Last chance to see model train layout
Thank you for helping spread the word the model train display at the Chattanooga Choo Choo is to be torn out. The article omitted the important information of when. The layout will close Jan. 18, and demolition will begin the next day. Plans are being developed to build a new, more state-of-the-art, computer-assisted layout elsewhere at the Choo Choo, but no timetable has been established. Regardless if you have never seen it or have enjoyed it in the past, now is the time to see this Chattanooga tourist icon. The layout is open to the public for a small admission charge Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., so don’t miss this last chance to relive your childhood before the doors close.
Brendan Brosnan, Secretary, Chattanooga Area Model Railroad Club
Graham thanked for stewardship
Commissioner Graham is right in his insistence a study be done on the chairs Mayor Coppinger and Judge Steele and others are requesting. Mr. Mayor, let me remind you that you also are employed by the citizens of Hamilton County. Perhaps if and when you get a job in the private sector, you will better understand how and why being a steward over other people’s money is important. As a business owner in this city, I personally applaud Commissioner Graham’s jurisprudence and oversight. You and the judge would do well to listen to Joe before attempting to intimidate by your bully pulpit, which, by the way, will not work with this commissioner because he proudly works for his constituents and knows why he continues to receive overwhelming support. Chairs are needed but not at the price tag being proposed. We have checks and balances in government to avoid misuse of public funds and a bid practice that is questionable.
Ron Ray
Police ‘oppressors of everyone’
In response to a letter praising cops: Your gushing praise for police is rank sophistry at best. They are oppressors of everyone and defenders of none. They have absolutely no mandate to protect anyone. The D.C. Appeals Court decision in Warren v. District of Columbia states police have no mandate at all to protect us. It’s obvious from news reports they now consider themselves above the law. Tennessee Code 39-11-611 states we are allowed to defend ourselves against them if: 1. The law enforcement officer uses or attempts to use greater force than necessary and 2. The person using force believes that it is necessary to protect against use or attempted use of greater force than necessary. We have the right to defend ourselves against abuse committed by those whose job it was supposed to be to protect us until the courts decide otherwise. The police have killed over 5,000 citizens since 9/11, and even if 90 percent of these killings were justified, that leaves 500 citizens murdered by cops. That is an average of three people a month gunned down for no reason. People who do this deserve no respect whatsoever and certainly no praise.
RICHARD W. SHULTZ
Catanzaro dared to be different
On the first page of a recent issue, the Times Free Press pictured an empty parking space of the president of Chattanooga State. The first thought was that it was a “cheap shot,” crowing over victory in his resignation. However, reflective thought leads us to realize that there is, now, a giant vacancy at Chattanooga State. It will be difficult, perhaps impossible, to replace Jim Catanzaro at Chattanooga State. He took bold steps where a lesser man would be timid. He was satisfied only with excellence where others would settle for mediocrity. Teddy Roosevelt said it best: “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those timid spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” Godspeed, Jim Catanzaro.
JODY BAKER