Driver retires his cellphone on road
I would like to share my experience with cellphone use while driving. I was coming to a large intersection and the light was red. The lady behind me was in a heated conversation on her cell phone. I could see she was not paying attention. I moved to another lane to the right. An older couple who had the green light was approaching the intersection. I could see the gentleman in the passenger side throw up his hands. They had no chance: the lady on the cellphone T-boned them at about 55 to 60 miles an hour. Why did I stop using my cellphone while driving? After I finished my conversation, I could not remember where I had been. Hands-free or not, your mind is only on your phone call.
Otis C. Hicks, McDonough
Cellphone use while driving a distraction
A recent writer felt that the ban on cellphones in cars goes too far and admitted that the only accident that he’s caused was due to inattention (“Proposed cellphone ban latest overreach,” Readers write, Opinion, Dec. 20). Does he not realize that cell phones are crystallized inattention? As for gags on passengers, at least people in the car know when they are in a dangerous situation and can be quiet — while those on the other end of a phone blather on, distracting the driver.
Ed Morse, Johns Creek
GOP payroll tax stance belies recent actions
I am very disappointed (but not surprised) by Lynn Westmoreland’s vote on HR 3630. When a short-term extension was offered, the Republican line was that a short-term extension did not make sense. They are right about that, but we are in this mess because of the Republican mantra of “do nothing” to keep the economy depressed until the election. The Republican lemmings are jumping off the cliff. Though the president’s job performance rating is low, Congress’ is much lower. The lemmings will be swept into a sea of discontent in the next election cycle.
Cecelia E. Burroughs, Newnan
Cartoonist’s recent work lacks balance
Over the years, I have enjoyed Mike Luckovich’s cartoons immensely. However, I have noticed that most of his cartoons in 2011 seemed to be aimed at Republican politicians. Although our elected officials and candidates (regardless of the party) always invite political satire, recent cartoons seem to indicate a political agenda — rather than the witty humor that Luckovich has demonstrated in the past. The truly sad part is that the cartoons aren’t funny or thought-provoking. I’m hoping that Luckovich will become more creative in the future — and start producing the humorous cartoons that I used to forward to.
Jeff L. Sanders, Cumming
