Athletic achievement valued over academics
The Sports section of the AJC (“Drama at its best,” Feb. 2) carried extensive coverage of students selected to attend colleges of their choice on athletic scholarships. Many have been on the radar of numerous colleges even before their high school days.
Where are the newspaper articles about students who are being wooed by colleges because of their intellectual abilities? Many of these young men and women are the future of our country — yet a majority must “make it on their own” to gain the advantage of higher education.
If they receive scholarship assistance, it is usually due to the honors they receive for their grades and educational achievements. It is not fair (no pun intended) that these young folks are not competing on a level playing field.
Bob Grayson, Cumming
Mayor should focus on Atlanta, not China
Why in the world is Mayor Kasim Reed proposing a trip to China to strengthen ties? We need to do that within our own borders, lessen our dependence on China and create jobs at home.
In addition, the “streetcar to nowhere” has jumped in estimated cost from $72 million to $94 million to build — another waste of money.
The beat goes on.
R. L. Turner, Atlanta
Before judging, walk a mile in poor’s shoes
Sadly, critics in our society seem to feel the need to assail the poor, based more on their own animosity and ignorance than on any practical reality.
The general assertion that the unfortunates simply do not want to work or possess other degrading characteristics seems to be a pleasing alternative to the facts.
To ignore the socioeconomic background of the poor, their composition (many are women and children), their limited access to education and higher paying jobs and the many other problems that poverty initiates (such as crime, substance abuse and absent husbands) shows a true lack of concern for humanity.
Perhaps if we spent time walking in the shoes of these people, we might come to a different conclusion. We might also come to appreciate how fortunate we are to have had the privileges and advantages of our own circumstances.
Bob McDonald, Woodstock
Gingrey’s walk out disrespects president
Regarding “Ga. lawmaker walks out on Obama” (News, Feb. 3), the lack of respect Rep. Phil Gingrey and his ilk display toward the president of the United States is staggering.
Does Gingrey not see the injection of his own political agenda when he gets up and walks out on his own president? Can you imagine the uproar had this happened to George Bush? Laurie McDowell, Atlanta
