State secession papers tell truth
The column by Roger Smith (Free Press opinion page, Aug. 16) is laughable in its misreading of American history.
First, contrary to what Mr. Smith says, the War Between the States (aka Civil War) was not perpetrated by Northern troops invading the South but by Southern militias seizing federal property. President Lincoln did not declare war on the South but ordered the defense of Fort Sumter and other American interests.
Second, Southern states seceded and formed the Confederacy because their leaders knew Lincoln and the new Republican Party opposed the extension of slavery into the territories and new states. If you think the Civil War was not about slavery, Mr. Smith, just read the articles of secession passed by the South Carolina legislature.
If the resulting war and its tragic and prolonged agony is an example of government overreach, it is the overreach of the pathetic leadership of the Southern Confederacy. I write this as a Southern boy, who had two great-grandfathers and other relatives who served in the Confederate Army but left no kind words about their Confederate leaders.
Latham Davis, Sewanee, Tenn.
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East Ridge police union picks Bethune
Two people are running for East Ridge mayor this November. The International Brotherhood of Police Officers (IBPO) Local #735, the majority voice of the East Ridge Police Department, endorses Jim Bethune.
Citizens have taken note of the attention and taxpayer money focused on efforts at Exit 1 the past few years. We have watched the reinforcement of concrete and pavers while public safety resources have deteriorated. Jim will work to properly equip the police/fire departments to provide better service and reduce crime.
IBPO #735 recognizes the benefit of investment but also the necessity of investment reaching every citizen. And we must have proper resources, such as law enforcement, to accommodate that growth.
Jim also believes in protecting the property rights of citizens and business owners and is against eminent domain.
He is a lifelong East Ridge resident who served the country during the Vietnam War. Many of the police officers are veterans; some are still serving.
Jim is a former East Ridge vice mayor and City Council member, has managed a successful car dealership and has volunteered with the East Ridge Optimist Club. He is retired and can devote his time to the city.
Scott Butcher, President, Local #735
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What could Putin have on Trump?
Someone observed that “inviting Vladimir Putin to visit our country is like inviting a burglar back into the house,” a summit postponed but not cancelled.
A head of state is bound to know everything significant that transpires in that nation, and in the case of a dictator like Putin, an attack on the institutions of another power to achieve a desired purpose.
Russians invaded our presidential election. This was confirmed by all of our nation’s intelligence agencies and the indictments issued by our courts on numerous Russian military intelligence officials and others present here to pursue every means to undermine our election in favor of Trump.
These are undeniable facts that some unfortunately choose to ignore or deny. For what purpose would it be for Trump to favor a former communist KGB dictator who ripped off Crimea from the Ukraine, and who militarily supports Syria’s Assad?
Could the reason for such support for an American adversary be due to goods Putin has on Trump that would be a disaster for Trump if disclosed?
John Bratton, Sewanee, Tenn.