Readers Write: Jan. 19

Maybe neither party can fix ACA

The Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obamacare), has been law for seven years. Both political parties have admitted that Obamacare should at the very least be improved, or repealed/replaced. My question is, why have the Republicans in seven years, not come forward with an viable alternative to Obamacare and why did the Democrats, when in power, not recognize the ACA deficiencies and propose significant improvements. Just maybe, the challenge to replace Obamacare is politically beyond either party.

IAN SHAW, CUMMING

Stay vigilant of distracted drivers

I’m upset and, to reprise the famous line from the 1976 movie “Network,” “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!” Realistically, though, I have little choice but to “take this,” the ubiquitous and dangerous distracted driving that puts me — indeed, all of us — at risk. It is commonplace now to see vehicles wander across a lane marker or onto the shoulder, or stop suddenly, or fail to go when the light turns green — all potential causes of accidents, backups and, yes, road rage. Drivers daily pass my house in a family neighborhood, engaged in talking or texting, blithely unconcerned that they could seriously injure or kill someone — God forbid a child. Recent statistics attribute the rising accident and death rates to more cars on the road, but the blatantly obvious problem is simply that so many people are drivers in name only. Licensed to kill, one might morbidly say. Alas, in light of today’s meme of self-importance and denial, I have little hope that this selfish practice will cease. My only defense is to stay vigilant and pray that I and/or my family do not become victims of this irresponsibly callous and boneheaded behavior.

DAN COWLES, CUMMING