Mayor should change his ways
Our mayor is on a quest. Something to hang his lame duck hat on. Anything that will leave his mark. Our mayor wants his “I was here” carved into the tree of Chattanooga history. A strong-armed acquisition of neighborhoods with annexation, and now a proposed tax increase.
Mr. Littlefield has, almost since day one it seems, been looking, searching or creating some way of putting his stamp on Chattanooga history. It doesn’t seem to matter if it is in the best interest of the citizens or not. Now we are all suppose to pay increased property taxes while the massive Volkswagen plants pays zero.
If the mayor would like history to smile on his time as mayor, perhaps he should end his quest as a mayor who stood up for the everyday citizens. A mayor who did not force people into annexation. A mayor who went against conventional thinking of raising taxes on those who cannot bare any more weight on their financial shoulders. One who actually showed some degree of concern for the average citizen. That would be an honorable quest.
RANDEE SCRUGGS
Love everyone, even opposition
I was saddened to read the letter (May 26) from Michael Loftin, who pointed out that some evangelicals are using their dislike for the policies of President Obama to pray for evil to befall him. This is not what Jesus has in mind, no matter how we who call ourselves Christians disagree with the current administration.
As Christians we are called to love everyone, even those we oppose, and to pray for them. Rather than the bumper sticker saying “Pray for Obama” and then citing a Psalm which calls for his demise, we should display bumper stickers that say “Pray for everyone — Ephesians 3:17-19,” which says: “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
KATHY BAUMBUSCH
Crossville, Tenn.
Corker owes Obama apology
Please add Sen. Bob Corker’s name to the list of Republicans contributing to the crass partisan atmosphere in Washington.
After a year of laudably trying to work with Democrats on certain issues and issuing temperate statements to the press, Sen. Corker basically accused President Obama of being duplicitous and hypocritical in his calls for bipartisanship.
In addition to being highly disrespectful of our country’s president, Sen. Corker ignores the fact that every attempt by President Obama to work together with Republicans has been swatted away by the “Party of ‘No’ ” upon direct orders from party leaders.
I believe Sen. Corker owes an apology to President Obama, as well as to the people of Tennessee who need their leaders to work together to solve our country’s problems.
JEFF KURTZMAN
Don’t fall for trick to pay fossil tax
The Chattanooga Times Free Press article titled “Business leaders debate carbon emissions bill,” (May 26) should have been on page A1 or at least B1 instead of hidden on page B8.
I really got a big hoot at the part that read “Some say Tennessee would benefit.” From what I read in the article, carbon emissions would be cut by running the manufacturers out of business, therefore eliminating jobs all over the U.S.
When your electric bills skyrocket (Obama’s words) from the tax on burning fossil fuel, don’t worry, the government will help pay your bill by using your tax money. That doesn’t make much sense, does it; tax yourself to help pay your electric bill.
Maybe some of those progressives (socialists) will fall for this trick, but not this “neo-con” capitalist.
BYRON HENDRIX
Cleveland, Tenn.
News outweighs story about hobo
The feature story in the Sunday (May 23) edition of your paper was untimely. Above the fold on the front page was the picture of a tattooed, unshaven young hobo. The story behind the picture seemed to laud and sympathize with the man, his teenage female partner and the homeless lifestyle that they have chosen for themselves and seem to enjoy. The article seemed to intimate that our education and medical care systems were at fault for the plight of these inept people who steal rides on trains to move from city-to-city.
We in America are currently experiencing what may be the worst ecological disaster in our history on the Gulf Coast. We experienced landmark elections in several states, including neighboring Kentucky. We just recently surpassed 1,000 American military fatalities in the nearly decade-long conflict in Afghanistan with no victory in sight. With all this recent news to discuss, you feature a hobo on the front page of your Sunday paper.
Alas, may my critical remarks be inappropriate? Your newspaper is like any product on the free market. It is yours, and we can buy it or not.
DAN C. JOHNSON
OES teacher offers best possible start
Our youngest child just completed kindergarten and — although Teacher Appreciation Week has long since passed — we’d like to take a moment to thank this special teacher, who also taught our oldest. In both cases Pam Binkley gave our children a wonderful foundation for their social and educational growth.
Like many parents, we had the “public versus private” debate when our daughter was ready to start school. Although Ooltewah Elementary School isn’t much to look at (yes, that’s a hint for you school board members) we decided to let her try at least kindergarten there.
We were delighted to find out that Mrs. Binkley, along with many of the teachers at OES, possesses a generous heart along with an ability to challenge students. The best educators seem to share that unique combination, and we fondly remember them because they make learning fun and rewarding.
So thank you, Mrs. Binkley, for giving our kids the best possible start!
DAVID & KAREN
FITZKE
McDonald, Tenn.
Rhodes’ experience puts him at the top
With Rep. Zach Wamp retiring from Congress, the voters of the Third Congressional District are faced with the challenge of electing a new congressman.
After researching all of the candidates for the office, my family and I have decided to support Republican Art Rhodes for Congress. Art is a man of strong integrity, character and conservative principles who would serve us well as our representative in Washington.
Art’s knowledge and experience sets him apart from the other candidates. Art served in Washington, D.C., as a congressional chief of staff for 10 years. He even served a portion of this time when Ronald Reagan was president. Art knows how Washington works and would go to work for us on day one.
In a time of political sound bites and bickering, Art’s strong understanding of the issues and common-sense solutions are a breath of fresh air. With the issues our country is facing, we cannot afford to elect just another freshman congressman. We need someone with experience who can lead with conservative principles and common-sense solutions. Join me in voting for Art Rhodes in the Republican primary on Aug. 5.
TRAVIS HENRY
Cleveland, Tenn.