A scene reminiscent of pigs at the trough
Regarding your excellent article on lobbying (“Legislators graze on lobbyists’ tab,” News, Jan. 29) and Kyle Wingfield’s piece on the same subject (“When a little goes a long way,” Opinion, Jan. 29), when I was a kid visiting my grandmother’s farm in the summer, she would take the table scraps “out back,” and her pigs would nearly trample each other trying to get to the trough.
I am reminded of this scene every January when the Georgia Legislature convenes to wreak havoc on the public.
In the context of lobbying, the synonym for “gift” is bribe.
As a manager in the private sector, my limit on the “gifts” I could accept from vendors was $0 (an occasional lunch excepted).
Let lobbyists influence legislators the way the public does: call, write, fax or visit.
Len Cayce, Suwanee
Response to “New reactors on verge of final OK” ( News, Jan. 29).
Thank you for your excellent coverage of the two new nuclear reactors proposed for Plant Vogtle.
I have one question.
Since we as taxpayers are guaranteeing the plant with over $8 billion in loans, and since we the consumers and ratepayers of Georgia Power have been paying toward the construction of the plant for some time, shouldn’t we receive a part of the profit which will ensue (should the plant actually be built)?
Or is this just another example of money flowing from the 99 percent to the richest 1 percent?
Betsey Miklethun, Peachtree Corners
It’s just the way things are done in Georgia
Regarding “Legislators graze on lobbyists’ tab” (News, Jan. 29), when is the AJC going to understand how business is done in Georgia?
If a company desires a legislative favor, they hire a lobbyist and give that person all the resources (money) needed to wine and dine the appropriate committees.
Since our legislators only make $17,500 a year, the wheels of lawmaking are easily greased with fine dining and cocktails.
And since there are no limits on the size of lobbyist gifts, once in a while the lobbyist may even spring for a pricey golf outing or a trip to Europe.
It’s all in the name of good government, right?
These are good folks, these lobbyists.
Sure, there are many businesses and organizations that can’t afford lobbyists and the gifts they give — but that’s how business is done in Georgia.
Don McAdam, Sandy Springs
Shocked, shocked that ethics are questioned
Regarding “Legislators graze on lobbyists’ tab” (News, Jan. 29), apparently, many members of the Georgia Legislature feel limits on lobbyist spending are unnecessary — and they are correct.
Everyone knows that while a legislator may accept meals, sporting-event tickets, lavish trips or other such gifts, that would in no way even remotely influence said legislator’s actions in state business involving the firm or industry represented by the lobbyist.
These are all ethical people on both sides, with no agenda or ulterior motives.
Certainly, there has never been an instance in Georgia politics whereby those elected to represent us and make laws have ever been compromised by a gift.
And anyway, these really aren’t gifts (but perks of office).
After all, we citizens can’t expect a person who runs for an elected office that only pays $17,500 a year to do so just to serve his or her fellow citizens.
In fact, it would probably be a good idea to allow lobbyists to cover all out-of-pocket costs borne by legislators.
There is certainly no need to require reports with details of these transactions.
Yeah, sure.
Michael L. Shaw, Stone Mountain
Merely laying blame where blame is due
The author of a letter complains that the president keeps “blaming” George Bush for our country’s economic problems and states that President Barack Obama has more than doubled the deficit since he came into office (“Obama better at being a blamer than a leader,” Readers write, Opinion, Jan. 30).
The letter writer should be reminded that when Bill Clinton left office, there was no deficit. There was a surplus.
Bush and Republican economic policies squandered both. With an election coming up, the president is wise to remind us all of what happens when Republicans control the economy.
He’s making good progress without the help of Republicans, who are working against any gains he might make.
Republicans should continue to opt out of our progress, and let the Democrats undo the damage and bring prosperity back. Bruce White, Tucker
Freedom of expression, freedom of rejection
This is in response to “Cartoon about chef was ‘beyond tasteless’” (Readers write, Opinion, Jan. 29). I was under the impression that the freedom of press (and speech) still existed.
Mike Luckovich’s cartoons are just that. He has an opinion of newsworthy subjects that are depicted in an entertaining format.
Check out the opinion articles throughout any news vehicle (in this case, the AJC), and I just bet if you don’t like the subject, you ignore it.
The next time you run across a Luckovich cartoon and are offended, simply put the paper in your trash.
This is what freedom is all about in our wonderful country. Sara Westbrook, Cumming
In no position to sling mud or throw stones
Regarding “Forget mudslinging, it’s time to get serious”
(Opinion, Jan. 31), Newt Gingrich would do well to heed my grandfather’s advice as it applies to mudslinging:
People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”
Jim Conway, Roswell
