Carrying a gun protects others
Thankfully, opponents in the Tennessee Legislature were in the minority when pro-gun legislation was passed once again over Governor Bredesen’s veto.
And yes, God did give us the “inalienable right” to protect ourselves. Jesus said, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.” (Luke 22:36) If guns were invented, Jesus may have said gun instead of sword. Inalienable rights are rights you cannot surrender or transfer; without the consent of the one possessing such rights.
When are these gun-phobia, ill-informed people going to learn? Criminals and psychopaths don’t obey the laws!
College campuses are usually gun-free zones. How did the Virginia Tech massacre happen? Because no law-abiding citizen, with a gun permit, could stop Cho Seung-hui before he killed 32 people.
Guns and alcohol don’t mix. What a lame excuse to keep me from protecting myself and my family. I don’t drink, but I do carry a gun. And because I do, other Tennesseans should feel safer.
BEN BURKE
Boyd’s attributes make him choice
I wholeheartedly support Tim Boyd for his bid to be elected to the County Commission.
I have known Tim for more than 30 years. He attends East Ridge Baptist Church with me. He is an active member taking many positions of leadership. He sings in the choir and is a part of the praise singers.
He is a business man, a father, a grandfather, and a friend, but most of all he is a Christian in the truest sense of the word.
He now has a desire to serve his community in this new role. This is his first time to run for any office, and I know he will enter this position with full attention to the job at hand.
Please consider voting for my friend Tim Boyd.
MAC PENDLEY
East Ridge
What are experts advising BP to do?
On the “Today” show, June 8, talking about oil spill, President Obama said he talks with experts. Has any of those so-called experts, federal officials or people in petroleum industry told BP when they attempted to insert a pipe into broken pipe there was only a 5 percent chance of success? No, not one of them.
That by attaching a larger pipe to the good pipe then slipping it onto broken pipe, like a coupler, there was at least a 90 percent chance to succeed? No, they didn’t.
Or there was another way with a 99 percent chance of success? No, no, no!
Or that there is a way to stop the leak, were the cap put on the riser? No, no, no!
GOODWIN BACK
Etowah, Tenn.
Where were flags on Memorial Day?
We rode into Calhoun, Ga., May 31, a trip of some 25 miles, and noticed only three or four American flags flying this Memorial Day. But there was no shortage of political signs. How can this be? Will it be the same for the 4th of July?
MARY STERLING
Calhoun, Ga.
Is Halliburton a factor in leak?
Back when I worked in the oil patch, the drilling contractor was responsible for everything until an unsuccessful well was declared dry or until a successful oil well had the casing cemented in place.
Is it possible to obtain the terms of the arrangement between British Petroleum and the drilling contractor?
The name Halliburton has been mentioned several times in relation to this oil well disaster. Why?
ROBERT F. CAHILL
Hixson
Rather than raising taxes, why not lower them?
Taxpayers deserve to know how much income the city expects to receive ad where that money will be spent.
Fairness and transparency demand answers to the following questions:
How much annual income will the most recent reappraisal of property generate compared to income received prior to the appraisal?
How much income does the city expect to receive during the budget year 2010-11 from new construction?
How much income does the city expect to receive from the property taxes and fees for the budget year 2010 from property annexed into the city during 2009?
How much income, during the budget year 2010 does the city expect to receive from: real property taxes; stormwater fees; rents and leases; city stickers; building and other permits; traffic fines; court costs; parking meters and parking fines; back tax sales; personalty taxes, and other sources.
The City Council should provide an itemized budget for every taxpayer who desires one showing all income to be received as well as all expected expenditures.
If the proposed budget exceeds the projected income, cuts should be made so the city can operate within its means as we taxpayers have to do.
GLENN COPELAND
Rescue a pet from shelter
I have been haunted by a story (June 8) on NewsChannel 9 about the Bradley County Animal Shelter and their “kill” rate of over 75 percent. Over the last three months, they have destroyed between 292 and 442 dogs and cats each month! I understand the situation they are in because people are irresponsible about having their pet spayed or neutered, but this is deplorable!
The report showed scenes of beautiful, healthy animals just waiting for an opportunity to love and be loved. My family owns three rescue animals, and we could not be happier with our pets. Please consider if your family has room for a new member and check out animal shelters. Maybe you will save one of the precious animals scheduled to be euthanized tomorrow.
SUSAN FEAGANS
Littlefield’s ploy not the way to go
It appears that our mayor has not yet gotten the message that Hamilton County and Chattanooga are in a recession.
You do not give raises, add new employees and finance various pet projects, etc., by adding a new property tax on top of what every citizen is currently struggling to pay. Common sense should tell you to tighten your belt and make do with what you have.
You cannot move forward during a recession; you stop or back up.
Ron Littlefield apparently has adopted President Obama’s policy of tax and spend. Many of us have not had a raise in years, but yet we are supposed to pay more taxes. We are not as naive as Mayor Littlefield thinks we are. By using the old ploy of asking for more than he wants, he thinks we would end up being happy to pay a smaller amount. How about zero?
It is up to the City Council now. Are there any real men and women on the council?
DEE POOL
Obama should care more for voters
Once more, President Obama shows his disdain for American voters.
A tax-paying U.S.A. citizen should have his concern and attention. His “sit-down” with Arizona Governor Brewer was a farce.
Would it be the same attitude if we superimposed the word invasion by a foreign country rather than immigration?
It would seem that Mexico is content to let drugs and drug cartels affect their neighbor to the north.
Build a fence, stop any money flow to Mexico and set up some kind of worker card leading to citizenship.
Come on, Mr. President, man up — show some citizenship and care for the U.S.A.
GAIL BLAYLOCK HUDSON
Editor’s Note: Municipal and county governments are required under state law to adjust property tax rates on existing property to a revenue-neutral level following reappraisal programs. The city’s tax rate was reset and certified at $1.9390 per $100 or assessed value (down from $2.2020) after the reappraisal. The county rate fell from $3.1540 to $2.7652.