Focus on needs, not re-election
Gov. Bredesen spoke to the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce (Jan. 12) and urged his political successors to focus on jobs and education and not get sidetracked by anti-immigration and pro-gun laws. But immigration and guns score political points for our elected officials. It's about getting elected again, not what is really needed.
One day after Gov. Bredesen's speech, the headline read, "Legislatures again look at immigration." I'm sure guns will be next, and the English-only legislation will follow. It's sad that the politicians only want political points for themselves, while jobs, education and the economy take a back seat.
Tennessee doesn't need Arizona's immigration law. Tennessee is not on the border with a foreign country, unless you consider Mississippi foreign. As for the gun laws, what is next, guns allowed in church and schools?
The Legislature needs to focus on the pressing issues that affect all Tennesseans, not grandstanding to get votes in the next election.
PAT HAGAN
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Unions hinder creation of jobs
Job creation crisis is explained by big labor pricing American workers out of world competition.
Workers in India, Thailand and Asia are just as well trained and work for one-tenth to one-twentieth of American labor costs.
Fifty years ago, Cutter Labs was closed by union demands.
Wheland Co. used to make brake drums for GM.
Combustion's gone from Chattanooga.
Spinning mills are in North Carolina.
Shirt factories are in New England.
Union policies almost bankrupted GM and Chrysler.
Many other companies have left, driven out by union demands. Union demands are almost bankrupting California.
Teachers unions have in the past 40 years dumbed down U.S. schools from first to 27th in the world.
Cut union domination in half and jobs will return, just as VW and Nissan have come to Tennessee.
JOE KING
Signal Mountain
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Are citizens liable for U.S. debt?
Perhaps you have worked and paid taxes much of your life. You paid your bills and your debts, with interest. You donated to charity. The fruits of your labor have produced wealth for others as well as yourself and your family. When a little money was left over, you saved it for that day.
You believed in and lived the wisdom of Thomas Jefferson, who spoke of a moral imperative that each generation pay its own debts. You feel a sense of accomplishment. Then you learn the national debt, most of which was accumulated in your generation, is over $14 trillion.
With 305 million people in the U.S., each man, woman and child owes nearly $46,000. Between you and your spouse, you owe $92,000. Discounting children and those unable to work your actual share is multiplied.
The Jeffersonian moral imperative would demand you pay your share of this debt before you die. But what if you didn't borrow it, receive it, spend it or approve of it?
No one who pays taxes votes for a politician to borrow money against their good name. Must we be responsible for this unsanctioned debt accumulated in our name by our betrayers?
DAN C. JOHNSON
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It's great to see all work together
As a recent "transplant" to the great city of Chattanooga (from Rockford, Ill.), I feel compelled to express my enthusiasm and warm regard for the outstanding political leadership both locally and statewide.
I have attended two luncheons sponsored by the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce and have left both events with a sincere admiration for the foresight, courage and creativity displayed by our local and state politicians.
They demonstrate a unified and focused agenda for continued economic development.
It is encouraging and refreshing to witness civic leaders from both political parties working together strategically and to know that they have a true understanding of the importance of job creation and improved educational performance.
I applaud their collective efforts and recommend that other states, as well as the federal government, heed the progressive example set forth by Tennessee politicians and begin to embrace the idea of bipartisanship and political compromise for the good of our entire country, not just for individual political gain.
Congratulations and thank you.
JOSEPH E. TULLEY SR.
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Be accurate on bill repeal
I just heard that the House Republicans are thinking about changing the name of their "Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act." For accuracy's sake, I hope they're now calling it the "Person-Killing Health Care Act Repeal."
LESLIE BELL
Signal Mountain
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Title game featured the best
I had the pleasure of attending the Auburn/Oregon championship game, and it was just that. Both teams played a well-prepared, a well-officiated, clean game with just a couple of penalties both ways.
Oregon fans can be proud of their fast offense, and Auburn can be proud of a very stout defense.
It was truly a game between the best. It was 68 degrees!
MARGIE H. MERRITT
Ringgold, Ga.
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Extend comment on Velsicol waste
Don't let Velsicol stamp another skull and crossbones on the Chattanooga map!
We have until Friday to contact Mary Evans, 615-532-0798, Mary.f.Evans@tn.gov, at Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to request an extension on the period of public comment for Tennessee Hazardous Waste Permit-105 for Velsicol Chemical.
We, the people, have to develop a zero tolerance toward our government allowing companies to pollute and run. While that practice wins favor with corporations for individual politicians, it strands the citizens with the financial and health costs, and the environmental impacts.
The water running from Velsicol's dioxin dump is communal, but the problem caused by Velsicol should be undertaken solely by Velsicol. That toxin should not be allowed to commingle with rain and flood waters, flowing into our storm drains, sewers, streams and the mighty Tennessee River, including the collection points for our drinking water.
The city's plans for Velsicol's brownfield include a public park. Make it a safe and healthy one.
Environmental crimes are a crime against humanity.
LANA SUTTON
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Was gunman following hint?
Sarah Palin put a target on congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' district. She also made a statement "never retreat, reload."
On Saturday, Jan. 8, Jared Loughner shot the congresswoman in the head. Miraculously, she has survived. He also shot 19 other people, six fatally. One was a 9-year-old girl. As he was being wrestled to the ground, he was trying to "reload."
Ironically, Republicans say what Sarah Palin did and said had nothing to do with what happened. Sounds like he was following her suggestions to the letter.
Earlier, the congresswoman expressed concern about being "targeted" and had discussed with a fellow member of Congress (a Republican) about how rhetoric should be toned down. He agreed.
Palin, Limbaugh, Beck and tea party faithful show no sign of toning down.
The gunman had earlier complained about a "government conspiracy," the Palin-tea party's main concern. Maybe this is what it means when they say, "We need to take back our country."
God help us.
DON MYERS
Hixson