Republicans hate the working class
How do Sen. Bob Corker and Sen. Lamar Alexander sleep at night?
On Oct. 20, they voted yes for a bill to fire 600,000 policemen, firefirefighters, teachers and first responders. Some 800 first responders who were the first on the scene when the first airplane hit the World Trade Center are going to lose their jobs, plus we will have less policemen and firemen to protect us. And larger classroom size because there will be less teachers.
The Republican Party has become the party of vile, vicious and hatred of the working class and of President Obama. Can’t they give President Obama any credit for anything? Their only concern is that they want to make sure they keep their jobs, while doing away with 600,000 jobs.
KENNETH HICKEY
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Meeting addressed people’s concerns
The meeting at the Avondale Center on Oct. 19 addressed a rumor that the city planned to close four recreation centers. I understand there was some “bickering” about having the meeting, or propagating the rumor, addressed at Dr. Warren Mackey. I would say that when there are rumors, they should be addressed in an open forum, which is what this meeting did.
It is nice to see elected officials putting themselves in front of their constituents. Confrontation and dialogue are a great way to ease fears and address problems. Dr. Mackey made it clear that he wanted to give the communities an opportunity to have their voices heard, and they were.
There were also representatives from the community centers who added information about what is going on at the centers. This, combined with the coming together of people who are interested in correcting problems, made for a hope-filled, enlightening meeting.
I hope our community leaders continue to meet their constituents and conduct these forums. A leader, a place and a time (outside normal working hours) to talk, and yes, vent (there was some good, healthy venting going on) will go a long way in proving there is more than lip service to address problems in our communities.
CARY GARRETT
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Cain’s tax plan needs examination
Herman Cain’s 9-9-9 tax plan will increase taxes on seniors.
He proposes a 9 percent flat tax on gross income. There will be no deductions other than charitable gifts.
In applying Cain’s tax plan proposal to my personal finances, my income tax liability will increase by 75 percent.
Then he proposes a 9 percent national sales tax on top of the 9.75 percent local sales tax we already pay.
If you are considering voting for Herman Cain, please examine his 9-9-9 tax plan as it applies to your finances.
ROBERT A. RENO, Ooltewah