Lynchburg needs Daniel's revenue
I lived in Decatur, Ala., years ago and had the good fortune to visit Lynchburg, Tenn., and the Jack Daniel's distillery.
I still have the unopened bottle from the JD Gift Shop and souvenirs purchased from various Lynchburg merchants.
Moore County gets a third of its revenue directly from the distillery, and Daniel's is likely responsible for half of that which remains; derived from associated sales, property and other taxes.
In short, Lynchburg needs Jack Daniel's more than Jack Daniel's needs Lynchburg.
I hear they have good water in Golden, Colo., too. As it is in Lynchburg's best interest for Jack Daniel's to thrive, and Moore County seeks increased revenue, the logical action is for the county to drop the pre-prohibition ban on Daniel's product, and sell liquor licenses and enjoy increased sales tax receipts.
The proposal of a new barrel tax is audacious and greedy. I will remain a loyal Jack Daniel's customer, whether in Lynchburg or elsewhere. Welcome to the 21st century.
AL GRAHAM
Morton, Ill.
Stop tax benefits for corporations
The Chattanooga Times Free Press listed the following corporations as receiving astonishing tax benefits: General Electric paid "0" tax in 2010, and received tax benefits of $3.25 billion ($3,250,000,000!). Cablevision Systems received $2.716 billion. Capital One Financial received $162 million. Bank of New York Mellon received $670 million. Amerprise Financial received $224 million. Prudential Financial received $722 million in tax benefits!
The Sept. 1 article listed 25 corporations with average global profits of $1.9 billion. The 19 unlisted corporations received tax benefits totaling above $2 trillion, 618 million! Stop these benefits and we will balance the U.S. budget! Does this look like "Free Enterprise" to you?
ANN D. MAHONEY
Children enjoy day of baseball
On Sunday, Oct. 23, over 150 children between the ages of 6 and 18 had the opportunity to learn the basics of America's favorite pastime from Los Angeles Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt and 12 other pros.
Many of the participants were from inner-city neighborhoods where playing baseball is rare. Memories to cherish for a lifetime were made that afternoon not only for the participants but for coaches, parents and volunteers, too.
We would like to thank Rick and all the coaches for donating their time, especially those from area high schools and Dizzy Dean baseball.
McCallie's Chris Richardson could not have been a better host. Greta Hayes from Chattanooga Parks and Recreation made it possible for many kids to attend. Every detail was planned with extra care by Randy Brown from the area YMCAs.
And none of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts of Lady Walker and her entire team of volunteers. Thanks, everyone. See you again next year!
Janna Jahn
The Engel Foundation