Wednesday, Mar. 9, 2005 | ||
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Bad Links? | What our Readers Are SayingLetters to the Editor Womans right to know worth waitPerhaps the most contentious and polarizing issue on the political landscape is that of abortion. The deeply-held beliefs on both sides of the issue regarding the legal, social and religious implications of this procedure divide the electorate like no other. I am unflinching in my belief that all human life, whether born or unborn, is sacred and should be afforded every legal protection possible. However, I understand that as deeply as I hold this belief, there are many on the other side of the issues philosophical divide that believe equally fervently that a womans right to an abortion is a constitutional right to be protected. I will never stop attempting to change hearts and minds on the issue, but understanding this political reality is critical to finding points of policy agreement in this area of the law. One point that we should all agree upon, regardless of political viewpoint, is that the decision to have an abortion, like any potentially dangerous medical procedure, should be fully informed. It is difficult to imagine a woman going in for a dangerous elective surgical procedure and the doctor not informing her of all the potential medical complications attendant to such a surgery, as well as potential non-surgical alternatives. However, that is exactly what happens in Georgia when a woman goes in for an abortion. This procedure hospitalizes over 10,000 women nationally each year because of a variety of surgical complications such as infection and hemorrhaging. Women who have had abortions have also been found to be at higher risk in subsequent pregnancies and in danger of debilitating psychological consequences. In addition, studies now have come out establishing a higher rate of breast cancer among women who have had an abortion. One major study has found that more than 90 percent of women surveyed felt that they did not have enough information to make an informed abortion decision. In an effort to remedy this situation, the Senate passed A Womans Right to Know Act (HB 197). The measure has already passed out of the House. The bill simply requires that at least 24 hours before an abortion, a physician must inform the woman of the medical risks and alternatives to abortion as well as the probable gestational age of the unborn child. The doctor would also be required to provide information on fetal development, fetal pain and alternatives to abortion, such as: adoption services and maternity care. Some radical abortion rights advocates have cast this proposal as something that is condescending and distrusting of a womans ability to choose to have an abortion. I believe this legislation does just the opposite. The women of this state deserve every relevant piece of information possible before making such a life-changing decision, and this bill mandates that they receive it. Women should not be denied accurate information regarding this procedure and should make a fully informed choice. Abortion doctors who earn their living from women deciding to undergo this procedure certainly should not be the gatekeeper in deciding what information is relevant and what is not. The Womans Right to Know Act will ensure that Georgias women will know the medical risks of an abortion before choosing to undergo this life-changing procedure. In other legislative actions, SR 161, approved on Thursday, creates a 25-member Juvenile Law Commission to study Georgias juvenile justice and child welfare system. This resolution comes in response to the murder of 9-year-old Amy Yates last year. Under the current system, anyone under the age of 13 cannot serve more than four years for the offense. This study committee will look at developing a more comprehensive and just juvenile justice sentencing law. The Senate also approved the Georgia Slam Spam E-mail Act (SB 62) on Thursday. SB 62 defines spam and provides for penalties depending upon the extent of the transgression. After a certain volume or revenue level, or if a minor is involved, the penalty increases from a misdemeanor to a felony. On Thursday the House Ways and Means Committee passed HB 539, the film industry tax incentive. HB 539 will bring the film industry back into Georgia, a great step for economic development. The House is expected to vote on the bill next Friday. The Senate passed SB 25, a bill that would increase the waiting period for no-fault divorces. The time is extended from the current 30-day period to four months for couples without children and six months for parents of children under the age of 18. Parents are required to attend a workshop that will outline the difficulties faced by children of divorce. My SB 284, which creates a trust fund to provide post-employment healthcare benefits for retirees, passed the Insurance and Labor Committee on Friday. Also, SR 298 passed the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee unanimously. This bill creates the Joint House and Senate Emerging Communications Technologies Study Committee. The committee will study whether to prevent regulation of the emerging wireless, Broadband, and voice-over Internet protocol technologies. On the horizon: [This] week we will be in session Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Thursday and Friday will have full calendars with many bills being considered since we are quickly approaching cross-over day. Saturday will be Repeal Day at the Capitol. We are meeting on that day to work at actually taking laws OFF the books. Since it is Saturday, we are inviting the public to come watch their legislature at work eliminating outdated and unnecessary laws. As always, contact me at 404-656-6446 if you have any questions or concerns. Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (R-Dist. 28)
