Chained-up pets are just prisoners
Only the low life of our society keeps dogs on chains. You only have to cruise the immediate area to see that most of the dogs that are on chains are located in the most dilapidated sections of our communities.
The people who keep dogs on chains do not have pets. They have prisoners that will live out their lives at the end of a 10-foot chain in all kinds of weather, sometimes without food or water.
I despise people who keep dogs chained up, and I only wish that they themselves could be the ones who are on the end of a 10-foot chain and see how they like it.
If you cannot afford a fenced-in yard, do not get a pet. If you cannot afford to take the pet to a vet, do not get a pet. A pet should be treated like a regular member of your family, not just something chained up in your backyard without ever having any real contact with loving humans.
HAROLD MCCOY
Rossville, Ga.
Is government scamming us?
An investigative reporter on one of the big networks uncovered a new health-care scam. The network issued a consumer alert for these so-called affordable health-care programs. The reporter warned that some plans had only limited coverage while others had only limited benefits.
While both plans claimed to be real health-care programs, the story exposed hidden clauses and careful wording that was designed to deny coverage. Although the inexpensive premiums were attractive, the poor coverage was revealed only when a claim was made.
Consumers were cautioned about the fine print in these plans and were warned to read all of the paperwork before they signed anything. Wait a minute — doesn’t this sound familiar? Are we being scammed by our own government?
GERALD WHITELY
Ringgold, Ga.
Where was outrage over earlier deficits?
Since the election, we have heard many speeches and comments from the Republican members in Congress who assume that they are the “guardians of the national debt.”
Reagan increased the national debt by $1.7 trillion.
The first Bush increased it by $1.4 trillion.
Clinton increased the debt by $1.6 trillion, but he also left a surplus and created the largest economic expansion in history.
The second Bush increased it by $4.3 trillion.
Many Americans are angry with the deficits. They have a right to their opinion, but I have to ask, “Where was their anger at these presidents? Where was the anger from the Republican Congress?”
Anyone can be against one item or another, but the question still remains, where is your plan? All I hear from the Republicans is lower taxes.
Under these Republican administrations, they passed numerous tax cuts, but did not pay for them and guess what happened, higher deficits.
Yes, your pay was higher, but did you notice that at the same time the national debt was increasing? Did you care that your children’s future was being taken away? Still think the Republicans are the “guardians of the national debt”?
LOU PROFETA
Admit only successful students
As an alumnus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, I am sort of disappointed in Dr. Roger Brown’s comment that the fast way to raise graduation rates is to raise admission standards and to admit only academically successful students. I am of the mindset that is who a university is supposed to admit. There is no good reason why UTC cannot be just as good academically as any Ivy League school, but as long as less-than-successful students are admitted, that will never happen. I find it quite unfortunate that it is taking a budget crisis for my alma mater to do the right thing.
ANDY ARNOLD
Ooltewah
Don’t allow Holder to stay in position
Eric Holder, our attorney general, has decided to try the 9/11 terrorists in a New York City courtroom.
Giving terrorists the same rights that American citizens enjoy is in itself an outrage.
To read the Christmas Day bomber his Miranda rights and stop questioning him after reportedly 15 minutes is inexcusable.
Surely Mr. Holder, having demonstrated such disregard for our country and its safety and security, should be removed from his position. If his actions in these two incidents are not persuasive enough to demand his removal, maybe his action in the Justice Department’s refusal to try members of the New Black Panthers who choose to stand outside a polling place with ball bats as a means of intimidating voters will qualify.
Still not convinced? Mr. Holder signed off on Bill Clinton’s last-minute pardon of Marc Rich, who made large contributions to President Clinton’s campaign.
Have you heard enough about the character of this man? Do you honestly believe that he should be allowed to serve even one more day in office? Contact your senator and congressman and demand the resignation of this man. Don’t allow him to continue to head the Department of Justice, as he is a national disgrace.
ARTHUR CAPRARIO
Benton, Tenn.
Wamp comment raises a question
Quoting from the Times Free Press and Zach Wamp, he wants to:
“… decrease our national debt and properly manage the entire federal budget, including mandatory and entitlement programs … in future years.”
Translated, he wants to reduce your Social Security and Medicare benefits.
Question — Should we be wary of this governor wannabe?
GLEN MOULTRIE
Cut budgets, freeze federal salaries
Mr. President:
If you want to save money, I have some suggestions. It’s a known fact that federal employees make their living from the blood, sweat and tears of the American people. Therefore, the federal government should set the example. Here are my suggestions:
Freeze the salaries of all federal employees for three years, billions saved;
Reduce all departmental budgets by 12 percent, billions saved;
Ten percent pay cut for all of Congress and yourself, millions saved.
Abolish the automatic COLA for Congress (forever). With the low approval rating they have, they don’t deserve a pay raise. Congress will survive;
Let the people determine your pay status. You work for us. We hire you and we can and will fire you;
In the real world, employees who perform as poorly as you and Congress are terminated.
I have never seen a man whine, cry and blame others like you have. President Bush inherited a recession also, but he didn’t whine about it. He fixed it, and it stayed fixed until your party took Congress in 2006.
The biggest change that needs to occur is the way you behave.
JOE DOWNS JR.
Hixson
Name new school for Curtis Adams
This letter is to recommend that the Hamilton County Department of Education name the new elementary school in East Ridge the Curtis D. Adams Elementary.
Owning a business and property in East Ridge, I feel that never has one of our citizens deserved this honor more, not only for his strong and dedicated support of our schools and education, but for his support and tireless efforts in the city of East Ridge.
Commissioner Adams’ tracks are all over our city: new schools, new playgrounds, and new sign for the high school, new tractor for the high school, new pavilion next to City Hall, money for Camp Jordan, and money for soccer fields.
I could go on with the list but I think the most important is his time helping our citizens.
His door is always open, and he returns all telephone calls.
I am proud to call Curtis Adams my friend. Let’s honor Commissioner Adams, a real public servant.
BUSTER RAYMER
Veterans ‘taken,’ not ‘cared for’
In the president’s speech he said veterans would be taken care of.
I am a 90-year-old veteran of World War II. We (veterans) usually get a “cost of living” increase. For 2010 we get no increase in our Social Security. We have been “taken,” not cared for. Our Medicare premium for 2009 was $90. Medicare costs $96.50 for 2010.
How is that for being “taken” instead of being “cared for?” I would like to have someone reply to my question.
JAMES L. TAYLOR
Jasper, Tenn.