Social Security should be private
As it stands now, an employee pays one-half of the contributions to Social Security, and his/her employer pays the other half. The exception, of course, is that those who are self-employed pay 100 percent of the contributions. I feel very strongly that all of these contributions into Social should belong solely to the employee.
This can be done by reforming Social Security through privatization. That is to say, changing Social Security from a government-controlled system to one that is a privately run, for-profit system. For Social Security to survive, I feel strongly that this is the route that must be taken.
Under this plan, those who are currently receiving Social Security benefits would continue to do so, and those who are too old to go into the private plan would receive the same benefit they would have received under the old (current) plan.
On the private plan, I feel that if you die before retirement, all contributions you have made should go to the next of kin. Also, when you die after retirement, all monies left in your fund should go to your next of kin.
TATE HARRISON
Dayton, Tenn.
Congress’ moves are backward
The massive spending and tax increases Congress keeps ramming home make no sense in this troubled economy. None of the recent legislation has the majority of voter approval. The reason our economy is not rebounding is because of the vast uncertainty and lack of optimism in the private sector that the government will make the right decisions and pass legislation that will actually have a positive impact.
The expiration of tax cuts at the end of this year is going to cause worse consequences and is likely going to push this country and the world to the brink of economic collapse. Increases in capital gains and dividends taxes are going to hamper investments. Increases in the across-the-board marginal tax rates and reinstatement of the death tax are going to take more money away from consumers, money that would otherwise be available for spending and investment.
The inclusion of these massive tax increases together with the rest of the counterproductive legislation that’s been passed this year is a recipe for economic disaster. The policies of our Congress today are totally opposite of what is needed to change the economy and restore investor and entrepreneurial confidence. Growth of the federal government is not the solution.
ROGER BARTMESS
Harrison
Fairchild has needed experience
The Hamilton County school board is responsible for the success of our public schools, the education of the children attending these schools and the development and retention of the professional teachers employed by the system.
The funding of the school system is the largest budget item for Hamilton County, and these funds are controlled by the school board. The best use of these funds is paramount in maintaining and improving a quality educational system. Experience and an understanding of the school system are the best ingredients for our school board members.
Having worked in the school system and as a school board member, Everett Fairchild has shown that he understands the needs of District 3 and the entire school system.
Mr. Fairchild can work with the other members to bring about the results that we need for our schools. I support Everett Fairchild for District 3 school board.
GEORGE PATTEN
Hixson
Haslam, McWherter are quality aspirants
After watching the debate among the candidates for Tennessee’s governor, watching their TV ads, and following the comments made by each in the Chattanooga Times Free Press, I am convinced that the only two candidates qualified to be governor are Bill Haslam and Mike McWherter.
Zach Wamp and Ron Ramsey both ignore the fact that the U.S. Constitution promotes inclusion and freedom of religion and both “bundle” Muslims into a category of “terrorists.”
It appears to me that both would reinvent the horrors of the Great Crusades!
I am particularly disappointed in Congressman Wamp’s “game plan” to become our governor. Many of his comments have been shocking and outrageous.
I am hopeful that Mr. Haslam will prevail and face Mr. McWherter in the November election. Our state is fortunate to have these two fine gentlemen from which to select Tennessee’s next governor.
MIKE CARTER
Smith’s campaign is a positive sign
Vote for Kenny Smith. I’ve been very disappointed in the manner County Commission candidate Tim Boyd and his supporters have conducted their campaign. I’m so weary of politicians whose method of campaigning is to attempt to divide, scare and polarize different groups of voters in their effort to win a political race.
I’m for electing candidates who are positive and can develop a consensus among a broad spectrum of people to make good things happen for all citizens after they are elected. The manner in which candidates campaign is typically the way they try to govern if they are elected.
VANESSA SANDRIDGE
Where are hopefuls, coverage in the 4th?
With one week left until election day, Aug. 5, it is unfathomable that the candidates for the 4th Congressional District are running stealth campaigns.
The incumbent, Lincoln Davis, is running unopposed so his lack of campaigning is understandable. However, who is running on the Republican ticket? There has been no coverage in the papers, local and regional; no coverage on WDEF television. It’s as if we are being asked to throw darts at a dartboard to elect a candidate to run against Mr. Davis. Although this may be preferable to what has been done in the past (see the incumbents at the national and state levels), it is not the way to decide on a candidate for Congress in these troubled times.
Shame on the candidates for running a stealth campaign and on the press, print and video, for lack of coverage. We the people need to be informed so as to be able to make an educated choice in an attempt to right the ship of state.
TOM EGLESTON
Dunlap, Tenn.
Boyd right choice for District 8
Leadership matters in government at all levels. As citizens of Hamilton County, District 8, we must make a critical decision to elect an individual who will lead our community forward and work hard for each of us.
A leader who can provide real ideas to bring jobs and opportunities to our communities. Tim Boyd, the Republican candidate for county commissioner District 8, is the right choice.
We, the citizens of District 8, must stand up and show the rest of the county that we are tired of old-time politics. Tim Boyd is a man of proven convictions. A man of integrity. A man of honesty. He is the right choice for District 8. Vote for Tim Boyd on Thursday for true leadership in District 8 and all of Hamilton County.
RUTH BRALY