Elementary school supports Food Bank
An effort spearheaded by a group of Bright School fifth graders resulted in a $1,263 donation to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank for the purchase of gallons of milk to be distributed to families at a local elementary school. The money raised was mostly in pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. A one-day food drive also brought in 2,056 pounds of food, which equates to 1,713 meals.
“For us, it is not just about children bringing in coins, but about them learning of the needs of our greater community and how they can help,” Bright’s Head of School O.J. Morgan said in a release.
This is the second year of Bright School’s partnership with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, which serves 20 counties in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.
How can we oppose Iran?
For many years, the Shia Muslims and the Sunni Muslims in the Middle East have fought one another. I wonder why the United States has decided to pick a side in this dispute, and I really don’t understand why we have taken the side of Saudi Arabia and opposing Iran. Both of these countries have sponsored terrorists.
Saudi Arabia is ruled by an intolerant Sunni monarchy. The Wahabis in Saudi Arabia have exported a radical version of Islam, and they have been aided and abetted by the Saudi government. ISIS is a Sunni organization. Osama bin Laden and 14 of the 19 hijackers on 9/11 were from Saudi Arabia.
The world wanted Iran to curb its nuclear weapons program. Iran has agreed to do this, and by most accounts, it is living up to its side of the agreement. Iranians just had an election in which the voters overwhelmingly chose a moderate and rejected a hard-line candidate.
Why would the U.S. choose to support a repressive dictatorship and oppose a democracy that is working as well, or maybe better than ours?
Jim Olson
‘We the people,’ not me, me, me
Years ago, Congress borrowed from Social Security to be paid back later. Now, the amount borrowed is more than $3 trillion, and it still hasn’t been paid back.
On Jan. 1, 2017, the government only gave us a less than 1 percent raise. We citizens don’t have much. Citizens worked hard to have this income. The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States says, “We the People,” not me, me, me.
Gisela Topolski
Lafayette, Ga.
Trump ‘facts’ are only ‘fake news’
Donald Trump is a godly man. He is a babe in Christ who needs our support and prayers. He has never cheated anyone. The several thousand people who filed suit against Trump University are thieves, liars, losers and liberals.
He has never molested women, either. The dozen or so who say different are just ugly, frustrated, unhappy and probably in the pay of the evil, liberal media.
All the lies about the contacts between his campaign and Russia are just that, lies, by evil anonymous liberals in universities everywhere who just want to keep him from making America great again. Anyone who ever opposed Donald is a loser who doesn’t understand success. Donald is the only one who understands, the only one who can save us.
Any so-called mistakes from his administration are either just part of a natural learning curve or the result of leaks from the shadow government of traitors left over from that evil foreigner and covert Muslim terrorist, Barack Obama.
This has actually been the most successful beginning of a presidential administration in the history of the United States.
How’s that for “fake news?”
Herbert K. Lea
Chickamauga, Ga.
Independent film fans have outlet
If you’re one of many who’ve lamented the lack of independent films at our city’s cookie-cutter movie houses, here’s news to please you:
There’s a wonderful new theater in town that features only such films. It’s the Palace Picture House on Patten Parkway at the east end of the Tomorrow Building. It’s a relatively shoestring operation, so you’ll sit on recycled church pews instead of reclining leather seats, but that small sacrifice is worth the chance to stay abreast of what’s happening in films besides “Masters of the Universe” and other “blockbusters” that don’t bust our blocks.
If this sounds like something you’d like to learn more about, go to www.chattpalace.com and discover it for yourself. See you at the movies.
Helen Smith
Mayors must take clean energy lead
Mayor Berke: As the Trump administration slashes vital climate, air and water protections, mayors and local leaders must lead our nation toward a healthier, stronger future by committing to 100 percent clean, renewable energy for all.
Mayors, regardless of political party, from big cities and small, are supporting a vision of renewable energy in their communities and across the country. Transitioning to clean renewable energy – like wind, solar and electrified transportation – and energy efficiency will protect our kids and families from pollution, create new jobs and economic opportunities in our community and ensure all people have access to affordable energy solutions.
It is up to mayors to respond to this moment by doubling local efforts and signaling their support for clean energy and healthy communities nationwide.
The Chattanooga Quaker Meeting asks you to join your fellow mayors by adding your name to the Mayors for 100 percent Clean Energy Endorsement Letter: www.mayors4cleanenergy.org.
Ken Herrin
Parks’ Legacy Act deserves support
For decades, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park has served as a solemn place to reflect on two major Civil War battles and to enjoy wildlife, recreation and the outdoors. The park’s 1 million annual visitors, who spent more than $66 million in communities near the park in 2016, are also an important source of economic activity for our area.
Unfortunately, the park’s impact on our local economy and quality of life is now threatened by $28 million in deferred maintenance that imperils park roads, trails, plaques, monuments and markers. This is part of a $12 billion backlog faced by all national parks.
Although President Trump’s salary may be donated to Chicka- mauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, that represents a drop in the bucket to what is needed. New legislation recently introduced in Congress provides a more sustainable solution. The National Park Service Legacy Act would create a permanent fund for repairs and ongoing maintenance of our parks. Our officials in Washington should support it. It would be a powerful tribute to those who gave their lives on the battlefield and those who worked to preserve these sacred places.
Chris McKeever, executive director, 6th Cavalry Museum
Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.
Move firing range; protect legacy
Maintaining the morale of our police has been a focus of Mayor Andy Berke, but keeping a police firing range on Moccasin Bend runs contrary to the legacy of this unique piece of land.
Our former congressman, Zach Wamp, made the inclusion of Moccasin Bend into our National Parks a focus of his service, to his enduring credit. He recognized its historical importance to our city, to the Cherokee Nation and to the Trail of Tears.
May we please find a location for the firing range that does not betray this legacy?
Jeffrey D. Boehm