Dickens wrong to reject Beltline light rail
Few things are as disappointing as a politician who pulls the old bait-and-switch. This is exactly what Mayor Dickens has done in announcing that the city would no longer back light rail on the Eastside Beltline.
Without this transit option, traffic on Atlanta’s streets will end up in gridlock. It’s great that more and more people are rejecting suburban sprawl and choosing to live intown, but unless there is a good alternative for getting people from one place to another, more residents will inevitably lead to more cars on the street.
As more and more businesses, restaurants and residences spring up along the Beltline, light rail can provide a car-free means of transportation to keep people from getting stuck in traffic.
Until now, I thought Dickens was doing a good job as mayor. As he seeks re-election, however, I’ll have to reconsider that assessment.
STEVE VALK, ATLANTA
Stopping USAID hurts Georgians, too
Stopping USAID is leaving millions without life-saving care. In Congo, Action Against Hunger will have to stop treating tens of thousands of malnourished children and put them in mortal danger. Ebola eradication and attacks on the new unnamed hemorrhagic disease in Congo will be weakened. Add to Congo, Senegal, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and many Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
Many of the crops that USAID sends are from the 42,000 Georgia farmers, so stopping USAID causes hardship and has a ripple effect on Georgia’s economy. Georgia’s global health sector contributes more than $3 billion annually to the GDP and supports 33,000 jobs. USAID also invests millions in research at Georgia’s universities.
MANA Nutrition of Fitzgerald, Ga., produces high-nutrition peanut paste to send to countries where children are starving. Jeremy Robinson, spokesperson, explained that each box of paste is enough to feed a starving child three times a day for six weeks. Each box is stamped with “USAID, Gift from the American People.” Robinson hopes these boxes will not be stuck in a Savannah port but will go quickly to their destination.
Many Georgians really want the important work of USAID to continue.
MARY SCOTT GOULD, DECATUR
What has this country come to?
For years, communities, organizations, and individuals have tried to educate children - and adults - that bullying is wrong. Mocking people is wrong. Speaking disparagingly to people is wrong. Criminal activity is wrong.
Yet our country is now run by an individual who bullies, mocks, speaks disparagingly and is a convicted felon.
What has this country come to? This is the first time in my life that I have struggled to find a redeeming quality in a person at the helm of our government. I am not a left-wing extremist. I’ve voted for Republicans, independents, and Democrats.
Instead of God bless America, it’s now God help us.
C. HEAVEY, ATLANTA
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