Where were ‘tea baggers’ until now?
I understand the “tea baggers” are coming! I wish they had come when my father lost his insurance coverage in 1960 the first time he used it. I wish they had come when a widow with three children in Hixson schools died of breast cancer because she couldn’t afford health insurance.
They say they believe in equality and democracy! Where were they when we invaded a sovereign nation under false pretenses and abused humans for sport in Iraq?
Where were they when we covered up Pat Tillman’s death in Afghanistan, when we failed to kill Osama bin Laden in 2003, when we wiretapped American citizens, or when we failed to provide body armor and armored vehicles for our troops in Iraq?
Where were they when we gave $1.5 trillion to drug companies with “The Prescription Drug Benefit” or when the budget surplus turned to a deficit?
Where were they when Paulson bailed out Bear Stearns and forced Bank of America to buy Merrill Lynch; when Paulson nationalized AIG and Citi Bank, and when Goldman Sachs made $billions in 2009?
The tea baggers have only been making noise since an intelligent African-American became president. Makes one wonder if there is a connection!
WILBOURNE C. MARKHAM SR.
Walden, Tenn.
News about Polish deaths underplayed
Sunday is the first time that I have felt that this newspaper has seriously verged on being provincial.
I am stunned and saddened that the horribly tragic news about the deaths of the Polish president and over 90 other influential political and military people was relegated to Page 3 in Sunday’s newspaper.
For shame! This news was much more significant than the stories about handgun safety courses and possible city layoffs. In the light of such tragedy and pain, these issues are paltry in comparison.
RACHEL HILDEBRANDT
Hullender offers needed dedication
I am happy that Bill Hullander has made the decision to run for our county trustee.
For 12 years he has served our community as county commissioner. He has provided a personal touch and dedication in fulfilling that trust we place in him. The entire county has benefited from the fruits of his effort, and his district leads in development and growth. His successful business background and willingness to listen and respond to the needs of those he serves will improve the visibility and service of the trustee office.
Bill’s dedication to our schools has endeared him to me. He has not been just supportive, he has been involved. Clearly, he recognized that educating and preparing our youth to compete globally is critical to maintaining the growth we are beginning to experience.
Let’s give the trustee office an opportunity to be responsive and efficient. With Bill Hullander as our trustee we can have that.
FAYE SMITH
Ooltewah
Board members err with endorsement
I am concerned by the recent e-mail sent to all teachers in the Bradley County school system by board Chairman David Kelley and Vice Chairman Terry McGuire endorsing Lisa Stanbery for Bradley County mayor.
At the least, it was a form of intimidation, and at worst, an insult to the teachers’ intelligence.
I also question why Mrs. Stanbery doesn’t have a problem with their action.
Mr. Kelley and Mr. McGuire, as individuals, have a right to vote for anyone of their choosing. They do not have the legal or ethical right to try and sway votes of those they were elected to serve.
I hope our district attorney will pursue this matter in a timely manner. Mr. Kelley and Mr. McGuire should resign, as they have proven they don’t understand their boundaries, or mistakenly believe they are not subject to them. The last thing the taxpayers need is another political machine.
DEBBIE WILLIAMS
Cleveland, Tenn.
Let EPA continue to regulate gases
I am a faithful reader of The Tennessee Magazine, the monthly publication of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative. I especially enjoy the local interest articles and energy-saving tips.
Understandably, then, I was very disappointed by the misleading editorial in the April 2010 issue, which urged Electric Cooperative members to write their congresspersons and ask them to support legislation removing the Clean Air Act’s authority to regulate carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. The editorial argues that the Clean Air Act was passed 20 years ago to address acid rain and, therefore, is not the correct “tool” for the job.
In fact, the Clean Air Act was passed in 1963. The last major amendments to the law were in 1990. Those amendments addressed acid rain and chemicals damaging to health and the environment, citing global warming among the adverse effects.
The Supreme Court confirmed the precedent set by the 1990 amendments when it ruled that greenhouse gases are pollutants covered by the Clean Air Act, reaffirming the EPA’s authority to regulate them.
That authority should not be rescinded. The Clean Air Act has served the American public well, saving lives and making our nation a safer and healthier place to live.
LESLIE LYTLE
Tracy City, Tenn.
Let Woods make proper response
Will all those who are guiltless please take three steps forward.
So Tiger Woods made mistakes. Why does this need to be of concern to so many? Are we all so elated that another made a mistake?
There are only two people that need to respond in any manner to this situation. They know who they are, and it seems they are working on it.
Let us allow this to happen.
JIM TALLEY
Spring City, Tenn.
Beware Verizon’s use of iPhone
An article in the Times Free Press Wednesday (April 7) reported a “soon-to-be-released iPhone may run on the networks used by Verizon and Sprint and this would end AT&T’s run as the iPhone’s only home.”
If this happens, any who uses Verizon must be alert. Verizon charges an additional monthly fee of $29.99 for Internet access so shop around first. Or will they abandon that charge?
CALVIN CALHOUN
Ooltewah
Let you vote speak for you
Politics is alive and well in Hamilton County. I’ve seen politicians recently on TV that I have not seen since … well, the last election. They want voters to know their names now, but don’t want voters to remember the property tax increase they voted for.
If you are happy with the property tax increase for schools, then vote them back in.
If not, and have not seen a return on taxpayers’ investment, vote them out.
Times were pretty good when they voted for the tax increase. It is scary to think what they may do now that times are not so good.
Richard Casavant, Greg Beck and Warren Mackey are up for re-election and voted for the property tax.
Larry Henry and Fred Skillern are also up for re-election and voted against the property tax increase.
Mayor Claude Ramsey did not have a vote but strongly pushed for it. Bill Hullander, running for trustee, voted against the property tax.
Come on, voters, let your vote speak for you.
JOHN C. SCHULTZ