Fighting meth does not require more intrusive laws and other letters to the editor

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Fighting meth does not require more intrusive laws

The Times Free Press reported that most of the meth poisoning in our communities is coming from Mexican drug cartels, not from homegrown meth-makers. The price is down, and meth use in America is up.

Mexican drug lords play rough, and we need to get tough if we are going to stop them.

The government's solution? Pull a prescription for safe and effective cold medicine containing pseudoephedrine. That is a ridiculous way to fight the problem. It's just one more way for the government to meddle in our health care. It does nothing to stop the Mexican kingpins.

We don't need new laws that punish the innocent. We need to enforce the laws we have and do a better job of keeping our borders safe.

G. Lamar Wilkie, Manchester, Tenn.

Is Third World status imminent?

Here are a few numbers to think about: of the 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide, a reported 13 percent applaud the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. That leaves a frightening 195 million who want to kill all us non-Muslims. Now Obama wants to fly - at your expense - thousands of refugees here. With little or no vetting, how many are terrorists? Well, now ISIS operatives not only confirm but boast that they are using the European refugee crisis to smuggle a "tidal wave blessed by Allah" of killers to all Western countries.

And IRC CEO David Milband says it's not enough, that we should take 65,000 for "humane asylum!"

Do not be misled: This president has not faltered in his goal to reduce the U.S. to a Third World country. He thinks we are "global bullies" and must be reined in. But beware - Hillary may be worse!

John Bergen, Ringgold, Ga.

Don't expose military flank

In a time when U.S. lives and liberty are more endangered than any point in history, we now have a report of our Navy's reduced dependence on sonar off our Pacific Coast and fewer readiness exercises involving live munitions. What's next? Public revelations of the compensatory measures for these losses of detecting and defeating our enemies?

I understand the dangers to Pacific marine life by sonar and live munitions, and I support the efforts to lessen the Navy's adverse affects on the dolphins and whales. But, do we have to broadcast that for the whole world to know? I suppose the news release is a sop to environmentalists or a sign that we are attempting to be responsible about how we affect the natural world.

But I suspect we have geopolitical enemies who are rubbing their hands with glee that we have exposed our flank. Can a covert action to take advantage of the situation be far behind? God help us!

Steve Orender, Dayton, Tenn.

Allow military to protect itself

Are we satisfied with our military having no protection?

We trust our military service people to fight for freedom around the world. But here at home in our military recruiting centers, they are not allowed to have guns to protect themselves. They are sitting targets for criminals.

Are we next taking guns from our policemen?

I'm 87 years old, and I cannot believe in these new laws to fight crime. I call this weakness in leadership. Pray for our country as all kinds of crimes are committed every day.

When I worked for the government at Fort Jackson, S.C., our military got great respect from our citizens here at home. Our military deserves protection for themselves as they fight to protect our USA today.

Mary A. Jones, East Ridge

VW scandal hints at larger issue

While Volkswagen's illegal behavior is nothing short of unacceptable, I think we would do well to recognize that when false science is used to create the illusion of an Earth in imminent danger because its inhabitants are, among other things, driving noxious, atmosphere-destroying vehicles, the resultant frustration over subsequent strict, unrealistic restrictions is somewhat understandable.

Should VW have done what it did? No. But neither should pseudo-scientists be allowed to impose upon society their baseless declarations that mere puny mankind is single-handedly destroying this great, glorious, God-designed planet and its atmosphere.

Karen Hartnett, Niota, Tenn.

Lyons speech an affront

In response to the Sept. 18 Chattanooga Times editorial "Chattanooga Strong Overcomes Tribute 'Blemish,'" it defies credibility that Adm. Lyons just showed up on the stage without anyone having invited him, given the very tight security for the event. Most dismaying was the cheering reception his hate speech got from a portion of the crowd.

It was an affront to the heroes' families, a shameful display before the luminaries who gave of themselves to ennoble the event, and an ugly blot on our wonderful city. We hope our leaders will respond with the condemnation that this outrage deserves.

Mimi and Doug Hedwig

What is answered prayer telling us?

Through the melee of gunfire, anger, accusations, horror, heartbreak and tears comes the now expected, completely sincere promise: "We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers." This promise is intended to convey solidarity, empathy and support to the victims and their loved ones.

More specifically, the promise is to petition God for solace and a solution. The overwhelming majority of those praying and petitioning believe their God is a merciful, peace-loving, gracious deity who is all powerful. They believe God hears their prayers and will do something to stop the violence.

The number of "thoughts and prayers" is beyond counting. So, we ask: Have those myriad petitions brought us to our "River Jordan." Are we listening to the answers to our prayers? Are we ready to cross over to the nonviolent other side?

Blake Moore

Trump joke is no longer funny

When Trump announced his candidacy, I thought it was a joke. No longer. He is leading the pack. Why? Americans are fed up with political correctness. They admire those unafraid to say what they think, Trump, Kim Davis and Jim Hammond.

I have not read the Koran, but have heard many times it teaches death to infidels, disbelievers. If this is true, maybe we should take what our sheriff said seriously. A Sept. 8 letter to the editor from a UTC professor advised us on tolerance and respect for other beliefs, but failed to either confirm or deny the above.

Our city was shocked by the killing of servicemen in July, and rightly so, but there is one thing I do know. Most Americans have no idea what war is really like. I watched the bodies of hundreds of young American boys washing in and out with the waves at Iwo Jima. I also saw them rolling like logs off the deck of the American aircraft carrier St. Lo when she was sunk by the first Japanese kamikaze used in World War II at the Battle of Samar. It's not a pretty sight.

Robert Lee Rayburn

Lyons remarks offensive, absurd

I cannot believe the irresponsible and absurd comments made by Adm. Ace Lyons in the Times Free Press on Sept. 17. To insinuate that our president is somehow responsible for the heinous act that caused the deaths of those men is the height of stupidity. My guess is that Lyons did not blame President Bush for 9/11, which would have been just as crazy. To use this tragedy as an excuse to espouse his political views is a real shame. The fact the Times Free Press published his sad commentary is just as disappointing.

David Alexy

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