Medal of Honor Heritage Center proponents have cast the opposition to their plan to shave an edge off Coolidge Park for their center as a contest over patriotism, support of veterans and a debate about war itself. This is ridiculous. The controversy is not whether to implement this museum, which all seem to support, myself included. Rather the debate is over where. Naturally, there is great public resentment when a treasured public amenity such as Coolidge Park is offered for this or any other bright idea.
I for one utterly oppose the use of any sliver of open public space for any reason whatsoever, no matter how worthy the cause. Development of our red-hot riverfront is slowly chipping away at what were once public view-sheds and in-fill greenspace; all will be paved soon enough. To squander any aspect of the existing park - which functions as Chattanooga's front lawn - is inexcusable. The city/county have other properties to offer, and it's an exceptionally poor excuse to take this particular, heavily used spot merely because names coincide.
I speak as a 21-year Army veteran, married to another, and the proud daughter of a WWII vet.
Lisa Lemsala
Praise of Trump right on the money
In the Times Free Press on Thursday, page B7, Roger Smith wrote a commentary titled "It's Called Democracy" that was right on the money about Donald Trump.
What I like about Donald Trump is he sounds just like me, only he has more money. I am not politically correct and don't pretend to be. I want someone to tell me the truth, good or bad, and I hate a liar. I don't like anyone who uses fancy words to try to trick me into believing something.
However, on the same page, a commentary by Jonah Goldberg titled "New Nationalism Amounts to Generic White Identity Politics" really hacks me off. As a "white American male," I don't have a problem with who I am. What I do have a problem with is the Times Free Press should have put this commentary on page B6.
Mr. Goldberg appears to be a Democratic elitist who believes one must have a college degree with a Ph.D. attached to be able to think rationally. He is wrong.
Byron J. Hendrix, Cleveland, Tenn.
Vet appreciates the kindnesses
I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to the nice lady who paid for my groceries recently at Wal-Mart and also to the gentleman who paid for my lunch recently at Cracker Barrel. It is nice to know some people still remember our veterans. You know "freedom is not free." I wear my Korean War veteran hat at all times. I am proud I served my country. God bless America.
Bill Babb, Red Bank