ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Georgia’s small towns are jewels of their own
National Tourism Week this week is a great opportunity to draw attention to one of America’s (and Georgia’s) largest industries.
Tourists spend nearly $20 billion in Georgia annually. This spending not only contributes more than $1.5 billion to state and local tax coffers, but it supports the jobs of more than 200,000 Georgians. The next time your travels take you outside the metro areas of the state, I encourage you to get off the highway and discover genuine Georgia. I hear from visitors time and again how much they have enjoyed our small town squares, main streets and downtowns. Here, you can experience local farm-to-table dining; a pick-your-own farm; unique accommodations; boutiques and antiques; theater productions and events; outdoor activities at one of the best state park systems in the nation; and more.
Georgia’s small towns are full of endless possibilities. I guarantee you will be captivated by each stop’s unique southern charm.
I encourage you to plan at least one Georgia adventure this summer. You are guaranteed to have a memorable getaway.
For more information, visit exploregeorgia.org.
Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner for tourism, Georgia Department of Economic Development
BIN LADEN
We should offer no aid to a fair-weather friend
OK, so after 10 years, we finally got Osama bin Laden. Let’s all commend President Barack Obama for having the fortitude to go in with an aggressive raid (rather than the unforgiveable failure at Tora Bora under the prior administration).
The bigger problem is Pakistan, which obviously sheltered bin Laden, and continues to protect terrorists. It makes no political nor moral sense to provide military or other aid to a fair-weather friend. On the other hand, we do need them. At a minimum, we should cut the dollars going in and try to restrict aid to “feet on the ground,” military and civilian economic development advisers.
Jack Bernard, Monticello
POLITICS
You may dislike him, but you must respect Obama
Well, Neal Boortz, I had to withhold my gag reflex when I read your article “Obama wins praise, but no reprieve” (Opinion, May 7). This was your reaction when you referred to Barack Obama as “President” Barack Obama for the heroic capture and killing of Osama bin Laden. It’s this type of derision by talk radio that is hurting the country and discourages civility and discussion about real issues facing this country.
After 9/11, it was singular focus that Americans wanted to capture bin Laden; Obama made that a campaign promise and he did just that. Therefore, offering praise and referring to this nation’s leader as President Obama should not have been that difficult. Free will affords you the chance to hate his politics, but please show respect for the man in the Oval Office.
Angela Albert-Easley, Marietta
