5/30: Post Office cares little for governmental borders

Editor, the Forum:

You're right that the media goes by mailing address when reporting crimes, and that this is very misleading. The media need to realize that the Post Office cares nothing about city limits or even county borders. For example, many folks in Barrow County have a Hoschton (Jackson County) mailing address. Some folks with Bethlehem mailing addresses live in Walton County, and some with Statham addresses live in Oconee.

But creating yet another governmental entity is surely not the solution. We already have 159 counties and lots of towns and cities -- all gobbling up tax dollars like there is no tomorrow.

What would "New Town" offer its citizens in return for the tax money (including Local Option Sales Tax money that is now going to Norcross and other towns) that they are not receiving now?

I enjoy Gwinnett Forum! Every county should have one.

-- Myles Godfrey, Winder

5/30: Suggests name for bridge over I-75 near Georgia Tech

Editor, the Forum:

I'm voting (for the name) as "Buzz Bridge" over Yellow Jacket Junction!

-- Brian Luders, Duluth

5/28: Smashing success at Dacula Memorial Day festivities

To the editor:

If you were not with us in Dacula on Memorial Day 2003, you missed a solemn, wonderful day. Our 10th annual 5K run, Dacula Memorial Day parade and Dacula Festival in the park started early and lasted well into the afternoon. There were several hundred runners, loads of paraders and many who enjoyed the crafts, food, music and fun at the festival. Most of all, it gave folks the time to reflect on what Memorial Day is about-honoring those who have served and died for freedom.

Our honored guests included CWO Ronald Young, Jr. and his parents. The former Iraqi POW, Ron Young, was the grand marshal of the parade and spent several hours meeting people, signing autographs and posing for photographs with his well wishers.

If you can measure the impact of an event by the numbers of people who attend, Memorial Day 2003 in Dacula was a smashing success. Several thousands lined the streets to view the parade and wish Grand Marshal Young well.

Congratulations are in order for the Dacula Track Club for sponsoring the 5K race, Marvin Atherton for his work in carrying out the parade, and Billy Stone for coordinating the festival.

May 26, 2003, Dacula remembered!

-- Jim Wilbanks, Mayor of Dacula

5/23: Will put up a fight over Hope Scholarship determination

Editor, the Forum:

Just dare to make the HOPE Scholarship dependent on family income, not student achievement, and I will gather the troops to get each and every currently elected state official thrown out of office, bar none!

-- Brian F. Luders, Duluth

5/23: Amazed at definations which were termed "inadequate"

Editor, the Forum:
.
It never ceases to amaze me how politicians and car salesmen never seem to change, even in today's environment.

Headlines in the Gwinnett portion of AJC recently: "Principals get orders for tighter discipline." And "Regular error checks part of 'new' regime."

The article implies that definitions were inadequate (other school systems did not seem to have a problem). The article would lead you to believe that the principals were not reporting the correct numbers and that they are to be held responsible for the accuracy of their schools. When have they not been responsible for their actions?

How about what went on behind the closed door sessions of the Board? Now a "committee" will be implemented to do a review. What good will come out of this? Perhaps we'll get another agency to insure that everyone is doing their job?

-- Lee Baker, Lilburn

5/20: It's time to let the rule of law take its course

Editor, the Forum:

Vocal Minority, Vulture, Boo Bird, Very Vocal Minority, Fanatic, an ill-mannered parent, all holding grudges because my kid didn't measure up. Are but a few names used by the "higher echelon" of Gwinnett County to describe myself and a few other parents in Gwinnett that believe in the rule of law and have voiced those
opinions since the Gwinnett County student incident reporting scandal was published by the AJC and aired on WSB television.

What I find troubling is that the "higher echelon" has reverted to smearing people that support the very businesses they operate. They have failed to realize that many members of the "Vocal Minority" are customers, concerned and involved parents, voters and taxpayers whose children more than "measure up." They have failed to understand that these customers and voters need not wait until the next election to
make their voices heard. They may take their business to neighboring counties, reducing funds available for our schools, making a very loud statement, one that would, unfortunately, be heard by the very children we are all trying to help.