If mayor, PTC Council have any real facts on EMS, lets discuss themI have been writing a series of letters on the issue of a possible separate EMS Tax District for Peachtree City. I have been very critical of the approach to this issue that has been taken by the mayor and council of Peachtree City. I have criticized their failure to look at possibilities that could provide excellent service to their citizens at a lower cost to their taxpayers. To illustrate their approach to issues like this, I have outlined some other areas where they have failed to perform in the best interests of their citizens and where they have also wasted large amounts of taxpayers money. What has been the response, so far? Pfeifer is a dictator, the SPLOST was illegal and the separate EMS District was listed first in a list of four options while consolidation was listed last. Lets talk about reality and the truth. First, I have been involved in organizations in Peachtree City and in Fayette County for about 15 years. Peachtree City Optimist Club, Fayette County Adopt-A-Mile, Fayette County Republican Party, Leadership Fayette; my daughters activities including YMCA Indian Princesses, Peachtree City Triathlon, Little League, many softball teams, many basketball teams and her school sports. Also, Peachtree City United Methodist Church, Beautiful Fayette, many political campaigns and almost four years as a county commissioner. I have now been a first-hand witness to the behavior of many in public service in many arenas. And, there are many people who have witnessed my behavior in those same activities. Lets ask them if theyve ever seen me act like a dictator in any activity or arena that I have been involved with. They will tell you that I do not behave that way. If you know me yourself, you already know that. Anyone who chooses to accuse me of other behavior is going to be known as untruthful by those who do know me. So, because they illustrate my points, I can welcome these ridiculous accusations. Call me names, Mr. Mayor. It says a lot more about your character than it does about mine. Those who know me also know that I do not play favorites and I think for myself. They also know that I can get angry and probably have offended friends. I know I have offended foes. I try to be diplomatic but I am not always successful. I ask for your forgiveness for that as I pray for the strength to do better. Is the SPLOST illegal? Well, the resolution to put it on the ballot was passed by the commission in a legal and correct manner. We gave the voters of our county the opportunity to have their say and they said they were willing to place a limited tax on themselves to finance roads and road improvements. That election was accepted by the state of Georgia. The SPLOST is not illegal. Then, the comments about the Peachtree City emergency services report having a list of four options to address the EMS problems in Peachtree city and that the separate EMS district was listed first. What responsible person gets a list, reads the first item and stops? That is what lists are, a series of options. Each of them needs to be examined and only then can a decision be made that has the best chance of being the correct decision. When I first got involved in political affairs, I learned that politicians and government leaders are really not much different from the people you see every day in other walks of life. That means that some are honest and will talk to you using real facts and discussions. Some say, yes, but, or, its his/her fault, I didnt do it, or they answer your question by changing the subject. If you have kids, you know for sure what Im saying. One of the differences I have noted in many Fayette County people/parents is that they dont buy those answers. They demand that their kids be honest and straightforward and they usually demand the same from their friends, associates and leadership. Its one of the reasons I really enjoy living here. If the mayor and council had any real facts to discuss, we could discuss them. If they are simply throwing up smokescreens to distract folks from the fact that they are performing miserably as our leadership, I hope we dont let them. Peter Pfeifer
Small-business employees need cancer coverageI am a breast cancer survivor who is alive today and able to write this letter because my insurance provided me cancer-screening coverage that saved my life. However, if the legislation proposed by John Lunsford and mentioned in Sundays editorial (Mandates increase ranks of uninsured) passes in the Georgia legislature, fewer people will have access to these life-saving cancer screenings. House Bill 83, which has recently passed out of the House Insurance Committee, will require small businesses to offer an insurance policy that dont include cancer screenings like mammograms, pap smears, colorectal cancer screenings and prostate cancer screenings. These screenings not only save lives, but they are cost effective. Insurance coverage that encourages people to be screened and have cancers detected and treated early actually save money. Small businesses are the backbone of our state, and I believe employees of small businesses deserve to have life-saving cancer screenings in all insurance policies offered to them. I believe our lawmakers care about Georgia families, and I know they have a difficult job. I ask our legislators to work together to make sure that all Georgians have access to insurance that includes cancer screenings. I urge other state residents to contact their legislators and ask them to reject any effort to reduce or limit insurance coverage and access to cancer-related screenings and care for all Georgians. I am living proof of how important these screenings are. Cathy Gailey
