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closeThe good and bad
It is a sad situation, but I believe we should be glad the Macon Housing Authority is attempting to get a grant from the federal government for the purpose of remodeling and rebuilding public housing. We should be glad because federal money may come to Macon rather than a similar city in another state. Perhaps we will derive some benefit from the federal dollars.
Conversely we should be sad because the taxpayers of our country will spend $88 million on 443 units of housing. Regardless of how the money may be appropriated and spent, 443 units will cost taxpayers $198,645 each. I realize the money is coming from several sources, $2 million from the city of Macon which is financially unsound at the present, $52 million from low income tax credits, $3 million from a neighborhood stabilization project, $5 million from MHA, $1 million from Mercer University and $1.5 million from Macon Water Authority.
My thinking has to be somewhat clouded because I cannot determine why we will spend almost $200,000 per unit to reconstruct the area. A local TV station reported the expenses will include all of the families living in Tindall Heights receiving relocation packages that would transfer them to newer public housing, or give them a Section 8 voucher. Each family would also have a personal advisor to assist them — and moving expenses will be paid.
The confusion and sadness regarding these expenditures comes from the report listing the average price of a single family dwelling costing less than $60,000 in Macon. Most of us know that some individuals do need public assistance and most of us have no problem paying taxes to help these citizens. The issue becomes one of common sense. How can anyone keep a straight face and explain to someone paying a mortgage that public housing will not only have a value 3 to 4 times as great as an average house in Macon, but that a personal advisor will be made available for moving assistance?
What message are we sending to those who want to improve their standards of living or make more money? What personal investment do we require from those living in public housing? We could certainly improve the real estate market in Macon if we gave the 412 families currently living in Tindall Heights each a check for $150,000 and paid for a real estate agent to help them find a place. They could then pay for their moving expenses. Property taxes would increase and the local economy would get a shot in the arm from the housing “stimulus plan.” Sounds like a workable solution.
— Terry Sanders
Macon
Going green?
If CIA officers can be investigated for treating terrorists harshly, why can’t terrorist bombers now running around the Chicago area practicing “community activism” be brought to justice for bombing the Pentagon and killing a policeman?
If the health care bill is so great, how come Congress will not be covered by it and why did the dems vote down an opportunity for the public to at least read the bill for 72 hours before voting?
If President Obama’s public relations expert (Anita Dunn) ardently and publicly admires Chairman Mao’s philosophy, why would FoxNews care if she disrespects them?
If it was patriotic to demonstrate against Bush by not just defeating him, but attempting to destroy his character entirely for all those years, why is it now unpatriotic and “potentially violent” to peacefully protest massive government interventions today?
If the federal government ignores the majority of the people; violates the Constitution and assumes powers not specifically granted it by the people, should we not seek to remove those in office who voted to do so?
Go green: Recycle Congress.
— John Brogden
Warner Robins
Watch out
We are in hard economic times and as a small business, if you want to survive, please remember the cardinal rule of retail: The customer is always right. If you treat your customers the way you want to be treated, they will remain loyal to you. I had an adverse experience at a shop in Macon relating to its failure to inform me of its return policy. There is a hidden sign that says one thing while the owner verbalizes something totally different. I will certainly never spend my hard earned dollars in this business again. Shopper beware.
— Anika Bradley
Forsyth
Get organized
I recently wrote regarding my old stomping ground off Houston Avenue and I want my old neighborhood to be aware that all of us who took off are pulling for you.
I suggest the Houston Avenue residents get a strong neighborhood watch dog group going so you can look out for each other. Get with the mayor and police to organize it. You can do it.
— Steven Buford
Macon
‘No Child Left Behind’
Kudos on your Monday, Oct. 19 editorial. Your “bottom line” analysis is spot-on: “Empowered administrators produce empowered teachers who empower students to excellence.”
That is why I will work to scrap the failed policies of the federal “No Child Left Behind” law. That law presumes to define academic success as a numeric score on a sheet of paper and then to punish teachers, administrators and entire school systems if anything less than 100 percent of their students meet that score. This “bumper sticker” solution is a poor excuse for real leadership. The Obama administration should scrap this one-size-fits-all approach and create a federal education policy that recognizes empowered leadership as the basis for motivation and accountability in our schools.
