What is the appeal of President Trump?
I just can't hold back any longer.
I wish someone would help me understand what is appealing about President Donald Trump.
I'm not interested in saying anything derogatory or unkind about him. I just don't get why anyone would relate to him.
I appreciate that he says a lot of things that might be appealing to others, particularly his efforts to "Make America Great Again." Whatever that means.
But politicians say a lot of things to appeal to people they want to vote for them.
I've always been skeptical about them but never more than now.
It is difficult for me to find anything populist about him, where he remotely represents the average American.
My conclusion is he must represent something or someone who displays leadership or personal qualities that is beyond me. It is a relief to watch or listen to past presidents who seem so much more dignified in their demeanor, words and actions, such as G.W. Bush or even Jimmy Carter.
I recognize being a president is a whole different ballgame, but it seems to me President Trump is his own worst enemy.
Becky Young, Signal Mountain
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Where are the pro athletes giving to Harvey cause?
On Page 2 of a recent Times Free Press was a list of several celebrity donors for relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Harvey.
I am disappointed I did not see any names of the athletes who have been disrespecting our flag during football games - although they do make millions of dollars (and much from the Houston fans).
Also noticed President Trump pledged $1 million. It is wonderful for all the help coming in for people who have had so much tragedy.
Watch out for scams before giving your hard-earned money. Be sure to donate to charities that have a good reputation and put a large percentage to the victims.
And always keep in mind while you give, it could happen to us tomorrow.
Jack Pine, Dunlap Tenn.
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Small counties hurt by forced salaries
Why do Tennessee legislators set rules of pay for county mayors and various county clerk positions such as assessors? They are state mandated based on population, with no regard to counties' ability to pay.
There are counties like ours that are among the highest in unemployment, highest inability to furnish/bring jobs to their county (due to lack of water/sewage), with the poorest of residents.
The current state-mandated salary for our county mayor is around $73,000, and each of the clerks about $63,000, and all are required only to have a high school diploma. That state salary schedule starts with a population of 0 to 12,000. Our county only has about 5,500 and no opportunity to grow due to lack of water and sewage facilities required by most businesses.
What happens in counties smaller than ours with the same problems (unemployment, low income, etc.)? Who is going to pay the salaries of these people? The state?
We pay our police and emergency personnel little enough, but we can pay people who have no credentials other than a high school diploma $63,000-$73,000 per year.
Nancy Beck, Spencer, Tenn.