How about direct help to families? and more letters to the editors

How about direct help to families?

When Lawton Chiles was governor of Florida in the 1990s, in an attempt to fulfill a campaign promise to reform welfare, he asked the public to submit ideas. I did. It went nowhere, of course, but I have always racked my brain as to how those of us who are comfortable in life's situations can help those less fortunate. Reading the Times Free Press (which we are so very lucky to have) this morning, I was again struck by the notion that our mayor, Tim Kelly, is trying to accomplish this for my adopted city.

If there were some way for 10 of these comfortable families to "adopt" a willing family in need, to offer service, advice and yes, even financial help, this may be a pathway to closing the gap. The goal could be as simple as reducing the percentage of rent to income from 33% to 25%.

The idea is to benefit both. One feels so much better about direct help, whether giving or receiving, than having something you worked for taken away and given to an anonymous person that may or may not be deserving.

SueCarol Elvin


A tale from 1845 alive in 2023

I read a commentary in the TFP by GianCarlo Canaparo of the Heritage Foundation. Canaparo recounts an 1845 voyage across the Atlantic by Frederick Douglass and others. Douglass, who had freed himself from slavery and self educated at risk of severe punishment and death, had become a publisher, orator and author of some renown in the anti-slavery movement of his day.

He had written a book about his life as an American slave and was traveling to the British Islands to speak to audiences about his book. From the start of the voyage, there were arguments aboard the ship about slavery that became progressively more heated as the days passed by.

Reading the account of this voyage in 1845 brought to mind the racism-based fury that is loudly proclaimed by anti-critical race theory advocates today. My father often told me there is nothing new under the sun. Certainly that adage applies to dealing with racism in the United States.

A very vocal right-wing segment of our population advocates, and is often successful in implementing, laws disallowing such education and discussion.

This is exactly the tactic used in 1845 aboard a steamship transiting the Atlantic carrying Douglass. Do not honestly address the situation, do not even speak of the situation. We will not allow any speech against our long held prejudices. Now, in the first quarter of the 21st century, this "mob" is vocal enough in some parts of our country to get laws passed making it illegal to tell the story of racism in America to our children. My father was absolutely right -- there is nothing new under the sun. But as well, hope springs eternal.

Robert Landry


Festival’s move to ‘cash-less’ a sign of things to come?

Chattanooga's Riverbend Festival has announced it will not take paper/coin currency for purchases. I just examined a dollar bill which reads: "This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private."

Questions: a. If a vendor hands a customer a drink, hot dog, etc., before the customer has paid, and the customer takes a bite and then offers cash, which is refused, is the deal done?

If knowing this policy, a person doesn't like such rules and decides to bring his own refreshments, will they be forbidden from entering? Can they be refused if they have already obtained a ticket? b. If said person is cagey enough to bring in concealed goodies, can they be legally searched?

China already is moving to become a cashless society (payments completed by phone). Where are we headed?

Thomas Rodgers


Trump compared to biblical characters

I want to applaud the Christian nationalists who have supported former President Donald Trump as their leader and choice for the 2024 election. The former president's words, actions and deeds are consistent with biblical characters of both the Jewish Bible and Christian Bible.

Trump has 1) committed adultery, like King David; 2) has had numerous wives and sex slaves like King Solomon; 3) believes he alone can lead America back to the promised land like Moses; 4) designates people as being good or evil like Saul/Paul did after his hallucinations and hearing voices in his head on the road to Damascus; 5) believes his way is the only way and the only truth like Jesus.

Great job, Christian nationalists.

Erskine Mabee


Party playbook vs. workers' playbook

The vision of FDR has been tarnished by a maverick and toxic Republican Party that threatens to dismantle Social Security.

Expect a re-enactment of the Trail of Tears, where the elderly toss canes, walkers and vital medications.

The people's treasury has been purged more times than mattress booty.

Extremist lawmakers need to feel the heat of the common man. Maybe a pay cut and fewer perks will make a statement. Even applying the brakes to the gravy train might soil suits and stain pricey footwear. Desperate times call for desperate measures. These thoughts come fresh from the party playbook.

What is fair for the goose is fair for the gander, and that comes from the working man's playbook.

G. Estep


Biden debt addition less than Republicans

In response to a recent letter to the editor, "Why Doesn't Massive Debt Bother Biden?":

If people would educate themselves instead of making a blanket statement because the current president is a Democrat, they would know the facts.

Under George W. Bush and Donald Trump, the national debt increased even more than under President Biden. Huge tax breaks have been given to corporations and to the wealthiest citizens, not to the average worker. This increased our national debt. These are the facts.

If voters took the time to educate "themselves" instead of listening to nonsense rhetoric and misinformation, they would know the facts.

Lynn Mitchell

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