Marriage partners contribute according to talents, abilities and other letters to the editors

Marriage partners contribute according to talents, abilities

Around Mother's Day this paper presented an estimate of the market value of the services a mother typically provides her family. The total was impressive.

Without enumeration, let's consider what a husband might reasonably provide, in part, or completely in the case of a non-working wife like mine: Food, clothing, shelter, comprehensive medical care, a maintained car, home repairs, lawn service, allowance, recreation, vacations, insurance and retirement.

In a sound marriage, husband and wife both willingly contribute according to their unique abilities. It is not exploitation; it is a God-ordained win-win. Let's celebrate!

JAMES W. HIESTAND


Put 'The Big Nine' back into play

An unforeseen product of racial integration in the '60s was the flight of successful, black businessmen and women and their businesses from what used to be known as Ninth Street. I would like to offer some suggestions to speed up the rejuvenation of the M.L. King Boulevard area. First, change the name to reflect the area's former glory, not Ninth Street but "The Big Nine." Play on its musical roots much like Memphis' Beale Street. In order to memorialize Dr. King, create a suitably sized pocket park with statuary and interpretive displays. Within the park construct an amphitheatre for jazz and blues events and public meetings. People want to feel safe while in the area, so establish a police substation adjacent to the park.

ROBERT GRAY, Signal Mountain


Do tiny jurisdictions warrant existence?

Can anyone come up with a justification for the existence of either Meigs or Rhea county? Each is less than 30 miles long and about eight miles wide. Should the taxpayers be paying for a judge, sheriff, clerk, etal. for such tiny jurisdictions?

ROBERT F. CAHILL, Hixson


Replace Coke Stage with friendlier site

The Coke Stage stinks. When you go to a concert it's nice to see the artist up close and personal. With this venue it's impossible. You might as well sit back and watch the monitors. Friends of the Festival needs to redo this stage and lower it just above river level and make it more like an amphitheater. The artists don't like it, and the fans hate it. Like I say, it stinks. It's a shame with the great acts we have here that the stage doesn't do them justice. It's time to retire the old Coke Stage and replace it with a fan friendly stage.

MONTY OWNBY


Free speech works both ways

While I am not going to defend Cee Lo's profanity-laced performance at Riverbend, I do recall a poll conducted by the Times Free Press recently asking readers to weigh in on whether or not there is a limit to free speech. The majority of respondents said no. If that is the case, you have to be prepared for language that is offensive when in public, especially paid ticket holders at a concert. Free speech works both ways. If you want to shout down a U.S. Attorney and limit his right to free speech and allow those same people to also shout half-truths, threats and biased rants about minorities and other religions, then you can't whine about a rocker or a rapper dropping a few word bombs.

If you don't like it, leave, but don't complain about being offended. Free speech encompasses profanity as well as uninformed prejudice, which is much more offensive to me.

REBECCA ROCHAT


Does Riverbend help community?

Why doesn't someone ask the Ochs Center to do an independent survey on Riverbend's attendance and economic impact? If the business owners I know downtown are an indication of the real state of things, the economic impact on downtown would be a negative one. Any restaurant, attraction, hotel or small business would probably tell you the three weeks around Riverbend are the worst of the year. I was all over Riverbend last Saturday night, and saw hardly any security; very scary. It's also a joke to say Riverbend has 65,000 a night. A joke.

As far as helping non-profits, I suggest you ask the Kidney Foundation or McKamey Animal Shelter how well they did working with Riverbend. You'll hear they did hard, dirty work on the promise of big checks and wasted their volunteer time for a couple thousand dollars. Riverbend is not a relevant music festival and is not an economic boost for our city. Ask Ochs Center if you don't believe me.

JEANNE HARTE


This is not time for silence

Over the last few years I have been involved in several interfaith dialogues, particularly with Muslims. The Muslim friends I have made are not terrorists, jihadists (as that phrase is inaccurately used), or anti-American. I have come to better understand and deeply appreciate the ethical and moral dimensions of Islam through these friends.

There are Muslim individuals and organizations around the world who have developed a narrow interpretation of Islam and forced their views upon others, sometimes violently. However, Christians need to be reminded that we also have our own terrorists groups such as the Klan, Aryan Nation and others that have sullied our own religion, a religion that was birthed by the peacemaker, Jesus, who admonishes us to "love our neighbor" (all of them) and "pray for our enemies."

Most of us are familiar with these words of Edmund Burke: "All that is required for evil to triumph is for good people to remain silent." How true. In this time of warfare on Muslims in Tennessee, I'm wondering about the silence of Christians, particularly ordained clergy and judicatory heads.

JOE PORTER, Sewanee, Tenn.


You couldn't have better neighbors

I am a 90-year old-woman and my husband is 92. Our neighbors, Link and Joyce Rogers, go above and beyond the average couple. They are so kind and good to us. I had to go to the emergency room on a Sunday afternoon and not only did they take me, but they stayed with me for five hours until I was called back to see a doctor. After they brought me home, they brought our dinner to us. If Link doesn't see us out during the day he calls to make sure everything is OK.

I don't think their goodness and thoughtfulness should go unnoticed. Everyone should have a Link and Joyce in their neighborhood. I can't begin to tell you everything this couple does for us and what wonderful people they are. We are truly blessed to have them as neighbors and friends.

EDITH LAND, Ringgold, Ga.


Entertainment is disappointing

The people of Chattanooga shouldn't be worried about how Cee Lo performed; instead be worrried about the quality of entertainment Riverbend has had in the last few years. Seems like the people in charge of Riverbend have been collecting big instead of putting the cash out there for quality performers. Now it seems they want to raise the cost of admission. Good luck.

I gave up on Riverbend three years ago and haven't missed it one bit. Fletcher Bright should take over and show how a festival is run. Can Fuller and Baker be replaced, or is it a lifetime position?

CARL GATLIN, Cleveland, Tenn.


Words do matter in public's thoughts

The June 11 Times Free Press editorial asks: "Is there anything sillier than being offended by the sounds that come out of someone's mouth? Isn't it time we all grow up?"

Yes, I can think of something sillier, to continue to support someone who is silly enough to put in writing such an inane thought, someone who does not know that coarse language reflects a person's values or that a community is defined by "acceptable" public expression of thought.

I am a lifelong subscriber, and I know that there are many good people at the Times Free Press, but I would be silly if I continue to pay the editor for printing such words and thoughts that have the potential to be so destructive to the fabric of our beloved community. Words do matter! Based on your words, I guess you can't be offended; however, cancel my subscription.

FRANK A. BROCK, Lookout Mountain, Ga.

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