Human species is in bad shape
Disturbed, shocked and saddened were the reactions I experienced after reading about crush videos in the April 21 paper.
The Supreme Court has just ruled that these films do not violate freedom of speech.
Crush videos show naked women using bare feet or high heels to slowly kill kittens, rabbits or puppies.
Men apparently get aroused by watching these horrible films. What kind of sick society do we live in?
I am appalled that anyone would “star” in such a film, videotape this kind of horror, or buy a crush video!
Are we so sex starved that we think such depraved actions are stimulating? Yes, adult humans may consent to do odd things to each other and film that and make money. But when we exploit innocent children or animals for sexual satisfaction, where is the free speech when they cry in protest?
The human species is much worse off than I ever imagined. I don’t know if there is any hope for us. What a shame!
ANNE GRINDLE
Sewanee, Tenn.
Don’t say things against country
I understand that freedom of speech is important, but I am sick of hearing American citizens, and others that call this land their home, saying they hate America or things to that nature.
If you don’t like it, you can catch a plane out of here!
I may not agree with what Congress passes or what the president says but that doesn’t mean that I speak against our country.
I feel like most Americans are spoiled. They think they can go around saying whatever they want and, of course, they have the First Amendment to back them up. Well, why don’t we add an amendment to that amendment, stating that if you speak out against America you can be deported. There are plenty of people trying to get in.
This is the melting pot, but there are things to congratulate our country for, like equal opportunity. Whether most want to admit it or not, this country is equal opportunity to you.
STEPHANIE ZILBERT
Ringgold, Ga.
Stanbery is future of Bradley County
As a young professional in Bradley County, I am deeply concerned about our preparedness to capitalize opportunity in the near future.
Throughout her campaign, I have talked with and listened to Lisa Stanbery. I believe she has the experience and know-how required to effectively lead this county. She is a successful small-business owner who understands the vital need for effective management, transparency and operational efficiency in government if we are to successfully navigate these turbulent times.
In addition, she firmly believes in the importance of small businesses to our local economy for jobs, tax revenue and consumption. So much so, that she has committed to give a substantial portion of her salary as mayor to help existing and new businesses via the business incubator at CSCC.
If that’s not putting her money where her mouth is, I frankly don’t know what it is! I know that the doors of her office will always be open to everyone — including the younger generation — and that is important to me too.
I strongly urge you to get out and vote for a new county mayor, Lisa Stanbery.
SHIBU M. JOSEPH
Cleveland, Tenn.
Tea Partiers a diverse group
Tea Party folks believe in smaller government, lower taxes, free markets, and a desire for self- determination, versus having a bunch of elite, politically correct, career politicians and bureaucrats decide for them.
What’s wrong with that?
A recent letter vilifies the Tea Party with typical accusations of racism.
Tea Party folks represent a broad demographic, transcending political parties and cultures. After seeing years of cancerous government growth, their views have finally coalesced into an overall rejection of politburo-style government.
And yes, it coincides with Obama’s presidency.
However, numerous black conservatives reject Obama simply because he is a radical, left-wing liberal, and he hasn’t proven otherwise. Are they racist, too?
Other than their shared conservative values, Tea Partiers are hard to define because they represent such a wide group; driving their critics crazy, who are so desperate to marginalize the Tea Party that they only marginalize themselves.
So liberals, do you seriously believe that government knows how to manage your life — and spend your money — better than you do?
Voters will remember in November!
WARREN DANIEL
Don’t make religious issue law of land
The freedom of conscience we enjoy in America is under siege in subtle ways.
As a committed Christian, I try to respect the values of others, but see great danger in the determined efforts by some to make a religious issue the law of the land.
The selection of a justice for the Supreme Court is once again testing whether the nominee’s faith will be a major factor in the process.
I hate to harp on the “a” word, but it remains a religious matter, with honest disagreement. When it mentions abortion specifically, the Bible does not call it murder, Exodus 21:22-23. I agree that it is wrong, even sinful to terminate pregnancy for convenience, but think that issue should be left to the church, not the courts.
Many feel that moral issues threaten our country’s survival and that strict enforcement of Sunday observance is necessary for our survival. When that comes to pass minds will be locked down by religion, with untold injustice for anyone who dares to disagree. Are we ready for such tests?
RICHARD BURNS
Cleveland, Tenn.
Make positive change with Fields
Residents of Hamilton County District 2 have the opportunity to replace their county commissioner this year. I urge all Republican primary voters to vote for positive change by choosing Jim Fields.
The incumbent has been in office for 12 years — a shining example of the need for term limits. Shortly after being elected, he voted for a wheel tax and the largest property tax increase in Hamilton County history.
Since then, he has voted repeatedly for bigger government and more tax hikes, earning himself the title of “RINO” (Republican In Name Only).
Jim Fields, a real Republican, believes in “limited” government “with minimal intrusion into the lives of its citizens.” This includes eliminating wasteful spending and keeping taxes as low as possible.
The incumbent has focused on issues of interest to his elite group of supporters and has ignored the concerns of Mountain Creek, Red Bank, Stuart Heights and Lookout Valley. Jim Fields will represent the citizens of the entire district, not just the “country club Republicans.”
Fellow citizens of District 2, please join me in supporting Jim Fields in the GOP primary election on May 4 (or during early voting). Together we can make a positive change in local government.
JOE DUMAS
Signal Mountain