Trump is best choice for White House now
When Ronald Reagan was running for president, the "Carter Gang" tried to paint him as a "know nothing actor." They said that others would just give him a script, and he would read it. They said he was unfit because he had been divorced and wasn't a career politician.
He was elected, surrounded himself with good people and had eight successful years.
Donald Trump can also be successful. He believes in the Constitution, and will work to save us from European style liberalism (socialism). He'll also restore our hollowed out military and recreate trust with our many allies. He'll make good Supreme Court appointments and negotiate trade deals that will help American Workers.
Thomas Curry, Rossville
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This year's campaign could have been a play
Arthur Miller once wrote the '"Crucible," a play made into a movie starting Demi Moore.
Now, it don't take a rocket scientist to equate Hillary's predicament and that of witches burned. Here we are, easy to imagine, a band of Trump supporters, a true intellectually challenged pitchfork brigade, yelling for Hillary's head.
"Burn the witch!"
But now an orange-faced man of the cloth who never paid his taxes yells: "Crooked Hillary! Crooked Hillary!" Or by extension, Hillary could be Esmeralda or Hester Pryne, whose emails cause grave punishment to wear the letter 'E' for "email skulduggery." Her antagonist, Goodman Comey, yells that Hillary is "being investigated."
And here our heroine is led off to a dungeon, never to be seen again.
Did I dream this stuff up last night? No, but I could have.
Mike C. Bodine, East Ridge
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Trump 'Satan's devouring orifice'
Wake up to the unending evil that is one ballot away from our gates! I write as an evangelical Christian who is disgusted with the support of a diabolical man kowtowed to by so many I once thought were my brothers. Donald Trump seduces decent people into utter falsehood. He breaks the spirit of all 10 Commandments, repenting of nothing.
The egomaniac worships himself. Where is the praise due God? His face and name mark his fool's gold kingdom. He adores his own graven image.
He pushes himself and his employees into dishonoring the Sabbath, denying he even needs rest. He dishonors his mother, belittling women with names and lewdness abhorrent to God's word. He publicly, habitually bears false witness about issues great and small, following the father of lies.
His hateful language incites us to become a national lynch mob. As Jesus says, anyone who hates in his heart has committed murder. Trump is becoming Satan's devouring orifice.
Yes, Hillary Clinton is a very flawed sinner, but at least she sometimes seeks forgiveness and cares that she will give a final account to God. Mr. Trump's so-called remorse bears no fruit of genuine repentance.
Clifford Campbell
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Trouble ahead if Trump wins
According to Wikipedia, "in 2014 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was more than 95 percent certain global warming is the primary result of human activities. These findings have been recognized by the national science academies of the major industrialized nations, and are not disputed by any scientific body of national or international standing," with the exception of the Republican Party and Donald Trump.
Ignoring the facts of our world scientists, as well as the extreme weather worldwide, Trump already has said he will put the brakes on the United Nations Climate Change Conference in France, quite possibly our last chance to generate an agreement. President Obama has worked hard with other leaders and is very close to an agreement.
Trump's promise to repeal the ACA will remove the millions of Americans who are finally enjoying health care. The ACA is currently taking a hit, showing the Republican obstruction has worked. Even Gov. Bill Haslam's negotiated attempt to provide insurance to 280,000 lower-income Tennesseans failed because Chattanooga's Sen. Gardenhire did not vote for it in committee.
For the sake of our children and theirs, please consider the consequences if Trump is elected president.
Roger Shipley, Ringgold, Ga.
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Vote for women paving the way
When I went to vote, I recalled how before Aug. 18, 1920, we as women could not vote. My grandmother could not until then. Family stories were told how my great-grandmother would picket for women's voting rights. I watched the movie "Suffragette" and how all these women believed so much for women then, and in the future to be able to vote. They were unlikable. Many lost their lives, marriages and families because they believed in the right to vote so strongly.
I have many women to whom I owe a deep gratitude, who helped pave the way for female aviators, and in careers that have slowly started to crack the glass ceiling in large corporations.
These two fine candidates are again, trying to pave the way for more females in local and national government. Unfortunately, as I read the newspapers I see many biases against these strong candidates. Again, Melody and Khristy are working hard to be elected to do their best for our community.
