Chattanooga responds to call for blood donors
On page B5 of the Dec. 18 issue of the Times Free Press, I again noticed the small but wonderful advertisement I have seen previously in the newspaper. The message is simple but profound: Give blood.
It makes a vital point. The need for blood in its various forms is continuous on an everyday basis.
I am thankful that the Chattanooga area community seems to respond robustly to calls for blood donors. I am grateful to God that I am healthy enough to share my platelets up to 24 times a year.
On Dec. 7, I attended the annual Blood Assurance apheresis donor holiday dinner. The attendance and program buoyed my morale as a regular donor.
Harry Geller
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Corker’s tax vote will hurt citizens
Sen. Corker:
I am profoundly discouraged by your recent flip-flop on the tax bill. The promises offered by proponents of this bill are totally bogus.
I am further repulsed by the fact that your change of heart came only after the bill was altered in such a way that you would personally benefit.
I know that you claim that this had nothing to do with your decision, and that you did not even know it until after you made the decision. However, this dodge reminds me of the circumstances surrounding the “Call me, Harold” ads that ran on TV just before your election to your first term in the Senate. In that instance you also denied responsibility and declared that you knew nothing of it until it ran.
Your dishonest and harmful actions have, and will continue, to do great harm to middle-class citizens in Tennessee. I am sorry for our state and country. Even more, I am sorry for you.
Shame on you. May God forgive you.
C. Gerald Richardson, Monteagle
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Mencken’s wisdom is on full display today
The astute scholar and cultural critic, H.L. Mencken, said, “On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their hearts’ desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
What an astounding seer was he. The evidence is everywhere.
Joe Porter, Sewanee, Tenn.
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Prioritize civics courses in schools
After decrying the tax reform legislation as among the most egregious examples of the Washington “swamp” which needs draining, and after detailing the number of wealthy Tennessee and Georgia legislators who stand to gain by the bill’s “pass-through” provision (Chattanooga Times editorial last Sunday), your writer offers that the election of such hypocrites only proves the need for beefed-up civics instruction in schools.
On the need for civics classes I couldn’t agree more, but to blame the current level of ignorance on, among other things, the elimination in 2011 of federal funding for civics instruction only proves her point – but unintentionally.
Where does the Constitution even remotely suggest federal funds for any sort of classroom instruction?
The problem is not funding; it most is likely a lack of priority.
Grades 6-12 represent seven years; assume seven instructional periods a day for a total of 49 over those seven years, but double that, because a civics course would only be a semester in length. Now you have 98 possible slots to fit a civics course.
If it were a priority, there would be space for it. We don’t need Washington to tell us to do this.
Gary Lindley, Lookout Mountain, Ga.