CARTOON
Luckovich is the loser
So, in Mike Luckovich's world, pitchman Billy Mays can get to heaven to clean St. Peter's robe (Opinion, June 30), while the entrance of multitalented entertainer and humanitarian Michael Jackson has to be decided by a coin toss (Opinion, June 26)? You're the true loser, Mr. Luckovich. Your soul is as hollow as the drawing instruments you use.
John Young Moreland Jr., Atlanta
A total lack of taste
Mike Luckovich certainly has a right to his opinion, but his cartoons showing St. Peter welcoming Billy Mays, but fighting with the devil over Michael Jackson, are just tasteless. While we all embrace our celebrities in a personal way, I can't see how he can know the state of Billy Mays' soul or Michael Jackson's soul, or anyone else's, for that matter. He should have his hands full keeping track of his own.
Sadie Whitmore, Stockbridge
GOVERNMENT
Query for candidates
Atlanta, it is time for our elected officials to start looking at increased revenue — not from the overburdened Atlanta property taxpayers, but from within the city government. The property tax increase proposed by Mayor Shirley Franklin and the City Council in this time of economic downturn shows that they would rather burden the property owners with their fiscally irresponsible behavior than to look at huge revenue streams that privatizing our airport and its leasing rights afford. As the next mayoral election approaches, this might be one question that every Atlantan should ask each candidate: are you in favor of privatizing Hartsfield-Jackson to help balance the city budget?
Michael Ligas, Atlanta
COLUMNIST
Cynthia tosses stones
Cynthia Tucker tiptoes around the old glass house bit like a ballet dancer with sore toes ("Those who live in glass ...," Opinion, June 28). Let's see. When you live in a glass house, don't throw stones. In this case Tucker means: if you have moral standards, act saintly or shut up. For politicians, Tucker demands a "private zone" in which no one is to notice anything. Unfortunately, Tucker has no problem displaying the "private zone" of any Republican leader. No "glass house" for Tucker. She really likes to throw those subtle stones, especially when there's a Republican like Sanford to hit. Too bad she gets all touchy and tender with Democrats.
Catherine Boone Shealy, Atlanta
WHITE COLLAR CRIME
Send him to Florida
Many think that the 150 years that Bernie Madoff was sentenced to is just, because he will die in prison. A better sentence would be to send him to Florida, and have him break rocks in the hot sun. Put him in the striped uniform, fix him to a ball and chain, and let him get cracking.
Don G. White, Atlanta
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