Israel-Palestinian fight needs light in the tunnel
Tunnel warfare is part of military history. In 10th century B.C., David used "the water shaft to attack" the Jebusites and take Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:6-8).
Yusef Komunyakaa in his poem "Tunnels" writes about Vietnam: "Our tunnel rat is the smallest man / in the platoon, in an echo chamber / that makes his ears bleed / when he pulls the trigger."
From the Petersburg siege to the Somme now to the present day slaughter in Gaza, tunnels have been used to gain a tactical advantage over the enemy.
While in Jerusalem, I was assigned by the Israeli guide to take up the rear as we went through Hezekiah's tunnel. When the candles went out, a Palestinian met us halfway to lead us out -- light in the middle of the tunnel.
We need a light in the middle of the tunnel.
Perhaps Israeli writer David Grossman, who lost a son on the last day of the 2006 July war in South Lebanon, and Marwan Barghouti, a Palestinian political prisoner in Israel, might provide a narrative out of this dark tunnel vision of hate rather than the current ear-bleeding rhetoric that lacks the courage of real dialogue.
KEMMER ANDERSON
Either subscription or Cook Nneeds to go
Just reread David Cook's article regarding domestic partners (Aug. 8) for the third time.
Many of us "old timers" at Alexian Village have come to the same conclusion: He either is a radical, just plain stupid or so bright that we are not capable of understanding him.
Whichever, either he needs to go or we need to cancel our subscription to the TFP and get our news elsewhere. Suggestions?
GORDON SMITH, Signal Mountain
Cost of living rise should be matched
Why is there such huge opposition in Congress over raising the minimum wage to $10.10? Especially since raising the federal minimum wage from $7.25 would seemingly benefit workers in every congressional district, red or blue.
Let's ask the men and women who swore they would listen to our concerns and would be our voice this basic question: If the shoe was on the other foot, could you walk in their shoes? The women and men who are struggling to make ends meet? Some are single parents, making $7.75, trying to care for their children and sometimes their aging parents.
Shame on those of you who have let this critical crisis get bogged down in partisan politics!
Oxfam America, an anti-poverty organization, found at least one-fourth of Americans work at jobs that pay so little that they cannot support themselves and their families without turning to government programs or going into debt.
They are hard-working taxpayers who deserve to have the opportunity to live the American Dream without shame or guilt for not being able to make a decent income!
As the cost of living goes up, so should the minimum wage!
RUTHIE HEREFORD
Expanding Medicaid needed in Tennessee
I am angry and saddened by the foot- dragging of Gov. Bill Haslam in denying the expansion of Medicaid.
Our Republican majority state leaders (and voters) need to take heed of the following: Republicans who signed up for Obamacare this year are liking their new health insurance, according to a new survey by the Commonwealth Fund.
It found that 74 percent of newly insured Republicans are happy with the plans they bought. Overall, 77 percent of people who had insurance before the rollout of the Affordable Care Act said they are pleased with the new coverage they obtained in the last year.
The survey revealed the current uninsured rate among working-age adults in the U.S. has dropped to 15 percent, down from 20 percent in July-September 2013 -- meaning an estimated 9.5 million people have gained coverage since then.
What's not to like about that?
DIANE MARRS
Stein clarifies Black Creek work
People are better informed when facts are clearly presented.
There are three points that need clarification from the recent Times editorial on the Black Creek development.
First, the area that is in the TIF District is totally within Hamilton County, and the City of Chattanooga. It is past time to stop implying that any part of the TIF District is in Marion County.
Second, the spine road to the top of the mountain has bid estimates that total from $11 million to more than $22 million. The back-of-the-envelope estimate of $2 million only recently appeared in your newspaper, and exists only as an anecdote from someone never involved in the project in any way. Civil engineers with Ragan-Smith shared the correct information with the IDB and the public in Friday's meeting.
Finally, there were no questions over whether the project, which is not only "residential" as implied by your column, complies with, or qualifies under, state law.
Chattanooga welcomes investments that will expand our tax base without having to raise taxes, that support our public schools and that encourage economic development in our community.
DOUG STEIN
Target, others wrong on same-sex marriage
I read in the Times Free Press: "Target Publicly Endorses Same-Sex Marriage" along with Starbucks, Intel and others.
What is this once great country becoming?
Is there no one in the U.S. who still believes there is a God. Target Executive Vice President Jodee Kozlak says, "It is our belief that every one should be treated equally under the law," but what about God's law? Does anyone ever read the Bible anymore? Do they have one or know what it is?
If these high-ups can find or borrow one, maybe they can find Leviticus 20:13: "If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both have committed a detestable act," or Leviticus 18:22: "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination to God."
Show me, Jodee, where it says it's OK if they are in love, or they have the right to marriage or the right to immorality. No, Jodee, someone much higher up than you says it's an abomination.
Well, I have put in my two cents, and I can say I feel much better.
JAMES ROSE, Signal Mountain