Officials’ neglect harming lives
I am extremely angry with the mayor and county commissioners, who are typical politicians, whose priority is to magnify themselves. I believe there are emergency funds available; but where are the funds to save young people’s lives?
Their priority seems to be on using their resources to eliminated tree limbs rather than eliminating the paralyzing fear that looms over certain neighborhoods where young people live in fear of their lives. These young people’s lives have no value to these politicians!
I am also upset at the majority of African-American pastors, who have no commitment to help these young people who desperately need a role model and mentor. It appears that the lives of these young people have no value to them!
I am also infuriated that the directors of foundations here that have millions of dollars would spend more money in beautifying the city than providing resources to deal with “the killing fields that threaten our community.” These young people’s lives have no value to them.
Tragically, it will probably take the loss of a loved one of a Volkswagen or Amazon executive to be killed in a gang crossfire to motivate these leaders in Chattanooga to become responsible.
“The proof is in the pudding: no emergency funds because there is no emergency?” the irresponsibility of these community leaders is a worse problem than the Mosiac Club!
REV. BILL W. SMITH,
Retired Chaplain of Hamilton County Jail
4Bridges Festival worth mentioning
In a New York Times article (Jan. 7), a list of the “45 Places to Go” listed Chattanooga as No. 25 and mentioned the following: “A yearly Southern arts fair called Four Bridges draws thousands each April.”
In your inclusion of the NYTimes article in your paper, that sentence was completely omitted. Mention was made of Arts Move, and the citywide push to lure artists, all of which are commendable. But, the fact that the NYTimes mentioned 4Bridges means that they are impressed by its quality. Why you chose to omit that endorsement is rather puzzling.
The 4Bridges Festival, which occurs every spring, is completely produced by the Association for Visual Arts, (AVA), their staff, board members, volunteers, and generous sponsors. The festival has been included in the 100 Fine Arts Shows by Sunshine Artists publication. Many 4Bridges participating artists have said they have either moved to Chattanooga, or are thinking of moving, and added that one of the reasons is that the folks who run the festival are very professional, thoughtful, and that the public have been so welcoming and considerate. 4Bridges gives Chattanoogans and out-of-town visitors the chance to view original visual art and to chat with the artists.
This year’s festival will take place April 14 and 15, with the Patron Party on Friday night, April 13. The quality of participating artists continues to increase every year. Check it out! You will be impressed.
CHARLOTTE LANDIS
AVA Board of Directors
City can do more to cut expenses
Chattanooga should be doing all it can to cut expenses to prevent property taxes from going up. Taxes went up recently, and what for — a new health clinic for the city employees when they already have two. May I please remind the City Council that there are hundreds of people in Chattanooga still unemployed. Not all Chattanoogans can go to work at Amazon and Volkswagen.
When our government should be cutting back on spending, our president has just anointed a new position to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with a budget of half a billion. Apparently, he has forgotten that the U.S. has 50 attorneys general who handle such matters, and he has a Department of Justice to do the same. If you don’t allow the private sector to hire, I guess China’s money can employ them.
If the EPA keeps on, TVA will have to shut down coal and nuclear plants. Otherwise, we can look for higher power bills. Don’t blame it on EPB or TVA. Look no further than an unrestrained EPA. You think I’m kidding.
MARY LOU VAUGHT
Hixson
Editor’s note: City officials say better care, services and savings from the closure of the two existing health centers for city employees, dependents, retirees and on-the-job injuries will more than offset the costs of the new Employee Health and Wellness Center. The comprehensive medical clinic, pharmacy and wellness center will achieve savings by promoting wellness and reducing the cost of medical care, prescriptions and rehabilitation.
ID requirement violates rights
If this state denies me the right to vote because my driver’s license does not have my picture on it, then you have infringed on my constitutional right. You have also violated the Constitution of the United States, which is the supreme law of the land. Read it for yourself.
DAVID COOKE
East Ridge
ID requirement makes better voters
David Cook’s soaring defense of democracy (Jan. 9) attacking photo ID requirements left me breathless. He should be careful, though — that white horse just might get stuck between his legs.
How dare you be required to prove who you are before casting a ballot! We are on a slippery slope leading to horsewhippings for those who do not comply with such intimidation.
Citing his uncle’s military service for some lofty but inexplicable reason (I assume he has none of his own), Mr. Cook is angered that it’s come to this: the right to vote becoming a “top-shelf prize.” Four consecutive generations of my family served in the military, three in combat. None of us was ever offended by being asked to prove our identity for any reason.
Voting is already too easy. The proof? Take a look at the mess this country is in and the quality of our elected officials, especially at the national level. Shiftless deadbeats have the franchise and they have proved where their political loyalties lie: with socialist-Democrats who promise them an ever-increasing amount of the wealth earned by others. (See the works of Adam Smith.)
Only those who fear intelligent and responsible voters oppose this requirement.
JOSEPH A. REHYANSKY
No need to walk to get photo IDs
Two items in the Jan. 9 Metro section prompt me to comment.
The first was David Cook’s hyperbole regarding the voter-photo ID law. While driving, in a rage, he imagined people walking to obtain photo IDs. Tell us, Mr. Cook, during your agonized drive, did you see a line of humanity stretching to the horizon — like refugees from war — going to the grocery store, the mall, the doctor’s office, church, or work? Of course not. Folks who need a ride will usually get one from a friend or family member. The same friends and relatives who’ll take them to get their photo IDs for voting — and to the polls on election day.
The second item was a letter decrying a proposal to drug test welfare recipients, much like “Germany in the ’30s.” I don’t know about Germany in the ’30s, but in the United States in the 21st century, I’m expected to pass random drug tests to continue receiving the money I earn at work. It seems fair that welfare recipients should also pass drug tests to receive the money I earn at work. Assistance should be used to obtain what is truly needed — not to subsidize drug habits.
JEFF EPPERSON
Hixson