Readers Write 01/28

AIR SAFETY

It’s time for airports to add profiling to tactics

As a frequent flyer, I am frustrated with airport security procedures. I appreciate efforts to make air travel safe, but am concerned those in charge only know how to play defense. Some high-profile hijackings in the 1960s led to air marshals joining flights.

In the late 1990s, reports of attempted explosive device use led to having to turn on laptop computers for security officials. The tragic events of Sept. 11 led to the requirement for photo IDs, limited carry-ons and increased screenings.

The latest terrorist has trumped them all — and officials are struggling for a fix. I wish airport security officials would play offense for a change.

Before full body scanners remove all privacy from the flying public, perhaps now is the time to drop political correctness — and add profiling, to target the most likely suspects, and have them searched and questioned.

Greg Koch, Atlanta

POLITICS

Oxendine’s ties to industry bigger scandal

Most readers may get carried away comparing the Oxendine hunting incident with Deadeye Dick Cheney, and his hunting incident. But what I find most interesting in “Oxendine’s son shot man while hunting” (Metro, Jan. 21) is that the incident occurred “on a North Georgia preserve owned by a prominent insurance executive with close political ties to Oxendine.” That in itself says it all about this candidate for governor.

Playing footsie with, and receiving campaign donations from the very industry that you are elected to regulate is what stinks about hack political officials.

Oxendine may be the best candidate who is on the ballot for the election.

However, I suspect that readers who can put two and two together, after reading this article, may have other ideas.

Juan Matute, Peachtree City

ECONOMY

Hiking broadband use will bring us more jobs

AJC columnist Kyle Wingfield in a recent blog post pointed to one solution Georgia can take now that would help to bring jobs to the state; 70,000 jobs, that is, according to a recent study by George Gilder.

How do we get to 70,000? As Wingfield suggests, increasing broadband use and modernizing telecom policies will garner investments from industry members and private companies to fuel job creation.

Broadband deployment is a crucial job catalyst. Updating telecommunications laws and recruiting further private investments in infrastructure, as neighboring states have done, can serve as a vehicle for market expansion where Georgia consumers would profit immensely.

Now is the opportunity to maintain Georgia’s image as a great place to invest and further increase high-speed Internet access and adoption in Georgia, saving money for consumers and businesses. Attracting that investment is vital to helping our state economy grow and helping Georgians to return to the workplace.

John Watson, Citizens for a Digital Future