Signal student is hurt the most
Whether or not Signal Mountain wins their appeal, I believe an honest mistake was made concerning zoning. I also believe TSSAA is in error. They could have made a decision sooner. They had to know every game counted toward whether or not Signal Mountain made the playoffs! Nowhere else in the state were the stakes higher!
The person most damaged is the student. He is at Signal Mountain because of hardships. He had no control over the affairs, but he is the one who will carry scars for a lifetime.
In the military, hardships count! If a change of assignment is warranted (outside of war), it's granted. It is called a "compassionate reassignment" with no restrictions.
This student is at the school which is giving him the greatest chance of succeeding in life. That is the bottom line! This scenario should be approved in every case.
When Tom McCullough said other schools may not be in compliance in similar situations he was simply stating a fact. He is not one who would use an excuse to avoid retribution. I have known him for 40 years. His integrity would not allow him to knowingly condone cheating.
WILBOURNE C. MARKHAM SR
Perry beliefs differ from Constitution
Asserting his most grievous exception to the Constitution, Gov. Rick Perry contends that senators should be chosen by state legislators and not by the people.
Further, he does not believe that our nation is indivisible. This was made clear when he declared that Texas could withdraw from the Union. Perry has said that Social Security is a "Ponzi Scheme" and also with Medicare is unconstitutional. For decades these programs paid for by the people have operated without legal challenge (Ponzi Schemes are illegal).
It appears axiomatic that those who support the Constitution of the United States, and have faith in our undivided nation's system of government, should favor someone other than Perry for president.
Neither Perry nor any other candidate in the Republican debates responded in disapproval as audiences applauded extensive state executions; also over a man who died unable to afford medical insurance, and booed an armed soldier in Iraq who is gay.
All candidates approve of "Don't ask, don't tell," a policy rejected by General Petraeus and Secretary Gates, and a law Admiral Mullen had said must be scrapped. On this issue, they not only are at odds with our military leadership but a majority of the American people.
JOHN BRATTON
Sewanee, Tenn.