Perhaps it is time that we all, vocal minority and higher echelon alike, sit back and allow Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter to do his job, to allow the rule of law to take its course, letting the chips fall where they may. It's time for all of us to get on about the business of assuring a safe well rounded education for
the children of Gwinnett County.

-- Jim Dumond, Buford

5/20: Pleased to report T-shirt no longer touted on radio

Editor, the Forum:

(Editor's Note: this letter refers to an item mentioned in a letter in the May 13 Gwinnett Forum. -eeb)

I am very happy to report that the links to purchase the T-shirt has been removed from the 96Rock and Cafepress sites!! This only happened because many of you took the time to exercise YOUR rights of "freedom of speech!" Thank you.

-- Cathy Smith, Grayson

5/20: Thinks 80-hour work period is jus as preferable

Editor, the Forum:

First, let me see if I have the facts right. You say a proposal before Congress changes the rules considerably, no longer requiring overtime. Don't you mean "no longer requiring overtime pay?" Earlier in the article, you refer to the workers getting "an option of either more money or more time off."

If they get an option, what's the objection? As to the change in the measurement period, who says that a week is more fair than three days (24 hours) or two weeks (80 hours)? I don't see the harm in changing the measurement period to compensate the employer for all the weeks that employees work less than 40 hours which I know you must have seen a lot, as I have over the years.

"Fair" should be just as subject to change as other things in our society when applied to employers as well as employees.

-- Chris Fluehr, Snellville

(Editor's note: let me see if I get this straight. You say "fair" can change? - eeb)

5/16: Mayor thanks all involved with 30th Snellville Days

Editor, the Forum:

Thank you so much to our entire community for making our 30th Snellville Days a success in every way. We had a record number of sponsors this year, a wonderful parade, a tremendous Grand Marshal in David Greene -- a South Gwinnett graduate leading the Georgia Bulldogs as quarterback, and two great days at Briscoe Park with crafters, entertainment, kids fun, food, a car show, and dog and disc show. The volunteers and City staff did an exemplary job putting the entire weekend together and pulling it off with minimal interruptions. Thanks again.

-- Brett Harrell, Mayor of Snellville


5/16: Wonders why Bush Administration wants this information

Editor, the Forum:

The May 5 London Guardian reported that ChoicePoint, a Georgia company who is the parent company of Database Technologies, has been given a $67 million contract to obtain personal data on citizens of Latin American countries, including names, addresses, occupations, dates of birth, passport numbers, tax records and blood groups. Among others, the governments of Nicaragua and Mexico are enraged at the invasion of their citizens' privacy.

Now, I wonder why the Bush Administration wants this information?

DataBase is the company that wrongfully purged at least 57,700 votes of supposed felons from Florida's voting roles, most of whom were either poor, black or Democrat, the majority of whom only had names that were similar to those of felons.

Is it possible that the Latin identities that are being absorbed by this company are going to be used to "pad" our next election? It's my understanding that ChoicePoint's subsidiaries are in line to be hired by many states to screw up (sorry..."handle" better choice) the 2004 election.

-- Charles Prendergast, Texarkana, Tex.

5/13: Let investigations of the school reporting go forward

Editor, the Forum:

Disparaging folks who do not support the high stakes tests, like Gateway, is a bit beneath you. Actually, most of the ones I've met have been quite active in their local schools, and are fully supportive of public education. They, like I, fail to see the value in putting so much emphasis on one test. And as for the cost, well, we could have had about three brand spanking new elementary schools by now for what's been spent on Gateway.

Be that as it may, I found your attempts to minimize the seriousness of falsifying the incident reports to the state to be rather feeble. It is not "virtually meaningless;" there are, or could be, serious repercussions for all concerned and every taxpayer in this county. The worst part of it, as you noted, was that Gwinnett's actual numbers are rather good when compared to what might be expected with our mix of students or other counties. So what happened?

