Zoo apparently doing just fine
Tuesday’s front page story about the zoo is very interesting. It begs the question, “Why didn’t (Parks and Recreation Director) Larry Zehnder know there was no contract, and how much did he spend on an audit to find out?” It is also curious that City Councilman Manny Rico didn’t know.
I guess that there are a couple of lessons here. The first is that the zoo runs very well without a contract. The second is that Manny is, at least, not overpaid as Larry sure is. Dardie Long might be the only “city employee” to have ever declined outside money. And finally, did the audit uncover any waste?
JIMMY CAMPBELL
Obama is busy clearing old messes
Everyone seems to know exactly what President Obama should and shouldn’t do. Had they taken the time to know what the other 43 presidents were doing, President Obama would not have to spend his time cleaning up behind them. He can’t please everyone. Hopefully he will realize that and start doing what he honestly feels is best and right.
EULA HALL
SS, Medicare beat alternative
I read where Robin Smith, a congressional Republican candidate, wants to privatize Social Security and Medicare.
Since Social Security was formed in the 1930s, 80 percent of Americans have received at least 80 percent of their income from Social Security. The stock market has made no money in 12 years, not to mention the loss of purchasing power of that money.
As for Medicare, 65 percent-plus seniors living in nursing homes depend upon Medicare in order to stay. I hope Ms. Smith will find people to work at the Food Bank and on sidewalks to administer care to the ailing seniors.
JOHN F. EARY
Ringgold, Ga.
Riverbend figures seem out of line
Ever since Riverbend started in 1981, we have been told that the event draws somewhere around 600,000 people a year. Sometimes as much as 80,000 for a single night. Anyone who has been to a real festival like Bonarroo understands that these figures are ridiculous. Anyone who has been to Knoxville on a Saturday in the fall knows what 100,000 people can do to a whole city. Like, bring it to a stand-still.
I took some friends to Riverbend Saturday night to see Allison Krause. I drove right up to the gate with no traffic jams at 8:30! I don’t know who is feeding you people these silly, misleading numbers, nor do I know why. But I can assure you that I have never! had to plan any further than 30 minutes in advance about going to this event. Be honest.
RONNIE ROBINSON
Ringgold, Ga.