Space changes a political tradeoff
NASA chief Charles Bolton summed up Obama’s vision for space in an Associated Press article April 9. He said:
Instead of spending tens of billions on a moon mission ,Obama will divert the money to:
1. Researching rocket technology,
2. Fostering commercial space travel,
3. Climate change science,
4. Aeronautics.
Bolton said because NASA will have more money there would be more jobs ($2 billion was added to the budget). The emphasis was spending for jobs versus the Bush spending for space.
John Kennedy’s vision of the U.S. leading the world in space is being dumped for the political expediency of promising jobs. Trading space exploration for expanding the global warming hoax. A sad, sad tradeoff for political gain.
P.S. The spin has already started to try to put a better face on these bold facts.
DAN SCANNELL
Soddy-Daisy
Tactics harm Republicans
Scandal forces the Republican National Committee to find new leadership. Where? Republican ranks grew nasty after 1965 when their liberals were ostracized.
Later, Nixon “led” by turning some Southerners into Republicans, trading on their dislike of civil rights. Now GOP leaders who envy Obama but can’t compete, further afflict unfinished health care legislation by egging right-wingers into behaving like cracked junior high schoolers.
Adding converts to the GOP by these tactics might elect some Republicans, but produces bad side effects: In-your-face Klan-like harassment isn’t forgotten.
Sen. Dodd, D-Conn., wants to strengthen regulation of banks. Good. When the FDIC closes one, stockholders lose their investments; like here, 1976, when Hamilton Bank’s networks crashed, creating suspicion that investors’ money fraudulently went to pre-selected “creditors.”
Dodd’s effort originally involved Sen. Shelby, R-Ala., who suddenly backed out. Shelby sometimes obstructs. In the late 1980s, because Atlanta’s FDIC refused to examine Dalton’s Hardwick Bank for aiding an estate fraud, facts were sent to both banking committees of Congress. Shelby kept facts from reaching chairmen.
Most Democratic leaders either don’t know how to defuse shock tactics and pre-emptive strikes, or anticipate but don’t have enough watchmen.
RACHEL WHEELER
Trustee office needs Hullander
It is disturbing that the operating expense of our present county trustee has nearly doubled in only two terms, but the service provided hasn’t increased. It is still the office that is invisible until you receive that dreaded tax notice from them, and even then it you want a receipt for your full tax payment you are told to send a self-addressed and stamped envelope. It doesn’t have to remain that way.
Bill Hullander is on the ballot asking you for the opportunity to serve you as your county trustee. If you live in the 9th Commission District that Bill has served for the past 12 years, you know the personal and caring service he has provided. If you live in Hamilton County you see the results of his dedicated efforts. Bill’s district has set the pace for growth in our area, and the entire county benefits from it.
The office of county trustee needs the business experience, visibility and dedication to that position that Bill Hullander will bring to it. He will make us proud.
JOE COLLINS
Cameras found who was at fault
I live quite close to Red Bank and also watch my driving. I have barely been missed a few times. City of Chattanooga, Red Bank and Hixson, thank you for traffic cameras.
Last December, I was involved in a head-on accident. I was sitting at a light, waiting to get on Gadd Road. Two other cars collided, one hitting me and totaling my van. If not for the traffic cameras there, police could not have been able to determine who was at fault.
KAREN ARCHER
Families grateful for search helpers
It is with heartfelt gratitude that our families wish to thank all of the individuals involved with the safe return of Juliet (Spiekermann) and Jack (Saunders).
On April 9, what started out as a hike on a beautiful spring day turned into a very frightening experience for them as they survived freezing temperatures in the gorge of the Pocket Wilderness Area off Montlake Road.
A very special thanks to Andy Wright as he organized each search crew and kept us informed, helicopter pilot Brad Lund, Chattanooga Hamilton County Rescue, Cave and Cliff Rescue Team, Hamilton County Emergency Services, Mowbray Volunteer Fire Department, Sequoyah Volunteer Fire Department, Tennessee State and National Park Service, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and Rescue Rehab Truck.
We also appreciate the prayers and support of family and friends including Student Venture, Grace Calvary Chapel, Soddy-Daisy First Baptist and Burk’s United Methodist Church.
It is awe-inspiring to know of the services provided by these heroes, many whom are volunteers. Hamilton County is truly blessed with caring people willing to serve others.
We are grateful for each one of you.
FAMILIES OF
JULIET SPIEKERMANN and JACK SAUNDERS
Wamp election would aid city
I’m a Chattanooga resident who’s excited about being close to electing Mr. Zach Wamp as Tennessee’s next governor, or may I say, “The first governor from Southeast Tennessee in 105 years!”
This excites me because Mr. Wamp has what it takes to lead, has the experience and vision that will make Tennessee a better state.
By vision, I mean bettering our education system, making Tennessee a much healthier state through preventive health care and increasing jobs and economic development in the state, amongst other things.
Not only will electing Mr. Wamp as Tennessee’s next governor benefit the state, I think this will be important for the city of Chattanooga.
Mr. Wamp has the state in his own best interest and even more so, the city of Chattanooga.
Mr. Wamp as governor will be very positive for the city. I’m confident he will build on what our local elected officials have strived to do to make Chattanooga a better place.
I encourage Chattanoogans to get involved, excited and rally behind our “home town boy.”
Early voting for the primary begins on July 16 and election day is Aug. 5. Please join me in spreading Zach’s message to your family and friends and encourage them to vote!
HODGEN MAINDA
Cartoon demeans the value of life
Clay Bennett’s “Former Fetus” cartoon Tuesday (March 9) demeans the value of human life. Through the image of a “fetus turned bum,” he insinuates that life is not worth protecting. The cartoon depicts a “former” fetus as unsuccessful and in need, but it does not make the life worthless.
This cartoon also portrays those who are pro-life as having a severe case of “tunnel vision.” Those who are against abortion do not simply stop at saving an unborn baby but also assist with the challenges of keeping the child, as shown by Choices Women’s Center.
As Christians, we believe that everyone deserves a chance – whether it is a first chance at life or a second chance in life.
As a member of the junior class of Grace Academy, I wish for no one to get the wrong idea of the true value of a human life through this cartoon.
CARA SWANSON