Liberals to blame for where we are
I read the Times editorial (Sept. 16) on the tea party, concerning the elections of this past Tuesday.
Here is a direct quote from the article.
“What will happen if the nation begins to elect as senators people whose aggressive prescriptions for national policies are so destructive or off-the-wall that they can’t be taken seriously?”
Wow, does that not sound like the group being led by Harry Reid?
The editor’s next statement is the nation needs credible, adult solutions to complex problems, not frightful fantasies.
The frightful fantasies that the liberals have blessed us with since they took control of both houses of Congress four years ago have brought us to this wonderful place we are in today.
Is everybody happy?
CHARLES MEGAHEE
Lookout Mountain
Courts must not be underfunded
Wednesday’s front-page article about how our justice system is effectively for sale is right on for the dire consequences it imposes on the poor who face devastating “life altering” outcomes whenever they can’t afford legal help. Society faces a fundamental question; do we want justice to effectively mean “economic devastation,” or do we want it to mean “fairness?”
When lawyers don’t even represent themselves when they’re sued because “It’s too complicated. It’s too technical,” it is time to rethink the whole process.
Since “this is an issue of basic democracy in a country where the judicial system is meant for everyone,” continuing to ignore the problem by underfunding is not an option unless we are willing to sacrifice social stability. We can throw enough money at it or greatly reduce the cost by changing the system itself, which would be the better choice.
The simplest solution would be to set up a system of civil dispute courts based upon a more simple, less technical process where lawyers aren’t allowed, where abusive corrupt litigants are subject to rough justice where warranted.
If we don’t soon face the truth about a fair and cost- effective means to settle civil disputes, such failure will have major social consequences.
SAMUEL HATHAWAY,
Cleveland, Tenn.
City’s parks need lights to shine
I am a resident of the city, who for a great while has enjoyed nightly walks throughout downtown, and especially along our beautiful riverfront. I am dismayed, however, to find that maintenance of the lighting system which guides me during my nightly walks has been extremely lax.
There are too numerous to count lights (out) along the entire walkway starting at the marina and going all the way to the museum and beyond.
On the other side of the river, not to mention the bridges which connect both shores, are again many lights in Renaissance Park, and some but not as many in Coolidge Park, which are inoperative.
For the past few nights, the lights beneath Riverside Drive at the Walnut Street Bridge have been completely darkened.
It would be wonderful to showcase our assets “in the light” of which they were designed. Let’s not sit on our laurels after we’ve come so far to create the spectacle of awe for all to enjoy.
If our city fathers would like a tour of the maintenance issue at hand, I’d be glad to lead the pack during my nightly excursions.
DAVE BASIL
Signal Mountain
Disapprove of teens’ provocative dancing
Congratulations to Mr. Finley King of Central High School for making the decision to stand against the popular trends to allow provocative dance by our teenagers. Stand strong!
GLENDA F. THOMPSON
Class reunion brings much thanks
I wish to thank the organizing committee that planned the recent 40th reunion of the 1970 class of Brainerd High School. It goes without saying that there will never be schools like that again; there will never be teachers like that again; there will never again be a committee like this one; and there will definitely never be another generation like us. You provided us with an experience we will never forget.
MIKE HYDER
Dalton, Ga.
Democrats prove hazardous to health
A letter to the editor (Sept. 16) complained loudly about the GOP and their votes for the ultra-rich tax cuts. I was perplexed because the news coming over the TV was about a letter from 31 Democrat congressmen to Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi requesting the Bush tax cuts be extended for all Americans, not just the middle class. I kept watching and sure enough the TV was right, 31 members. Wow, those evil Democrats and their support of the ultra-rich.
The last refuge of a scoundrel has taken on new meaning. The charge of racism has lost much of its clout due to its overuse. Now the last refuge is class warfare and racism.
The Democrats are in their last throes and are truly grasping at straws. In 19 months they have proven themselves to be hazardous to your health and the economy.
CHARLES BROWNING
Lookout Mountain, Ga.
Republicans are the real enemy
This is directed toward all those who voted for the McCain-Palin ticket:
First, I am glad that President Barack Obama is giving people like us – the 90 percent who make under $250,000 a year – a tax cut.
Now I suspect – like it or not – that most of you local Republicans will benefit financially from the Obama middle class tax cut. Still, I understand that if House Republican Leader (John) Boehner had his way, you would not get a tax cut, e.g. only the people making more than above. Also, I understand that Boehner wants – if he becomes speaker – to repeal ObamaCare.
Well, your man did it again, acting in your best interests. He wants to let insurance companies deny you again care due to pre-existing illness and to prevent you from being able to carry your children on your own policies until they are 26.
Now I know it’s hard for you folks to like Obama who is a Kenyan, socialist, Islamic imposter of a president. But now, Tea Partier Sharon Angle wants to abolish your Social Security, Glenn Beck (worth $32 million) thinks he is the second coming, and Sarah Palin is boning up on foreign policy. Duh! Who needs enemies with these people?
MIKE C. BODINE
Speed cameras invading privacy
Recently I started to toss a piece of “junk mail” in the trash when, on impulse, I decided to open it. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was a speeding ticket! I have been driving for over 60 years and have never had a speeding ticket.
The usual 45 mph speed coming around the end of Lookout Mountain changed to 35 mph for a short space. I found out later, it is announced by two small orange signs.
What made me angry was the invasion of privacy. They didn’t just ticket “whoever” was driving the car. They specifically knew it was me!
I find it disturbing the way “Big Brother” is honing the spying devices on citizens. You cannot convince me they are concerned for our safety. I suppose it is just another way of taking more money out of our pockets for the government.
Let me warn you, be on the lookout for a white van parked on the side of the road. It may just be the one with the camera waiting to take your picture and issue you a ticket!
By the way, they sent it to Georgia for processing. Wonder why?
NAOMI THOMPSON
Rossville