Syria missile strike exposes hypocrisy
Assad’s recent use of sarin gas to murder his citizens was no less heinous in 2013. Donald Trump did not then demand retaliation for Assad’s use of sarin. He tweeted President Obama not to get involved, with or without Congressional approval.
Four years later, feigning concern over the gassing of “little babies,” President Trump unilaterally orders a missile strike. Not coincidentally, his administration is in disarray. His travel bans have been blocked in the courts, he and his adopted party of Republicans with majorities in Congress cannot deal with “very complicated” health insurance, he had to fire his National Security Adviser for lying, and his campaign is the subject of a counter-intelligence investigation by the FBI.
Trump’s attempt to boost his ratings and justify his actions by referring to photographs of sarin victims is reprehensible. Does it matter to families whether their children are dead because they were gassed, bombed, burned or shot? Trump acted improperly, illegally, and without authority, and he violated the Constitution. The lack of concern – indeed the praise by some “leaders” in Congress – is appalling. The hypocrisy of the people who criticized Obama but who are now applauding Trump is deplorable.
Donald Strickland
Signal Mountain
Confederacy of cowards bullied WUTC reporter
Thanks to the Times-Free Press for the reports on our public officials’ shameful behavior in firing a WUTC reporter. State Sen. Todd Gardenhire is a blowhard who likes to throw his weight around. He and his buddy, Bo Watson, love to stick their noses into matters that are none of their business.They have meddled in the operations of Volkswagen, the City of Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee. So much for limited government.
Their bullying found a willing victim in spineless UTC Chancellor Steven Angle. The chancellor’s office from top to bottom has shown a lack of integrity and a cowardice that is shameful. The university Board of Trustees and the president have likewise retreated into a cowardly silence. As for prima donnas, Mike Bell and Kevin Brooks, if you don’t want your statements reported, keep your mouths shut.
This collection of bullies and cowards is a horrible example for UTC students and every youth in our state. Jaqui Helbert was victimized and betrayed by confederacy of officials without integrity or human decency. May your lawsuit be a success.
Terry Stulce
Ooltewah
Jewish Film Series offering treasures
Thanks to the Chattanooga Times Free Press for being a corporate sponsor for the 10th annual Chattanooga Jewish Film Series. You are to be congratulated for your support of significant Chattanooga cultural programs. The series is an important Chattanooga film event bringing internationally award-winning, acclaimed movies to Chattanooga that otherwise would not be available here. These movies are chosen for their universal themes, historical importance, artistic values and great stories.
So far we have shown three films, and there are still three more. On April 19, we will show the German movie, “The Last Mentsch,” a wonderful story about taking a journey in search of identity and meaning. On April 26, we have “AKA Nadia,” an Israeli movie about a happily married working mother who has a hidden past revealed. Our final movie on May 3 is “1945,” a most insightful Hungarian film. All movies will be shown at the Jewish Cultural Center at 7 p.m. The entire Chattanooga community is welcome.
Sanford Winer