Decency at bottom with death videos
It seems these days I am shocked on almost a daily basis by the lack of common sense and decency demonstrated in this country from the top to bottom. But the recent “supreme court” decision (not capitalized out of disrespect) on pet death videos has allowed this country to sink to an all-time low (Chattanooga Times Free Press article, April 21, page A-5).
SAM LEWALLEN JR.
Bakewell, Tenn.
Dispose of trash with incinerator
Chattanooga is becoming more progressive, accepting foreign-owned companies and building on the natural environment in which we live.
The Riverwalk is a real plus for our city while outdoor sports are bringing visitors and providing recreation for many.
Softball, baseball and soccer fields, as well as our mountains and streams, draw people outdoors to play, ride bicycles and paddle. We have cleaned up the air and the riverbanks to make the city a more enjoyable place.
Chattanooga can improve its image and its environment, as well as save money in the long run. We spend a lot of money disposing of trash, and there is a lot of trash littering the banks of waterways and our highways and spoiling the woods in illegal dumps.
If we can accept a German automaker, then we should accept the German idea of converting trash into power, both for heating and electricity.
It will not be long until the “new” landfill in Birchwood is full and a new site is needed. Instead of that expense, building a trash incinerator with the latest filters to catch toxins and greenhouse gases would put this community at the forefront in this new technology.
ROGER A. MEYER
Prepare students better, earlier
I read that Superintendent Jim Scales plans to retain the principal of Howard High School and offer increased salaries to carefully selected teachers for the school. His concern is centered on low standardized test scores.
Should there not be more concerns? How about the socio-economic situation involved? Parents of many students, and often only one, were teenagers when they were born, as were their parents. Education is not a priority, unless the child makes it so.
I spent 42 years as a teacher and counselor — four years at Howard High School. I was aware of many serious problems some of the students faced.
I was also utterly appalled and wondered why some students were unprepared for high school. How can a teacher introduce high school math to a student who is unable to calculate an equation without the use of a multiplication card? There were some who wished to send for a college application but had not idea how to write a business letter.
Increased salaries should be given to carefully selected teachers for the first three years of school. Given a solid background, thereafter students will be prepared for high school classes. Absenteeism will decrease and students will reach for the stars.
ELIZABETH G.
HOUSTON