As past owner of a Jetta diesel, I was extremely disturbed with CEO Horn's statement that the" defeat fix" was due to rogue software engineers, not a corporate decision.
Complex software development in modern vehicles requires controlled and documented processes to assure optimum performance and safety of passengers. Software and hardware interfaces must be developed and negotiated between software and hardware engineers.
The universal engineering mantra demands trustworthy endeavors to provide cost-effective designs within program constraints.
The software development process incorporates peer reviews of software design and hardware interfaces down to the unit code level with various levels of technical and program management involvement. This is intended to eliminate design and implementation issues early in the process, reducing development costs.
This process would eliminate "rogue" software code unless directed within the hierarchical levels of VW's technical and program management.
Horn's statement appears to lay the blame on a couple of engineers in a cover-up attempt to divert the blame, upholding the brand. Why did the past VW CEO resign so rapidly if he had no knowledge of this rather than immediately initiate an investigation? Come clean VW.
David Lacy, Winchester, Tenn.
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Remember your check on Election Day 2016
The story on the front page (Oct. 16) states there will be no pay raise for seniors on Social Security next year. Many Medicare recipients also will see large premium increases. The only good news is that this takes effect in January 2016, just 11 months shy of Election Day!
If this slam to seniors seems familiar, they should remember the same thing took place in 2010 and 2011. Thus, three years of Obama's imperial presidency have hurt seniors.
Each month, when seniors receive their meager checks, they need to say, "I'll remember this on Election Day." Then, do not just remember, go to the polls and vote against a third Obama term. He won't be on the ballot, but one of his highest placed lackeys probably will.
You may or may not like the Republican nominee for president, but that person will be better than another Obama disciple. Don't stay at home on Election Day, as that will be the equivalent of a vote for no pay raise in 2017.
Horton Herrin, Dalton, Ga.
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Teen's rap music video commendable
I am writing about the Oct. 8 story titled "Put The Guns Down." Shelly Bradbury is to be commended for the excellent reporting on a local teenager's music video.
The young woman, 19-year-old Courtney Evans, has something going with her T-shirt demanding "Put The Guns Down," and her music video.
The fact that she is a welder is a testament to her intelligence and work ethic.
It may very well be that the younger generation, as Courtney Evans, will be the salvation of our nation. Her story should be front page news.
Steven C. Vorhees, East Ridge