West Village annexation would address problems, help out PTC residentsRecently there has been a lot of discussion regarding whether or not people should live or shop in the West Village of Peachtree City. These discussions often reference how Peachtree City has evolved and what principles it stands for. In regards to the first set of issues, the fact is that people, like myself, do live in the West Village and people from all parts of Peachtree City shop at Home Depot and Wal-Mart. Further the Ga. Highway 54-MacDuff Parkway intersection is the unofficial gateway between Peachtree City and rapidly growing Coweta County. PTC was developed as a master-planned community centered around good land use, structured common standards, and a deep regard for the environment. PTC has evolved and still remains an example of good central community planning. However, while PTC has evolved, circumstances around us continue to change also. Our council seems to believe that these principles do not apply to the West Village. They allow the traffic issues to go unabated regardless of its impact on the residents. They seem willing to allow county-approved septic tanks regardless of its potential impact on Line Creek. They further seem to approve of the countys wild West building code on a piece of land that is surrounded by PTC on all sides. Certain members of our council refuse to accept the facts of the current situation and make a good-faith effort to serve the residents of the West Village in the same manner they serve the other four villages of PTC. Their approach to the changes that have happened is to look to the past and wish these problems away with default answers and attendance counts. That is unacceptable. Step one of the annexation process allows for the developer to meet with the planning staff to develop proposals for consideration by the council. The council then can decide if any of these proposals offer benefits to the city and its residents. Our council has refused to vote for the development of any ideas that may address real problems of its residents in the West Village. I am not sure about the extension of MacDuff Parkway; in fact, a previous letter from me questioned the wisdom of the Big Box Bypass. However, I am for a good-faith effort from our council to address the facts that exist and find viable solutions for the people they represent. Thinking about solutions benefits the city, debating the past does not. I request the City Council take leadership on this issue and vote for step one of the annexation process. One last thought. The Tourism Authority, chaired by Councilman Weed, has decided to put the PTC welcome center at the Tennis Center. I am sure the tourists will be impressed as they sit in the traffic. Neil Sullivan
At-grade rail crossing a bad ideaId like to voice my opposition to the proposed MacDuff Parkway extension at South Kedron Drive. I think an at-grade railroad crossing at that intersection is going to be a disaster. When MacDuff Parkway becomes a cut-through for people looking to bypass the intersection [at Ga. highways 54 and 74] from the west, there will be a lot of stress and a ton of extra traffic through that intersection. I dont see how an at-grade crossing benefits anyone. Some of those freight trains are miles long and move very very slowly. Im sure drivers are going to back up and cycle at that light, get frustrated and make the whole intersection a loud, busy and dangerous mess. It is also a possibility that these drivers will start to use the Kedron loop as an alternate way onto Hwy. 74 North. Kedron is a nice wide road and cars could move very quickly around the loop. It just doesnt seem right to move forward with this plan when so many of us living near the crossing are going to be negatively impacted. Dawn Driggs
Public safety issue is reason for annexingRE: Why is the PTC council even considering the John Wieland annexation? Honestly, Mr. Webster, do you think by implying that all the homeowners who live off MacDuff Parkway are stupid will solve this headache? When looking into purchasing a home in the West Village, my first question centered around MacDuff Parkway and plans to connect it with Ga. Highway 74. Did it occur to you that a promise by developers that a road plan was in the works may have swayed buyers? Im going to go out on a limb and assume you dont live off of MacDuff, but still not a great leap of faith because you are obviously too smart to make that choice. Lets suspend disbelief for a moment and imagine you lived off of MacDuff Pkwy. Would you argue there is a traffic problem? Would you argue there is an access to public safety issue? Just because people didnt complain before doesnt mean there wasnt a problem. It has taken growth to bring the issue to light. The West Village residents arent second-class citizens who deserve second-class service. I can see the rebuttal now. Even the county thinks its a bad idea. I also read the recent article The Citizen ran regarding the countys problem with extending the road because it isnt in their plan. Well, attention, all opponents. Plans change. Running a county is like running a household. Sometimes there are unexpected expenses, things you didnt plan for. Lets not forget, we have the option not to write the check for the road. Why this road wasnt planned for is an entirely different discussion. Back to topic. This is more than a traffic issue. There are safety issues in play here also. One way in is not enough. Im sure its safe to say that there is more than one way to reach your home. The simple fact is that adequate access to public safety service is needed. I drive in Atlanta traffic every day. Many people drive in traffic, and many learn how to deal with it. I can deal with Hwy. 54 traffic also. What I cant and refuse to deal with is the notion that my familys access to fire, police, and EMS is limited by road access. If I chose to live 50 miles from the nearest fire or police house, then I wouldnt have a reason to complain about access. I read that you dont feel sorry for residents of the West Village. I, however, feel very sorry for you. Sorry that you dont see the advantages associated with a project. Sorry that you, unlike the City Council, lack the vision for what our city needs: extension of MacDuff Parkway regardless of who pays. Most of all, sorry that for some reason you could care less about your neighbors; excuse me, you dont feel sorry for them in any way, shape, or form. Dan Williams
