POLITICS
Democracy proven at its most ineffective
The problem with “democracy” can be illustrated by the recent debt ceiling crisis. We witnessed our politicians being pushed by segments of the public completely ignorant of economics. This is like 100 people advising a guy on how to fix his broken car. The one mechanic in the group gets voted down by the 99 thinking that he’s as ignorant as they are!
Muhammad Yungai, Decatur
POLITICS
If economy is to survive, government must shrink
The media has been detailing the drama with both the Democrats and Republicans, and their work to save our country from default. I have heard very little about any serious cuts in government. Both parties have their special-interest groups that got them into office, and wish to continue their welfare programs — at the expense of a shrinking private sector that has to fund these programs.
If the economy is to improve, the government has to massively shrink to only include the powers that the Constitution defined for the government. It is the private sector that drives the economy and provides jobs, but all the government has done is strangle the private sector and blow up the government with massively overpaid government employees.
Arne Jorgensen, chairman of the deficit reduction committee, Canton Tea Party Patriots
BUDGET
Earthlings can use funds going to Jupiter mission
Please explain so that I can understand why we’re funding a billion-dollar mission to Jupiter. Let’s take care of the financial problems on Earth first. That sum would go a long way to clean up our mess here.
Sara Hines Martin, Acworth
CIVIL WAR
Milledgeville a milestone in conflict’s history
The Civil War was a painful time in our nation’s history, but the lessons learned from it must not be forgotten (“Civil War brings more dollars to metro Atlanta,” Metro, Aug. 5). Those who are, or will be, visiting Civil War attractions during the conflict’s sesquicentennial would do well to remember that Milledgeville was the state capital during the hostilities. The Old Governor’s Mansion is a not-to-be-missed site.
My husband and I recently went on a guided tour of the facility, and we were very impressed with its restoration, artifacts, and history — all of which were detailed by our guide, who thoroughly answered our questions.
Michelle Hutchinson, Marietta
POLITICS
Selfish motive behind politicians’ criticism
Rep. Tom Price (and others who are so critical of the administration’s spending) would have much more credibility if they had been equally outspoken of President Bush when he ran up the public debt. This disingenuous outrage and “just say no” approach seems designed to keep the economy stalled long enough to get their party back in the White House. If politicians cared about the country, they would stop the public pontificating and work together as Americans to solve our current challenges.
Jack Murphy, Alpharetta
