Support for hiring Muslim is welcome
I was astonished to read the editorial in the paper (July 18) supporting Gov. Bill Haslam’s hiring of Samar Ali (who is a Muslim) for the position of Economic and Community Development international director. I had to double-check on which side of the paper the column was positioned. Not only did the editorial support this hire, it condemned efforts by Republican lawmakers and ultra-conservative groups to “pander to racists, homophobes, and bigots to garner votes and win elections in the Volunteer State.”
This is the first time since I moved here in 1998 that I have agreed with an editorial on the Free Press side of the paper (and I am a registered Republican). It’s not April 1, so I have to believe that there are actually some changes behind the scenes or at least some opening of minds at the newspaper. Please keep it up.
JILL GUESS
DeGaetano upholds ideal of fairness