Letters to the Editor

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Democrats' action isn't honorable

As bad as the economy is, I have to laugh at the Wisconsin senators running off with their tails between their legs-such a manly bunch of misfits!

Since the Democrats are always running the GOP down, do they really think what they are doing is the honorable thing to do?

They will still get their paychecks for doing nothing, not even trying to help their country.

Shame, shame.

-IRENE ROSE

Hixson

Editor's Note: See Friday's Free Press editorial.

Obama has no clue on what he is doing

With our national debt over $14 trillion and climbing, Obama submitted a timid budget that won't put a dent in the debt. With turmoil in the Middle East, he has no clue as how to cope with it.

The failure of his stimulus plan is much larger than the experts have predicted. Revelations are surfacing weekly revealing more and more flaws in ObamaCare.

He won't lift the ban on Gulf Coast oil drilling as gas prices are soaring.

He has failed to take positive action on illegals pouring across our border.

Jobless rates are not coming down.

What is Obama doing? He is traveling around the country campaigning for 2012, costing taxpayers millions under the guise of how he is helping the economy.

He stuck his nose in Wisconsin's business of trying to balance its budget by accusing its governor of assaulting unions.

And now he has practically endorsed same-sex marriages.

-CAREY CROUCH

Bring dollars home to expand business

The Wall Street Journal article by Jason Zweig (Feb. 19) stated that U.S. companies have over $2 trillion in cash overseas. They would be taxed 35 percent if they bring it home, so it sits there.

I would suggest that Congress pass a bill that would reduce this tax to 20 percent if they would use this money to expand operations here and hire new people.

This compromise would help alleviate our high unemployment and, in turn, stimulate the economy with new dollars that would not increase our debt.

-CHARLES M. "ROCKY" RENNEISEN

Signal Mountain

Don't ridicule faith preferences

The Catholic Christian Church was brought to what became known as Florida and was built in 1565 from stone. The date 1565 is chiseled in stone, still stands, built by Spaniards.

I was never taught to ridicule one's faith preference and don't appreciate mine being ridiculed.

There's good and evil in all churches, and people, we just struggle to be decent!

With respect for all churches and members.

-VIRGINIA BENNETT

Soddy-Daisy

In Libya, don't settle for too little, too late

Libyans are giving their lives by the hundreds for freedom. We are blessed with the means to halt the killing. Do we lack the will?

Barack Obama said in 2007, "... somebody, somewhere stood up for me when it was risky. Stood up when it was hard. Stood up when it wasn't popular. And because that somebody stood up, a few more stood up. And then a few thousand stood up. And then a few million stood up. And standing up, with courage and clear purpose, they somehow managed to change the world." True.

The tyrant Gadhafi is willing to commit mass murder to enforce his misrule. Libyans are prepared to die rather than live as his slaves. In that same speech, Mr. Obama spoke of "... what Dr. King called 'the fierce urgency of now.' Because I believe that there's such a thing as being too late. And that hour is almost upon us." True. Can we settle for too little, too late?

-HENRY SMALLWOOD

Recognize city with name on VW

I was impressed with the new VW Passat vehicle that is manufactured here in Chattanooga. However, I was disappointed that there was no mention of Chattanooga being the manufacturing site. I wish they would consider putting on the rear in a gold or silver plate "Chattanooga Series" or "Chattanooga Division."

Chattanooga has put its heart and soul into this product and should receive recognition.

-RUSSELL BEAN

Washington spoke of religion, morality

I should like to offer, not my words, but the words of George Washington.

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens." (Washington's Farewell Address, 1796)

This done, I pose the question: Of what religion, of which morality does Washington speak?

-CARL VONNOH III

Corporate facism just about here

Thanks to you poor people for going without food, medicine, and heat for a few more days. The billionaires need more fuel for their private planes and yachts. And those hideaway islands are getting more and more expensive!

Just wait till the GOP destroys Social Security and Medicare. They're willing to let people freeze and starve to gain and keep power for themselves and their corporate money pipeline.

Oh well, when pay levels here fall to places such as Thailand, corporations will consider bringing jobs back to the good old U.S.A. A dollar a day and found, but not much found!

Gov. Walker of Wisconsin has threatened to use the National Guard should unions (mainly teachers) try to use their collective bargaining rights.

The Koch brothers would reap the big benefits. Walker received $43,000 from the Koch Industries PAC for his campaign. Tennessee also is attempting to disallow collective bargaining, again, primarily against teachers. Without collective bargaining, you get dictatorship.

Yes, corporate fascism is just about here. Our Tennessee Legislature, in order to further disenfranchise voters, is going to make a photo ID required.

If you cannot get a driver's license, then you won't be allowed to vote!

-WALTER M. BENTON

Signal Mountain

Time to step up for Americans

In view of the unrest and revolution in the Mideast, the murder of U.S. citizens in Mexico, Arizona and now off the Somalia coast, I am waiting for the administration to step up for Americans the world over, not the human rights of the global population.

It is disgraceful that we train, fund and educate the greatest military force on planet Earth and our government does not permit the killing of our enemies, hoping to win the hearts and minds of our enemies. This is not possible, but allows our brightest and bravest to be killed and maimed, and our treasures, money and our children to be wasted in an unwinnable war.

Wake up, America!

-GAIL BLAYLOCK HUDSON