Give vets a break; limit the fireworks
In California, all fireworks that explode, shoot into the air or move along the ground are officially called “dangerous” and therefore are illegal to possess anywhere in the state. First offense for those who do not comply is a $1,250 fine. So we in Tennessee are able to celebrate our independence by using fireworks. However, I would like to see everyone limit their celebration to July 4.
Every year around this time, we hear loud booms days before and after also. There are many veterans who have flashbacks from their time serving our country who have to contend with this; also parents with infants, older seniors and pet owners who have their pets run away from fright. Before more laws are made to infringe on our independence, please consider celebrating on July 4 only.
Roger Groot, Cleveland, Tenn.
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Illegal entry does not mean free ride
My great-grandparents (on my mother’s side) came to this country in 1905. They traveled to this country on their own dime. They entered this country through a port of entry and did not sneak across the Canadian border. They had (limited) funds when they arrived but could feed and house themselves for several months. They asked for nothing more than a chance.
They learned to read and speak English (even though they lived in an ethnic neighborhood). Today, those at the border think that if they can get to this country without funds to live, they are entitled to be here. This country is a haven for immigrants, but those who arrive with nothing have no right to be here if they expect this country to feed, house and supply health care (no matter how short of a time period).
The words “illegal alien” means you are an alien criminal. You broke the laws of this country and do not have the rights of a U.S. citizen.
C.S. Beck
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Policy expresses Trump grotesquerie
Separating children from parents seeking asylum at our border is the worst example of how Donald Trump operates. The U.S. under Trump does not meet standards of a civilized country. He manages to focus on FOX TV to explain political “reality” to him. Then in a flash of hate-filled mania, he conceives an idea so shocking that even his “base” is turning toward Trump as persecutor and in sympathy to his victims.
Trump’s response, as usual, is to blame others. As usual, after giving orders, it turns out nothing required to carry out such orders exists; there is no plan, no infrastructure in place to allow action. He and his supporters are responsible for creating a system so chaotic that, according to an involved official, there is no way for children’s advocates to locate parents once their children are taken away from them.
In a matter of days, Trump has destroyed thousands of families and interfered with the normal development of thousands of children. To what end? This is governmental policy, not in the usual sense of the word, but that expresses the grotesque nature of Trump.
Faye S. Walter, Sewanee, Tenn.
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Vote a straight Democratic ticket
The United States does not have enough young people studying in fields like engineering, science, medicine and education to meet the future needs of our country. Therefore, we rely on bright young immigrants from Europe, Asia or Latin America to fulfill these vital roles in a rapidly changing world. Immigrants have always helped America to grow, and that is just as true in the 21st century. Don’t forget that Albert Einstein and Irving Berlin were immigrants.
If Donald Trump’s reactionary immigration policy continues, enabled by a know-nothing Republican Congress and the current Supreme Court, these young people will quit coming to America. The U.S. will quickly spiral down into a Third-World country. This sinking ship of a nation is, of course, exactly what Russia and China want. It all sounds like a new cold war, and we’re losing.
The Republican Party has done absolutely nothing to help advance America in this century. Some conservatives may find this concept offensive, but it’s the reality of our time. The only hope for our future is for all sensible people in Tennessee, Georgia and elsewhere to vote for a straight Democratic ticket in this year’s elections.
Allen Chesney
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Hitler comparison denunciation lauded
I applaud David Cook’s column (June 24) in which he denounced those who compare President Trump to Adolf Hitler. He correctly quoted Shalom Auslander that Hitler was a psychopath, and also declares that this false comparison waters down the depth of Hitler’s “premeditated and genocidal” actions.
When President Trump, with all his flaws of character, sends a smiling Dr. Josef Mengele (a Nazi SS officer and physician) to our Southern border, separates children, sends his chosen ones to his laboratories for horrific medical experiments, and sends the rest, the fortunate ones, directly to the gas chambers, I will accept the comparisons of Hitler to the constitutionally elected president of the United States.
I suggest the reading of “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy” by Eric Metaxas for its vivid description of the Nazi regime even before the outbreak of World War II, when many German political, intellectual and military leaders understood the depth of Hitler’s psychopathic personality and tried unsuccessfully to overthrow him.
Glenn Swygart, Sewanee, Tenn.
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New Signal rezone scary as last one
On July 9, the Signal Mountain Town Council will be voting, yet again, on a rezone. This one is at Albert Road and Taft Highway, requesting a change from low density residential to office/commercial for a 12,000-square-foot office building and parking.
Currently the land use plan defines the commercial zone as between Cauthen Way and Albert Road. This rezone would allow development on the other side of Albert Road, increasing the area of the town’s commercial zone.
If this rezone is approved, it will open a Pandora’s box, and everyone on Taft Highway will be requesting a rezone. Next thing you know, there will be commercial development all up and down the highway. If this rezone is approved, the dominoes will start to fall.
So much attention was given to the Keith Corp./Food City rezone request and ultimate denial, I’m afraid the citizens might let their guard down and this rezone will be approved. It, too, would change the look and feel of the mountain.
I urge the Town Council to follow the land use plan and vote “no” on second reading of the rezone of Albert and Taft.
Joyce Jennings Smith, Signal Mountain
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Requesting climate change, heat links
Summer is just starting, and already we are smashing heat records.
In May 2018, every state in the U.S. experienced above-average temperatures, and eight set records.
Last year was the third hottest year on record, with many parts of the country experiencing oppressively hot days. And 2018 is likely to bring more of the same.
The frequency and severity of summer heat across the United States is being fueled by climate change.
This summer, I urge our trusted news sources like you to provide information about the relationship between extreme heat and climate change when reporting on heat waves and record-breaking heat. Connecting the dots for readers between the extreme heat and our warming climate provides readers with important facts and context about what we are experiencing, and why we so urgently need to act to address it.
Moreover, the magnitude of the climate crisis, coupled with the availability of solutions, merits constant, high-quality media coverage to educate the public and spur robust discussion.
This summer, please cover climate.
Thank you for your consideration.
Craig Drew