North Chatt development counter to ‘green space’
A recent article on “Thrive 2015” states, “Chattanoogans want more green spaces, natural treasures.” I wonder how many are aware of the pending development in North Chattanooga of 46 homes being built on 10 acres of rare green space. Plans are being made to clear this beautiful acreage with 50-foot lots squeezed together to make a subdivision.
This is in addition to the 19 homes being built along Dallas Road, less than a half mile away. Where will all the children go to school since Normal Park is already overcrowded? And the traffic?
This amazing natural greenspace, the only one of its kind near downtown, will soon be full of houses and cars. This is in our backyard, so we are personally affected, but it will have an impact on all those living in North Chattanooga.
Karen LaGraff
Bias overshadows Pitts’ credibility
I am an independent voter who reads Times and Free Press editorials. Leonard Pitts’ March 1 commentary reflected an inaccurate bias, and has ruined his credibility. There are serious issues with the White House’s irresponsible and untenable foreign policy and the inability of this administration to properly address support for our military, our allies and our national security. Many executive actions are an overreach of the office and detrimental to this country. This is, by far, the worst administration I have observed, deserving of criticism. That is not a racial consideration but a concern over the dereliction of responsibility by the administration to the public. Obama’s previous associations with Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers, and Rahm Emanuel leave his motives suspect and subject to evaluation. This administration has reflected a lack of concern for all U.S. citizens, regardless of race. I’m disappointed that Pitts continues to consider justified criticism of this administration to be a racial bias versus a valid criticism.
Chuck Charnawskas
Modest proposal to fund hospital
Having heard from many people recently that Children’s Hospital is being “re-imagined” and that much money is needed for this endeavor, I had a flash of inspiration. Please allow me to make a modest proposal: Given the fact that the obesity epidemic is responsible for a significant portion of the morbidity and mortality among the children (and adults) of this country and given that the soft drinks and fast food industries are materially responsible for a goodly portion of this epidemic, I propose that Coca-Cola and Krystal pony up the requisite millions as a meager atonement for living off the fat of the land for so long. These corporations and others like them should do all they can to repair the damage they have done to our society as a whole. A good place to start would be in “Coke town” by fully funding a new Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Timothy R. Davis
Pipelines, trains unsafe for oil
To writers who think pipelines are safer than railways for transporting crude oil: I would think people who live in communities where pipelines have ruptured would disagree. People should know that the U.S. Department of Transportation-111 tanker cars that are used to carry crude were never designed to carry flammable liquids. They were designed to carry corn syrup. In 1991, the National Transportation Safety Board declared these tankers too dangerous to carry crude, due to their design and the fact that they are easily punctured in a derailment. The cars, however, are not owned by railroads. They are owned by shippers (i.e., oil companies)that do not want to pay for replacement cars or upgrades to existing ones. Therefore, the dangers go back to whom? The oil industry, of course!
Tommy Hewitt, Sewanee, Tenn.
Negotiating with terrorists? Why?
The Obama administration either does not understand history or is ignoring its lessons. The situation in the Ukraine is almost identical to the situation in Czechoslovakia prior to WWII. After the Nazis had already violated treaties and marched into the Rhineland and assimilated Austria, the then-British prime minister, Neville Chamberlain, agreed to divide Czechoslovakia, giving a large portion to the Germans without consulting the Czechs. The Ukraine may well get divided further. It already has lost the Crimea. And negotiations with Iran are a joke. This administration does not appreciate the fact that all Iran is doing is stalling while continuing its effort to make a nuclear weapon. Do they understand they are negotiating with a terrorist regime?
Gene L. Rogers
Been to church, Sen. Gardenhire?
After the Insure Tennessee vote, I checked out Todd Gardenhire’s website. It states he is a member of Lookout Valley Presbyterian Church. A recent sermon on its website titled “Do Whatever He Tells You” was based on John 2, where the wine runs out at a wedding, and Jesus’ mother tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” The pastor explained that, as followers of Jesus, when we “do whatever he says, the world changes around us, and our hearts change within us.” I am mystified that Jesus’ words “Whatsoever you have done to the least of these my brothers and sisters, you have done unto me” (Matthew 25:45) seem not to have impacted Sen. Gardenhire when he had the opportunity to support coverage for 280,000 Tennesseans currently without health insurance. I am astonished someone who earns his living through wealth management is concerned that hospitals/nursing homes might stand to profit. However, when your goal is to get reimbursed for care for the indigent, that hardly seems like a perverted profit motive. May your heart change within you, Senator, and the world around you benefit.
Kate Stulce, Ooltewah
Paper carrier has words of wisdom
I went out to get the paper recently to find the ground covered with ice and snow. Since we live on a steep hill, I knew we wouldn’t get the paper that day. The city does not clear our hill; we have to wait for Mother Nature. To my amazement, at about 11 a.m., I looked out to see Cliff Roth, our paper carrier, walking on the slick road to deliver our paper. I thanked him for his extra effort. He said, “I am of an older generation.” Maybe we all should be more responsible for our actions and words toward our fellow man.
Terry Messina, Hixson
Vet says thanks for V.A. service
I recently had a physical at the Chattanooga Veterans Administration outpatient clinic. Having been laid off along with several others at my previous employer — or as I put it, kicked to the curb — I had no medical insurance. Since I only work part time, I don’t qualify for federal health care. The V.A. has come under attack for its treatment of veterans. I know there are directives and memos that come down after situations like this. It was very refreshing how they treated not only me but other vets there. Was it because of those directives and memos from the top? I sincerely don’t think so. The receptionist, nurses, doctors and technical personnel all were professional in what they did. They had very good attitudes and personalities. They thanked me for my service to our country. Now I, as an Army veteran, would like to thank them for their service to me and other veterans of our country.
Joel Terrell