To the Editor:
    The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center is a place that is truly wonderful for the children in this area to learn and perhaps be exposed to events they may not otherwise be able to attend. They provide outstanding quality children's programming, but unfortunately, my children have not been allowed an equal opportunity to enhance their education. Why, you might ask? Twice, I feel that MMCC has discriminated against my children, simply because we have chosen to home-educate.
    In a past experience, after we were seated by a MMCC hostess, we were asked to move to other seats in the back of the auditorium to accommodate those that came in later. Now, for an upcoming performance, we have been asked to move our reservation to a completely different performance time!
    It has always been my understanding, that reservations for children's programming are first come, first served. My reservation was confirmed by e-mail, from MMCC on Aug. 4th. On Aug. 25th, I received another email asking me to change my reservation to another performance time to accommodate another group. I asked if this group booked before or after my reservation was confirmed. I did not receive an answer to this question. I'm sure the heart of MMCC is certainly not prejudiced, but perhaps some of the employees are.
Respectfully,
Mary R. Wood
Rutledge
Via e-mail

To the Editor:
     On Friday, August 20, the Madison-Morgan County Boys and Girls Club held its first annual awards and fund-raising dinner, “Dining with the Stars,” which honors outstanding club members, donors and volunteers. This first-time event was a rousing success thanks to many dedicated people and contributors. The ChopHouse supplied prime rib for the event; David Roark prevailed upon the Outbacks of Athens and Conyers to supply baked potatoes and Caesar salads; and Jolene’s Perk Avenue provided the delicious strawberry cake. Thanks to these people and to the people who worked tirelessly to put on this wonderful event: Emcee Jerry Caldwell, Mike Conrads, Pam Benford, Babs Johnston, Everett Royal, Bob Lawton, Charles Baldwin, Karen Robertson, Keith Howard, Hiram Johnston, Cedric Robertson, Janet Ferrill, Susan and Tony McCullar and Pat and Andy Chase.    
    A special thank you goes to Harris Warbington for his vision, calm determination, and hard work in spearheading the club’s origination to form a most successful Boys and Girls Club and for working so diligently to make              Friday night a success. Kim Lucas, club director, and Bobby Mackey, director of education, work tirelessly with our children and they put together outstanding entertainment for the evening performed by the Club’s “stars.” Tery Hicks, art director, inspired the children to produce the placemats and centerpieces for the dinner.
    You all are truly “STARS,” and I thank you for your hard work and dedication during these past months of planning this event. 
Mary C. Lawton President, Madison-Morgan Boys and Girls Club
Hand-delivered

To the Editor:
    If I were to add a four-legged addition to my family, it would be a dog. I just like things that like me back and are open and enthused about showing it. Cats don’t normally do much of that.         Dogs seem to be very loyal in spite of what’s happening or how they are treated. Stop feeding a cat and see how long it hangs around.     Dogs most always come when called and do what you tell them to. With cats those are very iffy results.        
    Dogs can be aggressive toward strangers. I have never heard of a guard cat.         Dogs can be trained to do many things you want them to do especially if you have a bag full of snacks to hand out. A cat thinks he can go catch its own snack without having to jump through your hoops.    
    Yes, when I’m picking out a pet, it will be a dog. When I get around to picking an animal to run my life I will pick a cat and make it endure living with a short lead, or else get traded for a different cat; one with even more character. 
George Lane
Buckhead
Hand-delivered  

To the Editor:
    I was admitted to Morgan Memorial Hospital July 23 and at the time very ill. But thanks to God’s grace and healing I am doing better. I’m still recovering but better. I would like to thank my surgeon Dr. Mejias as well as my primary doctor, Dr. Miguel Cossio and assistant Dr. Edward Cossio for their wonderful work in saving my life. I would also like to thank the amazing staff at Morgan Memorial Hospital. The nurses, the tech team and the physical therapy team. They’ve been so kind and patient. The dietary team who have taken the time to make sure I get the right nutrition to get healthy and the housekeeping staff who keep everything spic and span.
    Everyone has been so kind and caring. I would compare Morgan Memorial to any facility and I think more people should come here. It’s closer than running up and down the road to Athens, Atlanta and Macon so it’s easier to visit loved ones. Plus there is a real home-like feeling to this place as much as a hospital can feel like home.
    The people know you and care for you like their own. But mostly I would like to thank my family, especially my children for their prayers and constant support. The family that prays together stays together.
    To all my friends thank you all for the visits, the        tears, cards, flowers, letters, e-mails, prayers and hugs. I love you all and hope to be going home soon.
Laura Butler
Madison
Hand-Delivered

To the Editor:
    Reading letters to MCC, there is an understandable irritation at negative repetition. This seems to be a structural problem where columnists can assert their views and not respond to debate.
    Perhaps invited contributors might respond to challenge resident writers. Paul Broun, who has just come out of the closet as a Tea Party caucus member, could respond to Celia Murray, Roy Barnes might respond to Mr. Belton.
    Obama has already cut taxes for 85 percent of Americans.
    Fred is either lying or displaying a colossal ignorance of current events. The expiration of the Bush tax cuts was set by the GOP 10 years ago to avoid a Democratic filibuster at that time. Now, Obama wants to retain the tax cuts for small businesses and earners under $250,000 per year, and let the tax rate for the rich rise 3 percent. (Oh! The hardship!)
    The GOP, screaming about deficient spending, wants to scrap one of the few measures to reduce the deficit – calling it, for goodness' sake, a tax increase. They want it both ways!
    Again Fred, the facts are ignored, Canada has had strict oversight of mortgage lending. This involved the Bush disaster of "Home Ownership for All" and the banks' rush to issue almost fraudulent securities.
    Please Fred, check your facts before you write.
Donald Kerr
Good Hope
Hand-delivered

To The Editor:
    Celia Murray’s article in last week’s Citizen contained many interesting points and facts that could be and have been discussed for generations. I would like to take just one point and elaborate - the tax on dividends.
    For every $100 that a corporation earns there is a $35 federal tax. That leaves $65 to pay dividends or reinvest and create jobs. For simplicity, let’s assume that the corporation uses the entire $65 to pay dividends.
    The rich person receiving this dividend pays a 15 percent federal tax on the $65 or $9.75. The rich person now has $55.25 remaining from the original $100. Is that a 44.75 percent federal tax or am I missing something?
    Then there is the Georgia state tax.
Dudney Harris
Buckhead
Via e-mail