This is Viewpoints for Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Terrified? No, alert

Thanks to Judy Lawrence for her comments on my article of two weeks ago on endemic “ignorance.” However, my intention was to wake people up to an incipient danger, not spread fear. I had to cut 500 words out of the article that might have clarified my fact-based intent gleaned from a variety of sources.

Muslim jihadist terrorists want us to be terrified. Instead, we must overcome our weaknesses and prepare to confront this menace that is likely to engulf us shortly. First, however, that will depend on our next president and his ability to rectify the disastrous errors of this administration and, we, the abject dysfunction of Congress

Our greatest concern should be for younger and coming generations. Do we turn our backs to the Muslim threat as well as ignore the country’s massive debt, deficits and other ills? What a burden to leave our posterity — especially if they, too, wallow in ignorance possibly worse than our own.

Wringing hands and praying won’t cut it; only firm confrontation will. Don’t be terrified; be determined. Get the U.S. back to its rightful role as the example to the world.

— Avery Chenoweth Sr.

Perry

Trading old for new?

Macon has been working hard to improve how the city looks to both our citizens and visitors. Bravo. However, it seems Planning and Zoning isn’t on the same page. Its recent approval of plans by Sierra to build a five-story development right next to one of our nicest historic neighborhoods (apparently without actually seeing what the plans look like) is unbelievable. There is property east of and owned by the Medical Center away from historic homes, that would be better suited and might actually improve that space and the distance for the stated clientele: medical students and Navicent staff.

If the new lofts for Mercer students built next to the main post office between Hardeman Avenue and Forsyth Street is any indication of high density and small space development, we can all see what a monstrosity is in store for us. Even strangers to our city have commented on how bad that construction looks. What happened to the style that went into dorms on Montpelier Avenue and College Street?

Are we trading old blight for new blight? P&Z needs to take their jobs more seriously.

— Carolyn Hargrove

Macon

Drones’ first victim

Watch out, Macon! The drones have taken their first victim. Fear not the “Walking Dead.” Beware the drone that will take your (department) head.

— Glenn E. Pope

Bonaire

This story was originally published August 24, 2015 at 10:13 PM with the headline "This is Viewpoints for Tuesday, August 25, 2015 ."