Obama selection news poorly played
I was disappointed that you buried the recess appointment of Donald Berwick as administrator of the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services on page 8 (July 7). Nothing on your front page will affect the lives of your readers more than this.
In nearly three months since Obama nominated him, not one Senate hearing was scheduled by the Democratic controlled Senate. I wonder why?
This man will head Medicare and Medicaid, with an annual budget of over $800 billion taxpayer dollars! This man loves socialized medicine, health care rationing, and using health care to redistribute wealth! Now there will be no questions asked of him in confirmation hearings that might be controversial or embarrassing to Obama and Democrats before the November elections!
This is a travesty upon the American people, and you ignore this major news story. The AP story you printed dismissed and downplayed any controversy. This is typical of the biased AP, to cover up and protect Obama and Democrats from any hint of corruption or controversy.
Someone should be looking out for and protecting Americans from powerful politicians, holding Obama and this Congress accountable.
I guess it’s too much to ask this from the American media; but I thought that was their job.
BILL BOWERS, M.D.
Cleveland, Tenn.
Get followers of Obama out
The White House said “thanks but no thanks” to some of the countries that offered to help in the gigantic oil spill in the Gulf, help when we really needed it to keep the oil off our beaches and out of the marshes where wild birds have been nesting.
This is not the way of a president of the United States of America. This is the way of a dictator who will soon be telling us what we can eat, what we can wear, where we can live, etc. He wants to rule, and he will if he is not ousted in 2012.
Please do not listen to his rhetoric. He will say anything to get to where he is going. Just remember to vote in November and get these Democrats who are following this would-be dictator out of office; then we can go for 2012.
In the meantime, please help to pass the Fair Tax. Just think, no more taxes except one, at checkout. No more IRS, and April 15 will be just another spring day.
JOANN WHITLOW
Harrison
Elect Atherton Chancery judge
I ask for your vote for Jeff Atherton for Chancery judge. He has 22 years experience as an attorney in private practice in cases concerning Chancery Court, probate, workman’s comp, contracts, domestic relations, mortgage business, and lawsuits related to industrial and government business.
I have known this gentleman for several years and have observed him in positions of leadership in our church where he has taught godliness, patriotism and responsibility to dozens of children and young people as Commander in our AWANA program. He has sponsored several young people in the high school mock trial competition. He is a model husband and father.
It is my hope to see good people step forward to serve who have shown they love God and country and are willing to serve in leadership positions. Jeff Atherton is well qualified to be elected Chancery judge.
RON TRUE
Spend trail funds on job creation
The taxpayers of Walker County, Ga., should be outraged about the walking trail they are building from downtown Chickamauga to the Chickamauga Military Battlefield Park. They are going to spend $500,000 on this project.
We do not need this trail. There are plenty of walking trails in the Chickamauga Park and two walking trails already in Chickamauga. Very few people use these trails.
Thanks to Robbie Robinson for voting no at the council meeting.
When you go to the polls to vote, remember who is doing all the unnecessary spending! We need jobs and job creation in these hard times — not walking trails.
For once, think about the citizens and taxpayers of Walker County and spend this money on something that will help everyone.
PAT
OSBURN-WAFFORD
Chickamauga, Ga.
Many argee with Irion’s message
Here is the telephone poll question going on right now: “Who do you plan to vote for on Aug. 5?” and they named only three candidates for 3rd District congressman. Van Irion’s name was not on the list. How can this be accurate should they decide to publish it?
Van has won every Internet poll so far (also not accurate but telling).
Van has a very legitimate chance to win this election because his message of a constitutionally limited government has truly resounded not just with the Tea Party people (which he has the majority support in the district), but with long-time Republicans who understand that what is happening in our country today is the fault of many years of both parties not living by the one rule book they must — the Constitution.
To send a congressperson to D.C. who understands that you can’t just follow the Constitution when you want, there is only one choice in this election amongst several good people. That is Van Irion.
Check out his website and watch a video — you’ll be convinced like everyone else who meets him. www.van4congress.org
GREGG JUSTER
Page’s experience makes her top pick
Voters of District 2 in Catoosa County, join me in casting your vote to elect Pat Page to the school board. Pat has been a teacher, and she can relate to the problems our county and state ares going through at the present time. She is a businesswoman and has active membership in several civic organizations. Her experience and knowledge will be most helpful in guiding our school system in the future.
A vote for Pat is a vote for progress.
LARRY SHELL
Ringgold, Ga.
Gobble’s readiness to serve helps all
I serve as Sheriff Tim Gobble’s chief deputy. I’ve worked in law enforcement for 25 years and he is one of the best sheriffs I’ve ever seen. The person who wrote a letter to the editor classifying the sheriff as just another government employee has no appreciation for those who have sworn to protect and defend our Constitution by risking our lives daily as he and I and countless others have done.
When he saw the safety of his deputies at risk, he did what he was constitutionally authorized to do and petitioned the court for help. Deputies were making poverty-level salaries, wearing tattered bulletproof vests, and driving malfunctioning vehicles. Because Tim Gobble has done his job and been a great sheriff, crime has gone down 16 percent over two years, $700,000 has been returned to the general fund, $22 million of taxpayer money has been saved, and 248 illegals have been deported. Bradley County folks know that’s the true Gobble record.
A sheriff who will fight for his deputies will make a congressman who will do the same for our soldiers. We’re all better off because Tim Gobble is willing to serve.
BILL DYER
Chief Deputy
Bradley County
Sheriff’s Office