Put people before politics
In a letter April 30, a letter writer advocated nonpartisan elections. I agree in theory, but without the education of the voters we would still end up with the same results.
The two-party system was meant as a representative body where all people, interests and groups could adjust differences through compromise for the good of the public. Political parties are no better or no worse than their leaders.
If the voters are either ignorant or unable to know who they are voting for, we end up where we are today -- political gridlock.
Until our leaders put the good of the people before political pressures, this cycle will continue.
JACK PINE Dunlap, Tenn.
Debt dangerous for the poor
In Mark, chapter 14, Jesus stated that you will have the poor with you always, and whatsoever you will you may do them good. Whether or not you believe Jesus was the son of God or just a great prophet, these are as true words as any ever spoken.
But politicians, liberal Democrats and, yes, some Republicans have strived to prove Jesus wrong without success. We have Social Security from the 1930s, the Great Society from the 1960s, Medicare and Medicaid and the most recent and worst of all, the Affordable Care Act.
But we still have the poor and now have a national debt and future commitments to such programs that may well bankrupt this country. This is more dangerous for the poor than relying on the individual to do them good.
Jesus was right.
GENE ROGERS
In praise of small business
Every year since 1963, the president of the United States has issued a proclamation which recognizes the critical contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners.
More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.
Everyone needs to take this week and show that Chattanooga cares by going out and supporting our small businesses, the backbone of this great country.
If you are a small business, then you also need to know that SCORE is recognized as the "Counselors to America's Small Business," and we offer free business mentoring services to entrepreneurs in Chattanooga as well as throughout the entire United States.
We are there "for the life of your business."
IMRE VOLGYI