Obama targeting the middle class
President Obama said, "I do think at a certain point you've made enough money."
Who? To whom is he referring?
Certainly not President Obama and his wife. They reported $5.5 million last year.
Certainly not Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James or Katie Couric.
Certainly not many U.S. senators, congressmen and many bureaucrats. How many of them started in their positions making a modest amount and after a few years became millionaires?
Certainly not trial lawyers. The lawsuit-loving bunch the Democrat Party feels are sacred.
Of course, the various liberal news corporations are safe.
He's referring to doctors, entrepreneurs, most CEOs, small-business owners, large and small investors, and most everyone in the private sector. But mostly, the middle class. His bogeyman, the group most statistics and socialists have a problem with.
Not terrorists, not illegal aliens, not dictators, not anti-freedom and anti-Semitic countries, but hard-working, tax-paying and law-abiding American citizens.
So if you're an athlete, a celebrity, an actor, a trial lawyer, or a "public servant" drawing a paycheck from the federal government, you're OK with "The Man." Make as much as you want.
FRANCIS SANTAQUILANI
Are city's actions open, responsible?
Recently, a Florida corporation attempted to get a piece of property rezoned on Hunter Road in Ooltewah to allow some 254 apartment units to be built on the property, exacerbating an already overcrowded traffic flow in the area. The zoning change wasn't approved.
The owner then turned to the city of Chattanooga who, under the leadership of the mayor, has been anxiously awaiting an opportunity to spread the city's borders by annexation. The property owner's agent, Mike Price, assured the City Council persons there would be no infrastructure costs to the city.
The next thing that occurs is the following resolution, an action by the city:
"A resolution authorizing the fire chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department to enter into an Addendum to the Supplemental Fire Services Contract with Tri-Community Fire Department Inc. for protection of the Ooltewah annexation area within the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, in an amount not to exceed $150,000 annually or $37,500 quarterly beginning July 1, 2010, and subject to an annual increase of 5 percent during each subsequent year of this Supplemental Fire Services Agreement during the term of this agreement beginning July 1, 2011."
Chattanooga calls this honest, open government and responsible use of the taxpayers' money. What do you think?
STEVE ROBINSON
Ooltewah
When is a politician not a politician?
It is amazing the number of people who are vehemently declaring that they are not politicians, as if that is the worst thing one could be.
At the same time, they are making every effort possible to become one, and are soliciting our assistance.
It may be of some interest to them that many of those now in Congress also once bragged about not being politicians.
SCOTT PATTON
Jasper, Tenn.
Drivers on Hamill deserve better
The city's solution to the rolling Hamill Road problem is to put up a sign that says "Dip." As a daily traveler on that road and a taxpayer, we deserve much better.
NANCY BUTTRAM
Hixson
What will be do with nuclear waste?
There are advantages in having nuclear power. The downside makes air, sun and water look even better for the survival of humans and our world.
The technical books on nuclear engineering, (the main one they teach from) goes into detail about the problems of waste management. The waste, at full power for one day, is formidable. Multiply by 104 and it is a crisis. Three Northwestern states have been romanced to accept dumping but have refused.
Work goes on to "tame" the waste to a less volatile mass but success is slow to find.
There are people wanting to build 15 more towers. Let's deal with problems first. Where is the waste going at this point?
DORA E. GORTON
Cleveland, Tenn.
Congress is just a self-serving unit
As a senior, I cannot recognize my country any more.
With few exceptions, Congress is simply a self-serving political organization. For a long time they have messed up.
They destroyed education with forced busing. They destroyed public transportation with the demise of our excellent trains.
They destroyed any fear of punishment by murderers with their insane endless appeals. Ask those trial lawyers to go pro bono and see what happens. Except for one appeal, we law abiders are fools to let it go on and on unless term limits are imposed on the Congress and limits on how much each candidate can beg; only then will we have "government of, by and for."
Untold billions of dollars are spent yearly on space, where no one can dwell. If there is life up there, their biggest favor would be to be left alone!
Is there anyone to care about anyone except inner-city dwellers and what is happening to planet Earth except Al Gore?
DOROTHY ROBERTS
Fairfield Glade, Tenn.
Movement reeks of racism, hypocrisy
This is in response to the Tea Party's concerns about the nation's debt and loss of personal freedoms and liberty. These matters are of the utmost urgency and importance to all Americans.
So where were you the last eight years when surpluses turned into deficits and our nation's debt doubled? Where was the town hall belligerency when $700 billion in corporate welfare was wasted with Medicare Part D? There were no freedom marches when the Patriot Act trampled our personal liberties and privacy.
This timing of the Tea Party movement totally reeks of racism and/or hypocrisy. Some of these Republican poor losers still have the Bush/Cheney or W stickers on their vehicles. Now all Republicans aren't racist, but if you're a racist, you're probably a Republican.
At least the Revolutionary-era costumes are more colorful than the all-white robes and hoods worn at their old rallies.
JOHN MARK DAVIS
Ringgold, Ga.
ROTC students a credit to school
On Armed Forced Day, after the parade, I was honored to have more than 40 young ROTC members from Soddy-Daisy High School visit the Medal of Honor Museum at Northgate Mall.
These students were extremely well-behaved, polite and their uniforms spotless. This group is a credit to their school and community. Their instructors have done a great job with these young people.
Please remember our veterans and always remember "freedom is not free."
BILL BABB
Museum Volunteer
S/Sgt., U.S. Army, Korea
Wrong spelling alters meaning
I noticed in the recent article on wrecker fees that there was a discussion of "wenching fees." I thought prostitution was illegal in our city. Surely the reporter knows the difference between "wenching" and "winching!"
The whole newspaper industry needs to bring back copy editors and proofreaders.
JOHN L. ODOM