True 'honor' a rare commodity
Whether it's Clinton and Trump, Congress and the Tennessee legislature, Wells Fargo and Life Care Centers of America, national politicians or county commissioners, I find it hilariously funny when they talk about their "honor."
I'm reminded of Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote, "The louder he talked of his honor, the faster we counted our spoons."
Stephen Greenfield
Cleveland, Tenn.
Democrats not party we recall
Democrats have formed an ungodly Communist nation. My parents were both Democrats. My father was a union carpenter. Back then, it was taught that Democrats were for the working class and poor and that Republicans were for the rich, big business.
After asking Jesus into my life and becoming a Christian, my eyes were opened to what each party stood for. If you vote Democrat, you are voting for gay marriage, abortion and banning God from our schools. Do you say you're not for those things? Then why do you vote for them?
Now thanks to the Democratic-passed Obamacare, we are no longer a free nation. If you don't have proof of purchasing insurance, the IRS will fine you. If you can't afford the fines, they will seize your assets and take away your home. That is communism, not freedom.
Righteousness exalts a nation; sin is a reproach to any people.
Michael Siemer
Grit, grace, gusto: Elect Joe Smith
For many years, a champion for youth and families has valiantly served among us, both in District 3 and greater Hamilton County/Chattanooga.
His dedication to serve, fueled by his faith and genuine love, has awakened him in the wee hours of the morning to leave the safety and comfort of his home (shared with more than 20 foster children) to speak truth to an angry teen or drunken father. His dinner table has been a reprieve for many in need of food for their souls and stomachs. This champion is a man among men, Joe Smith.
Joe's faithfulness in all affairs attests to his leadership, impartiality, vision and wisdom. From coach to substance abuse counselor to youth pastor to regional director of YMCA's YCAP to Olympics boxing manager, Joe Smith has served with grit, grace and gusto. His creative, flexible thinking overcomes obstacles and conflicts to find solutions and build bridges.
Throughout my 16-year friendship with Joe and Paula Smith, I have met no other couple who transcend their commitment to "live" love within our community. District 3, cast your vote for a champion. Elect Joe Smith!
Amy Pearson
Elect Greg Martin to District 3 seat
In January 2015, I was elected a delegate for District 3. I choose to invest in the community where I live by getting involved. Once you get involved you see, hear and understand what is important to your fellow citizens.
If one is interested enough in running for office in District 3, isn't it logical to participate in your community affairs first and foremost? This is why I support Greg Martin for District 3 county commissioner. He is thoroughly invested in his community.
I attended the forum at Loftis Middle School. Greg was concise and to the point with facts and figures to support his answers. This reinforces his successful business background and is another reason I want Greg to represent me on the Hamilton County Commission. I have been impressed with Greg's commitment to the Board of Education, and I know he will be just as committed to District 3 and my Hixson community as our county commissioner.
Amanda Hall
Hixson
Mainstream media let us down
This presidential election has produced a number of shocking revelations.
Most important is the revelation that our mainstream media is no longer functioning as a trustworthy "news" media. It has become "propaganda" rather than news sources. It has abandoned all journalistic integrity. It has clearly demonstrated that they are now "all-in" for promoting and protecting one candidate in this election and sabotaging and destroying the other candidate.
Consider the Wikileaks emails and the Veritas video revelations. There are so many bombshell revelations in these; normally they would receive front page headlines for several days and weeks. Not from our current media. Both of these sources (Wikileaks and Veritas) shine a very bright light on the behind-the-scenes corrupt operations emanating from the Clinton campaign.
Unfortunately, many Americans will not get to study these important insights before the election unless they search out other sources.
It is a sad day for American journalism. This does not bode well for the protection of our freedoms. It is a rapid step toward the consolidation of power, which leads to oppression and ultimately, tyranny!
Jerry Johns
Ringgold, Ga.
Hillary's behavior is disqualifying
I recently retired from the FBI where I held a top secret clearance. I took polygraph examinations and submitted a yearly financial disclosure report documenting where every last dime was earned or spent. FBI employees are prohibited from receiving anything in value over $20, especially from foreign nationals.
According to the Daily Caller News, the Clinton Foundation received nearly $17.7 million in donations from foreign governments while Hillary was secretary of state.
In his testimony before Congress, FBI Director James Comey stated that Hillary's private server held classified information in spite of the repeated lies she told Congress. Hillary destroyed more than 30,000 emails.
Comey admitted that if any FBI employees had committed the same acts as Hillary, they would have been fired or lose security clearance.
Let's send Hillary home. Don't vote for her.
Marvin Scott
Trump truly a tragedy
Donald Trump is a tragedy to all those who are naive enough to believe that he will make America great again.
He had an opportunity to voice the legitimate concerns of those Americans who have been left behind by technology, automation, corporate greed and political opportunists. He had the stage to engage in a civil conversation about immigration reform, racial and gender inequality, infrastructure work projects and tax loopholes for the 1 percent.
He has made the election about his ego. Instead of having a knowledgeable, serious and compassionate discussion about valid issues, he has exposed himself to be a narcissistic, pompous, arrogant, crude and vulgar buffoon.
Anyone who makes fun of a disabled person is unfit to be president. His entire candidacy has been a perfect example of the Shakespearean quote that he "- struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."
Erskine P. Mabee
Sale Creek, Tenn.