Disappointed in Rep. Westmorelands prioritiesI must express the sadness I felt after reading an article in the Fayette section of the AJC. The article I refer to is Funding For Road Projects in Federal Bill. Although I was saddened, I was not surprised. Where are our state and federal legislators priorities? We know the answer to that, dont we? In black and white it was even more sobering, though. Here is a quote from the article. In a speech last week to the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) said he requested $3 million for the road work and $625,000 for the bike paths. Westmorelands office is confident the request will survive as the House, Senate, and White House try to reach an agreement on the package, which contains thousand of projects totaling $289 billion. Listen to what he said regarding health care for the poor. Weve got to stop offering free medicine care whenever somebody walks into a hospital, he said. I dont know about anyone else but I much prefer that my tax dollars go to giving healthcare to everyone in our country rather than widening roads and building bike paths. Even increase my taxes, if necessary. I will say up front, I am neither Republican nor Democrat. First and foremost, I am a follower of Jesus Christ. Remember what He said about the poor? If our country is to survive, we must look at our selfishness and give up worshipping the god of comfort and materialism. Mr. Westmoreland, put your Christian beliefs into practice in all moral areas, not just the hot ones, abortion and displaying the Ten Commandments. We already appreciate your stand here. As followers of Jesus Christ, it is even more important to display Gods laws in our public lives. They are written on our hearts and in our minds (Heb. 8:10). Lets all of us live them out as Christians. Rita Cole
Require written release for consumer credit informationThis is a copy of the letter I am sending to Lynn Westmoreland, Ronnie Chance, Saxby Chambliss, and Johnny Isakson. There is an old riddle that goes something like this. What belongs to a man, and is his alone, but if taken from him cannot be used by others? The answer is his reputation. Today someones reputation can be stolen and used by others. Reputation these days comes in the form of credit and background checks. This information is not only used to secure credit to make purchases, but to establish trustworthiness of a job applicant. I am writing to you about the recent ChoicePoint security breach that allowed criminals to access an estimated 140,000 financial files of citizens of this nation. The ChoicePoint spokesperson described how the company regretted that this security breech happened, but she also pointed out how all citizens need to keep constant vigilance with their credit information. The spokesperson further said that there are companies, on the Internet, that for around $120 a year will help keep an eye on citizens credit information and alert them when an inquiry has been made about their information. The time has come in our nation that a citizen must now pay to protect their own reputation. I ask, is this fair and right? The Health Insurance Portability & Accountability (HIPAA) Act of 1996, Public Law 104-191, which amends the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986, also known as the Kennedy-Kassebaum Act, was enacted to insure that all healthcare organizations and related entities must implement complete and effective security solutions that will protect their valuable health care information assets. HIPAA includes a section, known as Administrative Simplification, that requires: The improved efficiency in healthcare delivery by standardizing electronic data interchange, and protection of confidentiality and security of health data through setting and enforcing of standard practices. No insurance company, no other health care provider, no interested third party can access a citizens personal health care information without written consent. There are a number of companies that desire to have access to a persons health care situation for the purpose of direct marketing of medicines, medical supplies, services, supplements, and devices. Medical insurance companies are today trying to use DNA, family history, and other means to forecast a persons future medical needs. Life insurance companies are in touch with this information to estimate life spans for customers or cancel policies altogether. HIPAA also has had the unintended consequence of impeding medical research centers from approaching patients directly about participation in clinical trials of new medicines or procedures. This I hope can be remedied with legislation. Personal information about ones health care is held to be confidential and protected under the law, not to be released without written consent. Personal information about ones financial information is not held to be confidential and not protected under the law. ChoicePoint, Equifax, and the other credit reporting and credit monitoring companies are not required by statutes or rules to keep a citizens financial information current, accurate, and completely secure under threat of fines or imprisonment. Once this information is released, either