Sexton focused on wrong things
In our state, children go hungry, people can’t afford health care, animals are neglected and abused. I believe these causes to be worthy of time, money and effort.
But what “social injustice” did state Rep. Jerry Sexton choose to focus on? That the Bible of his faith is not recognized by all of the citizens of Tennessee as the state book.
What a waste, and what a shame.
Sarah Famsley, Ooltewah
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Tell Phillips thanks for Delta Queen effort
The new owner of the Delta Queen gave Chattanooga a big thank you for saving the historic boat. But nowhere have I seen specific recognition of the person who “saved” the DQ: Harry Phillips.
I remember the crowds in 2009 that welcomed the DQ when Mr. Phillips brought this glorious vessel to Chattanooga with hopes to develop it into a potentially major attraction, similar to the successful Delta King hotel/entertainment development in Sacramento.
Speaking of crowds, Harry Phillips graciously provided tours of the DQ that drew people from both Chattanooga and far away.
My wife noted he was short of tour guides, so we volunteered to help. It was a wonderful experience: seeing the young, old and everyone in-between, enjoying the history and beauty of the Queen.
A number of elderly people traveled far to relive memories of proms, weddings, anniversaries, etc., on the DQ.
Thank you, Harry Phillips, for taking care of the royal DQ! Now she is going to do what it yearns to do: ply the rivers with happy passengers.
Robert Dreyer
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Raise tax cap for seniors
I support the proposed improvements for schools that appear to be a part of the current drive by the superintendent as well as the local newspaper to raise property taxes.
The problem is that a former Chattanooga mayor, VW and others escape paying their share by receiving a form of “corporate welfare” — tax incentives. It is not fair for senior citizens to pay higher property taxes while they pay nothing.
Since 2007, my city and county taxes have increased by more than 30 percent each! The current cap for senior citizens is out of date.
City Council/county commissioners, consider raising the cap to at least $45,000.
Mike Carter
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NRA members, gun advocates targeted
Everyone is “spouting” equal rights nowadays. Where are the equal rights when a casket is shown at the NRA convention, which happened to be in Nashville, but not at the new car show, or at the new i-Phone unveiling or the “latest” handheld communication device?
“Don’t text and drive,” mean anything?
David Bell, Cleveland, Tenn.
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College education still worthwhile
Isn’t college a weird business? People all your life lay out the importance of college and all the glorified reasons why you should go.
“Go to school so you can have a good career. Go to school to have a great salary. Go so you can be your own boss,” they all say.
All the hype about college can quickly diminish if you do not have enough financial funds. People can’t even change their college schedule if their shot record is not in order.
Shouldn’t something so highly recommended be something affordable for everyone?
In the fall of 2015, many community colleges will be free. It has been long overdue.
All in all, educational funding has experienced cutbacks but there is still financial aid out there. People really have to look very closely to pursue financial aid.
Applying for scholarships takes time and a great amount of effort. They are not just handed out like free popcorn. Many require essays, videos, projects, internships and volunteer hours, just to name a few requirements.
Work and effort has to be put forward to receive help. But it is worth it in order to receive a college education.
Kasia Hope