What will it take to stop child abuse?
It seems like every time you open the newspaper lately there is another horrific incident of babies and children being abused.
What is wrong with people? Why do they have children and then abuse them? Why do the courts continually return these children back to these people (I refuse to call them parents)?
It is hard to believe that people can be so cruel and evil.
Where were the other relatives in these children's lives? They can stand on the very spot where the baby suffocated and beg for money for the funeral, but where were they when the little ones were being beaten and starved?
I am a Christian, and I strongly believe in the love and redemption of Jesus Christ but believe me, there is a specific place in hell for monsters who abuse babies and children. That also goes for anything that is abused that is defenseless: horse soring, rooster fighting, little dogs and cats thrown out on the side of the road.
There is one sweet consolation. Those little ones who have been abused and died are now in the loving arms of Jesus.
K.D. Hopper, Soddy-Daisy
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Bryan professor grateful for college
As my final academic year rapidly approaches - I am set to retire in May 2018 - I have been reflecting on the privilege it has been to teach at Bryan College over the past 18 years.
I am grateful to have served under a board of trustees which strives to maintain the vision of the college and the presidents trustees have appointed to help them in their work. I am grateful for the respectful attention with which my occasional concerns and disagreements have been met and thoughtfully considered. I am grateful for the fellowship of administrators, faculty, staff and students which has encouraged and challenged me, both personally and professionally, to be the best person I can be and do the best work I can do.
I look forward to my final year of striving together with my colleagues to do our best to put "Christ above all" as we "educate students to be disciples of Christ to make a difference in today's [and tomorrow's] world."
I and my colleagues appreciate the prayers and support of so many in the broader community as we pursue this work.
Beth Impson, Dayton, Tenn.
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Death notices mean lost contacts
While scanning through the Sunday Times Free Press on July 23, 2017, something in the classified section caught my eye.
I don't usually look at the classified ads. And maybe I'm making too much of the notices listed there. Maybe this is the "norm." But when I saw two items headed "Notice of Death," it kind of shocked me.
These were notices trying to notify next of kin or interested parties to claim the remains of Tommie Gwen Vermillion and next of kin or interested parties to claim the remains of Rufus Leroy Bryson. If no one claims them, they will be cremated.
I guess what I'm hoping is someone will see this and call 209-6150 to claim these two people who somehow lost contact with family and/or friends. It's just so sad to think this would go unnoticed.
Someone loved these two people at one time. Maybe they will see this. I hope so.
Rella Schrimpsher, Dayton, Tenn.
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Recent Amber Alert misused in Tennessee
The eastern portion and perhaps the entire state of Tennessee rejoiced when this past week a 10-year-old girl from Cleveland, Tenn., was discovered, and was unharmed. However, alerting her disappearance by invoking the Amber Alert was inappropriate.
By definition, the Amber Alert is designed for children who have been abducted and are believed to be in immediate danger. Neither was the case for this little girl.
It is wonderful that she was found, and was safe, but the use of the alert precipitated unnecessary alarm and fright.
Joan Eigenberg, Signal Mountain