Back Democrats, not Republicans
Since we realistically have only two political parties, here are the primary differences in the two, and the reasons why I support Democrats.
The primary policies of Democrats: actual freedom, liberty, justice, and equality for people from all walks of life, all minorities, all religions, the middle class, and lowest wage earners (some of the hardest workers). They work to keep Social Security and Medicare sound, as opposed to Republicans striving for privatization, which would destroy both. The greedy billionaire gamblers would love to get their hands on all that money.
Republican policies: halt most regulations (on banking, pollution, etc.), and hand over the wealth of the U.S.A. to their filthy-rich donors. They will cut all programs that help middle class and lower income people as well as the unemployed. With most money going to the top 1 percent, there would be less and less available for the other 99 percent to spend. Economic collapse would be certain to follow. Learn a little actual history and some very basic economics.
Had it not been for the stimulus package and the U.S. auto industry loans, which created and saved millions of jobs, we would now be in another GOP-caused Depression.
WALTER M. BENTON, Signal Mountain
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Voting ID law backfiring
I have to laugh at these politicos in those many states who are trying to subvert the voting process by making it harder for those less unfortunate who have no way or difficult means of getting those oh-so precious ID’s.
This brings a rule called “unintended consequences” into play. Their reasoning is specious at best when they proclaim they are only trying to prevent “fraudulent voting.”
But what has happened is they only increased the number of voters through their ridiculous efforts.
I say let them continue this sham until they realize how inept they are, but then it will be too late. And then maybe they will quit this charade but I don’t hold out any hope it will happen any time soon.
But stay tuned because when it occurs to them they will change their excuses and proclaim to all they have done a good thing after all.
BILL BUCKLEY, Ringgold, Ga.
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Limit guns to the home
I grew up on the farm and hunting was a rite of passage, but I did not enjoy killing rabbits, squirrels, quail and doves.
When I went through infantry basic training in the Army during WWII, I learned to kill people.
In the service during the Korean War as a dentist, I still had a post-graduate course in killing, but I never fell in love with the sport.
I know we will not change the Second Amendment, but I would like to see guns limited to the home.
In the South, we are very religious and have a love affair with guns, but I wish we expressed our faith more in “loving our neighbor,” “going the second mile,” and “turning the other cheek” to demonstrate our Christianity.
I no longer own a gun, and I had rather be shot before I would kill another human being. However, I hope the editor does not print my address.
DR. FRANCIS A. GREEN
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Yes, Tennesseans, there is income tax
Most state politicians will tell you that there is no state income tax and they will not support any effort to pass one. However, there is something called a Hall Income Tax, but not to worry, it doesn’t affect you.
Well, folks, I just completed an on-line form titled “Individual Income Tax” for Tennessee.
I ask you, does that sound/look like an income tax to you?
It surely does to me and all other (mostly older) people in this state who derive income from interest and dividends. How utterly dishonest can a state government be to tell most of you reading this that there will never be a state income tax in Tennessee, when out of the other side of their mouth they completely support an ongoing income tax on those who have successfully invested “taxed” income and who now enjoy the rewards of wise investments via dividends and interest?
As surely as tomorrow follows today, there is an unfair (for a select few) Tennessee Income Tax and our state government representatives don’t have the intestinal fortitude to either repeal it, or to tax everyone equally.
BILL GALLAGHER,Signal Mountain
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Gambling looks for open doors
My wife (born in Hixson) and I moved to this area from Las Vegas, Nev., after living in Las Vegas for more than 25 years.
We find it curious that the Las Vegas casino cartel works so hard to keep the lotteries out of Nevada while Tennessee has the lottery (well … actually, dozens of lottery options) and works so hard to keep other forms of gambling out (Yes! The lottery is gambling by any meaningful definition.)
Both the casinos and the lotteries extol the good that they do for the community and use carefully crafted rationale for their contempt for the other form of gambling.
Having been exposed to both forms of gambling for many years, we have concluded that neither is inherently “better or worse” than the other.
It appears that the first one to get their foot in the door (or perhaps the first to grease the right palms) “wins.”
TERRY MUNN, South Pittsburg, Tenn.
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Give all names or none at all
In fairness to all involved in raids of any type, either all names of those who are arrested should be published or none of the names, rather than picking high-profile names that many will recognize. This is not the type of journalism I expect from the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
VIVIAN DODDS
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Letters present food for thought
Some interesting letters were printed recently. The one about food stamps was excellent. We are a better society for helping others. The abuses from the “crumbs falling from the table,” aka “trickle down” economy, are exponentially more numerous than abuses within welfare.
The letter about children studying the rudiments of science was excellent. Intelligent design, a religious belief without a method, has been legislated into Tennessee’s science curriculum. Let young people learn science and the scientific method. They can decide for themselves whether those arguments our generation is so worked up about have merit.
Another letter writer used a time-honored fallacy to suggest that we do not know how life began; therefore those who believe in naturalism delude themselves. But all evidence we have observed about life is natural. That makes a formidable case for a natural beginning. Where is one iota of scientific proof that supports the letter writer’s assertions?
The best case for God has always resided in theology. We trust in God only by the grace of God. Once touched by grace, we would not have it any other way.
Indeed, grace transforms us into people who help others without regard to who they are.
WILLIAM D. HEARD, Ringgold, Ga.
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Elected leaders need some sense
Reps. Fleischmann, Duncan and Blackburn probably didn’t violate any law or House ethics rule, as you pointed out in your article “Lawmakers reportedly paid salaries to family,” (B1, April 16). But what part of the “appearance of impropriety” do they not get?
I can’t vote for any of them because I live in Georgia. But if I could, I wouldn’t, because it doesn’t really smell good. Use a little common sense. folks.
STEVE BERNTHAL,Blairsville, Ga.