by a company having an inadvertent release or is stolen by criminals, the affected citizen must spend time trying to correct the files, notifying police agencies, and reversing the damage to their account with their bank. The Identity Theft Resource Centers 2004 survey shows that the average victim of identity theft spends 600 hours over several years trying to re-claim their own reputation. Based on the average income of the people in the survey, it cost the average victim $16,000 of potential wages. This figure does not include whatever bogus purchase the criminal made that the credit card companies would not reimburse. The U.S. Postal Service estimates that there are some 9.9 million citizens who have had their reputations stolen by criminals. They estimate this is costing the citizens $5 billion dollars, not including lost productivity. The F.T.C. says identify theft is their number one fraud-related complaint. The credit reporting companies only have to plug the breech and go on with business as usual. The citizen is left alone to rebuild his good reputation as the result of what could have been prevented. The answer to wrongful release of credit information is to make it a criminal offense for any business, agency, or persons to release any financial information to any other business, agency, or persons without an expressed written release. When a person makes a major credit purchase such as an automobile, written release can be given and electronic methods can be used to send and receive the credit report. This should put an end to pre-qualified credit applications we all gather in the mail. There should not be any information released for pre-qualification. Penalties and fines should be applied to each and every offense reported or recorded. In the case of ChoicePoint, this would have meant possibly millions of dollars in fines. This would then serve to alert other companies to tighten their security. I would suggest that regulation come under F.T.C. and citizens be allowed to bring complaints directly to the commission. Think of it this way, right now I as an individual business man, incorporated since 1978 with the state of Georgia, could ask for and likely obtain your own personal credit information for whatever purpose I choose. There is nothing in the law, that I am aware of, that makes me criminally at fault for whatever happens to that information. I can toss it in the trash without fear of criminal court action. So it is today that we no longer have possession of our own reputation. Our reputation is now owned and manipulated by ChoicePoint and companies like it. It is by their benevolence that we can trust that our reputation is held in high and accurate esteem. If they get it wrong, they do not have to pay. I hope that you will not bow to the pressures of professional lobbyists of the credit industries that will surely fight any attempt to legislate and regulate their industries. But will you do the right and proper thing and pass such laws that will protect the reputations all citizens of this country? Bryant Betsill
School calendar: Slanted article supported board of education positionWhy would you write an article totally supporting the local school boards? How much are they paying you? Talking so much about Six Flags is a little immature. This is not about Six Flags. This is about our children, who will one day be the leaders of our country, having to go to all-year school. Why doesnt someone ask the children what they want? Do they want homework all year? Do they want to give up all of the summer activities such as swimming, baseball, camps, tennis, vacation with the family, or whatever activity they enjoy in the summer? Do you think they are not educated enough to give an intelligent answer? How many good teachers will the board of education lose if they go to all-year school? Many people chose this profession because they have the summers off. It is very hard to teach all year long. Teachers need a break to refresh. I know many parents like the idea of free baby-sitting all year, but why should teachers be responsible for baby-sitting? The governor is very proud of the lottery money for pre-K; however, I think it is very sad that a parent would put their little 4-year-old on a bus and send them to the beginning of institutionalization. The children are put in as early as age 4 and not let out until they are 18 or 19. What a sad childhood for the children to be in a school all year only learning what a local school board wants them to learn. No time for exposure to other experiences in life. Are we becoming more like Russia or China? Did these local school board members and the legislators have to endure this type of childhood? I know I didnt. I loved my summers. If the local school boards had performed in a manner that is truly supportive of educating our children the bill would have never hit the floor. The local school boards have become more of a dictatorship than a democracy. When groups become too powerful and have too much self-interest, people start making a noise and the state has no option but to get involved. The legislators who are in full support of the local school boards have forgotten who elected them. It was not the local school board who elected them, even though they may be paying them; it was the people who elected them and it is the people who do not have to vote for them again. I for one will not. Every state that has tried the all-year school has gone back to the traditional school calendar. Why do we always try things that have already failed across the states? What is the true purpose of the local school boards wanting this so bad? They cannot give a definitive answer. The number of school days will be the same so why stretch it out for a year? Makes no sense. According to the article Lee Wright, board member, said of the proposed law, Its really a slap in the face to the local jurisdiction. Lee Wright, sometimes you get what you deserve. [Citizen reporter] Lee Williams, I hope you print this letter. Pam Swann
