Robert E. Lee was great, wise
Many thanks to John Bratton of Sewanee, Tenn., for his recent letter to the Editor about Gen. Robert E. Lee’s thoughts and opinions on the Confederate flag and other symbols of the Civil War.
After reading Lee’s words I feel I must concur and realize that Gen. Robert E. Lee was not only a great leader but a very wise man.
Brenda Locklear
Same-sex marriage bothers UMC member
I was very upset when I read the Rev. Charles Reed’s letter concerning the United Methodist Church and his prediction for the upcoming 2016 General Conference. I spoke with my pastor last Sunday and he assured me Rev. Reed had it wrong when he acted like it was a “done deal.” This has come up for the past 12 years and been defeated every time.
My sister called yesterday and directed me to the Rev. David O. Pierce’s letter to the editor. Thank you so much, Rev. Pierce, for addressing Rev. Reed’s letter.
The UMC of which I have been a member for my 75 years totally believes what the Bible teaches us about homosexuality. We do not support same sex marriage and never will.
They can have their civil union which is not marriage in our belief. I don’t care to read any book recommended by Rev. Reed. I will just stay with my Bible and God’s word. I have no bad feelings toward gays or lesbians. They have to answer to God for their sins just as I do for mine.
As Rev. Pierce said, if Rev. Reed is smiling in the conference, it will be to a very empty room. The church will be split wide open and believe me, God will not be smiling nor is He today. I pray this never happens.
Susan Pearson Swinney, Rocky Face, Ga.
Gold Star Wives work appreciated
I was so proud of Flo Kernea, leader of the Gold Star Wives, for getting the name of Vietnam Veteran Glenn Kelley added to the wall of Vietnam veterans.
Flo works tirelessly for everyone and we love and appreciate her so.
Nanette Hawkins, Fort Oglethorpe
Political cartoon rewrite
Regarding Clay Bennett’s July 5 political cartoon about the Confederate flag, I wish to counter with this statement: Heritage ever – Hate never.
Janet Reeve
Anderson proud of city stance, vote
Last week the Chattanooga City Council spoke loud and clear: We will not tolerate discrimination of any kind.
The city’s Non-Discrimination Ordinance, brought forward by my fellow councilman and friend, Moses Freeman, and myself, passed by a vote of 8-0. This decision will help us recruit and retain the most qualified and talented employees for city government.
Chattanoogans deserve the best service for their tax dollars. That service can only be delivered if all of our employees are free from the fear of discrimination. The council action aims to treat all of our employees equally and respectfully.
I’m proud to serve the city that I love, and I’m honored to work daily alongside some tremendous public employees. Let’s keep moving forward together to make this the best city it can be.
Chris Anderson
Vision so blind it can’t see problem
Vision Hospitality has proposed an 84-unit apartment building on the corner of Cherokee Boulevard and Manufacturers Road. At community meetings, residents objected to the plan for not including sufficient parking.
Considering the project will house two restaurants and commercial space in addition to the 84 units, the developer’s plan to include just 26 parking spaces seems woefully inadequate. Unlike other developers downtown, Vision refuses to absorb the expense of including a parking garage in the building. Instead, they have reached a deal with CARTA to lease 75 spaces in Renaissance Park.
These spaces belong to all of the residents of Chattanooga, not just those privileged to live by the park. It is socially irresponsible of CARTA (i.e., the city of Chattanooga) to give away these spaces as an incentive to the developer. Even then, Vision is underestimating the amount of parking that will be required.
Traffic and congestion in the park and on the two adjacent arteries will increase to a crisis point. As one resident said, by then it will be too late for solutions. It seems like Vision is not only blind to the problem it’s creating but deaf to the concerns of the neighbors.
John C. Reis
Beck sought job for what it paid
I suggest that Hamilton County Commissioner Greg Beck re-examine his career choice. If he can’t work for the stated salary, there is no mandate that he either take nor seek the position in question. There are many equally qualified persons who could and would serve for the salary indicated. Don’t go away angry, Mr. Beck, just go away!
Dennis Westmeier
‘Breaking News’ not hearing ads
In reference to the July 13 edition, the newspaper section titled at the top of the page “Breaking News,” there was a total of 12 pages, but five of those were ads for hearing aids and/or Lyric 3. I cannot identify anything resembling “Breaking News” on those pages. As usual, nothing really news about it.
Wondering if any paper employees ever read contents. If so, please identify the breaking news.
David A. Crownover