It makes sense to ship by rail
An article in the Sunday paper (Jan. 10) stated that cargo shipped on America’s inland waterway moves at about two-thirds the cost of rail shipment and 10 percent of the cost of truck delivery. It also mentioned that billions of tax dollars are spent maintaining the waterways beyond what the fuel tax brings in; the same statement applies to trucks and highway maintenance
Railroads are very fuel-efficient, maintain their own infrastructure, and pay taxes on all of their property, including thousands of miles of right-of-way. From a taxpayer viewpoint, it would seem that as much freight as possible should move by rail.
JOHN D. BECK
Ringgold, Ga.
Bennett presents hate-filled cartoon
To say that I was extremely offended by Clay Bennett’s cartoon (Jan. 13) showing a Republican standing on the back of a black American is an understatement. This vicious, hate-filled attempt at deflecting a Democrat’s racially insensitive comment is unworthy of this newspaper’s fine tradition of reasoned political commentary.
Bennett’s cartoon shows him to be a small-minded leftist who clearly cannot see the forest for the trees. I believe the cartoon’s premise is seriously flawed, and an objective look at history would indicate that just the opposite is true. But, of course, that would not be politically correct, which is my main point.
For some time now, it has become politically correct to portray all Republicans as racists, which is a hateful lie. Political correctness, in all its forms, is a cancer, eating away at the fabric of our great nation. It is the extreme left, with minions like Bennett, who are the prime purveyors of PC and who spread the lies and the hate.
Having said that, Mr. Bennett and the Times-Free Press owe its readers a huge apology. Of course, in a PC world, being leftist means never having to say you’re sorry.
JAMES NELSON
Ooltewah
Obama backers chickening out
People all around are crying their disappointment in Barack Obama, but to me, the real disappointment is that so many who helped him into office now seem to have completely chickened out. If there’s one thing I can say for the Republicans, it’s that they know how to close ranks, support their leadership, and stay on course. While that ability can be a double-edged sword, it’s one that more of us could cultivate.
Many people I know personally, who were vehement in their support of Obama initially, have bought into the pseudo-conservative scare campaign and lost their nerve. Their hopes and enthusiasm have been replaced by doubt and despair. We sometimes forget that democracy isn’t a spectator sport and that using it to effectively face real challenges requires sustained focus and effort, and by definition, participation by the people.
For what it’s worth, I say to Obama “Stick to your guns,” and let the rest of us citizens be inspired.
RICK GEHRKE