What we need is more courage
At the end of "The Help," moviegoers applauded the courage of the women. I wonder, "Did we applaud the Civil Rights Bill, which was courageously passed during that decade?"
Courage seems to be lacking today, especially in the media. There seems to be no journalists, only commentators. TV stations have avoided Ron Paul, who was second in both Iowa and Georgia straw polls. The reporters must feel they know more than the public. They report on every move of the tea party although only 20 percent of Americans endorse their message. Compare that with 80 percent of Americans who believe the super-rich should pay their share. Even George H.W. Bush courageously reinstated taxes.
Congress, especially, lacks courage. Paul Neely commented about the "Good Bob Corker," the courageous Bob we elected -- not the "indentured Bob," who seems to endorse all Republican ideas, whether or not they are good for our country.
I wish President Obama had the courage to support EPA for the good of future generations. I wish he and Congress had the courage and belief in America to launch a major program -- trains. Eisenhower did this for Interstates; Kennedy did this for space. Interstate trains would help our economy, environment, business and travel.
JANE STARNER
Public education faces challenges
As our students and teachers return to school, we need to take a renewed look at where we are in education as a community, a state and a nation.
Locally, Catoosa County has handled the recession admirably, but instructional days have been reduced when international competitors have increased their days. Also, our teachers continue to lose income through furlough days and reduced benefits. Georgia has decimated public education funding over the last 10 years, some due to recession and some to priority choices. Nationally, school systems are mired in a "No Child Left Behind" system that depends too much on standardized tests and too little on common sense. Characteristically, Congress is frozen on this issue as on others.
It is time to examine these challenges and ask some tough questions. First, if the state won't fund adequate programs, is having the lowest property tax around the best choice for our students in the long term? Next, will the state live up to its constitutional obligation to fund public schools without a dramatic lawsuit?
Finally, will we as a nation realize the fundamental need for strong public education and commit financially and culturally to that goal? Our children are waiting for answers.
PASTOR
BRUCE SLOAN
Chairman,
Catoosa County
Democratic Party
Ringgold, Ga.
It's the Democrats who draw 'ignorant'
A recent writer to this forum made comments about the Republicans appealing to the "ignorant and gullible," and no longer interested in an "effective national discourse." Normally I disregard any letters coming from that liberal fantasy world on Monteagle Mountain, but this was just too over the top not to respond to.
I recognize one should never confuse liberals with the facts, but according to the CBS News exit polling in the 2010 congressional elections, the Democrats carried only one group in the education demographic category, and that was those voters with less than a high school education. And the 57 percent-36 percent margin gave the Democrats a landslide among the least educated in the country.
So which party exactly appeals to the "ignorant and gullible?"
As for "carrying on a national discourse," I don't believe referring to one's political opponents as "SOBs," as the president of the most corrupt union in American history did last week. But that is about what we have come to expect from the Hoffa family. Remember on the night of Nov. 22, 1963, James Hoffa Sr. said, "Bobby Kennedy ain't nothing but a lawyer now," after JFK was assassinated in Dallas. Some national discourse.
DOUGLAS JONES
North Chattanooga
Online schools right for many
In response to the Sept. 2 article "Virtual school hits enrollment hiccup," it is important to remember that Union County Public Schools opened the Tennessee Virtual Academy (TNVA) to give families more public school options. School districts in Tennessee and across the country are adopting online school programs to enrich public education and provide students with more personalized learning programs. Online public schools can be made available to all children regardless of their geographic or socioeconomic circumstances.
Online public schools offer children new education options and give parents the freedom to choose. Schools like TNVA are an excellent choice for many, including children with medical conditions or other special needs, advanced learners, and victims of bullying. Children from all walks of life deserve an excellent education, and many are finding that online public schools are right for them.
D. WAYNE GOFORTH
Director of Schools
Union County
Board of Education
Reflection Riding change dispiriting
It saddens my heart to think that after 65 years the name of Reflection Riding has been changed to Chattanooga Arboretum.
As a grandchild of Margaret and John Chambliss, I know how much they loved Reflection Riding.
They spent decades, starting in the 1920s, of travel, research and hard work on their development of an accessible landscape for public enjoyment. Seeing and studying many gardens in England called "Ridings" led them to name their property "Reflection Riding" to indicate the accessibility of their land, beauty of reflected views, and the offer of mental, physical, spiritual healing and reflection to be found there.
Neither I nor any of the out-of-town grandchildren or great-grandchildren were made aware of the name change, or the mission change, before the announcement of the merger with the Chattanooga Nature Center was sent out.
My father, Jac Chambliss, died in June of 2010, at the age of 99. He would have been dismayed, as many of us are, at the lack of respect and consideration shown to his parents' memory. Margaret and John created an accessible and peaceful sanctuary for future generations to enjoy "in perpetuity." That future is now in jeopardy.
BETSY CHAMBLISS
McLEAN
Wenatchee, Wash.
Raising rates to pay for COLAs is unfair
When I was employed by a governmental agency, we did not receive a COLA (cost-of-living adjustment) for three years.
MY 401(k) is in the dumper. Yours also is. I just hope that my retirement income stays the same and doesn't shrink. I can handle that.
Now the TVA is giving the ratepayers of the valley an increase so that the TVA retires can have a COLA. What garbage!
Why is it my responsibility to see that the TVA retires are insulated from the market? I thought the TVA's first responsibility was to the ratepayers of the valley.
Who is putting new money into my account in order that I can have a COLA?
Nobody.
GLENN G. BUTLER
Ooltewah