CONSTITUTION
Document is not a fossil, should stay current with times
In regards to “Lawyers hear 2 views of Constitution” (Metro, Mar. 15th), I was both surprised and disappointed to read about U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. I have taught U.S. history for 16 years and read a number of books about the Constitution and the Founding Fathers. In every instance, the term “living” document has either been stated or implied. The inclusion of amendments allows for the Constitution to be reinterpreted over time. The Constitution that Justice Scalia acknowledges did not allow women to have rights equal to men (19th Amendment, ratified in 1920) nor did it allow African-Americans the right to citizenship (14th Amendment, ratified in 1868).
I would suggest Justice Scalia take some time to read about the creation of the U.S. Constitution before dismissing myself and others who disagree with him as practicing “idiocy.”
CRAIG AMBROSIO, ROSWELL
Climate Change
Nothing new about this phenomenon
The global climate is changing. It has been changing for eons!
During the latter part of the Ice Age, over 100,000 years ago, the “Laurentide” glacier formed and came as far south as Chicago. As it came south, it leveled mountains and dug deep valleys. About 14,000 years ago, it began melting due to global warming! There was not an SUV or coal-fired generator in sight!
It was about 2.5 miles thick. As it melted, the water filled the deep gouges the glacier had made and the Great Lakes were formed.
That is just one instance of what has been happening for millions of years on our dear planet. Global climate change will continue to happen whether we drive our SUV’s or not.
This is scientific fact recorded in geological formations, not politics or emotional political correctness. Anyone who tells you that global climate change is a recent phenomenon or is caused by human activity is either ignorant or lying to promote a political agenda.
FRED CRIGLER, ROSWELL
POLITICS
Civil War apparently isn’t over at Gold Dome
In the story “Last push as bills seek the final cut” (News, Mar. 18)), you quote Rep. Tom Rice, R-Norcross, saying to state Senate Rules Chairman Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga “I still think the South would have won at (the battle of) Chickamauga if you had been in charge.”
Imagine a contemporary German lawmaker saying to another, “Germany would have won so-and-so battle of World War II if you had been in charge.” The moral obtuseness and barely disguised white supremacy of our current leadership is fully on display at the Capitol.
GUS KAUFMAN JR., ATLANTA
HEALTH CARE
Kudos to Gov. Deal for helping rural hospitals
The Georgia Hospital Association and its board applaud Gov. Nathan Deal for his proactive plan to protect and preserve Georgia’s rural hospitals “Rule rewrite aims to help rural hospitals” (News, Mar. 20). During a time when so many rural hospitals in the state are struggling to keep their doors open, this option gives these facilities the flexibility to increase operational efficiency by tailoring their services to meet the needs of their communities. We are confident that this plan will enhance the financial viability of these major economic engines in our rural communities and, most important, ensure that these hospitals will be there to meet the long-term health care needs of rural Georgians. We appreciate the governor’s leadership on this critical issue and look forward to working with his administration to identify additional solutions.
EARL V. ROGERS, GHA PRESIDENT AND CEO
