3/30: Yearns sausage fro Blakely and needs and address

Editor, the Forum:

I suppose you could say my peeve is not being able to get a fix for my craving for Stripling's sausage except when I go home to visit at Christmas. I've never seen Stripling's but my mom in Blakely, Ga. serves the sausage along with her cornbread dressing.

My son and I, in Homestead, Florida, decided to see if perhaps they were online so that we could make an order. The only reference however, that my Google search pulled up was a brief mention in an old column of the Gwinnett Forum.

Is there anyone on staff who could possibly send me an email address, phone number, or snail mail address for Stripling's? We've searched for years and there is just no substitute for their sausage! Thanks for any help,

-- Anne Marshall, Homestead, Fla.

3/30: Some ruminations concerning use of the letter "S"

Editor, the Forum:

Are others interested in the time change of Sunday, April 4? I've wondered for some years what to call it. Is it "saving" or "savings" time? I've maintained that it is not "savings," as though it were something you put in the bank.

Some years ago I took the counsel of the UPS style guide which named it "daylight-saving time" (daylight-saving being an adjectival phrase modifying "time"). My Webster Dictionary, Unabridged, 1979 edition, supports the designation of "daylight-saving time."

What thinkest thou? The public press does not seem to be sure since it appears differently in many publications. Perhaps no one really cares, but it bugs me. I'd like to call it correctly.

In some circles, it appears that "saving" and "savings" have both been dropped so that we have only "Daylight Time" and "Standard Time." That doesn't seem quite right since we have daylight on Standard Time most places in the world.

Help me, if you can, or care to. Here are some links to interesting articles on time.
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/daylight_time.htm and http://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/daylight_time.html.

--Bill Crosland, Sandy Springs

3/26: Weather spotters provide early warning for Gwinnett

Editor, the Forum:

Severe Weather Season 2004 has arrived.

Gwinnett County residents have an early warning alerting system available to them. Gwinnett County Skywarn is a group of about 65 Storm Spotters from all over the county who report to County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service, in Peachtree City. They are carefully trained to evaluate severe weather conditions, and take it very seriously.

There is a free service available to Gwinnett County residents. They can receive a Phone-Alert and/or Mail-Alert from Skywarn's automated alerting system. County residents and businesses can go to www.gwinnettskywarn.com and click to sign up for the alerts. Up to three phone numbers and three E-Mail addresses can be placed on each account.

This is an early warning alerting system. The faster we can get the public alerted, reduces deaths and injuries considerably. And also remember, it is a good time of the year to change batteries in weather radios and smoke detectors.

-- A.J. Harrison, Emergency Coordinator, Snellville

3/26: A stretch to refer to Hannity hear as political posturing

Editor, the Forum:

I understand your point about Sean Hannity, but think it is a stretch to refer to that as political posturing. The Chamber was just taking advantage of the presence in town of a well-known once local celebrity who is very popular. I don't know how the event turned out, but suspect it was well attended. If, in fact, an equally famous person of a different political ideology was in town, I assume the Chamber Would take equal advantage of their popularity and willingness to appears. As to the Cox/Hannity point, I assume the answer is one of simple economics---Hannity sells! And even Democrats understand that.

-- Chris Fluehr, Snellville

3/26: Session was about bringing money into Gwinnett County

Ediitor, the Forum:

I think you missed the point of the Gwinnett Chamber's hosting of Sean Hannity at Wild Bill's. I am not a fan of Hannity in particular but even I can see his mass appeal.

Hannity's presence in the county is not unlike the Cox family including him on the radio - it's all about the money. Besides, it's not like they invited Andrew Dice Clay to speak. Hannity is a commercial success and it makes sense to exploit that for some free publicity for the county.

They had a tremendous crowd for the appearance. I'm sure a lot of people stopped by other local businesses and shopped or ate. Others who had never been to Wild Bill's may come back. People who heard him on the radio may have learned about the existence of Gwinnett County (the best county in Georgia).

Isn't it the job of the Chamber to bring money into the County? Having an equal-time speaker isn't necessarily going to bring money into the County. If the speaker doesn't have mass appeal, what would be the point?

Just a few thoughts. Thank you for your articles. I enjoy reading them.

-- John Karnowski, Duluth

3/23: Getting out of Iraq is a problem as regarding timing

Editor, the Forum:

This is in response to the commentary in the Forum on March 19.

Realizing that I might be shooting myself in the foot, I'll state that I have no family in the military, nor friends in the military who are stationed overseas right now.

Should we get out of Iraq? Yes. When and how are different questions. How do you determine if the situation in Iraq is stable enough that the U.S. can leave? I have no idea myself but only have qualms about leaving Iraq just ripe for another pro-terrorist dictator to take over. The culture over there seems to only be able to see a despotcracy or a theocracy. In just a year, can we say that the mullahs over there are sophisticated enough to see the wisdom of functioning in a republic?

All this is before you get to the response to terrorism, be it Al-Queda or whomever. The nature of the enemy is elusive, recognizing no national boundaries. You respond by cutting off their hiding places and, by the brutal proof of their own senses, let them know that they will be punished.