School boards getting out of controlIn response to your article I am in favor of the state mandating the school calendar. It has gotten way out of hand. Yes, the teachers are the ones who are in favor because they get more breaks throughout the year. What they dont realize is that everyone is not a teacher and cant take breaks throughout the year. It also costs the school systems more money to air-condition the schools in August (our hottest month) than it would the first week of June. I feel that even starting mid-August they could get finals over before the Christmas break. We have not been given any proof that the kids tests scores are better, performance, etc. It is also very difficult for working parents to find childcare during the fall and winter breaks for just one week. Most day-cares raise their rates since they know parents have to have child care for these breaks. The schools are also losing money in the after-school programs. Also, the past breaks we have had my childs teachers assigned a project that was due. The teachers get the many breaks and our kids have to still work. Maybe they should pass that no projects or work can be assigned over the break. We have lived in three different states and Georgia is the most screwed up when it comes to education. I live in Cherokee County and we are scheduled to start Aug. 1. A lot of summer camps cant start the end of May or first week of June since some of their counselors are still in school in May and June. If one county is going to change they all should. It is also a hardship on parents who are divorced that have blended families with kids in two counties. It is difficult with children that have learning disabilities to have these short breaks throughout the year. It is like starting over when they have a week off. We pay to use our neighborhood pool through Labor Day and now we cant go in August except on weekends because our lifeguards (high school students) will be back in school. Terri Clark
Supports law to lengthen kids summerMr. Beverly, thank you so much for your article about our school calendars. I think you are right on the money. Since HB285 was defeated [last week], parents will have to work harder to return to traditional summers and school calendars for our children. I am just one mom who thinks all these breaks during the school year make it difficult for children (getting in and out of a rhythm) and would like more time during the summer for warm weather vacations, summer camp, etc. Ill be supporting this movement because even though HB285 was not approved does not mean this issue is over. Terri Hecht
If cant dissent during war, wheres freedom?While people may be tiring of the tete-a-tete, I believe Mr. Dickinson and I have finally arrived at the heart of the matter. While his writing style and apparent intellect may lack depth, breadth, and subtlety, his overcompensating bulk allows for distillation. Let us start near Mr. Dickinsons conclusion: He wishes to be engaged on his facts and have other facts pointed out to him in a factual way. Factoid one: Article One, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution states: The Congress shall have the power ... To Declare war .... It does not say Congress may delegate these powers nor that both parties can tacitly agree the President has the power to decide when and with whom the USA will make war. After LBJs Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, I had hoped the Congress had come to their senses and their sense of responsibility. That has not happened. Mr. Dickinson is correct in stating the recent election was as much a referendum on the war as on Bush. The remainder of his reasoning was not fact, but opinion. Here is factoid two. Amendment 1 to the United States Constitution reads: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. This particular amendment was adopted three years after the Constitution came into effect, eight years after the signing of the Treaty of Paris, and 10 years after the British surrender at Yorktown. Opinion (not fact): If the Founding Fathers had wanted, they could have made exceptions in wartime. The Revolution must have been pretty fresh in their minds. Factoid two. Article 1, Section 9, paragraph two of the U.S. Constitution reads thusly: The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. Opinion: The Revolution and war actually were on their minds, and they provided the government drastic means to deal with drastic situations. Forcing the authorities to show the body is an idea that goes all the way back to the Magna Carta, and was sacred to Englishmen and their descendants. That recognition took the form of allowing the government to cut off debate if it absolutely must in order to survive. Abraham Lincoln did so when he thought Maryland and thus the Capitol might fully join the South. He threw the mayor of Baltimore in jail and ignored the order from Chief Justice Roger B. Taney to release him on habeas corpus. The Supreme Court later ruled Lincolns actions illegal, but he was dead by then. For some more opinion lets skip to the mivel [sic] of Dickinsons drivel. He had given us three honorable options to oppose wars whilst engaged in them. To foment public opposition to the war is anti-American because it is not in accordance with the procedures of our chosen form of government ... Come again? For someone who professes an obsession with facts, whered he get this one? Our chosen form of government is outlined in the United States Constitution, and I refer you to factoids two and three. There is nothing in the Constitution, that supports the absurdity of