Young activists deserve support, not ridicule
Where, oh where, are the adults? Why aren't more of us applauding, supporting and guiding the young people who are beginning active community participation?
We laugh when they learn to walk, clap when they learn to talk, brag when they learn to read, and now insult, ridicule and put them down when they want to be heard about a social issue.
Columnist Cal Thomas writes that Fox news host Laura Ingraham was a young activist in college, challenging the administration about a student publication, but doesn't seem to find it ironic that she insults the young activists from Florida.
He continued his column saying if a child of his behaved as he (implying David Hogg) does, he would be grounded, and if behavior continued, he would have to find somewhere else to live. Somewhere like America, Mr. Thomas?
Mr. Thomas concludes his column acknowledging the youth of David Hogg, "his immature mind," but suggesting he debate the seasoned news host.
The debate might be worth it if "mature minds" do not see that many adults are failing to encourage and help the upcoming generation.
Joanne Phillips, Hixson
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Law partner urges a vote for Hedrick
Please join me in supporting Judge Kyle Hedrick for the position of Circuit Court judge of Hamilton County. Because of his superior intellect and excellent judgment, Judge Kyle Hedrick will naturally engender respect from litigants and lawyers. His exercise of judicial discretion will be sound, fair and altogether wise.
I have practiced law with Kyle Hedrick for 24 years so I have been the beneficiary of the qualities he will bring to a judicial position. Without fail, I could count on him to help me understand the complex dynamics present in a family law case and to help me develop a resolution that preserved the dignity of both sides of the conflict.
In addition, Kyle's assistance was invaluable in researching family law issues, drafting pleadings, and preparing appeals.
Judge Kyle Hedrick is devoted to his wife, Brenda, his three adult children and their spouses, and his grandson. Over and over, he ordered his priorities so that he could spend time with his family.
Both his professional and personal life exemplify the highest degree of integrity.
Please join me in voting for him on May 1, 2018.
Glenna Ramer
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Private sector can help veterans better
The Veterans Health Administration now consists of 152 hospitals and 800 community-based outpatient clinics. The overall budget is around $200 billion, and about 350,000 employees work for the VA. No one seems to know how to manage this bureaucracy.
My idea is to abolish the VA as it exists today. Instead of supporting a huge infrastructure and paying all those employees, I would give every eligible veteran a voucher good in one of the 5,000 private hospitals in the U.S.
Most of those hospitals have capacity to absorb these veterans. Care would be more convenient than going to regional VA hospitals, and the veteran would be able to choose where to go to get the best medical care.
I want our veterans taken care of, but in a better, more efficient environment, closer to home, for less money and in a hospital of the veteran's own choosing.
Get the government out of the health care business. The private sector can do it better.
Without the VA bureaucracy as it currently exists, we can save money, quit propping up an aging infrastructure and employ less people.
Dan Fisher, M.D.