Lawmaker’s quote is textbook irony
I find it both horribly sad and extremely humorous that Rep. Eric Watson’s, R-Cleveland, quote in the Times Free Press article dealing with the English-only driver’s license bill is textbook irony.
He is quoted as saying, “When we allowed them people to take tests in a foreign language, the accidents went up … because they was having problems communicating with people, even drivers that’s stuck in cars. It was in the paper. I ain’t making it up. This is facts.”
I do hope that Rep. Watson will soon be signing up for some English classes himself; perhaps if he has better command of his preferred tongue, he can better utilize his words to demean and oppress those who speak a language other than his own.
ADAM CASE
It’s a thrill to see bald eagles flying
It was a personal thrill to read the story in Friday’s issue about the resurgence of bald eagles in Tennessee.
My son’s Pack 3030 Cub Scout troop recently enjoyed a weekend of camping near Chester Frost Park. For the three days we were there, a bald eagle literally “shadowed” the boys in its giant wingspan as it continually flew overhead and rested in a nearby tree, often with fish bigger than anything we were catching!
As a Tennessee Tech student in the late ’80s, I spent an entire summer working in the school’s bald eagle restoration project on Dale Hollow Lake. Working with those apex predators up close was a privilege I will never forget. It was affirming to see an eagle flying carefree 20 years later and calling our area home.
Many have only seen a bald eagle in photographs or television. At best, they may have seen one in a wildlife rehabilitation center. But if you ever get the honor of seeing one in its natural habitat, where it belongs, you will instantly realize it is truly befitting as our national symbol.
JAMIE A. LAWSON
Praise for priests, nuns is deserved
It was so refreshing to read the commentary by Nicholas Kristof on May 4, praising Catholic nuns and priests for the sacrifices they make on behalf of the less fortunate throughout the world, something they have been doing for centuries.
They build hospitals and schools and prepare the natives in occupations to better themselves and their communities.
It is great to hear someone authenticate their tremendous accomplishments.
Thank you, Mr. Kristof.
JILL WALSH
Underpaid public servants work hard
A bunch of us are getting tired of that arrogant Michigan lawyer telling us that our public servants are “dumb hicks” who are so inept that they need to be investigated by the “FBI.”
I have more degrees and have published more books with a lot more research than him, and our colleges and universities in the area are doing an incredible job educating those who serve and protect us.
I realize that his yearly income is probably more than the entire budget of the district attorney’s office, but if they had half a million dollars to spend on each case to hire paid professionals, no guilty person would ever walk free.
They are dedicated, committed and hard-working, and we need to thank and honor these fine underpaid servants who protect the young and old.
DR. THOMAS M.
DEATON
Homeless victims of violence in bind
There are many different reasons why people are homeless. No one takes time to find out the truth. They would rather make up something stupid.
Now, there are some who are homeless because they were stupid. Then there are medical reasons, spiritual reasons and domestic violence.
Is there help for those who are stupid? Yes. They can get into public housing, food stamps and a check.
Medical reasons? No. You are either not sick enough or too sick.
Spiritual reasons? Yes. God is always with you.
And then there is domestic violence. That answer is a yes and no. You can have the violator locked up but have no protection when they get out. You can leave them, but you, the violated, are left homeless. No money, but you can get good stamps until you can find a job. But with no emotional support, it’s hard to get through it.
Being homeless is devastating, but being homeless and a victim of domestic violence could be suicidal. Domestic violence victims need a real support group, legal advice and safe housing.
I know that it is not your problem, but it could happen to your children or grandchildren. Wouldn’t it be great if someone was there for them?
MARGIE DALTON
Police officers are dedicated
Last Friday evening, I had the opportunity to participate in a “Ride Along” with a Chattanooga police officer. The Ride Along program enables citizens to ride with an officer for a shift. I rode with Officer Miller, a member of Fox Team.
It was a memorable night. I was able to see close up what these dedicated officers must deal with on a regular basis to keep us safe and maintain law and order. Many citizens of Chattanooga are familiar with the safe, clean, and beautiful parts of town. But many have no idea of areas which are less than desirable. Fights, domestic violence, intoxication, illegal drug use, and other nefarious activities were encountered by and dealt with by Fox Team last Friday night.
I am very impressed with the professional and dedicated police officers who I met and saw in action. The teamwork was impressive. Several times I saw five or six squad cars arrive on the scene in minutes. Officer Miller is to be commended. He is a great example of a fine, professional police officer.
The city of Chattanooga is fortunate to be served by these dedicated professionals.
BOB LANGGOOD
Highland Park
Art, junk lie in eye of the beholder
If it is sitting by the side of the street on the wrong day, it gets pink tagged.
If it is in someone’s yard, not only must it be removed as soon as possible, the resident must pay a large fine for having what most people call junk in the yard. It is considered an eyesore.
But if it is along the Riverwalk it is called a masterpiece of art, which most taxpayers are forced to pay for even though they do not like to look at it as they walk by.
JENNIFER R.
BRADFORD
Gun bill won’t lead to bar shoot-outs
It amazes me how the gun-control crowd tries to spin SB3012 to give the uninformed observer a mental image of shoot-outs in bars. For your information, carrying a gun in a bar is still illegal. It will probably always be illegal. The legal system agrees that alcohol and guns do not mix.
However, SB3012 only addresses restaurants that serve alcohol, such as Chili’s, Outback, Smokey Bones, etc. We’re not talking bar-room fights and shoot-outs here. When was the last time you saw a fight break out in Smokey Bones? What about Outback?
The following is the legal definition of SB3012:
“SB3012 will enable a person who has a valid right-to-carry permit to carry a firearm for self-defense in restaurants where alcohol may be served, as long as the permit holder is not consuming alcohol or is not otherwise prohibited by posting provisions. Alcohol consumption would be prohibited and violation would result in the loss of a permit for three years.”
Benjamin Franklin told us that “a half truth is a bad as a whole lie,” and since education is a wonderful thing, maybe the gun-control crowd will be better educated after reading this.
RANDALL LYONS