Some people can't complain

When someone tries their best to sabotage a project, it's the epitome of audacity to then complain of its flaws. The House Energy and Commerce Committee is holding hearings on the problems of the website for Obamacare. On Oct. 28 in regard to the hearings, The Associated Press reported Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn, an opponent of Obamacare, as saying "The incompetence in building this website is staggering." Her audacity is staggering!

EDMUND K. LeGRAND

Crossville, Tenn.

Guns don't cause crime

When I was 10 years old, I received my first shotgun for Christmas and ever since have grown to appreciate and respect the power of guns. For many others like me, gun ownership is not only a means of protection but also a much-enjoyed hobby. However, gun ownership and the laws surrounding it have been a topic under fire recently due to many tragedies such as the Sandy Hook school shooting and the Aurora movie theater shooting. Because of these tragedies, many legislators have been pushing for stricter laws regarding guns that could potentially infringe on our second amendment rights. Those lobbying for strict gun control laws need to realize that more guns do not lead to more crime. In 2012, the state of Virginia experienced a surprising trend in which gun sales rose by 16 percent, while the occurrence of major crimes committed with guns dropped by five percent. Trends like this one should make us question whether stricter gun laws would have a significant effect on crime rates. As U.S. citizens, it is important that we appreciate and support our right to bear arms.

STROUD COWART JR.

Chattanooga

Taking issue with Fleischmann

I noticed in the article written for do-nothing Chuck that the Chickamauga Dam lock was mentioned. Remember Rep. Fleischmann is a tea partier who supported shutting down the government and risking our country's credit rating and financially impacting many Tennesseans. And the lock is still not fixed.

JACK MILLIGAN

Hixson Marine's story applauded

The title assigned to the recent guest commentary by Thomas Lloyd -- "Marine disgusting with flag pairing" -- does not begin to suggest the power and beauty of what this retired Marine has to say. His is a statement of what the USA is all about, and what is asked of us as citizens of this great nation. Far from a disgruntled gripe, it is an eloquent statement from a man who clearly loves the country he has served so well -- a statement I will read again and again.

W. LEE HUMPHREYS

Dalton, Ga.