From news reports and conversations with folks around the county, I believe most schools submitted the reports as required. They were reasonably accurate going in. Then, they were "adjusted", not to comply with rather clear instructions from the state, but to local thinking. Something like ignoring the speed limit for personal reasons. You may not like the law, but there is a penalty if you are caught. And there can be little doubt there were major changes made by central office personnel, including the non-reporting of serious (criminal) incidents. One or two might be a mistake; hundreds or thousands is quite deliberate.

So let the investigations go forward and the results published. Assess penalties, if any, in proportion to blame, regardless of whom it may involve. If our current board and superintendent stay on, as I see it, there will always be a cloud of suspicion hanging over them. An element of distrust will remain, not only by those who would rail at them in board meetings, but just average citizens who come into contact with the school system. The doubt that lingers will make, at times, their difficult jobs almost impossible. And that's the saddest part of this whole affair.

-- Bob Hawkins, Duluth

5/13: Exercise your freedom of speech

Editor, the Forum:

This is a link to a T-shirt that The Regular Guys from 96 ROCK are selling.

In case you can't make out the print on the back of the shirt it say: "Arguing on the internet is like competing in the Special Olympics , even if you win you are still retarded." See it at http://www.regularguys.com.

Don't hesitate to exercise YOUR freedom of speech and drop them a note!! I have had it with these guys constant degrading of others for the sake of "entertainment!"

This statement is disgusting. I don't know about you but I choose not to support such appalling, narrow minded, ignorant "entertainment" and advertising by no longer listening to 96 ROCK (Not that I ever really did much.)

-- Cathy Smith, Grayson

5/13: Says Rumsfield plan would never pass in election year

Editor, the Forum:

Like most Americans, I still worry about protecting my family and our country. I'm also getting tired of having my worries preyed upon by some of our national leaders who are using "national security" to sell Americans public policies that we normally wouldn't buy. The Rumsfeld Plan is a good example.

Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld has asked Congress to quickly pass legislation that would give the Department of Defense (DOD) unprecedented powers. The Secretary's bill would exempt defense facilities from complying with basic environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act and toxic waste laws.

The plan would give the Secretary increased power to give defense contractors huge pots of money with virtually no public oversight. And the Secretary wants the power to eliminate the rights, jobs and pay system for civilian defense employees, the very individuals who deployed and supported our troops in Iraq. These personnel changes go well beyond last year's controversial homeland security bill.

When asked why the Rumsfeld plan was being rushed through Congress now, one White House insider honestly answered, "Because it would never pass in an election year." That's another way of saying that we can sneak things through because voters aren't paying attention to what lawmakers are doing. I encourage all GwinnettForum readers and voters to start paying attention right now.

I support a strong Department of Defense. But I am not willing to unnecessarily sacrifice the health and safety of my family by letting DOD, which uses enormous quantities of hazardous materials, ignore the laws that protect our air and water. I'm also fed up with corporate contractors getting overpaid with my tax dollars. And I don't think that you reward the civilian defense employees who worked day and night to support our troops by asking them to do more with less or eliminating their jobs.

The Department of Defense just proved that we have the most effective armed forces in the world. Secretary Rumsfeld seems to be in a big hurry to fix a problem that doesn't exist. His plan defies common sense and reality.

-- Charlotte Flowers, Riverdale, Ga., National Vice President AFGE 5th District (American Federation of Government Employees)

5/9: Rule of law applies to all entities

Editor, the Forum:

You state that Gwinnett's underreporting of serious incidents to the tune of 24,500+ "causes questions to be raised." Yet you find DA Porter's raising of questions "close to incomprehension."

If no one did anything illegal, rejoice in the forthcoming exoneration. If, on the other hand, the reporting was done deliberately in "trying to make Gwinnett look good," that action was a crime, and Porter is legally obliged to investigate and prosecute it. The rule of law applies even to GCPS.

