Kaepernick forgets no 'I' in team rule and more letters to the editors

Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor

Kaepernick forgets no 'I' in team rule

I almost always agree with columnist Leonard Pitts but not this past week. We are free to make choices in this country - the choice to be a member of a team or to be a county employee. But there is no "I" in team, no "I" in job.

When Colin Kaepernick puts on a uniform, he is a member of a team fans come to watch. People buy tickets to watch the 49ers, not Kaepernick. Doesn't he understand? He is not an individual who reserved the stadium to advocate his opinion or promote his principles. It is not his right to decide what the team does.

When the clerk in the county office in Kentucky refused to issue a marriage license because of her beliefs, why didn't she quit the job? Didn't she understand there is no "I" in job? It was not her right to tell the county with which laws she would comply.

Being brave, principled and committed means accepting the consequences of your beliefs, not expecting others to allow you special privileges because of them. Someone who dares to take a stand that is important but has consequences deserves respect and attention.

Joanne Phillips, Hixson

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TVA Kingston spill actions shocking

It came as no surprise that 24 coal ash cleanup workers have died (and 70 more are dying ) after employment on the Kingston TVA spill. But I was shocked that TVA blocked the use of the label "hazardous waste" and refused to provide masks for those workers!

This sounds like the treatment of workers in the early industrial age, more than 100 years ago.

Big business ... what irresponsible actions, to save face (and cash), so it can keep lining the pockets of a very few!

Anne G. Grindle, Sewanee, Tenn.

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Explore indoor multi-sports arena

It is great there is substantive talk of developing the Wheland Foundry site. Though there is a rich history of its role with the working men and women of Chattanooga, it is past time the eyesore be removed.

Chattanooga would be missing a tremendous opportunity if a multi-use indoor arena (the Volkswagen Arena?) is not integrated into these plans. Such a structure, along with practice and public facilities, could finally bring real "ice" to Chattanooga for fun and healthy recreation and to host a minor league hockey team.

College, youth and adult hockey would naturally evolve, with tournaments bringing in families during the winter doldrums. And let's not forget figure skating.

Such a move would raise Chattanooga to similar size cities like Huntsville, Knoxville and others. Don't take my word, but listen to an expert.

Bill Davidson, who did such good things with the Lookouts during his tenure, heads National Sports Services and is CEO of the Atlanta Gladiators hockey team. He also consults with all types of minor league sports.

He has told me the demographics of Chattanooga are perfect for hockey; the only thing missing is a venue. Let's change that with this opportunity.

Michael Lawrence

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