School tax credits just the beginning
The Supreme Court has upheld an Arizona law giving tax credits (not deductions) for donations to religious schools. The Christian right is cheering because this means an indirect government subsidy to religious schools and less money for public schools. They need to be taught the “Law of Unintended Consequences.”
To get a piece of the action, atheists should establish atheist schools, Wiccans should establish Wiccan schools, satanists should establish satanist schools, etc.
Naturally, these schools will teach the religion, or lack of religion, of their respective founders. They will also teach the long history of Christian tyranny and cruelty: from the Christians who took over the Roman empire, to the Crusades and the Inquisition, to the evangelicals, who are trying to destroy religious freedom in the U.S. armed forces today.
They will also teach marksmanship, so their students can fight back when the Christian right begins the religious cleansing of America.
JAMES WALLACE
THOMTE
Ringgold, Ga.
Seniors orchestra is wonderful
Music to my ears!
Last Monday (April 11), I witnessed one of Chattanooga’s treasures: the Senior Neighbors Orchestra playing outdoors at the downtown library on Broad Street.
The front porch location created a bandshell effect, allowing the music to pour forth to an appreciative crowd.
Having 50 volunteers playing so many favorite melodies was wonderful.
Herman May has artfully led this group for decades, and his wit and enthusiasm added greatly to the performance.
How does one thank so many devoted and talented musicians? We are truly fortunate.
BARBARA BYE
‘Controversies’ bill would cut thinking
We’ve been hearing a lot lately about proclaiming Chattanooga as the nation’s smartest city. Really?
We may be smart when we use our scientific reasoning, like building the Sim Computer Center at UTC or offering the nation’s highest speed fiber optic. But we’re, oh, so dumb when we elect a legislator like Rep. Bo Watson, who uses what precious little time he’s given in government to propose a bill to allow (force?) teachers to teach the “controversies” of a certain scientific theory – evolution.
Watson’s bill will not teach students critical thinking skills – just the opposite. Whenever we ask students to stop thinking, throw up their hands and exclaim that God must have done it, because a topic is too complicated and too hard to understand immediately, then we’ve just created another lazy student, and an even lazier scientist.
By definition, the scientific process demands that we alter our theories as new evidence is revealed. And we will continue to refine evolution as we learn more. But to say that because evolution does not explain everything, we must teach an alternative theory that has no evidence whatsoever is to abdicate our responsibility as reasonable creatures.
ROGER DAVIS
Use ‘old folks’ power at polls
For more than 60 years, my employers and I have shared in contributing to my federal retirement program (Social Security).
This could be compared to what is being promoted as the “modern day” private retirement plan, one of which is a 401(k). They both work the same in some companies, the employer puts in a percentage and the employee puts in another portion.
The main difference is that some years ago, the powers that be in Washington decided there was a gold mine in that fund so let’s rob it. Oh sorry, let’s provide some worthless paper that says we owe you. Now, here is where the similarity in these types of plans ends. While the Social Security funds could be taken with the stroke of a pen, other pension plans are sacrosanct and untouchable for use to help the country.
Now comes along a new set of (be kind) leaders who are not happy with the poor people having anything to live on. Whooo boy!
Here’s an appeal to the like-minded elderly – Let’s make up posters that say “Power to the Old Folks.” Use it at the polls.
JIM ORRISON
Cleveland, Tenn.
Voter ID proposal would hurt many
Before the Tennessee Legislature approves the proposed law requiring photo IDs to vote, they need to consider several situations that could deny U.S. citizens their constitutional right to vote.
To get a photo ID in Tennessee, you must produce a birth certificate. To get a copy of your birth certificate, you must have a photo ID. How does a person get out of this vicious cycle if he lost or never possessed the original copy of his birth certificate?
Even with a birth certificate and the six other required documents in hand, it’s extremely difficult for a non-driver to get a photo ID. From my former residence in Hixson, you would have to walk six miles and ride eight CARTA buses to get a photo ID at the facility on Bonny Oaks, register to vote at the Election Commission on Amnicola Highway and return home. From my home in Soddy-Daisy, you would have to walk 29 miles and ride eight buses! Perhaps our legislators should be required to make a similar trek from their houses before voting on this legislation.
Our legislators need to consider these situations before they disenfranchise people who meet all voting requirements spelled out in the U.S. Constitution.
CHARLIE McRORIE
Soddy-Daisy
Some solutions worsen problem
In his book “Cool It,” global warming advocate Bjorn Lomborg argues that global warming is real but further states that many of the elaborate and expensive actions now being considered to stop same will cost hundreds of billions of dollars, are often based on emotional rather than strictly scientific assumptions and may very well have little impact on the world’s temperature for hundreds of years. In my opinion some of the actions under way may harm our total environment.
A recent article in the Times Free Press titled “U.S.-approved bulbs release tons of mercury,” states, “the nation’s accelerating shift from incandescent bulbs to a new generation of energy-efficient lighting is raising an environmental concern – the release of tons of mercury every year.”
Demand for the bulbs grows as government mandates for energy-efficient lighting take effect.
The government has mandated 10 percent ethanol in gasoline, and lobbyists are pushing for the 10 percent to be raised to 15 percent. The byproducts of ethanol are proving to be just as polluting as petrol byproducts and may be worse.
BILL GODSEY
Fairfield Glade, Tenn.
Medicare is not free to seniors
I keep hearing the media and politicians saying Medicare health insurance is “free” to all seniors.
I beg to differ. My wife and I are both on Medicare and we have $96.50 each deducted from our Social Security each month ($2,316 per year) and we purchased a Medicare supplemental plan from Mutual of Omaha plus a prescription drug plan.
The drug plans have a $300-per-year deductible plus co-pays.
Total paid jointly is $5,828.76 per year, not counting deductible and co-pays, and I will guarantee this will increase going forward. I don’t think anyone should call this “free.”
NELSON SULLIVAN
Hixson