My mother, Dorothy Poythress, taught in the Bibb County School System her whole life. Having grown up in the household of a public school educator, I know very well that teaching is not just a job — it is a calling. If we want excellence in our educational system, we must empower teachers and administrators and give them the tools and the leadership they deserve — not threaten them with loss of their jobs if their students don’t test well.
— Lt. Gen. (Ret.) David B. Poythress
Poythress is a Democratic candidate for governor in 2010.
Democrats’ fault
The Republicans have been derided as of late as the party of “no.” Saying “no” to many of democratic initiatives. Did anyone really expect “yes”? Traditionally, the parties are opposed to each other’s platforms, so a Republican “no” shouldn’t be a surprise. The Democrats own the presidency, the House and the Senate and can pass any legislation they want to at any time regardless of how Republicans vote. So, who is responsible for the lack of progress on health care?
The truth is the Democrats cannot marshal enough internal support and are trying to deflect criticism while attempting to craft legislation its own party members can tolerate. It seems the real reason Democrats won the trifecta of leadership was the anti-Bush vote, not for any core Democratic values of health care overhaul or Guantanamo Bay closure.
So far, they’ve had nine months to push through this “top of the agenda” issue with deadlines and presidential addresses to Congress and the nation. However, unlike the Nobel Peace Prize committee, it seems the Democratic membership requires more than grand speeches and rhetoric before they vote to change our health-care system.
— Douglas Fingles
Warner Robins
Expressing love?
A couple of recent letters have invoked the words of Jesus Christ in regard to the national debate on health care. While it’s always good to see the expressions of our Lord appear in the public square, I wonder if they might be misleading within the context they are quoted.
Yes, Jesus said to “love thy neighbor as thyself,” and “Love one another as I have loved you.” He also directed his followers to “be wise as serpents and gentle as doves.”
Leaving aside for the moment the real question of whether love can be expressed in any way other than by individuals; and whether paying more taxes — willingly or not — constitutes “love (for) thy neighbor” — there remains the issue of the wisdom involved in granting the federal government sweeping control over the implementation of health care in this country. The law of unintended consequences dictates that despite the best of intentions, the result will be (at best) a reduction in the quantity and quality of health care for all. That is a curious way of saying “I love you.”
— Wade Stooksberry
Macon
Danger ahead for flag
I’m fascinated by the way the stars and stripes tracks the history of our nation; a star added with every state admitted to the union. It is a symbol that represents not only who we are, but also what we stand for and what we believe. But, will the U.S. flag go the way of the Confederate battle flag?
The Confederate battle flag was a symbol of patriotism for those who bravely fought for what they thought was right. However, through post-Civil War misuse by foolish organizations and individuals, the Confederate flag morphed into an icon now hated by many Americans. Something similar is happening to the U.S. flag.
The flag has been unceremoniously burned during various protests. Supreme Court rulings have upheld that peaceful flag desecration is a form of political speech that is protected by our Constitution.
School districts, on occasion, have banned the display of the U.S. flag. Homeowners associations have done the same. Businesses and organizations have removed flags placed in front of their establishments by veterans groups.
Dark forces are at work aimed at relegating the U.S. flag to the status of the Confederate battle flag. One effective countermeasure is to display the stars and stripes as prescribed by the laws covering its use, whenever possible. Vocal opposition is effective, too. Loud voices have worked well for the anti-flag crowd.
— Lee Ballard
Macon
Prayer for today
Father God, right now I thank you for showing me that you honor your word. When devices were created to come against me, you showed me that no weapon formed against me shall prosper. When I spoke your word against my mountain of trouble, you gave me the victory. You gave me favor with people who were in position to help me. I dedicate this prayer to you Lord, because I would have lost heart unless I had believed to see your goodness. Daily you remind me how real you really are.
— Submitted by Reginald Reeves
Macon
Readers — ministers, priests, rabbis, imams and laypersons alike — are invited to contribute prayers for this daily feature.
Send them to “Prayer,” The Macon Telegraph, P.O. Box 4167, Macon, GA 31213; or by facsimile to 744-4663; or online to letters@macon.com.
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