Looking backward hurts workers; vote for the future

After WWII, steel industries in Europe and Asia, which had been destroyed in the war, were rebuilt using the newest technology of that era, which was much more efficient than the old technology embraced by the U.S. steel industry. The American leaders of those industries could have upgraded but were complacent in the way steel had been made in the past and, consequently, that industry is now just a shadow of its former self, and the U.S. imports much of its steel.

Looking backward and not preparing for the future hurts American workers and their way of life. Why upgrade our energy production and reduce our use of fossil fuels now? Because we recognize change takes time, and we want our children in 30 years to thank us for paying a little bit for their future, which we may never see.

Build for a healthy economy and life. The past is behind us; vote for the future.

NANCY JO KIRK, KENNESAW

Let’s strengthen public health for dementia care

Alzheimer’s affects nearly 7 million Americans today, including thousands here in Georgia. This crisis calls for sustained public policy action to support patients and caregivers.

Recently, Congress took important steps by passing the National Alzheimer’s Project Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act, securing essential resources for research and care. But there is more to be done. The Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act, aimed at strengthening public health infrastructure for dementia care, has passed the House and now awaits Senate action.

This November, as we recognize National Caregiver Awareness Month, we remember the tireless work of caregivers. As one caregiver shared, “Caring for my husband as he loses his memory is like losing pieces of him every day.” The impact on caregivers is immense. Reauthorizing BOLD would bring crucial resources to local communities, offering needed relief to families like hers.

Please join the Alzheimer’s Association and others in urging our senators to pass the BOLD Reauthorization Act.

ZANE KASHLAN, ATLANTA

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Anne Goyette, who has leukemia, is at grave danger if she gets COVID-19, and is eligible for the vaccine booster. Amid HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's tumultuous changes to vaccine policy, Goyette fought in vain for more than a week to get the shot or a prescription from her doctors and nurses at Wellstar Health System.  Finally she heard on social media about a clinic where she could get it and went there.  Georgia is seeing a late summer COVID cases, according to the Department of Public Health.   (Jason Getz / AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

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