his above quoted statement. As an aside, I found his three choices a little curious. Of course he included the love it or leave it theme in number three, but I was wondering how I could get elected as an anti-war candidate (remember, this was included in the honorable opponent theme) if I cant state publicly that Im anti-war. So lets say I just whisper it around to a couple of hundred thousand buddies and get myself elected to Congress (tough around here, as I have a college degree), how do I then oppose the war without seeming to, and thereby giving aid and comfort to those newspaper-hungry al Zarqawis? Is it only honorable to oppose the war once elected, and then only when having tea with the President? What Mr. Dickinson forgot while citing his passion for facts and delivering manure was the actual content of my letters. I oppose the war in Iraq, not the war on radical Islam. I petition my government in various forms, including circulating ideas through the newspaper. I dont believe the President told the truth. I find inconsistencies in the actions of the executive branch all the way from Bushs Axis of Evil speech to the beginning of the fighting. I dont believe Iraq was ever part of our War on Terror until we industrially transformed it into one. I believe the people of the United States have made a huge mistake re-electing this President. Many questions have been asked, but its hard to pin down someone who only answers questions at press conferences and puts spin experts in front all the rest of the time. Ill give him this, the President is resolute in his stupidity (opinion). Opinion: One of the scars of the Vietnam War was the linking by protesters of soldiers with governmental decisions. We now have a deliberate attempt on the part of the Republican party to link support of the government to support of our soldiers. These Karl Rove, George W. Bush, Saxby Chambliss draft dodgers are the most despicable of men. Opinion: Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness. This from the same man who wrote: a French bastard landing with an armed banditti, and establishing himself king of England against the consent of the natives is in very plain terms a very paltry rascally original. Thomas Paine wrote this when to do so could get you clapped in irons and worst case sent to the gallows. If Mr. Dickinson has decided that the only test for never publicly questioning his government is for it to engage in hostilities on some distant shore, I wish him well. He is handing to government approbation and power no Founding Father (nor I) could stomach. If the price of objection is name-calling, it beats the eventual price of his governmental lap dog obsequiousness which will be some form of tyranny (opinion). P.S. [Im a] non-signer of the Declaration of Independence (fact), non-signer of the Constitution (fact), patriotic American (fact); Im not going anywhere (fact), disappointed a fellow retired officer sworn to support and defend the Constitution, when placed in a category with Croatian fascists, took offense at sniveling liberal (opinion). Timothy J. Parker
What is Montessori? Take care in definingWe are writing this letter about the article that was in The Citizen Feb. 23, 2005. This article made it seem like Fayette Montessori was the only true Montessori in Fayetteville. This article, plus our name being left out of the FactFinder again, makes it seem like we dont even exist. We are in the process of expanding our school and with registration going on right now, these two things together wwere detrimental to us. We are attaching an article that will more fully inform the public concerning the choices of Montessori Schools in Fayette County. What is a true Montessori School? The article accurately portrayed the teaching philosophy of Maria Montessori. Indeed, it is true that there is no legal way to prevent any unethical person to label any program Montessori. However, there are ways to tell if a school is a true Montessori school. First, parents need to familiarize themselves with the Montessori methods and philosophy. Second, observe a classroom and look for the following. Mixed ages in a classroom. Primary class 3 to 6 years of age; elementary class 6 to 9 years of age. A wide range of activities and a complete set of Montessori materials which include Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math and Science/Cultural. Children should choose their own work, work independently and at their own pace. Parents should also know that head teachers must hold a Montessori Training Certificate from a reputable Montessori organization. All true Montessori schools have the goals of teaching the children who are our future: The children around us are the adults of the future who will ultimately decide the fate of our planet. Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind. Rising Star Montessori is affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS). We are located at 440 East Lanier Ave., Fayetteville, Ga. 30214. We currently have one primary and a lower elementary class in our school. We are in the process of completing new construction to accommodate new programs in the fall. We have also acquired the land adjacent to us for future expansion. We can be reached at 770-461-1595 if you have any questions or want to come and observe a classroom. Nancy Dutton and Debbie Montgomery, directors
