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READERS
RESPOND State flag: Cartoon was irresponsible Mike Luckovich's Feb. 14 cartoon exemplifies the need for civil discourse on the flag as well as the racial issues that divide this state. The cartoon crossed the line between pointed political satire and an illustration of hate and distrust. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's reputation is one of journalistic integrity, but this instance of expression is nothing short of irresponsible. Last week, I proposed a process that will be swift and decisive. Now, as a family of Georgians, we will dismiss hate-filled displays of emotion such as this cartoon and begin our conversation. I trust the people of our great state to make the right decision. A referendum is the only way to bring our state together. And yes, it is the only way for us to heal. In fact, I would like to begin this dialogue with Luckovich. GOV. SONNY PERDUE Vote isn't the way to promote healing The person who wrote, "This is an insult to all Georgians, black and white," in criticizing Mike Luckovich's Valentine's Day cartoon does not speak for me. In my mind, "healing vote" is an oxymoron when it refers to the flag with the Confederate battle emblem. I want to thank Luckovich for being my voice and for having the courage to express an unpleasant, but unfortunately real, sentiment. MICKEY CASTON, Douglasville Tax system rewards those who earn keep Someone should explain to columnist Molly Ivins the basics of the tax system ("War news worsening on all fronts," @issue, Feb. 17). It shouldn't take more than five minutes. The reason the "wealthy" get the tax cut is that they pay the lion's share of the taxes, which is how the government gets its money. The government takes money from the people who earn it and gives it to those who don't. Government doesn't earn money; people do. You don't get a "refund" for something you didn't pay for. When the "rich" and "wealthy" get their money back, maybe they will be able to stimulate the economy through little things such as small businesses that employ the people who don't pay any taxes. MARIELLEN JACOBS, Acworth Raise expectations for average students Jim O'Neill's op-ed article ("Direct more resources toward average students," @issue, Feb. 14) is right on! While the education lobby may not agree, our communities would benefit greatly by diverting resources to the average student. The average student can be challenged and focused to be much more than average. The low expectations our school systems have for 80 percent of the student population is a major cause of future economic disparity. O'Neill gets it: The "gifted" will benefit from rubbing shoulders with the rest of us. Those in need of special education should get the best we can provide, but not at the expense of our 80 percent. J.R. GORDON, Sandy Springs Liberal radio shows being talked up A group of wealthy Democratic donors is planning to start a liberal radio network to counterbalance the tenor of radio programs such as "The Rush Limbaugh Show." Venture capitalists who have been major campaign donors for Bill Clinton and Al Gore are in talks with Al Franken, the comedian and author of "Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot," to serve as a talk-show host with the network. Franken may learn that Rush is only "big" and "fat." ARMOND SIMMONS, Pell City, Ala. War with Iraq: Protesters show their ignorance I want to remind people who are having a problem with President Bush's threatening to bomb Iraq: He said after Sept. 11, "Bear with me --- the journey will be long and not easy." He is a God-fearing man and he truly does not want war. Saddam Hussein has thumbed his nose at the U.N. sanctions for years. He started a war and lost, but now he is afraid to back down because he does not want history to record what an ill-formed human being he is. I am sure if the protesters only knew that they are making a war more probable, they might use their brains and help the nation unite and show strength so the terror goes away. They are political imbeciles who want power back at any cost, even if it costs us our nation. TERRY HANGER, Roswell Bush's 'sacrifice' can't be matched As we head for war with Iraq, Americans should reflect and be grateful for combat sacrifices made by our veterans, such as Sen. Daniel Inouye (lost an arm), Sen. John McCain (lost six years of his life in a POW camp), former Sen. Bob Kerrey (lost a leg) and former Sen. Max Cleland (lost both legs and an arm). However, we veterans are most impressed by the sacrifices of Vietnam-era veteran George W. Bush, who lost his memory for nearly a year concerning where he was and what he was doing from mid-1972 to mid-1973, when he was supposed to be serving in the Texas Air National Guard. Loss of limbs in combat and POW camps pale in comparison with our president's unique personal sacrifice. We are fortunate to have such a selfless and patriotic man leading us to war. CHRIS RISER | ||||||||||||||||||||
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