'Help needed against pancreatic cancer' and more Letters to Editors

Friday, January 1, 1904

Help needed against pancreatic cancer

My heart goes out to the family of Steve Jobs, his friends and colleagues. He was an American icon and one of the greatest visionaries of our time. His passing is a great loss for our country.

I didn't know him personally but shared something in common with him -- pancreatic cancer. My husband, Larry, died of pancreatic cancer eight years ago, living only five-and-a-half months after diagnosis. Pancreatic cancer typically spreads rapidly and is seldom detected in its early stages, which is a major reason why it's a leading cause of cancer death.

Since his death, my daughters and I have been passionately involved in the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Its mission is to advance research, support patients and create hope.

Although Mr. Jobs battled a rare form of pancreatic cancer (pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor), his passing, if due to the disease, serves as a harsh reminder of the relentlessness of this deadly cancer and the lack of pre-screening methods and effective treatment options available.

We need Congress to co-sponsor and pass the Pancreatic Cancer Research & Education Act (S362/HR733) so we will have necessary funding to make true progress against this disease. To learn more about this legislation and how you can make a difference, visit www.knowitfightitendit.org.

BETTE MALONE

Media Coordinator

Chattanooga Affiliate

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Harrison


Reflection Riding is the best name

Many hours of my childhood and youth were spent enjoying the 300 acres of the wonders of Reflection Riding Arboretum and experiencing the sheer joy of its beauty.

The 85 years of history of Reflection Riding should honor the ingenious creation of John A. Chambliss by keeping the name he chose for this scenic, historical, botanical drive-through.

The fascinating history of Reflection Riding can be found in the book "Reflection Riding" by John Wilson.

To quote naturalist Robert Sparks Walker, "Reflection Riding is not only a beautiful name but fits perfectly the enchanting area."

The name "Chattanooga Arboretum" does not even begin to describe the incredible scenery and rich history of the place. "Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center" is certainly a more appropriate name for this beautiful natural garden.

LAURA KATE McKEE

St. Louis, Mo.


Signal leaders going too far

Officials in Signal Mountain (some of the same ones that just raised our taxes 9.9 percent) now propose to give away millions of dollars in development right assets in the guise of "park preservation." In reality, this is another government intrusion into the rights of the citizens of the town to determine the future uses of their own public lands.

These town officials propose to give away conservation easements on the majority of the public land of the town to perpetually restrict the future uses of the property. Those easements will potentially extinguish millions of dollars of development rights on the property for no consideration to the town. They have not even presented appraisals as to what they are proposing to give away. The proposed easements are to be granted to the Tennessee River Gorge Trust.

Why would they want to get involved in local community politics?

I therefore urge all citizens of Signal Mountain who value their freedom to decide their own future to oppose this proposal at the planned meeting at 6:30 p.m. tonight. Tell town officials that we believe that they do not know what is best in perpetuity. Perpetuity is forever, and that is a very long, long, long time.

NOAH H. LONG JR.

Signal Mountain


Tell representatives just how you feel

This is the first time I have written the paper asking for someone to help. Yes, help!

This country is being blackmailed by the Republican Party.

If you listen to our representative, Chuck Fleischmann, he sounds like a recording, a recording of the party platform which in essence is saying don't help the unemployed and instead blame the woes of the country on the president.

My position is clear. Let your representative and your two senators know how you feel. If you're for them, then cheer their efforts to stop the country from moving forward. If you agree with me, then let them know that you are not happy with the state of affairs in this country and they could do something about it.

My congratulations to Sen. Lamar Alexander for not participating in the demonization of the president.

BOB BROOKS


Find better uses for Rhino funds

The purchase of the Blue Rhino for $32,000 by our City Council has been short-sighted. Some council members suggest that those who oppose the purchase of the Blue Rhino do not support the blossoming arts culture in Chattanooga. Noting Main Street's revival, they argue that the city has the incentive to invest because art brings tourism and residents to our community.

This may be true, but the purchase of the Blue Rhino has negatives. Chattanoogans are proud patrons of the arts. While much support comes from the private sector, Chattanoogans have long seen the Bluff View Art District, our state and military parks, and the scores of museums in this area as assets.

The Medal of Honor Museum is forced to store donated uniforms, artifacts, and memorabilia in a warehouse next to the Tennessee Valley Railroad (TVR) Museum. This isn't a storage friendly facility.

The 150th Anniversary of the Civil War is upon us. Couldn't more trail markers, displays, or signs be posted? The TVR Museum, National Towing & Recovery Museum, Bessie Smith Center, and Regional History Center could all use funding and support.

Couldn't we build a memorial for our fallen soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan? Perhaps the Big Blue Rhino takes precedence over these worthy causes.

ERIC ATKINS