-- Lee Brewer Jones, Lawrenceville

5/9: You mean that Georgia is still arguing about a flag?

Editor, the Forum:

I can't believe adults in Georgia are still arguing over colors and symbols on a flag. The "white (surrender) flag" that quickly became the prominent one being waved in Iraq should be the one of more interest.

The "freedom" to raise conflicting opinions is something both sides take for granted --almost to the abusive level. Could not this "freedom" be better placed on something that will be for the "greater good" of all the people? Maybe a new all white flag with no symbols but with a little red and blue frilly stuff on the edges is of better service.

-- Jerry Queen, Lafayette, La.

5/9: Says "Bravo" to recent Forum on viruses, flag

Editor, the Forum:

Just wanted to send you a "BRAVO" on your newsletter. The two articles about the West Nile Virus and the Georgia Flag in Tuesday's GwinnettForum is by far the best you have produced. Keep up the good work.

-- James E. Bushnell, CLU, CEBS, Norcross

5/6: Hispanic mother got ovation at area school meeting

Editor, the Forum:

Thank you, Elliott, for once again stepping forward as the voice of reason. Those of us who are active parents, spending our days, nights and weekends at our local schools, know our children are safe, well supervised and are
receiving an outstanding education.

It pains me that portions of our citizenry cannot see the great gift that has been provided. Perhaps if they had heard the Hispanic mother who stood up last Thursday night at the Norcross area board meeting to say, in halting English and with a voice cracking from emotion, "Thank you Gwinnett board members and Mr. Wilbanks for giving my children opportunities my husband and I have never had. God Bless America."

She received a standing ovation.

-- Kelly Herndon, Grayson


5/6: More comment on recent school column

Editor, the Forum:

I felt compelled to respond to your recent "Boo birds are out."

You indicated this controversy is meaningless. I adamantly disagree. You must remove the blinders of friendship and realize when people are elected to represent the public and appoint others to manage our resources; a great deal of trust is being placed in these individuals. Violation of that trust does have meaning

It appears you felt Mr. Porter's "criminal" investigation is unwarranted. I assure you he would like nothing more than to move on to other matters. His public commitment cannot be questioned. He must have reasons for spending tax dollars on an investigation. As does the state and the PSC.

You insinuated these agencies are not being fair to this administration by investigating alleged wrongdoing. Yet, these agencies exist to enforce law. If laws have been violated we must not turn a blind eye. The accused will receive a fair hearing and if found guilty, should be dealt with accordingly.

I don't believe assuring the safety of children is tearing down a school system. Without factual information parents cannot make informed decisions regarding safety. Shall we continue to entrust our most precious commodity, our children, to those that would avoid the truth and the law?

If public trust has been violated, through lies and deceit, in the school systems ability to keep our children safe, the current administration must step down in order that GCPS's may continue to be a leader in education.

-- Jim Dumond, Buford

5/2: Wants over-the-counter emergency contraception

Editor, the Forum:

My family and I all support reproductive rights. We favor making emergency contraception medication an over-the-counter product.

As always, we also favor a women's right to have a safe, legal abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy, and do not support any efforts to limit that right.

-- Clyde L. and Mary Ann Allen, Snellville


5/2: Amendment would not prevent people acting stupid

Editor, the Forum:

Apparently my letter about the editorial term "cakewalk" did NOT include my comment about the U.S. Constitution's Amendment Zero. (I bet you thought that the Amendments started with Number One.)

Amendment Zero reads as follows: "No government organization, either Federal, State, County, or City, shall or can pass a law that will prevent any person or group from sounding or acting stupid. This does NOT, however, exempt that person or group from the responsibility for, or for the consequences of, that stupidity to, or from, themselves or others. This only makes invalid any law that might in advance try to prevent that stupidity."

-- Allan Hytowitz, Norcross