Please vote for Melody Shekari for District 3 House of Representatives and Khristy Wilkinson for state Senate District 10.
Cherie Martinez
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Gardenhire ploy only 'thin' truth
My dad told me he received mail from Sen. Gardenhire's campaign that spoke of Gardenhire's efforts that "eliminated a few overpaid bureaucratic jobs at the University of Tennessee" and rededicated funds to a "scholarship program to be given directly to minority students." What he failed to mention was the fact the reallocation of $400,000 constituted a retaliation against the UTK Office of Diversity for protecting students and campus workers from discrimination and sexual violence. It was also a retaliation against the office for supporting events like Sex Week.
The fact that piece of mail made it seem as though the reallocation of funds directly benefited minority students at the school was stretching the truth as thinly as possible. I know many UTK students who have felt the backlash of the stripping of funds from the Office of Diversity at their school - many students feel as though they are not fully supported by the university in their many diverse endeavors. The stripping of funds from the office actually does more harm than good.
Simone Edwards, Ooltewah
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Trump's business practices lacking
Back in the 1940s and '50s, my father worked as a carpenter and small contractor. He contracted his work honorably - with a handshake.
He was hired by a wealthy fellow to build a barn and other improvements on his property. When he was finished, he went to the owner and asked for payment.
The owner pointed to a few details he claimed were not in their agreement and refused to pay. My father had invested a huge sum and purchased materials mostly on credit.
I don't know why Dad didn't file for bankruptcy.
We had a beautiful antique colonial house and 50 acres of pastureland in western Connecticut, which he sold to pay the debt. I think he felt it was the honorable thing to do rather than stiff people he'd been doing business with for years.
Now, Donald Trump was not the wealthy fellow in my story, but I believe if you were to ask Donald Trump his opinion, he would suggest the wealthy owner was just conducting "good" business. Since the land owner was not under written contract, he could simply refuse to pay.
It may have been good business; it certainly wasn't honorable.
Matt Sears, Blue Ridge
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Gardenhire better than 'BernieCrat'
Todd Gardenhire has been a conservative leader in Chattanooga since the 1960s.
He knows that Detroit's collapse has absolutely nothing to do with it being a majority black city.
In fact, it was the last white mayors of Detroit (Roman Gribbs and Jerome Cavanaugh) who were in charge of the beginning of the end for Detroit. Their administrations from 1962 to 1974 saw blue-collar and middle-class families move to the suburbs to escape high taxes, violent crime, a corrupt police department and some of the biggest drug gangs in the country.
Khristy Wilkinson is a die-hard Bernie Sanders supporter who totally supports Sanders' extreme socialist views. That is reason enough to re-elect Todd Gardenhire.
John M. Davies
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Two-party system needs competition
Mercifully, the end is near to what has undoubtedly been the most disgusting presidential campaign in American history. Even when it's over, polls suggest that we will be more divided and fearful than ever. However, our circumstances present a historic opportunity to initiate a positive change by taking a stand for a Libertarian government, a government that is smaller, fiscally responsible and free of social agendas. A Libertarian stand is also a stand for dismantling the wall that protects Republicans and Democrats from competition at the ballot box.
On the Tennessee ballot, the Libertarian candidate could only appear generically labeled as "Independent." Such rules are designed to make third parties appear insignificant, effectively precluding them from gaining the traction needed to access federal campaign funds. We must dismantle these rules. The two-party system has created nothing but division. Moderate solutions seem beyond reach. If this election has taught us anything, it is that the established parties need competition.
Your vote can count. If Libertarians win 5 percent of the vote today, they will overcome many of these obstacles in the next election. Remember, a vote for Johnson is not a vote against Hillary or Trump. It is a vote to tear down the wall!
David C. DuBose
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Trump just might be who is needed now
Samson, a man of incredible physical strength, once killed a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of an ass. This was after some of his fearful countrymen begged him not to upset the status quo by challenging the ruling Philistines.
However, Samson had a serious flaw. To satisfy his vanity, he often engaged in the wanton pursuit of women, with very had final results. Yet as much as we may want to deny it, God's vote mattered then and matters today, choosing a sinful man to smite the enemies of his people.