A terrorist mentality is a bully's: opportunistic and constantly on alert for the lack of a will to fight. Bin Laden gambled that the U.S. would not have the will after 9/11. Now Iraq and Afghanistan send a stark message: oppose us and you will end up like this.

-- David Suddoth, Duluth

3/19: Wants equipment barn in another location in Norcross

Editor, the Forum:

Several residents at Monday's Council session in Norcross voiced concerns about locating the new equipment barn on Wingo Street. The Mayor then commented that there was a lot of "hullabaloo" about the Wingo properties bought by the City and location of a new barn thereon, whereas there was very little said by the residents when the decisions were being made. Also, she noted the Mayor and Council are to represent all of Norcross' residents on this issue, not just the vocal ones at the meeting. So why are so many residents voicing concerns just now?

First, there was little if any notice to the residents that the City intended to buy the Wingo properties, nor was it widely known that the previous Council intended to put the barn there. No planning document that we know of has been released with the planning for the new City "complex" comprising the new firehouse, Wingo Street parking and the proposed fire truck building. In fact, last year we were led to believe the City was considering turning the Wingo Steet properties over to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) for redevelopment.

The residents' immediate concern centers on location of the barn, and specifically that it NOT be located on Wingo Street, for several reasons. As Anne Webb and Gretchen Bailey have eloquently written, the Council formed the DDA to redevelop the Historic District with new retail businesses, mixed use housing, cultural centers and green space. Nowhere in the LCI study was a heavy-equipment barn contemplated, and it will clearly be out of place--even a brick one. If it is built outside the downtown area, it would presumably cost much less than the $1 million budgeted for it in 2004.

Finally, where are the residents that support placing the barn on Wingo Street? We have yet to hear a single person favoring that location, other than the Mayor, the previous Council members and Public Works. If there are those in favor, let's hear from them and get a balanced view from the residents.

Things have changed since the previous Council made its decisions. The residents are now insisting they be involved in planning, and the DDA has been created. We urge the Council to find a way to put the equipment barn on the Mitchell St. yard across Buford Highway, and let the DDA decide the proper use of the Wingo Street properties--with input from the residents, of course!

-- Charlie Riehm, Norcross

3/19: Maintains disinformation campaign going on about Spain

Editor, the Forum:

Of course, the Bush junta would like us to believe that Al Qaeda was responsible for upsetting the reelection of the conservatives in Spain. They cannot acknowledge that almost 90 percent of Spaniards opposed Aznar's support of the invasion of Iraq and were waiting for the opportunity to oust his party. This mischaracterization of the Spanish democratic process is purely political, and intended to give credence to the idea that by not supporting our occupation and pillaging of Iraq, members of the Coalition of the bribed and bullied will be capitulating to Al Qaeda.

The American public should be accustomed to the disinformation campaign waged by our government, in the same manner as citizens of communist bloc countries used to ignore propaganda printed in their government-controlled media. Since our Supreme Court selected the president, has any instance that was granted authenticity by Bush been proven to have any validity? The 9/11 Commission, and the inquiry into the outing of Wilson's CIA wife are being sandbagged by Bush, and the prevarications of our "I didn't say/mean that" administration have become routine. The world has become much more dangerous as a result of our military actions.

-- Ben Adams, Los Angeles, Calif.

3/16: Wonders whether licensing for regulation or revenue

Editor, the Forum:

Remember the commercial that parodied the fast food industry's focus on the "fluff" versus the size of the hamburger patty? Enter the Georgia Legislature with its equivalent "Where's the beef?" bill that focuses on licensing massage therapists versus enforcement!

Senator Renee Unterman's logic in supporting this bill is comparing "fluff" i.e., is that if we license beauticians who touch your hair, we should license massage therapists who touch your body. Interestingly, she says absolutely zilch about the "meat," which is meaningful enforcement for consumer protection purposes.

Although consumer protection supposedly is the primary rationale for government's licensing of businesses, the more obvious purpose seems to be revenue. Gwinnett cities, for example, impose a license tax on businesses domiciled within their boundaries. By and large, and particularly in the case of small businesses, most cities rely on voluntary compliance, don't bother to identify or pursue violators (unless a citizen makes it an issue) and even then don't prosecute serial violators to the fullest extent of the laws already on the books.

A civil action soon will be filed in Gwinnett County Small Claims Court documenting how a small business publicly misrepresented it was licensed and insured when it wasn't; used this false advertising along with "bait and switch" tactics to sell its services; and subsequently filed a false claim against its customer.

The Judge's decisions in these matters will go a long way in determining if the primary purpose of government licensing of businesses is the "meat"
(consumer protection) or the "fluff" ( tax revenues).

-- Donald F. Valtman, Lilburn

3/16: Terrorists in Spain make one realize world is far less safe

Editor, the Forum:

One thing has been made abundantly clear by the terrorist attacks in Spain that killed over 200 people: the world is much less safe than before we attacked Afghanistan and Iraq. Isn't this what was predicted by those who were not paralyzed by fear or kicking out blindly in retaliation?

