What will city do to correct behavior?
As a citizen of Chattanooga, I am disturbed about the sexual harassment findings against Paul Page and the retaliation against those who had brought it to light.
I am disturbed to know that he was brought into the city at such a high level and high rate of pay after he had already been associated with such behavior in Dade County. I also find it disturbing that he was given a raise after the 2008 situation, keeping in mind that this was the same year that Ed Hammonds was forced to resign.
At this point, I feel that anyone who was in a position to remedy the situation is also responsible. And as a female in this city, I would like the city to make a full statement about what they intend to do now. In my opinion, anyone who fails to remedy such behavior is condoning continuation of this behavior, not only in a professional setting, but in private situations as well.
If this is indicative of the respect that the current administration has for female employees, then it also is indicative of the respect that the current administration has for its female citizens.
ALICE TURNER
Plan ahead for vehicles
In response to a writer’s comment Sept. 30, don’t buy a gas-thirsty vehicle when you know you will retire in several years.
I am a senior citizen. The term “fixed income” grates on my nerves. Everyone is on a fixed income — hourly workers, salaried workers.
Five years before I retired, I went to a fuel efficient minivan. Plan ahead. Drive sensible and you will get sensible MPG.
JIM WOLFE
Guild, Tenn.
Editorials offer two sides to issues
We’re fortunate to have the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
It’s not a large paper, because we’re not a large city, but it makes very good use of the available space to present local coverage and a good sampling of national and international news, plus periodic investigative reports.
I particularly value the editorial pages, which between the two sides present contrasting views on Important subjects.
First example: On Oct. 1, the left page told us that (millionaires who make their money on investments pay just 15 percent in taxes on their income). On the right side we read that households making more than $1 million pay 29 percent federal taxes. From this we can infer that statistics are selected to favor the writer’s viewpoint, and we’re better prepared to evaluate political rhetoric.
Second example: On Oct. 3, there was an excellent editorial on the left page about the scientific opinion that human activity is causing global warming with serious consequences. The right side tells us that a recent challenge to Einstein’s theory shows that orthodox scientists can be wrong and maybe global warming isn’t a danger.
I enjoy reading two sides to important questions, even when some of the arguments appear specious. This is balanced journalism.
DAN AUDA
Many are tired of having no jobs
The middle class is sick and tired of no jobs, raises, or cost-of-living raises, while the wealthy are getting astronomically rich. The Republicans are and have been voting for the rich for 12 years.
The protest marches are going to turn into riots, robberies and murders if the tea party is not eliminated … they are not the brightest bulbs in the shed to continue down-trodding the masses!
JOHNNY RITCHIE
Evensville, Tenn.
Examiners need to know the rules
Dorothy Cooper is not alone in having difficulty in getting a picture ID/driver’s license (front page story, Oct. 5).
After moving here from Georgia, I called the Bonny Oaks Service Center to be sure I had the correct documentation for a driver’s license. I took all of the required paperwor, (including a current passport) to the Bonny Oaks Service Center.
After taking a number and waiting in line for a good while, I was told I could not get a license unless I brought my divorce papers. I have not changed my name, and it was the same name on all paperwork. As I have been divorced for over 25 years, this meant a trip to the Whitfield County Courthouse and paying a fee to obtain a copy of the divorce decree.
A friend called a different service center and was told I did not need the decree. I returned to the Bonny Oaks Center a few days later, with the same paperwork (no divorce decree) and was allowed to get a Tennessee driver’s license.
I understand the importance of having a picture ID. I also understand the importance of having examiners qualified to consistently comply with regulations.
MARTHA MACKEY
Government takes freedom
Re: A letter to the editor (Sept. 28). Agreed, I am responsible for my passengers’ safety by requiring them to wear the seat belt. However, how much of my freedom should the government be allowed to take? My freedom to drive my vehicle alone should be of no business to the government. What say you? Seat belts aren’t our problems.
JOE McBAY
GOP wants its way at others’ expense
You can really tell that there is an upcoming election! Once again, the Republican majority in Congress have shown what the most important issue is to them, (that they win). American people, wake up. This group doesn’t care that you don’t have a job. All they care about is making it look like the president has failed. I can’t believe they think American people are so gullible that they can’t see what is really going on.
The American Jobs Act would create jobs and help get the economy moving right now. We need this now.
It is based on the basic American values that responsibility is rewarded.
The jobs act is fully paid for under President Obama’s deficit-reduction plan. And it includes measures that both parties have supported. The Republican Congress members are acting like spoiled children. They have to have their way even if it is at the expense of millions. They have no excuse. Shame on them.
GAIL DUNAWAY
Athens, Tenn.
Religions should police own issues
Clint Cooper wrote in Faith Focus (Sept. 17) about a traveling group of Christians, Jews and Muslims called “clergy without borders.”
These clergy spoke in local churches. As I read the column, I noticed the group was not diverse enough since Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and clergy of other faiths were not included.
The premise of the group is: “all religions claim a message of commitment of improving the world, but that too often the differences rather than commonalties become the subject for discussion.” Yes, differences among religions exceed the commonalties. Islam rejects all religions. Muslims openly profess, there is no God but Allah. Growing up in a Muslim country, I noticed Christians and Muslims have nothing common in values and religious traditions.
Muslims consider themselves the righteous people and that the people of all other religions are infidels. The Muslim clergy of the group deemed that Americans have become more extremist and intolerant toward Muslims since 9/11. But the Muslim clergy did not admit the bigotry of his own Muslim communities.
I believe the solution for a peaceful future depends on each religion accepting ownership for its own extremism and acknowledge honestly the problems and get rid of them.
AMOS TAJ
Ooltewah