TRANSPORTATION
Metro Atlanta shouldn’t put brakes on Beltline
“Atlanta Forward?” How about, “Throw it in reverse”?
By the tone of “Waving a yellow flag” (Opinion, Oct. 23), it appears the AJC is pushing continued sprawl over smart growth. Yes, the Atlanta Beltline does craft “a new urban vision for the city”; one that attracts new residents and jobs to a denser urban lifestyle around walkable communities, and transit that provides last-mile connectivity in a regional transit network. That’s exactly what this region needs!
Meanwhile, the AJC editorial board promotes more of the same, catering to the very model that got the region into this rut: transporting “more people longer distances.”
Gimme a break, AJC. Don’t pretend to be the purveyor of futuristic regional growth when your editorial ideas remain stuck in the past!
Liz Coyle, Atlanta
Capital of the Southeast is farther down the road
I disagree with the AJC editorial board’s piece on the transportation referendum (“Waving a yellow flag,” Opinion, Oct. 23). The editorial asserts that Atlanta didn’t become the capital of the Southeast by being followers.
It’s taken years to first get the ARC formed and then to get the initiatives on the ballot. That is not leadership — rather, a lack thereof, plus a dearth of vision, foresight and planning.
Finally, you might need to check the pulse of the New South: Charlotte, N.C., is now the capital of the Southeast.
Eduard Weathers, Atlanta
IMMIGRATION
Positive light on people of Mexico appreciated
“Varying states of immigration” (Opinion, Oct. 23) by AJC Editor Kevin Riley provided a song to my heart. Thank you for shedding a positive light on immigrants in the United States. About two years ago, I grew to love the people of Mexico. It started with my students who are Hispanic and then people I met through their work at markets, cafes, etc. I started reading about the difficult times in Mexico, where there is not enough food, work or drinking water. I started watching shows concerning the border patrol. Those who were arrested said, “We have no alternative. There is little work, little food. We are human beings, too.”
The people I know from Mexico are humble, hard-working, kind people and they love God. We could learn much from them in America about the importance of family togetherness and working hard every day.
Please tell the people in Dayton “thank you” for making the town an “immigrant-friendly city.” I wish all of America had the passion of Dayton. Thank you for this beautiful column. I have a feeling that it was read by many, many immigrants.
Susan Welch Krysak, Columbus
MARTA SHOOTING
Officer did his duty in making a tough decision
Regarding the fatal shooting at the MARTA station (“MARTA police face scrutiny after death,” Metro, Oct. 25), imagine yourself (armed and responsible for safety), responding to reports of a fight and gunshots, and facing a person with a weapon. Your life (and possibly the lives of others) is threatened, and you only have a split second to make your decision. What would you do?
The officer did what had to be done: eliminate the danger. Apparently, he decided that the only way to do this was to ensure that someone could not harm him or anyone else. It is unfortunate that a man died as a result of this encounter, but it is also fortunate that no innocent lives were lost. The officer should not be demonized for doing his duty.
Bob Grayson, Cumming
ECONOMY
Even the rich should pay their fair share of taxes
Those of us who comprise the middle class and poor should each contribute $1,000 yearly to a fund for the rich and big business, who then “might” use the money to create jobs.
How many people are gullible enough to think this is a good idea? That proposal is no different than what many politicians propose to create jobs: to lower income taxes by a set percent on everyone and raise sales taxes.
We have a disappearing middle class. Unless your idea of utopia is to return to the time of lords and serfs, taxes on the rich and big business do not need to be lowered — they need to start paying their fair share.
Ken Waldrop, Woodstock
TASTE OF ATLANTA
Southern graciousness on display at gathering
I recently spent two days working at a booth to promote beef during the Taste of Atlanta event. What weather — and what a crowd! We fed about 8,000 burgers during the event. I met about 75 percent of the people who received our product. This was Southern America at its best. We had people of all races, babies, children, parents and grandparents. When given an “I Love Beef “ sticker and a small handout, at least 90 percent said thank you — including children. I have never been around so many polite people in my life. When someone sneezed, a complete stranger “blessed them.” What a tribute to Southern graciousness and good manners!
Steve Whitmire, owner and president, Ridgefield Farm and Brasstown Beef
MEDIA
Hype, sensationalism flavor today’s news
Whether you watch Fox, MSNBC, CNN or other major news forces, there is one dynamic we cannot avoid. The “hosts” cannot resist characterizing our government and political personalities to fit their own molds. Is President Obama weak-kneed? Is Gov. Perry a racist or a cowboy? Is Gov. Romney too dull? Is Michele Bachmann crazy?
Then there is the sensationalism. Years ago, I recall hoping the O. J. Simpson trial would end. Now there is the Dr. Conrad Murray trial. How much has California spent on that investigation and trial? Wouldn’t a malpractice suit have done the same damage? And consider the Rupert Murdoch scandal. With all the money he and his empire have spent, there certainly is no “free” press!
STANLEY HARRIS Jr., SAVANNAH
ECONOMIC FALLOUT
When I walked out of the supermarket recently, I encountered a woman holding her baby and a sign that said she needed money to pay rent. She was a small woman who seemed desperate and looked out of place (as if her real home was far away).
I read Charles Dickens when I was in high school. I didn’t realize then it might be a prediction of the future in 40 years.
Dean Poirier, Duluth
