Thankful for state, her many blessings
I'm a senior veteran and proud to live in Hamilton County. Having lived in eight states, retirement to me meant Tennessee.
Hamilton County is the best of the best. Most admired are all the volunteers, plus teachers, churches, workers, students, hospitals, writers and newspapers who get things done. I love all of you, along with the best country in the world.
Bless all of you. You're appreciated very much.
Virginia Bennett, Soddy-Daisy
Veteran praises VA services
I served in the military during the Korean War and have access to the veterans administration (VA) medical services. A lot of negative comments have been printed and broadcast about the VA. I know problems probably exist in some of their facilities. However, I couldn't be more satisfied with the Chattanooga facilities. I have used the local medical clinic for many years. My assigned physician, Dr. Goodman, and the entire staff have always treated me in a professional and efficient manner with a minimum of waiting time, leaving me with a clear understanding of my health conditions.
Franklin C. Bennett
Time to let Civil War go in peace
Some thoughts on the continuing 1860's Civil War defiance that has yet to die: As a Southern descendant of Confederate Army officers and foot soldiers in the War Between the States, as many apologists call it, I once childishly revered that status. As an adult, I wonder how they could have expected this country's full rights with honor - even praise for bravery - as supporters of a separate nation that fought against the United States. How can their reverential descendants, no matter how much we might admire their forefathers' bravery or their beliefs, now demand that all Americans glorify them as heroes? Without a doubt Robert E. Lee (with others) was a true gentleman who believed in his cause, but it's time now to stop demanding that this nation worship his memory. In fact, the United States could have (though I'm glad that it did not) jailed him for life or executed him for treason. In return for its long-ago generosities, however, the time has passed to honor him, his officers and enlisted men with tangible memorials - stained glass windows, noble statues and proudly defiant flags - and instead let them go. In peace, yes. But go.
Caroline B. Cavett, Lookout Mountain
Confederate flag will deface mountain
We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The Sequatchie Valley in particular boasts many breathtaking views. So the idea that someone may build a huge Confederate battle flag on the side of Fredonia Mountain makes me ill. Obviously, revering the sacrifices our ancestors made does not necessarily mean one longs for the social order they died for. Such a perspective should not result, however, in reverence for this flag. The cause of the Confederacy was not just. Its symbols deserve no veneration. The war was about "states' rights," you say? The particular states' right in question was slavery. "Heritage not hate"? The heritage is one of brutality and oppression. When most of the world looks at that flag, they don't see a noble struggle for a lost cause. They see racism, ignorance, segregation, lynching, Jim Crow and a petulant response to civil rights legislation. This is what you want Sequatchie County to be known for? This is the legacy you want to perpetuate? Please don't mar our beautiful landscape with this ugly thing.
Russell Clark, Dunlap
Triathlon on river well organized
On June 28, I competed along with hundreds of other age-group athletes in the Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon. I have raced in dozens of triathlons from Austin, Texas, to Burlington, Vt. But the Chattanooga swim, bike and run course may be one of the finest I have raced on. My wife and I were amazed when we drove the bike course the day before and discovered it was almost entirely on a highway. This is unheard of! Most triathlons I have raced are on streets and roads open to traffic. The Chattanooga course had very few turns, and most of the riding was on the inner lane of your Highway 27 with cones separating us from traffic. It made for fast and fun racing! Hats off to the state Department of Transportation for paving a special turn-around. Thanks to all who supported us on a memorable weekend.
Sam Dick, Lexington, Ky.
Court trampled Constitution
I do not understand why an unprecedented unconstitutional power grab by five unelected justices has not generated more outrage on the part of our elected representatives and American citizens in general. The Supreme Court justices have no authority to legislate from the bench. They are supposed to interpret the Constitution. The House and Senate have the authority to change and make law. This a direct attack on our Constitution. What happened to our representatives' oath to protect and defend the Constitution? Two of the power-grabbing justices were asked to recuse themselves because they could not render an impartial decision as they had performed gay marriage in the past. They refused, because they want their opinion to become the law of the land with utter disregard to the Constitution. I wish our representatives would defend the power given to them by our Constitution. Our founding fathers gave them the right to impeach justices because they could foresee a legislative power grab such as this. Gentlemen, please stand up and fulfill your oath.
David Halstead, Cleveland, Tenn.
ACA popular despite spin
In response to David Martin's July 3 commentary on the Free Press page: Mr. Martin correctly points out in his "Still Selling Obamacare" that Obamacare polls poorly. However, he conveniently fails to mention that almost all of the provisions of Obamacare are wildly popular in polls. People love the fact that insurance companies can't limit lifetime health care expenses, and they can't drop you if you are costing them too much money. Ask people if they like Obamacare and slightly over half don't. Ask people if they like the Affordable Care Act and show them what's in it, and they overwhelmingly like it. This shows the effectiveness of years of misleading, politically-motivated propaganda.
Michael Hill, Cohutta, Ga.
Columnist nails marriage threat
It is not often that I agree with the views on your Free Press editorial page, but Mitch Albom in a June 30 column hit the nail on the head. Nobody takes marriage seriously anymore. Not since "no fault" divorce made it easy to dump your spouse. It should be harder to get a divorce, then people might work a little harder on their marriages.
Nancy Smith, Dayton, Tenn.
Justices to answer to higher power
The Supreme Court flexed their judicial muscles and made homosexual marriage the law of the land. These jurists exceeded powers given to them by the Constitution and, being appointed for life, have no responsibility to answer to anyone regarding their decisions. However, after a short time on the bench they will move on to their eternal destination and have to answer for their actions to the Chief Judge.
Dale Yoder