What memories TFP reporter Steve Johnson's Jan. 1 "Saving East Lake" article brought back.
I was born in a house on Third Avenue in East Lake. I attended East Lake Grammar School in the 1940s and '50s. The park was the place to be.
Many times my two brothers and cousin caught large blue gill and small bass from the lake. Fishing was not allowed in the park, but boys will be boys, and we figured no one could see us fishing if we tied lines to our big toes.
Mom and Dad worked at the thread mill, but as a family we enjoyed fresh fish many nights for supper. What memories.
I personally want to thank the city of Chattanooga and the Lyndhurst Foundation for refurbishing the park and for giving young people today a chance for memories of their own.
I have lived in Tampa, Fla., since 1952, and whenever I think of Chattanooga, those good times as a boy pop into my mind.
I am now 76, and oh, what I would give to be able to tie a string to my big toe and catch just one more blue gill for the frying pan.
Lamar Rooks
Tampa, Fla.
Australia gun laws next in U.S.?
President Obama, by executive order, recently expanded background checks for prospective gun buyers. He believes Australia's gun laws are a model.
In 1996, after the Port Arthur massacre, the Australian government passed the National Firearms Agreement, whose "buy-back" program led to the largest confiscation of firearms ever.
Restrictions on semi- automatic, self-loading and pump-action long guns, quantity of ammunition purchased and declaration that "personal protection" would no longer be regarded as a "genuine reason" for owning a firearm became law.
After two people were killed and five injured in a classroom shooting at Monash University in Melbourne in 2002, the Trafficking and Handgun Agreements outlawed handgun caliber greater than .38, and barrel lengths less than 4.7 inches and 4 inches for pistols and revolvers, respectively.
A year later, the National Handgun Buyback Act resulted in more than 278,000 further parts and accessories being surrendered by Australian gun owners.
Obama claims any conspiracy that the government is going to grab your guns is ridiculous. On the campaign trail, Hillary Clinton said the Australian approach is "worth considering." Americans who agree with this stroke of the president's pen should be careful what they wish for.
Michael James Zema
Lack of truth fractures society
The Citizens United decision that corporations are legally persons and can give unlimited funds to political candidates undermined our elections.
Corporations and the nation's wealthiest 1 percent gained undue influence on election results, and we have the Supreme Court's Republican majority to thank. Republican majorities in state legislatures piled on, passing laws that require voters to present photo IDs. Poor people without driver's licenses or passports are thus disenfranchised.
Elections are inundated by a torrent of money coming from a bottomless cesspool. Campaigns resemble circuses, and many voters take the clowns seriously. Campaign seasons grow longer and longer. Media 24/7 news cycles, especially talk radio, allow voters and non-voters of both parties to vent their spleens: Republicans primarily raging against government; Democrats shouting back that we are the government.
American politics has always entertained with tomfoolery and lies. The sea change is that voters no longer recognize or expect truth; today's voter wants primarily to be entertained. When caught in a lie, candidates are not embarrassed or ashamed. Truth is no longer expected or wanted from those who must hide what they stand for. Without truth to hold us together, society is coming apart.
Faye Walter
Sewanee, Tenn.
Adult supervision necessary for kids
Like others, I have been appalled at the stories about Ooltewah High School basketball team's trip to Gatlinburg.
In an after-school, middle-school program at our church, we have a policy that there must be both male and female adults in any room with one or more children. It appears a similar policy should be adopted by the school board.
Where were the adults while these boys were in the cabin's lower level? Did the fact they were athletes and 15 to 17 years old mean they were capable of not being supervised?
To have coaches from other schools report trash talking by Ooltewah players in the parking lot after a game further emphasizes the need for adult supervision. I can only hope the citizens of Hamilton County rise up and demand satisfaction.
Mark Wiedmer's recent column hit the nail on the head with his comparison to Penn State University. Heads should roll, not only at the school but in the administration for their ineptness.
Melvin Willett
Ranters miss faith differences
Two recent rants caught my attention:
(1) "Islam and atheists will not destroy Christianity; evangelicals and fundamentalists will."
(2) "What's the difference between evangelicals and Muslims? Both pray a lot, wear conservative clothes, are anti-gay, anti-abortion and subscribe to literal interpretation of Holy books!"
It seems that ranters have a problem understanding Christianity and Islam and the difference between them. Nothing can destroy Christianity, although Islam poses much greater danger to Christians. Mohammad believed that Christians had moved away from Allah's intended purposes, so Allah had sent him to proclaim the ultimate revelation. He taught that the Quran rose triumphant over the Christian gospel.
The difference between Christianity and Islam is clear. Christianity claims that God through Jesus Christ loves humankind whoever they may be. God of Christianity wants all to have a quality of life on this Earth and beyond. Muslims believe Mohammad is the ultimate messenger of Allah. They are referred to his example to justify their acts and that the life beyond is better than on Earth.
Amos Taj
Ooltewah
Where were other team members?
What nobody is asking is were other students there during the alleged rape of an Ooltewah High School basketball player in Gatlinburg or just these three thugs and the victim? If there were, and they stood by watching, they are just as guilty. I have a hard time believing no one heard the horrifying screams from this victim. Disgusting.
Billy Martin
Cleveland, Tenn.
Casada and ilk an embarrassment
Whenever the rights of man have been threatened, our leaders in the Tennessee legislature have rallied bravely.
The federal government has relocated and intends to relocate more Syrian refugees in Tennessee. House GOP Caucus Chairman Glen Casada has courageously stated "we need to activate the Tennessee National Guard and stop them from coming - I'm not worried about what a bureaucrat or an unelected judge thinks - which is greater: life or due process?"
There stands a man of principle, armed with his Bible and right-to-carry permit, shoulder to shoulder with the Tennessee National Guard, ready to confront federal troops, if necessary; willing to deny the legitimacy of our Constitution, the foundation on which our representative democracy is based; ready to suspend due process, regardless of the consequences. Hoya Saxa! Our bold legislator perseveres, notwithstanding - or, perhaps, oblivious to - the fact that when we abridge the rights of minorities, ignore the principles on which this country was founded and permit fear to dictate our actions, those who oppose representative democracy have won a victory greater than any that can be won on the battlefield.
For those readers who have not yet recognized this as satire, it is.
T. William Alexander