Readers Write: Feb. 3

Wingfield right about casinos

After reading Kyle Wingfield’s column on Jan. 29, my thoughts were, a.) Somebody actually gets it, and, b.) I do hope Wingfield will continue writing in opposition to bringing casino gambling to Georgia. Perhaps flooding the media with the facts and the economics of casinos and their real effects on a state’s well-being, thus placing some impediments in the apparent downhill pull the proponents are enjoying just might slow or halt the confidence game in its tracks. Those in favor of allowing casinos to operate employ the same hackneyed arguments on jobs, revenue, schools, infrastructure, and the like. Nowhere have those suppositions and promises born fruit. Rather, for every dollar in new revenue a state has collected, it has spent three times that in social and economic costs.

Thanks for a good and long-overdue piece.

NEIL WILKINSON, DUNWOODY

Criminals to blame for own injuries

I’m appalled every time I hear of injuries and deaths that result from high-speed chases.

My biggest question is for the morons that run from police. Do these people truly believe they can avoid criminal charges by leading police on a high-speed chase. Are they really so stupid to believe they can get away? Meanwhile, they show a callous disregard for the lives and safety of innocent people. Often-times, these criminal, mental midgets get hurt or killed. Then, their families are up in arms about their criminal relative being injured or killed in these chases.

Do these families believe the police should just let everyone drive away from traffic stops after being stopped? That’s just stupid! If a person could avoid being caught and prosecuted by just driving off, then our prisons would be empty, which is just ludicrous. Running from police is inexcusable! Period! If someone you know or love runs from police don’t be so stupid as to complain about the subsequent consequences. Better yet, tell your family and loved ones not to break the law in the first place.

DONALD VARN, ROSWELL