Are opinion writers backing earmarks?
Could it be (blink blink) Tuesday's (Oct. 19) "right" side Times Free Press editorial throwing its support behind earmarks and President Obama's stimulus funding?
The editorial supported continuing Chickamauga Lock funding: "We can't afford to have the project stop for lack of funding." I agree, as do Sen. Alexander and lock booster and earmark maker Rep. Wamp.
Monday's paper (Oct. 18) pointed out lock repairs have been supported by, of all things, the president's stimulus package -- Oy! Not only is stimulus money a funding source for lock repairs now but Rep. Wamp's earmarks have been a continuing funding source. Think about it, the visions, actions and accomplishments of Democratic Presidents Roosevelt and Obama being heralded not only by Sen. Alexander and Rep. Wamp but also our paper's "right" side. Or could it be the synapse between my eyes and brain has been compromised?
So, Lee Anderson, thank you, pardner, for not only throwing your support behind earmarks but also President Obama's stimulus program that puts us back on the economic fast-track by making our waterways viable for traffic and putting citizens to work. See what can be accomplished by working together.
HARVEY WEISS
(Editor's Note: Constitutionally, federal waterways are a federal responsibility.)
Here's a prayer for prayer foe
I was saddened by the Oct. 20 front page story related to the attempt to ban prayer at public events.
One statement by the director and co-president of the "freethinking" group in Wisconsin that has taken it upon themselves to speak against such activity, Annie Laurie Gaylor, is quoted in the article as saying, "It's perfectly ridiculous to have prayer at football games. Is their deity going to help them win the game?"
With all due respect, prayer is not always about "winning." I imagine many parents, faculty and students alike find themselves praying for both safety from injury during the game as well as thankfulness for living in a country that allows us so many freedoms.
Today, I offer a prayer for Ms. Gaylor. Not that you "win" the fight you now wage -- but instead that you one day can experience the kind of faith that allows you to look outside your understanding and opinions of how things ought to be.
TODD EDDY
Soddy-Daisy
Chattanooga now the city of hope
It was an honor to host the second Priests for Life Freedom Ride at the National Memorial for the Unborn on Vance Road Saturday, Oct. 16. Special guest was Dr. Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King.
Numerous attendees from around the country had demonstrated at the Planned Parenthood Clinic in Knoxville, then boarded a bus to come and celebrate that pro-life Christians in Chattanooga had closed down the local abortion clinic in 1993. Their purpose was to draw attention to the fact that abortion treats a fetus like disposable property, rather than giving it rights as a distinct human being.
After several personal testimonies, about half the crowd moved close to the marble wall, to place name plates that would commemorate more babies lost to abortion.
We are thankful that such a significant and historic place to honor these young lives is now recognized by many who call Chattanooga the city of hope!
HENRY & WENDY
WILLIAMS
Lookout Mountain
Elect Huskey in East Ridge
We have known Don Huskey all of our lives, and he has our vote and support for mayor of East Ridge.
Don's family is one of the pioneer families of the community, and he has lived in East Ridge all his life, always working with the youth. He is one of the town's most respected businessmen and family men.
We don't think we can find a more honest, dependable or dedicated man who will stand up for the people.
We urge you to think about who you want to lead us and in what direction for the next four years. Think about it, and let's go to the polls on Nov. 2 and elect Don Huskey mayor of East Ridge.
VIRGINIA IGOU
East Ridge
McWherter cares for common good
Gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam. Haslam has revealed himself with his recent comments that he, as governor, would sign legislation that would do away with gun control (prevents felons and the mentally ill from carrying guns) and his claim that he is an opponent to the family-planning contraceptive program under TennCare.
In the words of my Grandmother, "Lawwdy mercy, that man hasn't the sense God gave a goose!" Haslam is obviously pandering to the lunatic fringe of the Republican sector, but still reveals an unevolved political sense. Does he really want to promote "right to life until birth"?
For the millions of babies that would not be created as a result of free family planning and lives that will not be lost to preventable gun violence, surely Haslam can find the keys that spell, "Birth control prevents abortion" and "Guns in the hands of the unstable kill innocent people." It's time to vote for a governor who can think things through, understands feasible policy, and actually cares about the common good, like Mike McWherter.
ANGELIA STINNETT
Let Glasscock continue vision
Re-elect Joe Glasscock -- a positive voice for Red Bank. The citizens of Red Bank will make important decisions on Nov. 2. I encourage every registered voter to exercise your right to vote. Your vote does count and can make the difference in the way our city prospers over the next several years.
For those of you concerned about the future of Red Bank, I would like to recommend voting to re-elect Joe Glasscock as commissioner.
Mr. Glasscock has a deep-seeded love for Red Bank and will continue to serve the citizens to the best of his ability. We need someone who is going to listen to our citizens and respond to them.
We need to get speeders off our back streets. We need to have back streets paved and cleaned up. We need to have codes checked and enforced. These issues are just a taste of what Joe Glasscock would like to see happen in Red Bank.
We need to re-elect Joe Glasscock so he can continue his vision to make Red Bank the best it can be.
WANDA MARKUM
Red Bank
Pierce will work hard for Red Bank
While visiting the Chattanooga area, I caught on a local radio talk show a local candidate insinuating that Commissioner Floy Pierce was doing something "under the table" and "behind closed doors" -- it riled my feathers.
Once a citizen for several years in Red Bank, I knew Floy Pierce in the '80s and '90s and still know her as one of the most honest, caring and giving persons. She is always there for the underdog who is being done wrong and does so in a moral and ethical way.
Be assured, Red Bank citizens, Floy Pierce cares for you! She can and will work hard to make Red Bank a better place to live, even in the face of conflict.
Do you notice that she does not lob accusations at other candidates without substantial proof? What has happened to our country, that we are already calling good evil, and evil good?
An ancient proverb says, "A fool utters all his mind; but a wise person keeps it in until afterwards."
Floy Pierce has worked hard for all that she has, and been to many people, including myself, helpful and generous. If you want someone who cares for you, vote Floy Pierce!
CAROL ABBOTT
Knoxville