Respect Stewart for hero he was
Removing the bust of Lt. Gen. A.P. Stewart from the Hamilton County Courthouse lawn would discount the many efforts made after the Civil War and Reconstruction from veterans of both sides to move sectional disagreements and resentments aside, and march forward as a unified nation.
A.P. Stewart's story is one of a Tennessean who reluctantly took up arms against the union only to defend hearth and home; of an anti-slavery Southerner who had no stake in the evil institution; of a man who dedicated many years to the formation of our beloved Chickamauga-Chattanooga military park; of a university chancellor; of a civic leader; and of a man who was deeply respected by veterans on both sides of our bloody Civil War for his efforts to reconcile sons of the South with sons of the North.
Lt. Gen. Stewart's bust could and should be seen by every elementary school student in Hamilton County as a symbol of what makes our community so strong: our willingness to move forward together as neighbors despite differences of background or affiliation.
W. Andrew Clark, Lookout Mountain, Tenn.
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Free speech lost in Boston event
I am concerned about the recent "free speech" event in Boston. All sides called it a success.
I believe it was a serious violation of the First Amendment. I am opposed to all white supremacist groups. They are wrong, divisive, violate everything reasonable people stand for and are dangerous. But they have a right to be heard.
Not only do they have a right to be heard, it is important they be heard. In Boston, rally organizers failed to get the required permit for a sound system. But the police separated speakers from attendees by some 35 yards, so the speakers could not be heard by either supporters or counter-protesters. Worse, police would not allow reporters to approach the speakers, so their comments are unrecorded.
At such an event, everyone should show their disapproval by staying away, avoiding violence white supremacists hope will occur. But we need to hear their messages so they can be countered intelligently. Their speech needs to be reported so reasonable people can understand their evil and how it should be countered.
Of all the constitutional amendments, I believe the first is most important. Without it, the others have little value.
James Mike Hemsley
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Smith should give information source
I agree with Robin Smith that "intimidation is not free speech," but she is the only public source stating that Antifa members attending a Berkeley demonstration used "... concrete-filled soda cans ... and bicycle chains."
While it was reported that some Antifa carried baseball bats, there were no reports concerning the other items.
In this new age, we are quick to think the worst about the other side, but in public comments, such statements cry out for attribution.
Bill Longwell, Monteagle, Tenn.