Craft trial judge shows favoritism
I agree with Bennett's cartoon (April 28) about the judge on the Craft trial. Why isn't the defense taking a strong stand on having the judge dismissed? This judge shows such obvious favoritism to the prosecution's case that it almost seems as if he is connected to the mothers bringing the case or the prosecution lawyers -- or to both. I'm not a law expert, but I have seen enough trials on TV to understand that prior rumors or gossip about a defendant cannot be brought up at trial unless it has direct bearing on a case. The judge has allowed every innuendo to be brought into this case. I cannot see how previous conduct mentioned could relate to young girls' abuse. Whether guilty or innocent, this defendant's reputation has been ruined. Is there any inquiry allowed for a judge's abuse of power?
MARIANNE DOUGLAS
Editorial treats Hullander unfairly
With 28 years in the political arena I understand the process. I have received both criticism and praise but never felt that I was treated unfairly. I feel that Bill Hullander as treated unfairly in your editorial of April 26 and was accused of actions and statements that simply are not true. Please allow me to rebut three accusations made:
That Bill favored rolling commissioners' expense account out separately to avoid taxes: Transcripts show that Bill actively opposed this and kept it taxable as most other counties do.
That he made veiled references to his opponent's age: We don't know how old he is? Bill has never even mentioned the age issue.
Mr. Hullander has failed to show any problems in that office or improvements he can make: Documented records show that operation expenses have more than tripled since Carl took office. A pending age discrimination lawsuit has already cost $70,000. Serious questions exist about whether payments from bankruptcy proceedings are credited to the payer or an 18 percent annual penalty charged on the total unpaid amount?
A good man has been unfairly accused with no proof or documentation. I have rebutted with documentation.
BOBBY WOOD
Hullander for Trustee
Campaign Chairman
Sign up to become a marrow donor
On Aug. 18, I will turn 61 years of age. Because the National Marrow Donor Program has a policy which sets the eligibility ceiling at 60, my name will be removed from the national registry.
When I first joined the registry in the late 1980s, there were fewer than 20,000 Americans listed. Now several million United States citizens are potential unrelated bone marrow donors. Also the domestic registry is linked to a global one.
I wish there was a way for me to recruit at least five others to take my place.
I wish, too, that the NMDP could find a way to encourage members such as I to convince friends and others to join.
The next time readers come to Blood Assurance to share their precious whole blood, platelets, plasma or red blood cells, please sign up for the NMDP registry. The same applies for you first-time donors. Only a swab of the inside of your mouth is required to attain your HLA type. When I joined, they needed to draw blood.
HARRY GELLER
Attacks unfair to Fleischmann
Two recent letters (Aaron Margulies, April 15 and Jean Johnson, April 19) support the nomination of Robin Smith by praising her rigorous conservatism and making spurious attacks upon the profession of her opponent, Chuck Fleischmann.
Mr. Margulies says that because Mr. Fleischmann is a trial lawyer, a member of the many groups often vilified by right-wing propagandists, he might "go off the reservation" and actually cooperate with Democrats.
Ms. Johnson says he is a "collection's attorney who shuts businesses down and gets rich."
These attacks are scurrilous.
Mr. Fleischmann exemplifies what a trial lawyer should be: he is able, energetic, dutiful, resourceful, and always a gentleman. Never has he shut down a business. His collection practice helps to produce revenue for businesses so that they may remain open.
No one can be elected from the 3rd District of Tennessee without talking the conservative talk. But the successful candidate will have to go to Washington and deal with reality.
Smith's supposed ideological purity may garner some votes. But if ability, effectiveness and integrity are important, Fleischmann is the choice.
BARBARA S. ARTHUR
Rossville
Constitution makes our nation the best
The far-left Democrats in charge of our government today are not the party of Presidents Roosevelt, Truman and Kennedy.
There was mutual respect and trust between these traditional leaders and the American people.
They understood that by virtue of its preamble, the Constitution, explicitly, is a noble document of "the people" of the United States and not of any one faction, party or group. It is the product of compromises which leveled off the extreme claims of conflicting groups and factions and was formed by "the people" acting through their chosen representatives.
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, in about 500 words, affirmed the American doctrine that the state is made for man and not man of the state; that the God-given rights of a free people are superior to the powers of this government. This time-honored doctrine is uniquely American and is what makes ours he greatest nation in the world.
GLORIA CARTER
Oakley an example people can follow
Laura Oakley is the best choice for District 1 commissioner.
Sometimes a successful journey is not determined by the opportunities and challenges seen at its beginning, but rather by the ability to seize the opportunities and overcome the challenges encountered along the way.
It is just these capabilities that make Laura Oakley the best candidate for District 1 commissioner. In the over 10 years I have known her, Laura has impressed me with her energy initiative and ability to identify and resolve the important issues even when they may be difficult to understand.
In the exciting, fast-paced years ahead, we need a commissioner who can keep pace with events and provide the leadership we deserve. Laura will be out ahead giving us a hardworking example to follow.
JEFF OLINGY
Allow cannabis for medical use
As of this writing, 14 states have established compassionate use laws. Of those 14, California is an extreme; focusing on its current fiscal issues and perhaps finding an out to those problems by legalizing cannabis in November this year. Tennessee is not California and its constituents should not believe that the passage of compassionate use laws would cause our state to resemble California by any stretch of the imagination.
The healing properties of the Cannabis Sativa plant have been recorded for centuries. In the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I used cannabis to alleviate her menstrual cramps. Today, approved usage varies from state to state. In California ,people with mild depression can get a doctor's recommendation. In New Jersey, patients must have a debilitating medical condition or have a terminal illness in order to receive a recommendation. The states also differ in that Californians can grow their own whereas New Jersey patients must receive their medicine from state government-authorized treatment centers.
There will always be abusers of any substance, but with the right plan we can help provide patients with the medicine they desperately need and deserve.
CHRIS SMITH
Cleveland, Tenn.