Ethanol fraud ranks high
When I saw the headline “Biofuel tax credit ends; producers worry,” I felt perhaps sanity was alive and well.
The ethanol fraud ranks up there with the man-made global warming fraud which has been forced down our throats for many years.
Predictions of reduced fuel economy, shortened engine life and – more – not less pollution seem now to be more truth than fiction. The damage to autos will be with us for many years and the cost when finally calculated will be staggering.
In my case I noticed a 5 percent to 10 percent reduction in gas mileage. Granted my engine hasn’t been disassembled so I have no proof of damage to my engine, but such damage is showing up in small engines, and such information doesn’t fall into the political correctness category so is often unreported.
I’ve found a station that proudly states “we sell gasoline” and I now buy there.
An article in a recent magazine quoted a small engine salesman/repairman who stated “corn and cane make good whiskey but lousy fuel.”
Of course the speculators, lobbyists and for-sale congressmen don’t let truth interfere with their plans for enrichment. Corn should be in the food chain, not in my car.
W.L. GODSEY
Fairfield Glade, Tenn.
Newspaper offers broad scope, quality
I am thankful for, and enjoy reading, the Chattanooga Times Free Press. I am amazed at the work and meeting of deadlines that must go into each issue, every day, and the scope of news and quality that results.
Although I of course disagree with some of the editorials, the two separate editorial pages are especially appreciated. I read most of the Letters to the Editors. (However, I skip those from the “regular” contributors with their predictable rants and tirades, recognizing their right to howl at the moon.)
Also, both Mallard Fillmore and Doonesbury are great daily “must reads.” (If someone finds one or the other of them upsetting, don’t read it!)
DONALD BOX
Adams’ service helped East Ridge
Recently, Curtis Adams announced that he will not be seeking re-election to the Hamilton County Commission this coming year. As a citizen of East Ridge within Mr. Adams’ district, this news is disappointing, but it also lends to speculations for our city’s future.
During his tenure Mr. Adams has done more for the betterment of East Ridge and its citizens than any other elected official throughout our city’s history. The list is too big and too long to add to this letter.
I personally thank Curtis for his service to his community and also his family for their sacrifices throughout the years. His career in politics reads like a good novel, and I am both excited and eagerly anticipating the next chapter.
JIM BETHUNE
East Ridge
GOP should place nation over politics
Our friends on the right have branded health-care reform as ObamaCare and the war in Afghanistan as Obama’s war. Let’s be perfectly clear, the war in Afghanistan is America’s war and health-care reform is America’s care for 31 million more Americans who were uncovered.
Former Vice President Cheney states that President Obama refuses to admit that the U.S. is at war despite the current troop surge and other evidence to the contrary. The GOP highlights its resistance to closure of the prison in Gitmo and the release of prisoners. Fortunately, facts have a tendency to get in the way of spin. The terrorist(s) who allegedly assisted in planning the unsuccessful Christmas Day attack were originally released from Gitmo by the Bush/Cheney regime. The GOP continues to obstruct the confirmation of key nominations in the security arena while citing the Democrats as weak on security.
The Democrats are constructive and sensitive to the emerging national interest. The GOP, on the other hand, remains obstructive. It cowers to big business, the health-care industry, and religious fundamentalists while advocating a failed economic philosophy. Is it not time for the GOP to act constructively and place the country ahead of political expediency?
JOHN HIGHT
What’s going on in Whitwell?
Sixty T-shirts purchased by the city of Whitwell. For what? A city commissioner told by the district attorney to resign his commission seat or his city job. He has done neither. Threats of higher taxes. Purchase of a school building which has been condemned for at least 16 years. Just what is going on with the Whitwell city government?
Since when were city commissioners above the law that they could ignore mandates sent down from the district attorney? And just why do we taxpayers want higher taxes so the commissioners can buy an old, condemned, falling-apart building for city hall when the present city hall building is in fine shape and won’t cost $1,000,000 to buy and another $1,000,000 to renovate?
Our taxes will triple with this purchase and the remodeling. I don’t know about other citizens in Whitwell, but I cannot afford taxes to triple, especially in today’s economy. Please explain why this has been done under the table without the citizens being aware of decisions or purchases. Why haven’t we been able to voice our opinions or vote on such a monumental undertaking?
This affects all citizens of Whitwell. How many are aware of the underhanded, sneaky goings-on at the city hall?
GLENN WEBSTER
Whitwell, Tenn.
Thoughts from a conservative
In response to questions in the letter to the editor on Jan. 5, 2010. These are my thoughts as a conservative.
First: I don’t believe there is indifference to the poor in the Republican Party, just a difference of opinion. I believe it is better to teach a man how to fish rather than give him a fish.
Second: There are other issues besides abortion and taxes, such as national security and fiscal responsibility.
Third: It is not anti-Christian to take care of the environment; however, we need to do it in a way that does not destroy our economy and put unfair financial burdens on taxpayers. I would like to see all Americans have health care; I just don’t want the government to take money from someone else to pay for it.
Finally: The only way big government can give health care to anyone is if they take money from one group and give it to another. I don’t believe you will find redistribution of wealth in the Constitution
DARRELL ADAMS
Flintstone, Ga.
Help solve Georgia slaying
Thank you, Todd South, for your front-page story (Jan. 4) about Jody Anderson’s murder that happened 30 years ago.
I have known and loved Jody and his family my whole life, witnessing first-hand how his loss has shaped their lives.
If you know what happened on that tragic night of Sept. 8, 1979, I believe that it has haunted you all these years.
I pray that 2010 will be the year that you come forward and get this off your conscience. It is the right thing to do.
Please call the Fort Oglethorpe Police Department (706) 866-2512. Help solve this case today.
LORI PERRY
Fort Oglethorpe
Foster-care story may be misleading
Your Dec. 31 article describing the need for foster parents to provide loving homes for children and youth in state custody may convince several Hamilton county families to do so. On the other hand, several who might have felt moved to do so may dismiss the idea, under the impression that the option to become a foster family is available only to those who are Christian.
If it is true that the Centerstone foster family program is a Christian one, then Yolanda Putman’s article should have said so. If such is not true, then I fail to understand why your paper would include with the article a full column, color photo of the crucifix worn by the recruiter. The message sent by that photo, whether intentional or accidental, is that this program is for Christians only, and that those of other faiths need not apply.
This may be the “Bible Belt,” but some find it possible to hold up their trousers without the aid of the New Testament. Please try to keep that in mind when you’re publishing “all the news that’s fit to print.”
STANLEY R. SMITH