Trump makes history as America's worst
If you aren't a little afraid of the direction our nation is taking, you aren't listening. Trump breaks every political norm in the book and still has 40 percent approval. He attacks the Justice Department; the intelligence community; and continues assaults on the media like some authoritarian dictator.
He says an attack on him (Mueller's investigation is getting closer) is an attack on America. Not so, Mr. President! Fake news to him is anything not complimentary. The sexual allegations are enormous and continue. He refuses to enforce all sanctions on Russia, and only recently criticized Vladimir Putin by name as though Putin has something on him.
Trump rattles the Pentagon and our allies with impulsive tweets. Not smart, but he has no concept of geopolitical consequences. Further, he's using the presidency to enrich himself.
He's intemperate and vulgar, insults and demeans members of his own administration and is a character assassin. He's ego-driven, demands loyalty and surrounds himself with those who agree. He wants cheerleaders, not knowledgeable advisers, and he's getting them from Fox News.
It's said he's the worst president in our history. I agree.
Wilbourne C. Markham Sr., Signal Mountain
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What a difference five years makes
Phil Bredesen on Sept. 28, 2013:
Q: Many Tennesseans would like to see you back in office, possibly in the U.S. Senate. Would you consider running?
A: "During the time I was governor there were a couple of Senate seats that were available, which I think I could've won, that I think I would've been a legitimate contender for ... I mean, who knows? At the time, I thought about it and I said, 'I really don't have any interest in that.' I don't think I'd like being in the Senate. I don't think my skills are particularly well matched for what it takes to be successful in that arena. And I don't think they'd like me (laughs).
"I really prefer the executive side of government, and I really enjoyed being mayor and I really enjoyed being governor. I'm quite happy watching from the sidelines, thank you.'' (Source: memphisdailynews.com)
Enough said.
Robert A. Reno, Ooltewah
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School security needs to be priority one
I attended the school safety meeting on Monday and was a little disappointed that I did not hear one official say that school security was the top priority for our schools. As a longtime educator, I know we get many chances to correct educational needs of students, but you never get a second chance with a shooter.
As of today, security is not the top priority because less than half the schools have school resource officers (SRO), and many schools lack effective, secure locking systems. I support raising my property taxes $100 as long as it goes to security. I favor one SRO per school and two SROs in larger schools along with a trained K9.
This can't be done on the cheap!
Jim Watson, Hixson