Right to vote not being challengedWhat do the desperate do when they are trying to convince a majority Republican county that it needs to give in and go along with other counties and get rid of the at-large voting process for county commission? They call it a civil rights struggle, and a violation of the 1965 voting rights act! Nothing stirs up a crowd for a cause more than throwing down the race card, and calling for sit-ins, boycotts, civil-rights protest marches, and litigation in federal court. Lets all break into a chorus of We Shall Overcome; thatll get em shakin in their boots! Never mind that no ones civil rights are being violated. Everyone in this county has the same right to vote. Never mind that there is no proof that district voting provides better representation for all citizens of the county. The people who call for an end to at-large voting in the name of fairness must think the citizens of our fine county are stupid. They say that their vote is unfairly diluted in a majority Republican county. There is nothing unfair about it. Thats how our democratic voting system works: majority rules. The votes of the minority are diluted by the votes of the majority. It is very transparent that the people that are calling for a change to district voting are doing so only so that they can vote for someone that they feel can represent their part of the county. They arent interested in what is best for the entire county, only what is best for the northern part of the county. They want to separate themselves from the rest of Fayette County and build their own little fiefdom, free from the influence of the residents of the entire county. I believe there is a term for what they are proposing: Its called segregation. If the issue is taken to court by the proponents of district voting, they will be asking the court to force the wishes of a few upon the many. There is also a term for that: its called tyranny. Mr. Jones, if you really want to participate in district voting, you are free and encouraged to move next door to Clayton County, cause it sure aint gonna happen in Fayette County. Matthew Washburn
In PTC, bring back good ol boysMy husband and I moved our family to Peachtree City in the spring of 1973. Weve love this town ever since. In 1976 my husband was elected to the City Council where he served a two-year term. In those days the people who served this city were paid almost nothing, but did so because they wanted to keep Peachtree City a wonderful place to live. Lately, when I read your paper, I find myself grateful to the good ol boys that made Peachtree City the town we love to call home: Paul Heard, Howard Morgan, Ralph Jones, Chip Conner, Sally Satterthwaite, Fred Brown, just to name a few. These people didnt have big egos or big personal agendas; they were just hard-working people who loved Peachtree City. Tom Farr was one of the most honest and trustworthy individuals Ive ever known, and, Mayor Brown, the world would be a better place with more men like him. I would just like to urge all PTC citizens to get involved in your city. The education level in Peachtree City is high, but so is the voter apathy. We go vote for president, but cant find time to vote for our local government. Its time we find and elect some of those good ol boys once again. Angie Warren
Set reasonable smoking boundariesIt is still legal to get drunk in Georgia. However, you must be 21 and you may not drive home that way. We set reasonable boundaries. It is time to do the same with smoking. Some see this as an infringement on personal or business rights. Do you think a restaurant should have the choice to take a glass from another customer, rinse it out in just cold water, and then use it for you or a loved one (in order to save overhead costs)? Our public health regulations take away that choice and require protecting the public over profits. Second-hand smoke spreads diseases from the smoker to the nonsmokers. As little as 30 minutes exposure can trigger a heart attack or stroke in the nonsmokers or plant the seeds of so many cancers, lung diseases, clog arteries and more. This is not a local problem; it needs a statewide solution. Contact our state legislators today. Ask them to vote FOR smoke-free air. Not even one of my own Fayette County legislators will vote FOR this yet. We need your help. Kathie Cheney
V.A. needs more money for our vetsI as a Navy veteran and member of the American Legion, D.A.V and Georgia State Defense Force am outraged that the Veterans Administration, again, is being short-changed for its yearly budget from Congress. I am outraged not only as a Navy veteran myself but as an American citizen that our veterans are treated this way. How do some of our politicians sleep at night knowing they are slamming the door in thousands of veterans faces each day because of the inadequate discretionary V.A budget that they have approved? Keep in mind that while each year Congress does not adequately fund the V.A, the American taxpayers continue to shell out over $68 billion per year to provide free healthcare to illegal aliens. Our veterans, the V.A and our senior citizens sure could use that $68 billion. I am asking that all members of Congress reconsider any and all thoughts or votes that are negatively affecting the men and women that have pledged to defend this government and die for our freedom. You must vote each and every time on any and all bills that come before you that have any mention of veterans benefits reductions in that bill and you must vote to protect our veterans and give them the quality care they deserve with a fully funded mandatory V.A. budget each and every year. I will make sure that any and all politicians that vote on bills that negatively affect the V.A. and our veterans will be voted out of office. I will be asking all my friends and family to contact their congressmen and let them know this budget is unacceptable and a national disgrace that we continue to allow our veterans to be treated in this manner. Visit the VFW website at: www.vfw.org as well as the American Legion (www.AmericanLegion.org) and Independent Budget (www.independentbudget.org) for more information regarding the V.A. budget. Joanne Consalvo-Mulvaney
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