Today a corrupt progressivism fosters cronyism and egalitarian bigotry. Its disciples seek to maintain the status quo by indulging permissiveness for votes, combined with a political correctness that attacks freedom. Their doctrine threatened, these same secular elites, in politics, the media, in academia, etc., hope that if they scare the people enough, the people will again prostrate themselves before the false idol of the progressive state.
Mr. Trump, labeled as having also a jawbone of an ass, and with his apparent strengths and flaws, now challenges this failed system. I would prefer a more humble and more unifying candidate, but that may not be what the times require.
Joseph E. Settle III, Lookout Mountain, Ga.
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Wilksonson will look after needs of all citizens
In an interview with WUTC, Todd Gardenhire stated, "Everybody has access to health care" in Tennessee.
What he means by this very disingenuous statement is that anyone experiencing a medical emergency can seek treatment at the ER, wherein our hospitals incur large deficits providing emergency care to the uninsured - Erlanger's alone is 80 million a year. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that states like Tennessee which failed to expand Medicaid under the ACA suffer a 6 percent higher mortality rate for treatable conditions and illnesses compared to states that expand.
Gov. Haslam's tax neutral InsureTennessee pilot would have helped end this human tragedy, where estimates show several hundred Tennesseans die unnecessarily every year and seven rural hospitals have closed.
In the next four-year term, the state legislature will continue to dictate the health and opportunity available in Tennessee. Both a mother and educator, Khristy Wilkinson has the talent, work ethic, and moral courage needed to ensure that every Tennessean, "native" or newcomer, has a future in the Volunteer State.
Joseph Paden, Signal Mountain
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This year, consider who is really perfect
Wouldn't it be nice if our elected officials were all paragons of virtue?
But, as the rest of humanity, all fall short of perfection. Incidentally, accusations of hanky panky have even penetrated local campaigns in Walker County, Ga. But boys (and girls!) will be whatever they will be. I
In our relatively short history we have knowingly elected some flawed individuals as president. In 1800 we chose a man who had an ongoing affair with a slave woman (Jefferson). In 1828 we elected an accused bigamist (Jackson). Then in 1885 we elected a man who admitted fathering a child out of wedlock (Cleveland). Incidentally, all three were Democrats, for whatever that's worth. Two, Jefferson and Jackson, are rated good presidents and Cleveland was better than average. So who's perfect?
George B. Reed Jr., Rossville
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Gene Shipley deserves another term in Soddy-Daisy
Often times we are asked what would we like our legacy to be when we leave this life.
Well, I can tell you for Gene O. Shipley it will be "service." Several generations of his family - going back to his grandfather to the youngest of his family - has served this community. Often times people doesn't know the work this family does, because they do a lot that only a few people know about.
Gene Shipley is a family man. He and DeeDee have set their life as a goal of service and doing good for people and teaching their children the spirit of service.
He has the full support of his family to continue his service to Soddy-Daisy by asking you to support and vote for him. There are very few things in this city that you see done, without looking and seeing that his fingerprints are often there - without his name. That is by design. All he want from it is that the people of Soddy-Daisy have life better.
What better way to leave your city, with a legacy, as a man and family of service. Join me in voting for Gene Shipley for Commission of Soddy-Daisy.
Margaret Chastain, Soddy-Daisy
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Martin has proven GOP track record
In January 2015, I was elected a delegate for District 3. I believe that it is important to get involved in my community - to invest in it.
As a delegate with longtime experience living and working in District 3, I can tell you that Greg Martin is thoroughly invested in his community. As a delegate, I can tell you that the process to select Greg was transparent and fair. The guidelines were established years ago. There were 35 delegates - not 10 families.
As a delegate and someone who is actually involved in District 3, I can tell you that Greg Martin has an outstanding record of service in the Hixson community. He has played an active role in making Hixson a better place for everyone. Greg is a conservative Republican that will ensure the conservative values of District 3 are well represented on the county commission. If you haven't yet voted and you live in District 3, I ask that you join me in voting for Greg Martin for county commissioner - not solely because he is a Republican, but because he has a proven track record in our community.
Steve Hall, Hixson
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Todd Gardenhire does not reflect state values
Khristy Wilkinson is running against Todd Gardenhire on the platform of expanding TennCare to cover a large number of vets and their families in Tennessee who are without health care.
