Can’t induce the rich to hire more workers
Alan Essig makes a superb argument (“So-called fix is a proven failure,” Opinion, Feb. 22) that shifting income taxes from the wealthy to the less-than-wealthy does little or nothing to induce the wealthy to hire more workers. Increased consumer spending encourages the wealthy to add workers and increase production, but that sort of logic doesn’t quite support the agenda of politicians trying to help wealthy benefactors. What Essig didn’t say is that “job creation” is really a carrot dangled by politicians to tempt an unwary public into supporting a proposal that will hurt more than help those struggling to make ends meet. One is reminded of the old, off-the-record version of the Golden Rule observed by so-called representatives under the Gold Dome: “Them that’s got the gold makes the rules.”
Birney A. Montcalm, Winston
Misleading to advise giving up soft drinks
I write regarding some misleading statements in “One way to lose weight: Watch what you drink” (ajc.com, Feb. 20). As a registered dietitian, I feel it’s unfair to tell readers they can lose 10 pounds a year by giving up soft drinks. No single food or beverage causes obesity or even chronic diseases — it’s the culmination of large portions, too many calories consumed and not enough exercise. A recent study concluded consumption of added sugars has decreased since 2000 (largely due to reduced soda consumption); however, obesity rates continue to climb. This means we’re getting excess calories from somewhere else. As someone who sees patients every day, I believe all foods and drinks can be enjoyed as a part of a healthy diet. Consuming smaller portions and adding daily exercise are better compromises than eliminating something completely.
Alisa Winters, Atlanta
Oil refineries ripping us off at the pump
When I first started driving in 1954, gas was 26.9 cents a gallon for ethyl. The gasoline companies were making a profit. Now, the price varies as much as 10 cents or more a gallon at various stations. We are being ripped off and our representatives in Washington are letting it happen. The profits the gasoline companies are making are astronomical. We’ve still got plenty of oil under the ground in Texas if we would just access it. And why aren’t we building new refineries? If gasoline rises to $4 (or over) per gallon, you can kiss the U.S. as we have known it goodbye.
Jim Fonville, Marietta
Idiotic to think we can pick which laws to obey
When I read “Measure would let state defy feds” (Metro, Feb. 22), I howled with laughter. I cannot believe that the Senate leadership would even let a measure like this see the light of day — picking and choosing which federal laws Georgians will have to obey or not. Take this line of thinking to its illogical conclusion: If Georgians have the right to pick and choose which federal laws we enforce, then do I as a business owner have a right to pick and choose which state laws, rules and regulations I will obey? What if I choose not to obey the state’s tax laws? I am amazed at the level of idiocy under the Gold Dome.
Gary S. Cox, Atlanta
