OVERSPENDING
Hotel, meeting site costs are outrageous
Jerry Markon correctly identified a problem of overspending by government agencies (“$16 muffin on list of Justice chow,” News, Sept. 21). He reported the costs of various items for a conference. He neglected, however, to identify the site of the conference, which shares some responsibility for having charged outrageous prices. Companies, government and other groups have for a long time paid exorbitant prices for meals and breaks at hotels and meeting sites. Sometimes, the price per item may seem only slightly high. However, the gratuity or service charge plus tax usually adds another 20 percent or more to the cost.
No one begrudges one making a profit. However, the costs charged by hotels and meeting sites for food and beverage items have become outrageous. If the gratuity or service charge covers the expense of the labor involved, how is it reasonable to charge triple or more the actual cost of an item — particularly when all of the sites require advance notice of the number of people or items involved?
Mike Deal, Alpharetta
DEFICIT
Before raising taxes, leaders must change
There are two ways the federal government can reduce its deficit: spend less or raise revenue (more appropriately called raising taxes). Over the years, our politicians have proven themselves adept at raising revenue, then spending it (and then some). Unfortunately, they have not shown any ability to reduce spending, since it is rare for a government program, once established, to be cut. As we grapple with the deficit problem, I am reluctant to support raising taxes, since politicians will spend those funds rather than apply them to deficit reduction.
I recognize that at some point we may need to raise taxes to pay our country’s debts. Before doing this, the feds must prove they can actually reduce spending. If politicians can show over a few years that they are able to reduce spending and show fiscal discipline, then they can make the case for raising taxes to Americans.
Bob Routier, Johns Creek
PALESTINIANS
Statehood recognition important for region
The Palestinian people deserve the same human rights and opportunities as any other population. Their suffering has endured for too long.
For years, the Palestinians have waited, while building and maintaining international support for their aspirations, and continuing to live the daily consequences of Israeli occupation. Recognition of statehood at the United Nations will usher in and transform a new era of genuine and long-lasting peace negotiations, based for the first time on international law, human rights, and equality for all. The importance of this cannot be underestimated, and the well-being of the region and its people depends on this great historical decision.
James J. David, Marietta
