Allow cannabis for medical use
As of this writing, 14 states have established compassionate use laws. Of those 14, California is an extreme; focusing on its current fiscal issues and perhaps finding an out to those problems by legalizing cannabis in November this year. Tennessee is not California and its constituents should not believe that the passage of compassionate use laws would cause our state to resemble California by any stretch of the imagination.
The healing properties of the Cannabis Sativa plant have been recorded for centuries. In the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I used cannabis to alleviate her menstrual cramps. Today, approved usage varies from state to state. In California,people with mild depression can get a doctor’s recommendation. In New Jersey, patients must have a debilitating medical condition or have a terminal illness in order to receive a recommendation. The states also differ in that Californians can grow their own whereas New Jersey patients must receive their medicine from state government-authorized treatment centers.
There will always be abusers of any substance, but with the right plan we can help provide patients with the medicine they desperately need and deserve.
CHRIS SMITH
Cleveland, Tenn.
Outlaw abortion, aid Social Security
If elected officials and “the people” were interested in solving our Social Security dilemma, then abortion would be illegal.
Since 1973, we have eliminated over 40 million would-be taxpayers. This number is said to be underreported by 3 percent to 6 percent.
An extra million-plus folks paying into the system on a consistent basis would go a long way in helping “save” Social Security.
Despite how you stand on whether it’s “right or wrong,” just do the math. We cannot sustain ourselves if we keep killing off future taxpayers.
Think about it.
WIL HEMBREE
Start planning now for good land use
The (May 2) Times editorial on preserving open space reminds us of the need for comprehensive land use planning in light of future development associated with Volkswagen.
Now is the time for a future land use plan for this growing part of the county. We can still protect significant natural resources and do sound planning for transportation, utilities and public facilities.
I was a land use planner in Cobb County, Georgia, in the late 1980s. The county started planning after it had already experienced significant growth. I then worked as a planner in Oregon, where local governments update their land use plans on a regular basis and pay attention to protection of significant natural resources. The Oregon model works better and is a reason that state enjoys a good reputation for quality of life.
The Tennessee Riverwalk shows that Hamilton County believes in the kind of planning and development that residents and businesses will appreciate for generations. I hope that Mayor Claude Ramsey and the County Commission now focus planning efforts on the northeast part of the county.
A billboard near the Choo Choo puts it this way: “We love our scenic beauty but are concerned about traffic and development. Planning is important.”
HELEN BURNS SHARP
Driver attention can cut congestion
Because of safety concerns and the increased fuel costs, many commercial trucking companies have lowered their speeds of their trucks to 68, 65, 62, 60 and lower.
When other drivers on the interstate do not use their cruise control, some will vary their speeds, and when a truck passes they will increase their speeds slightly and cause the truck to either slow down or remain in the passing lane.
All drivers should be more aware of the limited speeds of some of these commercial vehicles.
Using more responsibility, courtesy, and attention to the present conditions would help with smoother traffic and less congestion.
ROGER GROOT
Cleveland, Tenn.
Political signs mar park area
I frequently hike in Chattanooga’s beautiful Riverwalk park. Each time I go there I am struck not only by how scenic it is but how well the park’s groundskeepers keep it mowed, trimmed and free of trash.
Imagine my amazement Saturday morning (May 1) when I saw that the Republican candidate for U.S. Congress, Robyn Smith, had plastered the beautiful approaches to the park at the Chickamauga Dam with political “vote for me” signs. I counted about 24 signs within the space of approximately 100 yards! This is an unsightly travesty to a park area that the citizens of this area pay tax money to keep maintained and who feel justly proud of its presence in our community.
These signs, in addition to being an eyesore, may also be posted on federal (TVA) property. I am fairly certain there is a regulation against that.
Ms. Smith should do two things. First, she should take these signs down forthwith, and second, she should apologize to the area residents for this action.
EVERETT KIDDER
Checks permit job discrimination
Now that employers can check an applicant’s resume for a credit check (especially with the past/current economy) — I propose all applicants submit a full-length photograph of themselves also. What is the difference? Discrimination based on credit or looks?
KYLE NORMAN
Lookout Mountain, Ga.
Cambodia raid saved many lives
On May 4, in “Today In History” under “Today’s Highlight” you wrote, “1970: Ohio National Guardsmen opened fire during an anti-war protest at Kent State University, killing four students and wounding nine others.”
The article doesn’t go on to say the protest was about President Nixon’s decision to allow American troops to finally go after the North Vietnam Army that supported the Viet Cong that fought in Vietnam then ran across the Cambodian border to hide and resupply.
While you remember four at Kent State, in the Cambodia jungles more men you forgot to mention were dying at places called Salt’s Cache, Rock Island East, Ph Tnaot, Landing Zone Phillips, and along the banks of the Rach Cai Bac.
During the two months in Cambodia, a total of 382 Americans servicemen lost their lives.
The incursion into Cambodia may have prompted protests (civil disobedience) at home, but it ultimately saved scores of American lives in Vietnam.
Perhaps your column should have read, “1970: Twenty-four American servicemen were killed in the Vietnam War, two in Cambodia fighting the Viet Cong.”
God Bless our absent friends.
EARL RHUE
Rock Spring, Ga.
Wear a poppy for Memorial Day
In memory of our fallen comrades, on Friday, May 28, and continuing May 29-31, the American Legion Auxiliary is asking every American citizen to wear a poppy in observation of Memorial Day.
The memorial poppy is a symbol of the price of war and sacrifice. Wearing the poppy also honors the hospitalized and the disabled who served.
The hand-crafted poppies are a source of pride and therapeutic and financial benefit for the veterans who made them.
On the battlefields of Belgium during World War I, poppies grew wild amid shell-pocked soil and remind us of the bloodshed of war.
Please join the American Legion Auxiliary in recognizing the sacrifice of our veterans by wearing memorial poppy on this Memorial Day weekend.
HANNAH T.
SCHOOLFIELD
American Legion
Auxiliary, Unit 66
Pikeville, Tenn.