Islam remains in seventh century and more letters to the editors

Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor

Islam remains in seventh century

A Times Free Press story last September dealt with Donald Trump's statements about banning Muslim refugees. Muslims are unusually assertive, uncompromising and aggressive, according to the Muslim writer.

Islam is not like other monotheistic faiths. Its theology, history and culture are complicated. The Quran is Allah's speech telling Muslims how to live in this world and prepare for the next. Mohammad, the messenger of Allah, is a politician, a great warrior and state builder; Muslims admire and seek to emulate him. Islam's teachings are unchangeable.

The Muslim writer argues, "Islam is not like other faiths." In my opinion, it is like a cult. Faith cannot stand still like all living institutions. Faith has to adapt, evolve and change in order to survive.

The Quran and Hadith instructed its followers to emulate Mohammad's deeds, behavior and thoughts as the ultimate manifestation of the perfect man. Islam demands total commitment from its followers.

Islam remains and will remain stuck in the time warp of the seventh century.

Amos Taj, Ooltewah

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Research issues, get involved, protect USA

Like so many Americans recently, I have been stirred to take unprecedented action because of our president's actions. I have marched, I have written letters, I have emailed my senators.

As a citizen, it is my duty to be informed about issues. Even though I haven't spoken up until recently, I have observed the various political tides washing the shore as we the people attempt to steer this ship of state.

I am not affiliated with a political party, although I am liberal socially and conservative fiscally. I have voted on both sides, casting my first national vote for Richard Nixon. I have never been as concerned about the future of our country as I am now.

Is the level of vitriol in public discourse an excuse for failing to examine issues factually?

I am sickened and saddened at what I see. We fought a war of independence with Britain so that we could have a free press and human rights. As citizens, we must become involved before it is too late, and we are left wistfully remembering the freedoms we once enjoyed.

Helen V. Barrett

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Southside Social praised for dress code

Kudos to Southside Social for trying to ensure a safe environment for their patrons.

The Chattanooga Times editorial page excoriated Southside for what it characterized as an attempt to attract only white patrons. The attempt to smear Southside is a liberal pander. Southside's dress code is roughly what is required apparel to appear before a judge in Chattanooga.

It was the Times Free Press that printed the worst of the worst with 32 black faces on the front page. It doesn't take a statistician to determine which group or class of people are causing the greatest number of problems in Chattanooga.

I would commend any business that, based on such evidence, endeavored to prevent such individuals from frequenting their business. There were and are clubs catering to such individuals, and a number were declared a public nuisance and were ordered closed by the city.

No one likes to feel intimidated, and these groups of unruly youths are threatening.

Join me at Southside Social for bowling.

Jim Howard

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