Sales tax reduction is appropriate offset
The Sunday newspaper had an article representing various state Tennessee legislators’ views on how to offset the governor’s proposed state gas tax hike.
Gerald McCormick made a refreshing suggestion: Decrease the sales tax so that poor people can benefit from the offset. I agree, because the gas tax affects nearly every adult in the state and so should the offset.
Other legislators proposed tax increases that mainly benefit investors and business owners, which will only help those who need it the least. I applaud Mr. McCormick’s compassion and hope that the rest of the General Assembly will follow his example.
Tom Cramer
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Tennessee license plate bill is wrongheaded
State Rep. Bill Sanderson, R-Kenton, has filed a bill to require “In God We Trust” on all standard Tennessee license plates, thereby demonstrating once again the tendency of some politicians to trivialize spiritual principles they presumably hold dear.
Clearly, Mr. Sanderson learned nothing from Gov. Bill Haslam’s veto last year of a foolish effort that would have made the Bible the official state book. Legislators failed to override the governor’s veto that reflected his doubts about its constitutionality – and more important, his view that the bill “trivialized the Bible.”
It is immaterial that other states, including nearby Georgia, have adorned their license plates with the slogan that has been posted on walls in many small stores: “In God We Trust. All Others Pay Cash.”
However, a larger point is more pertinent to this matter.
Supporters of the Sanderson bill apparently see it as a way to communicate their faith to other motorists, or at least to those driving behind them. A better way would be to combine their faith with good works to help fellow Tennesseans in desperate economic circumstances. A side benefit: such help, quietly given, protects one from pride.
Michael Loftin
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Parent offers lesson on decision-making
I am the parent of five teenage girls (at the moment). I have always taught my children – biological, adopted or fostered – to never judge a book by the cover – always giving our family as an example – race, religion, sexual preference or age.
Two of my girls met the requirements to vote last year for the first time. My same advice: Do not judge a book by the cover, in this case the political groups. My point: Consider the opponents and just not which “club/side/group/label” he/she belongs, Democrat/Republican/liberal /conservative/independent. Most important, decisions should never be an open/shut case (yet another book comparison).
My girls’ had a split decision. I know this because our family feels safe discussing thoughts and opinions. Three out of five of my girls will be attending Saturday for the Women’s March at Coolidge Park.
Jennifer Martel, Cleveland, Tenn.