Elmore overdue for city honor
Our city fathers have a long overdue opportunity to correct an oversight. If the late Bob Elmore had been an elected official or a man of great wealth, with his contributions to Chattanooga, there would be buildings, bridges or streets named in his honor. For 20 years, Bob Elmore served as president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and hosted the “Backyard Safari” TV show. He helped organize both our Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Better Business Bureau.
Bob was past president of the Chattanooga Jaycees, Half Century Club, Chattanooga Tennis Association and The Backstage Playhouse. Bob was vice chairman of the Pastors Association’s Committee for a Better Chattanooga, served on the Juvenile Court Commission, welfare advisory committee, Service Corps of Retired Executives and was Chattanooga’s director of public affairs. He also served as consultant to the U.S. Conference of Mayors and National League of Cities and was CEO for the Full Employment Commission.
Bob was Chattanooga’s “Young Man of the Year” in 1956. His Jaycee youth work won two Freedoms Foundation medals.
I rest my case. Please, city fathers, formally honor Bob so his family can enjoy this long overdue recognition.
Gary Miller
Fear has taken hold of citizens
When is the last time you have felt genuinely safe? Whether we choose to accept it or not, fear runs our lives. Each individual develops a very different definition of the concept fear throughout his lifespan. Fear revokes the ability to put trust in other people and better yet, one’s safety. Fear, death and destruction are recurring themes that continue to diminish our safety and sense of security.
The world we live in today is a scary place. What are the costs and benefits of increasing security? Do not be afraid to question what is being done for your safety; it is your right as a citizen. If the government continues to violate our right to privacy, the fear we have may develop for the people who are supposed to be on our side rather than those who want to destroy our country.
Katie Myers
Tullahoma, Tenn.
Country not dealing with weighty issue
It seems as if every year, more and more children are overweight. Why are they getting so fat? Does America not care to be healthy anymore? We have one of the highest obesity rates in the world. Obesity can lead to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Parents should stop giving children fast food and sweets so often. Schools should offer more healthy food options and bring in programs that encourage kids to eat healthy. Schools should also bring back recess and gym.
Parents do not encourage children to play outside anymore. Is it because it is not safe? Is it because parents are also too glued to technology? Instead of children playing outside and riding bikes, they are sitting inside and playing games on their iPads. What about those in poverty? Healthy food is expensive. Grocery stores should lower prices on fruits and veggies. The government should give more money to the farmers so they can grow more healthy food instead of giving them money to make high fructose corn syrup. Are people unaware that other countries make fun of America because we are so fat?
Kaylen Lanius