It’s possible to agree to disagree politely
Knowing both men personally as I do, in my capacity as a farmer and businessman in Franklin County for 46 years living near Sewanee and as former Franklin County mayor (1998-2006), I feel compelled to support Bob Corker in the recent dust-up on a trail in Chattanooga. The Sewanee professor has a long history of ranting when dealing with something he doesn’t like. I have witnessed it. Simply put, Bob Corker is a reasonable and quiet-spoken man who was enjoying the outdoors when confronted by an academic who has no ability to accept the opinions of anyone but himself. It is time for everyone to learn the art of politely agreeing to disagree and then practice it.
Monty Adams
Decherd, Tenn.
Apology not enough for Trump support
Sen. Corker, thank you for your service on behalf of Tennesseeans, and especially my beloved home, Chattanooga. I wrote you recently, in a panic, and didn’t take the time to express my gratitude for your service. You have earned my respect and support over the years. You are a good listener, and an honest and fair man.
But please be aware, that by supporting Trump, you re-traumatize those who have survived sexual harassment, assault and bullying. Their numbers are legion, old and young, male and female. You have forced disabled individuals to be constantly at risk of seeing the face of a man who ridicules them in the most demeaning way possible.
And by not acknowledging that this as a profoundly damaging result of supporting this man, you yourself, Sen. Corker, are perpetuating the bullying, harassment, assaults and trauma. I don’t believe you knowingly would do that, and so I am informing you, that, indeed, you are.
Do your best to make it right, please. And an apology is not sufficient.
Katie Larue
More local Tricare physicians needed
It is worth noting on this Veterans Day just past that less than 1 percent of Americans serve in the military, and only a fraction stay for a career. Tennessee has more than its share of patriots and heroes. Unfortunately, some military retirees in the Chattanooga area have to drive at least an hour – to Alabama or Georgia – to see a primary care physician. It would be such a relief if a nearby provider accepted new patients with Tricare (health insurance for soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines). Registration is at www.humanamilitary.com. Having served around the world for decades during peace and war, we would deeply appreciate local health care. If you need to verify anything please call 205-613-2559. Thank you for your support.
Jonathan Smidt
Hixson
Does forgiveness work both ways?
A recent letter to the editor denouncing the Democrats for rejecting that life begins at conception, traditional marriage and denying the “dignity of privacy in the bathroom” is indicative of just how the election has laid bare the hypocrisy of the evangelical religious right. Donald Trump is on record for being in favor of marriage equality and has said he would not have a problem with transgender bathrooms in his properties. In the past, he has been pro choice before he was against it.
Then there is the character issue. Donald Trump is a pathological liar, a sociopath, a bully, a racist, an adulterer and a sexual predator. There goes at least six of the Ten Commandments, most of Jesus’ teachings and centuries of church teachings on what it means to be a Christian. Trump does know his Bible though. Remember when he quoted from “Two Corinthians”? Hillary Clinton was a flawed candidate, but at least her supporters didn’t sell their soul to the Devil.
I’m sure there are “Christians” who would say we are all sinners and are willing to forgive Trump for his indiscretions, but I would ask: Does that forgiveness extend to candidates of the opposing political party?
Rebecca Rochat