'Free Press writer wrong on pot,' and more letters to the editors

Free Press writer wrong on pot

The Sept. 14 Free Press editorial opposing the legalization of marijuana was laughable. The writer cites studies that show that marijuana isn't good for you. The writer seems to ignore that all of the points he makes are also true for alcohol, which is even more dangerous. I doubt he would ever write an editorial arguing that legalization of alcohol for recreational use didn't make sense. Personally, I think marijuana is boring. But I think that as long as they're not harming others, people should be allowed to choose their own entertainment, regardless of whether what they choose is good for them. I don't care if it's marijuana, alcohol, greasy food, gambling, or sitting on the couch and watching TV all day. That's what being a free human being, and living in a supposedly "free" country, is all about: making your own choices, without the government imprisoning you just because a majority of people don't share your preferences.

LARRY MENDIZABAL

Ooltewah

Put Helen Sharp on IDB board

Our City Council needs to appoint Helen Sharp to one of the seats on the Industrial Development Board. Please, all city residents, contact your council representatives and tell them that Helen has earned a seat at that table. She saw an illegal power grab and she was willing to put her money where her mouth is by hiring an attorney to fight against this misuse of taxpayer funds. Because of her initiative, we now know that the IDB tried not once but twice to designate $9 million of taxpayer money to build a road up Aetna Mountain to a swanky golf course and gated community. The city has too many scandals going on -- the EPB over-billing, the whistleblower lawsuit filed when the city tried to "kill" the messenger with the news that EPB was over-billing, the librarian misusing taxpayer funds, the supposed "compromise" noise ordinance that maybe is OK with one downtown music venue but hated by most everyone else. Most of these things did not begin on Mayor Andy Berke's watch, but what he does about all of these situations now will be very telling.

LINDA ALLEN GROUNDS

Ambrose off base on climate change

Jay Ambrose states in his Thursday commentary that "... things would keep heating up, they haven't since 1998." If you Google "10 hottest years on record," all of the websites that come up state that the hottest 10 years on record have occurred since 1998. Where does Mr. Ambrose get his facts, Fox News?

MICHAEL COLEMAN

Cleveland, Tenn.

Don't fall for Ball's campaign rhetoric

One of Tennessee's favorite sons, Davy Crockett, coined an oft-used phrase: "Be always sure you're right, then go ahead." Being sure is quite important, but may be difficult in this election cycle. The Democratic nominee campaigning against Lamar Alexander is a man whose radio ads call for "change," "fair" taxes and more jobs. Sounds good, huh? Whether in 2008 or 2012, Barack Obama's rhetoric, now parroted by Democrat Gordon Ball, was rejected soundly in Tennessee. Rejected because voters have seen the Tennessee-two step before -- talking like a down home, common-sense leader during the campaign only to march lockstep once elected with big-spending, big-government politicians committed to redistribution and "fairness" -- taking from those who work to give to the able-bodied who won't. Financially supporting John Kerry, John Edwards, Harold Ford Jr., along with a list of Democratic political action committees further establishes Ball's leanings. Tennessee voters want leaders committed to getting our country turned in the right direction. Voters can be sure they're right in the U.S. Senate race. Go ahead. Vote for Lamar Alexander.

ROBIN SMITH

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