Pair could have made things worse
It is a ridiculous use of taxpayers’ time and money for both the district attorney’s office and the Chattanooga Police Department to spend on the case of the young couple (the Wrights) who ran two red lights trying to get the young woman to the hospital during a medical emergency.
Mr. Wright should have pulled over when he saw Officer Daves’ flashing blue lights behind him instead of running two red lights.
I have no doubt that a very quick explanation of why they were racing to the hospital would have gotten the Wrights the police escort from Officer Daves that they wanted and probably needed.
Police officers are trained how to “run” red lights and have flashing blue police lights and a siren for a reason.
Mr. Wright obviously had neither.
How would Mr. and Mrs. Wright have felt if while running those two red lights they hit and killed an innocent person walking across the street?
Mr. and Mrs. Wright should apologize to Officer Daves for their own “over-reaction” and be thankful they did not make the situation any worse while they were in a very understandable “panic” situation.
JOHN MCROY DAVIES
Signal Mountain
Citizens must want to save America
American citizens have failed America and America is in danger of becoming the land of the oppressed and the home of the underclass.
If the only free republic in the world is to persevere, the people must be better citizens, smarter citizens, stronger citizens. They must understand the roots of America, understand the meaning and responsibility of individual freedom and understand that America is a constitutional republic, not a democracy.
Freedom requires the participation of the people. Know the truth about the founding of the greatest republic in the world. On this Independence Day, read the original founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Federalist Papers. The people must understand what they are losing and how government programs and entitlements are 21st century slavery leading us down the road to destruction from within. If the citizens do not believe in America and want America, then America is lost.
DANA MARK
Haslam outworks foes and will win
The 1978 governor’s race is more similar than you think.
The author of an earlier letter to the editor who believed the current governor’s race is a repeat of the 1978 race may be confused about who is who.
One must remember that Lamar Alexander was the Republican nominee and Jake Butcher was the Democratic nominee. Lamar was the underdog not for money but because he was a Republican running in a traditionally Democratic state.
The races are similar because Lamar Alexander simply outworked his opponent by walking across the state of Tennessee just as Bill Haslam has outworked his opponents. Lamar, just as Bill, campaigned on the issues.
Jake Butcher ran a negative campaign. He tried to link Lamar to Richard Nixon. Portraying Lamar as distant and upper class.
Bill’s opponent has fabricated similar conflicts. It didn’t work for Jake and it won’t work now. This race is about who is the most qualified candidate and will work for all Tennesseans.
Bill Haslam has the proven record of executive management, job creation and good temperament. Bill Haslam will win this race because like Lamar, he is the “Real Deal.”
CONNIE WEATHERS
Use YouTube to learn languages
I know of a tremendous resource for learning foreign languages, a gold mine many might not consider for this purpose: YouTube. It has some junk, true, but it also offers help with learning foreign languages: songs with lyrics, lessons, exercises, and lectures. At YouTube, enter into the search box “Spanish for beginners,” “Turkish greetings,” “German irregular verbs,” and so on. It’s ll there for free – even Happy Birthday in Navajo and other languages!
BETSY CHESNEY
Many don’t seek truthful data
After my letter (printed May 23), I received some supportive calls, letters and comments. I am pleased there are people who seek the truth and search for actual facts.
Sadly, there are those who look in the mirror, then point their finger in the other direction. They do not seek any truthful information. They only listen to the extreme right-wingers and their highly paid propagandists, pretending that the constant lies and hatred from that gang is actual “reality.”
The favorite line of the neo-cons is “We want our country back!” Back to what, the 1950s, perhaps the 1850s? What they will take us back to is the 950s, the “dark ages,” because their virulence, which is based upon misinformation and lack of information, is tearing the U.S.A. apart. Greedy billionaire corporate families maintain media thought control over those who then rush to the polls to vote against their own good!
However, three of the wealthiest Americans – Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and George Soros – support the Democratic Party. They understand that the sound and sensible Democratic economic and social policies will enrich us all.
WALTER M. BENTON
Signal Mountain
Election turnout is disappointing
The voters of Walker County took part in electing a new congressman on June 8. It is disappointing, but not surprising, that voter turnout was around 10 percent for the special election on May 11 and less than 10 percent for the run-off election on June 8.
I write to encourage voters across our county and state to participate in the Georgia general primary on July 20. We have many qualified Republican candidates running for national, state and local offices with most of these being contested races. This is the opportunity for conservative voters to choose the best conservative Republicans to be on ballot in November.
If there are any questions on who is running for office in the Republican primary, the Walker County Republican Party (WalkerGOP.com) will be more than happy to provide voters with that information. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on July 20, or voters can go vote early at the courthouse.
NATHAN A. SMITH
Chairman, Walker County Republican Party
Rossville
Fields committed to representing all
Re: Jim Fields for County Commission, District 2.
I have known Jim Fields and his family for over 20 years. Jim is a man of the highest character. He is a committed family man who has served in his church and community as long as I have known him. Since Jim has managed his own law practice for many years, he knows what it’s like to make a payroll. He understands the negative impact of increased taxes and fees on citizens and businesses, especially small businesses.
The exciting prospects of population and economic growth for Hamilton County over the next few years could also bring challenges of dealing with infrastructure issues, budget constraints, etc. Jim will provide leadership in the areas of fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency, and he certainly believes that government should have limited involvement in the lives of its citizens. Jim is a man of integrity and is committed to representing every citizen of District 2.
I encourage District 2 residents to go to the polls on Aug. 5 and vote for Jim Fields to represent District 2 as county commissioner. The polls will also be open for early voting from July 16 through July 31.
TOM FRANCESCON
Signal Mountain