What do we know about Obama?
In response to the Times editorial (Aug. 18), “Romney’s tax-dodge dance”: The author presented five key questions about Romney’s refusal to reveal his income tax. Let’s turn the tables a bit.
How about President Obama releases his personal information that some say he spent millions to seal?
How did he get into Columbia/Occidental; possibly as a foreign exchange student? Who even remembers him at Columbia? Any grades?
What about Harvard, same question?
How much influence did known pastors have on his thinking? Why doesn’t he have the moral courage to denounce these individuals?
I think it’s safe to say we know less about this president’s background than any other. Why won’t he release all his personal information?
This may be a little sarcastic but in the words of the writer “these are just speculative questions, of course. But they are serious to some …”
Are you going to vote again for this unknown individual who failed as a leader?
JOE WEST
Elect Clemmer in East Ridge
I served on the East Ridge City Council for two terms in 1960, and because of that experience and the knowledge I gained while serving, I feel that it gives me a little more insight into what it takes to be a city councilman.
First and foremost is the “character” of the candidate. I can say with all honesty, this trait is above reproach in the young man we are speaking of.
Second is the ability of the person to make the right decisions that will have an impact on us as citizens of East Ridge. The young man I will name shortly has many years of experience in retail management, which has put him in a supervisory roll of not only working with people but within set budgets as well.
The third thing that stands out in this young man is the extreme passion and interest he has exhibited in the welfare of the citizens of East Ridge.
It is an honor for me as a former mayor of our city to endorse a young man who exhibits all the above qualifications. That young man is John Clemmer. I ask that on Nov. 6 you vote for John and place him on the City Council of East Ridge.
TOM SHAVER, East Ridge
State comparisons on scores mislead
The Times editorial “ACT scores: A mixed report,” (Aug. 23) well described the details of ACT scores and their importance for college-bound students. However, one significant factor was not explained.
The editorial said ACT scores “offer a reasonably reliable state-to-state comparison of student performance.” This would be accurate if all states tested the same percentage of students. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Both the nation and Georgia tested 52 percent of their students last year, an Aug. 22 story said. Tennessee requires all high school juniors to take the test. As a result, a sizable number of Tennessee students taking the exam don’t want to go to college, have not academically prepared for college, or are totally disinterested in taking the test.
High School principals have told me they estimate this lowers Tennessee scores by approximately 1.5 points. It is logical to surmise that if Tennessee tested its best 52 percent students, both the statewide and Hamilton County scores would undoubtedly be higher.
Regardless, Tennessee annually ranks between 46th and 48th out of the 50 states in per-student expenditure for K-12 education. As the business community would say, “We’re getting what we’re paying for.”
KENNETH BARKER, Hixson