Frank and Dodd aided meltdown
We may have been headed toward an economic slowdown which happens every few years in our country, but we can thank Barney Frank and Chris Dodd for orchestrating the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac meltdown. They blocked every attempt at oversight so more people could own a home — even to the point of arm- twisting financial institutions with making loans at 125 percent of value. I’ve read that persons unemployed, on welfare, SSI, etc., were given opportunities to purchase a home. That’s insane, and we are seeing the result of those ridiculous decisions.
Now we have even more people on federal and state entitlement programs as a result. Maybe that was in their planning all along. There is one way to change it and that’s at the polls. We can only hope that the Republicans have seen the error of their ways by going along with social enlargement and earmark spending.
FRANK GREGG
Gallatin, Tenn.
Here’s a wish list for Republicans
The newly elected Republicans have a “mandate,” and here’s what I hope they do with their regained power.
Eliminate Social-ist Security pronto! My folks don’t need it — they can move in with us! When my diabetic husband loses his job again, and you limit his unemployment benefits, and we can’t get insurance because you’ve repealed ObamaCare, we’ll need the rent.
And be sure to preserve those tax cuts for the top 2 percent. They are the ones who create all the jobs! Over the past three years, while the tax cuts were in place, those hedge-fund managers created millions of jobs, which is why the unemployment level is so low, I mean high, I mean it’s the economy, stupid. You know what I mean.
Sure, preserving the tax cuts will affect the budget. And the Democrats who ran up the national debt by putting the cost of two wars on the books (instead of pretending we paid for them with Monopoly money) will disagree, but we’ve got to cut some of that big-government spending to make up for it! I’m sure there’s plenty to cut that won’t affect me personally. Get out there and find it!
LESLIE BELL
Signal Mountain
Use alternatives to stem cells
Stem cells could be used to treat heart and blood disorders, diabetes, types of cancer and illnesses that affect people’s brains and nervous systems. Paralyzed people could be able to walk again. Individuals with hearts and livers that do not work could receive treatment.
But instead, people are dying. The controversy over whether or not embryos should be used in stem cell research has placed barriers on funding that supports scientists and their research. Because of this, all the valuable findings that could come from research are being prevented from being discovered.
There is a way to solve this problem. If alternative methods, like iPS or umbilical cells, were used to obtain stem cells, the moral controversy surrounding stem cell research could be skirted. Research in this field could move forward, unhindered, and we could begin to see benefits.
American people should take action. We should inform our government leaders that this issue matters to us. This could take the form of writing them letters or finding out politicians’ views on this issue before voting. The moral issue could simply be avoided and progress could be made that could save lives. The time to act is now.
KATIE GOWDER
Firefighters forced to use leave time
I’m writing to bring attention to a matter within the Chattanooga Fire Department that has been occurring for years. My hope is that I can make the Chattanooga City Council, personnel department and mayor’s office aware of how firefighters are being taken advantage of.
I could take half your day explaining how we are scheduled to work but essentially what it boils down to is that every 27 days, company-level firefighters are forced to take 12 hours off duty to keep the city from paying overtime. The problem isn’t having to take time off; it’s that the city forces us to use our own personal leave time.
In essence, 14 times a year our personal leave is unwillingly surrendered to save the city from paying overtime.
The cost-free solution is simply to let each individual have 12 hours off during that 27-day period or change the scheduling to the maximum hours allowed by law — 204, not 216. This wouldn’t affect staffing because we’re already forced to take that time.
I thank Councilman Russell Gilbert who has met with firefighters and expressed that the matter is unfair and should be fixed. If you feel this is unfair, contact your councilmen or women and express your dismay.
JARRED MONTIETH
Options available for adult care
It has been almost a year since RossWoods Adult Day Services (non-profit) moved into its brand new building on the corner of Ross Drive and Walston Avenue in Dalton, Ga. We’ve seen so many changes since we first opened our doors 13 years ago and all to the good.
Being the only adult day service program serving six counties (Whitfield, Murray, Gordon, Catoosa, Walker and Chattooga) is a huge responsibility, and the staff and board take that responsibility very seriously.
It’s important that families know there is an adult day medical/social model ready to serve them and their loved one. We serve adults age 18 to 100-plus filling their day with fun activities and medical oversight all in a beautifully designed safe environment focusing on dignity, respect and quality of life.
With everyone watching every penny these days, it is important for families to understand that adult day services are the most economical way of spending long-term care dollars. We understand many families need assistance to help pay and through referrals to the Area Agency on Aging eligible families are receiving financial assistance. Families have options. Don’t wait until a crisis happens; call us now and let us make a difference (706-270-9628).
LAURIE PARKER
RossWoods
Outreach Coordinator
Dalton, Ga.
Psychopathic mind should be studied
Many may not realize that our population is comprised of a surplus of individuals who display psychopathic tendencies. One in every 25-30 people show psychopathic inclinations.
The possible effect that these people have on our society should be realized; and, as a result, preventive measures should be attempted.
Further experimentation into the dark chasms of the psychopathic mind could possibly have a large effect on our levels of crime and on our American society as a whole. This only leads one to ask, “Could performing this research lead to a new understanding and form as another possible outlet in lowering our own crime rate in Chattanooga?”
MARY-KAITLYN
DUNKLE
Switching to solar power costing less
Is independence relying on countries that hate us for oil? We don’t have to rely on fossil fuels. With the installation of smart meters, energy efficient appliances, and the many renewable electricity-generation sources, the cost of switching to solar power in Tennessee is going down.
Our local electric provider is offering $1,000 incentives to get us started with a generation partner program goal of 200MW hours. They stand at 1.5 MW hours now at the rate of 10KW each. There is room for Chattanoogans to be a part of the solution. The federal government is kicking in, too, with a 30 percent tax credit.
Solar panels are sold at local hardware stores. Local colleges offer installation courses. Can’t afford solar panels? You can purchase solar products for under $20; at the least we could make manufacturers know we want to use clean technology.
Maybe you don’t believe you have the power to make a difference, or that climate change is real. Even if global warming seems to you like pure fiction, wouldn’t you like to be making some cash for generating electricity? The least you’ll be doing is lowering your utility bills and preventing some pollution.
DIXIE GILREATH