Not everyone stood together in WWII
A recent writer suggested Americans "all stood together" during World War II.
The reality is many Americans were forced to stand apart despite their contributions to the effort. Black servicemen fought in segregated units like the Tuskegee Airmen, yet faced Jim Crow laws while serving. Japanese-Americans fought in segregated units like the highly decorated 442nd.
Meanwhile their families - American citizens - were held in internment camps. Hispanic-Americans were assaulted by white service members in the "Zoot Suit Riots" in Southern California.
Twelve black workers at shipyards in Mobile, Ala., were promoted to skilled jobs to facilitate the war effort. In April of 1943, angry white workers drove them out in a race riot. The National Guard was called to restore order, and the black workers remained off the job for several weeks.
Black veterans were assaulted and lynched in the South after the war. In many cases, these veterans were still in uniform.
Sen. Daniel Inouye lost an arm fighting in Italy with the 442nd. After the war, he went to a barbershop in Oakland, where he was told, "We don't cut Jap hair."
So "standing together" is a relative concept.
Paul E. Dean, U.S. Army, retired
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Tennessee senators bow to pressure
I was one of three local citizens asked to appear before a state Senate committeeon Tuesday to speak in favor of SB0749 giving Tennessee citizens the right to vote to be de-annexed after cities failed to deliver promised services such as sewers, police, fire, etc.
Most only received a new trash can in exchange for a higher tax bill years after being forced into the city by ordinance.
After assurances that this bill would not be returned to committee to "die," that is what happened.
Even Senate committee Chairman Ken Yager broke his word to support the bill and joined every senator except our own Sen. Bo Watson and voted no as they all bowed to the lobbyists, the Tennessee Municipal League and mayors who appeared before the committee speaking against the bill, including Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke.
State Rep. Mike Carter, Sen. Bo Watson and County Commissioner Sabrena Smedley (who appeared before the committee in support of the bill) seem to be three politicians who keep their word after getting elected to truly represent the people as promised.
Call them and thank them for their courage! And remember those that don't at voting time.
Bill Reesor, Ooltewah