having the kind of impact on our region as that event.

If there is a person out there right now who has the vision, perseverance and organizational skills of a Billy Payne, this person’s talents would best be used to find and implement that “next great idea” for our city.

JOEL SMITH, STOCKBRIDGE

BIPARTISANSHIP

Obama’s words thwart

calls for national unity

A frequent writer to the AJC recently implored all of us to put aside our differences — Republicans and Democrats — for the good of the country (“More than ever, we all need to come together,” Readers write, Opinion, March 17) .

I can’t disagree with the ideals expressed in that letter. All are admirable — but it is just not that simple.

Former media darling John Edwards tried his best to divide us with “two Americas.” Our current president continues with “the wealthy must pay their fair share.” Who is working to divide the country? What such rhetoric did you hear from Mitt Romney?

The writer’s statement that “both Republicans and Democrats pay taxes” deserves some scrutiny.

In fact, 50 percent of the wage earners in the country are tax deadbeats, so maybe there are two Americas.

LEN CAYCE, SUWANEE

FULTON COUNTY

With exemption hike,

reform finally begins

Jim Galloway’s piece, “Grady hospital now part of Capitol debate” (Metro, March 17) lays out Fulton County Commission Chairman John Eaves’ argument that an increase in the Fulton County homestead exemption will force cuts in services to Grady. Sorry, but that just is not so.

Observers of politics know that the first law of bureaucracies on any level of government is self-preservation. They will always seek out the most popular or needed programs and claim that they are the first ones to be cut.

I ask people to not fall for these Chicken Little screams of desperation. Fulton County is over 90 percent municipalized by population. Therefore, it is right and reasonable to reduce the footprint of county government and expect cities to take on larger roles. That said, there will still be sufficient revenue available for certain truly county-wide services such as courts, libraries and Grady Hospital.

For years, the people of Fulton County have been clamoring for reforms, but their efforts have been thwarted. This year, with a new, reform-minded delegation in place, we are finally able to move forward.

REP. EDWARD LINDSEY, GEORGIA HOUSE REPUBLICAN MAJORITY WHIP

GAY RIGHTS

Attacking a lifestyle

reveals one’s sexism

The definition of sexism is prejudice or discrimination based on sex. I see it in play every time I read a letter to the editor about Chick-fil-A.

If you saw a gay couple walking down the street, would you complain about their “lifestyle” or point out their “sins”? If one member of the couple was male and the other was female, would you do the same thing? If your behavior changed based on the gender of the people in a relationship, you fit the definition of a sexist.

Justify it with obscure Bible verses if you want, but the definition doesn’t lie. Sexism is still prominent in society, and I find it wrong that I should be asked to tolerate it.

SARA MILLER, MARIETTA