The logical result of our military actions is the rage, grief and anger of the victims, directed at those who are perceived to be the cause of the destruction, loss of life and misery. Even though almost 90 percent of Spaniards opposed the invasion, their government became part of the "Coalition" of the bribed and bullied. Terrorism cannot be overcome by making war on innocent people and occupying and pillaging their countries; our actions only turn people who have no hope for the future into terrorists. If our government would only practice a policy of kindness and tolerance instead of full spectrum dominance, it is probable that we would cease to create new terrorists.

-- Gordon Hawthorne, Atwater Village, CA

3/12: Says 2000 Nader funding came out of Republican Party

Editor, the Forum:

It looks as though Ralph Nader is pulling the same stunt that he did in 2000. At that time, Associated Press Writer Laura Meckler noted in the Friday, Oct. 27, 2000 edition of the Washington Post that The Republican Leadership Council was funding the Nader campaign by launching TV ads in Wisconsin, Oregon and Washington, showing a speech made by Nader which was critical of Bush and Gore - but only airing the segments that were critical of Gore. This was done in a deliberate attempt to siphon off Gore votes in states that were favorable to Nader. Nader must surely be aware of what happened in 2000, so why is he attempting another run? What is his true motivation? Does he really want to be funded by Republicans again, in order to ensure another four years of Bush?

-- Walter Maloney, Los Angeles, Calif.

3/9: Keeping perspective on gay marriage is difficult

Editor, the Forum:

Thank you for your fine response to Mr. Lewis' letter regarding what to tell children about gay marriage, etc. You spoke a necessary word, temperate, reasoned, sensible, and caring. You helped us keep our perspective on a difficult question. I liked your comment that our country is working its way through this concept now. So is my Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.) where I continue to serve as a retired minister. In my book, yours is a prophetic word we need to hear. Keep up the good work.

-- Bill Crosland, Atlanta

3/9: Keep up the good job on area of maintaining liberties

Editor, the Forum:

What a great response to Rikk Lewis, Grayson.

I have refrained from commenting on the marriage legislation but do some very strong feelings about maintaining liberties in this country. I think you pretty well covered many of my thoughts and in a much nicer way than I could have. Keep up the good job.

-- Jim Dumond, Buford

3/5: $10 per pupil could help fund training of school bus drivers

Editor, the Forum:

A recent news item reported that training for school bus drivers, provided by the Georgia State Patrol, was being stopped because of budgetary reasons. Officials loathe stopping the program, but the money is just not in the budget.

As I recall, providing a public education for children never included providing transportation to and from school. However, as it seems we will never get away from this service and its significant cost, there are other solutions, rather than increasing taxes.

According to the report filed by Jon Shirek of NBC's "11 Alive" news team, the state of Georgia transports one million children per day by bus. Why not simply charge $10 per child for the school year? That would raise an estimated $10 million per school year, covering the cost of training for the bus drivers and a significant portion of the transportation costs.

All will agree the safety of the children is paramount and that a properly-trained school bus driver is a crucial role in that safety. I fail to see how anyone could object to paying $10 per school year to help ensure their child's safety. Surely $10 per child per school year is not an outrageous sum for any parent to afford. With some forethought, could this also be tax-deductible for the parents? The only difficulty to consider is keeping this money dedicated for this task as school boards may play "fast and loose" with this fund, should they have access to it.

Another option is to establish a cost for the training and allow the bus driver to pay for it themselves and make it a tax-deductible expense. Offer a payment program to the driver to pay for the training to make it easier for the drivers to pay for it.

The majority of my taxes (approximately 82 percent) are used for schools and education, from which I and many others receive nothing; nor do I burden the infrastructure. A tax increase is unfair. The old saying is "there is no such thing as a free lunch." Perhaps it's time to consider having people who receive benefits contribute for the services they receive.

-- Tony Rivera, Suwanee

3/5: What to teach children about gay marriage question

Dear Gwinnett Forum:

I love my country and believe it to be the best place to live in the world. I also believe we, as a nation, are blessed by God himself. But, certain actions of late have begun to really bother and worry me.

I teach my children that this country is based on democracy. On paper, that means that the majority rules. Laws are made according to what the majority of the country's citizens feel is right. And the laws of the land will be followed or the foundation will crumble. These are basic ideas that most people would find reasonable and correct. Do you agree?

If so, tell me why a few judges in Massachusetts and a Mayor in California are being allowed to absolutely ignore the law and still have their jobs? Tell me why that mayor hasn't been impeached and thrown in jail? This should not be allowed to continue. Why are we so afraid of a vocal minority that we cannot act? Why are we afraid to stand up when respect for law and order is tossed aside, or so boldly ignored? And just what am I suppose to teach my children about respecting authority and the rule of law?

The warning I speak of is this: Countries fall when the laws of the land can be ignored at will.

Yes, Gay Marriage is the subject. It matters not what my opinion is on the subject, except when I go to the polls. My vote defines my opinion. Isn't that the way America is suppose to work?

Thank you for your time.

-- Rikk Lewis, Grayson

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