Task force should examine WUTC firing
In 1969, emboldened by free speech and anti-war movements, we college students were quick to challenge “The Establishment.”
When some students in Dr. Fouad Moughrabi’s political science class called Nixon’s America “a police state,” our prof chuckled and said he had witnessed a police state, and we didn’t know what we were talking about.
He had street cred and an engaging manner, so we absorbed his much-needed corrective perspective. Moughrabi is a cool head who holds his fire until something truly outrageous must be called out.
His March 29 letter to the editor correctly names UTC’s firing of the young WUTC reporter an egregious abuse of power.
It appears to me that UTC values timid marketing over freedom of inquiry and thought. This firing is a betrayal of the faithful work of the faculty, staff and alumni who have worked hard to deserve to be called a university.
WUTC can be a valuable window through which the community views the university, but it is getting short shrift. We need community and university leaders coming together in a task force to investigate this matter.
Please, UTC, allow me to proudly say I am an alum.
Charles Mahan
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Hakeem best choice for District 9
As bishop and pastor of Olivet Baptist Church, I believe Yusuf Hakeem is the better choice to represent the people of District 9.
Mr. Hakeem is very dedicated to the Chattanooga community, especially the citizens of District 9. This is well- documented throughout his many years of service.
Mr. Hakeem is very instrumental and faithful in working with the faith-based leaders in the Chattanooga community. His dedication to professionalism and being a positive voice for District 9 is certainly evident.
I believe he will represent the citizens and ensure all are heard.
I wish Mr. Hakeem the very best on April 11, but this can’t happen unless you come out and vote.
Bishop Kevin L. Adams Sr.
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Better health care helps us all in end
I am mystified by the mindset of someone who “ranted”: “Where does it say Americans are entitled to health care? Food? Jobs?”
The morality of a society providing those things aside, why is it not obvious: If you have children who are poorly nourished, they don’t study well, are ultimately at risk not to become productive citizens who contribute to the workforce/economy? Nor are malnourished adults effective in the workforce.
People without adequate health care drain society of resources both by time missed at work and by adding to the cost of health care for the rest of us when they are forced to resort to emergency room care.
Emergency care for an uninsured population hinders hospitals from providing the care they are intended to provide, runs up the costs for hospitals and leaves the uninsured with bills they can’t pay.
Without the routine, ongoing care we typically rely on to maintain health, they bounce from one ER crisis to the next.
Jobs are easier to procure and maintain with adequate food and health care!
So, rant author, good for you if you have food, health care and a job. Count yourself blessed.
Not all are.
Kate Stulce, Ooltewah