When Gov. Bill Haslam proposed expanding TennCare, Todd Gardenhire and other Republicans on committee blocked it from a floor vote, which killed it. When Gardenhire was asked how he could block it when he had taxpayer-funded insurance, his reply was he didn't have it. Later he changed his answer to he had it but didn't use it. Later Gardenhire said he didn't use it but his son did (how old is that boy and why are the taxpayers paying for his insurance?).
I guess my question to Todd is, when did taking care of yourself and the well-off and letting the working poor, vets and the sick do without any form of health care become our Tennessee values? If this in fact is our current Tennessee values, it is a sad day for all of the Volunteer State.
William S. Griffith, Signal Mountain
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Let party platforms be your guide on Tuesday
Just want to share with voters something that I heard today which I found to be helpful and sensible in deciding who to vote for in this year's presidential election. I believe that most folks can agree that we seem to need to choose between the lesser of two evils. If that is the case for you, then try looking beyond the individual candidates to the party platforms they represent. For me, it has made my decision somewhat simpler.
Chapin Miller, Signal Mountain
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Cropp says Martin is the best choice
As a 24-year resident of District 3, and as a former chairman of the Hamilton County Republican Party, I am supporting Greg Martin for District 3 county commissioner seat because he is guided by faith, family and community.
He and his family are active in his church, Calvary Chapel. He has an attitude of service as demonstrated by his tireless involvement in the Hixson community and more specifically District 3. He is a member of the Hixson Kiwanis Club, serves on the board of directors of Friends of Hixson, the advisory board of the North River Civic Center and the board of directors of the Hixson Council of the Chamber of Commerce He does all of this as well as serving on the Hamilton County Board of Education since 2012 and being a businessman and Realtor for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Realty Center in Hixson.
All said, he has demonstrated through his work ethic and his unwavering support for his community and District 3 that he is the right person to represent our interests on the Hamilton County Commission. Please join with me in casting your vote for Greg.
J. Wayne Cropp
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Trump supporters are in left field this year
As we head toward the presidential election with Trump seemingly tightening the race, there's very little to smile about.
But today I couldn't help from guffawing when a Trump supporter, asked to explain her preference, said, "He will restore integrity to government."
Even now, I can't stop laughing.
Carolyn Mitchell
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Smith's financial report revealing
Joe Smith is far from the fiscally conservative candidate for the District 3 Hamilton County Commission seat. His most recent campaign financial report reveals disturbing facts and it can be viewed here at http://elect2.hamiltontn.gov/FinDisclosures/PDF.aspx.
Joe Smith received $5,000 from Greenform PAC; the problem is that this PAC cannot be found on any state or federal website. He received $500 from a liberal trial lawyer and former chairman of the Hamilton County Democrat Party John Allen Brooks, and $250 from extremely liberal city Councilman Chris Anderson. Joe Smith collected $15,000 in donations in which $14,000 came from outside the commission district. That's certainly curious, particularly of a self-proclaimed, conservative Republican running as an Independent.
The campaign financial report unveils some questionable spending practices, which is contrary to sound fiscal responsibility. He spent $644.54 for a plane ticket and handed over $500 to a retired boxing celebrity. We need a proven conservative and a strong leader like Greg Martin who will promote conservative policies. Please vote for Greg Martin, the Republican nominee, to be our next County Commissioner next Tuesday.
Jordan Soto, Ooltewah
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Wilkinson best choice for state senate
Incumbent Republican Sen. Todd Gardenhire and his unimaginative Republican friends have failed, time and again, to do the things necessary to get their job done - especially on the issues surrounding the obligation to educate every child.
The answers are out there, answers that are tried and true. In Chattanooga, we can see the kind of success we must achieve. It is the charter school for girls, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy.
Listening to a recent interview of Gardenhire, he spoke of his obsession to build a new "Kirkman" Trade school. He had no specific proposals as he meandered through his history as a Chattanooga "good old boy."
Listening to Khristy Wilkinson one heard a modern, highly-educated person who has the experience to know what is involved to put in place a truly successful school system.
As we examine the present failures, we have to be honest. The honest truth is that failure to educate amounts to child abuse. To end this abuse requires recruiting "no quit" teachers and bellying up to the bar with a whole lot of money.
We will be in prayer for the return of Mortimer Adler.
Blake Moore