Editorial leaves hope for reason
The Times editorial on the president's inauguration speech was one of the best written, thoughtful items of journalism I've seen. And yet, what do the Republicans offer as an alternative? Cuts in Medicare and Social Security?
Unfortunately, the right wing in this town is unlikely to read it, but editorials like this leave one some hope that reason and compassion will come from the enlightenment of your journalism. Many thanks from a faithful subscriber.
JOHN F. EARY, Ringgold, Ga.
Tudor will strive for improvement
I support Roger Tuder as candidate for Chattanooga City Council District 2. I have known Roger for 25 years and always have been impressed with the drive and commitment he has to help people and this community. It has never been about self-gain for Roger. He truly has that desire to help people. He's not a politician. He is a smart man with a lot of common sense. He grew up in Chattanooga and truly understands and cares about the needs and concerns the people of this community have.
Roger is a strong proponent of public safety. He's a tireless advocate for support of our public safety personnel. He will work to ensure they have all the tools and resources needed to effectively execute their duties and provide a safe and friendly community for the residents to live, work and raise their families.
My vote will be for Roger Tuder, who will strive to make our community a better and safer place for our family to live.
PAM MASSINGILL
Abortion involves mental gymnastics
Everyone seems ecstatic that Kate Middleton will be having a baby in July. Ah, the pitter-patter of tiny feet in Buckingham Palace.
But what if someone were to approach lovely Kate and declare, "That's not a baby you're carrying. It's only a fetus!"?
We'd be appalled. How dare someone say such a thing? But every day, that's what thousands of women are in fact saying. Mrs. Prince William is still early in her second trimester, a time when many pregnant women choose to abort their "fetuses."
Interesting mental gymnastics: If you are pregnant and want a child, it's a "baby." But if you're pregnant and don't want a child, it's only a "fetus," subject to disposal like useless trash.
Somehow I think the last line of the poem "Sacred Emily," written by Gertrude Stein, applies here: "A rose is a rose is a rose is a rose."
Similarly, a baby is a baby is a baby is a baby. To assert otherwise is simply to deny an inconvenient truth.
ROBERT J. TAMASY, Hixson