Letters to the Editors

Friday, January 1, 1904

Faculty, students make UTC a success

It has been my honor to be employed by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) for 41 years. I have been a part of a remarkable transition and growth directed by distinguished leaders and, as I retire on July 1, I wish to say thank you.

Socrates stated ... "Whom, then, do I call educated? First those who control circumstances instead of being mastered by them, those who meet all occasions manfully and act in accordance with intelligent thinking, those who are honorable in all dealings; finally those who are not spoiled by success."

UTC has been quietly building success during my 41 years of service. I've been surrounded by dedicated faculty and staff that I call colleagues and friends. I was blessed by future professionals who have taught me more than I taught them who were both academically prepared and job ready.

In my view the success of UTC can best be described by Ralph Waldo Emerson ... "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of students; to leave the world a little better because you have lived ... This is the meaning of success."

W. LEROY FANNING

UC Foundation

Professor

Trenton, Ga.

Demeanor will help Hoss be good judge

Bryan Hoss would be a great judge for Soddy-Daisy. I've known Bryan most of my life. We attended the McCallie School together, played sports together, have gone on fishing and camping trips together, and now our daughters are friends and classmates.

From all my years of being friends with Bryan, I know him to be a man of honor and integrity. He has a great knowledge of the law and is passionate about justice being served. Over the years, I have heard him discuss cases he was involved with and cases in the news. Through these discussions, Bryan has made clear his faith in the American legal system providing everyone with the right to a fair trial and a presumption of innocence. Bryan has the intelligence, demeanor and determination to serve Soddy-Daisy with excellence.

My family and I will be joining Bryan on the Fourth of July for the holiday festivities in Soddy-Daisy. I hope you will come out and meet Bryan for yourself that day. I also hope you will vote for him for Soddy-Daisy judge on Aug. 2

EDDIE CANNON

You have right not to pray

It would be great if those who criticize the concept of Christian prayer, either private or public, would make an attempt to understand it first.

Prayer is an integral component in our relationship with God. Jesus told us, "I am the way, the truth and the life." That's why we mention Jesus in many of our prayers, whether we're alone in a room or in public with our fellow believers in the "body of Christ" in which we are all one in Him.

David Cook raised the question, "Why do we pray?" and then offered some lame reasons as to why we might (Metro, June 24). But if we are commanded to love God above anyone else on earth, then one way to do this is to maintain a loving relationship with God through sincere prayer to Him, both in public and private.

As for those who do not want to pray in public, fine -- don't. No one is "bullying" you to do so. You have the right not to pray. Others should have the right to pray. That's true freedom in America. For a small minority to be able to trample over the majority in this country is twisted and lacks love, understanding and common decency.

JIM GOODIN

Decatur, Tenn.

Lanier judgments will be fair to all

I would like to recommend Christian Lanier as candidate for judge of the city of Soddy-Daisy. I have been friends with Christian and his wife, Pamela, for more than 30 years. Christian, a graduate of Vanderbilt University and the University of Memphis, and has served as an attorney since 1976. Christian is a member of the Chattanooga Bar Association and Republican National Lawyers Association. He served as co-chair of the Hamilton County Committee to elect Newt Gingrich.

When Chris is not practicing law, he is practicing the piano. Christian is an accomplished pianist, studying classical piano at Cadek Conservatory. Christian is the father of one. His daughter, Jodie Branum, an environmental scientist with TVA, is the apple of his eye and a big supporter of her dad. Chris enjoys spending time with his family, which includes his two cats and four dogs.

Chris is an excellent listener. He will listen to each individual case and render a judgment that is fair to all parties involved. That is why I recommend my friend, Christian Lanier, for position of judge. Let's put a good man in the office of judge for Soddy-Daisy.

DEBORAH BEAGLES

You can be part of cancer study

It's often far too easy to underestimate the importance of cancer research until you hear the words "you have cancer."

Those three words can make all the difference between simply absorbing news about developments in cancer research and truly appreciating the power of what scientists like those funded by the American Cancer Society do every day.

This summer scientists aren't the only ones who will be making a difference. Residents of our community will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enroll in the American Cancer Society's third Cancer Prevention Study which seeks to help us better understand the factors that cause or prevent cancer.

Individuals between the ages of 30 and 65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer and who are willing to make a long-term commitment to the study will be able to enroll Aug. 21-25. You can see all the locations and times of enrollment by visiting www:cps3chattanooga.org.

I encourage all eligible men and women in our community to consider taking part in this important study. I also call on my fellow cancer survivors to spread the word by asking friends and family to enroll in your honor.

Remember: Research being done today will help ensure future generations never have to hear those dreaded three words.

JOEL HENDERSON

Collegedale

County can include all religious groups

Is Hamilton County an inclusive or an exclusive community? One observing the County Commission would say it is exclusive.

Both religious organizations and governments are communities. A religious community is a group of people exclusive to those who practice shared religious beliefs together.

Democratic governments are not exclusive communities; they include all citizens within a jurisdiction. County commissions oversee the county budget, manage zoning regulations and develop the local economy. They do not prescribe religious practice for their citizens.

Effective democratic government should be as inclusive as possible. The U.S. has a history of increasing inclusion: from a nation where only white landowners had the right to govern, to a nation where citizens of any race or economic status have the right to participate in the governance of their community.

Though the invocation of prayers in Jesus' name at the County Commission does not legally exclude any group, it does make those who do not pray in Jesus' name feel excluded. They could instead include the county's vibrant non-Christian communities and invite local religious leaders of all faiths to offer prayer. Surely, the commission does not wish to exclude those of other cultures coming to do business here.

JACOB LABAND

Harrison