Readers Write 1/25

HAITI

America’s generosity continues to inspire

As I continue to read the AJC’s coverage of the earthquake in Haiti, I am again struck by the generosity of our country. The amazing outpouring of support is reminiscent of our response to other crises such as Sept. 11 and Katrina, when we reached out to help each other. The terrible suffering in Haiti has again brought out the best in us and reminded us of how blessed we are here in America.

I can only hope that the unity of purpose we now feel in helping our less fortunate neighbors will inspire us to overcome the divisions we often feel in our own politics. As we unite to help others, let’s hope we can find ways to unite at home, to overcome our political differences, and to work together in a spirit of compromise and bipartisanship to solve the pressing issues of our own great country.

Harry Findley, Atlanta

TAXES

Don’t blame the IRS; blame the tax cheats

Contrary to his intentions, Bob Barr outlined all of the reasons why the IRS needs to be expanded (“Keep the IRS out of health care,” Opinion, Jan. 18). Barr should keep in mind the adage, “taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society.”

The IRS is simply the monitor of that requirement. If every citizen and corporation simply paid the taxes they owe, there would be less concern about deficits and debts.

James C. Coomer, Norcross

TRANSPORTATION

Arterial street system isn’t the answer

Wendell Cox is an incorrigible apologist for the car (“Arterial street system needed,” Opinion, Jan. 17).

He says, “Atlanta’s pathetic freeway system needs improvement.” Of course, if he means it’s inadequate to bear its traffic burden, he is right. And it always will be inadequate.

If by improving arterials, he means expanding major suburban arteries, he would have them more frightening to drive than they already are: essentially, freeways with unlimited access/egress, and regular traffic lights. If he means intown arterials, he is recommending an insane dislocation of structures, businesses and homes.

Arterial expansion might move more cars, but it would be hell on lifestyle. But Cox does say, “It is time to put the romance away.”

Cox’s kind of thinking has been around since the end of World War II, and it hasn’t much improved getting from here to there in cities. Followed to its conclusion, we could pave everything — and there would be no here nor there to worry about. Bob Eberwein, Atlanta

ANIMAL CRUELTY

Those who harm critters must not read the paper

It would be nice if the people who abandoned precious animals saw the letters and articles in the paper. If they cared about anything in life, it would never enter their minds to abandon a helpless creature.

We have received more love from animals over the years than we have ever received from other people.

June P. Lewallen, Bowdon