Check your history; Republicans unifiers
The Democrat Party was founded in 1829. It defended slavery, started the Civil War, opposed Reconstruction, founded the Ku Klux Klan, imposed segregation, perpetrated lynching, and fought the civil rights acts in the 1950s and 1960s. In fact, the Democrats filibustered the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for 75 days before it was finally approved. Before the Civil War, a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 1857 voted 7-2 to uphold slavery, stating that slaves were property and not citizens. Those seven who voted to uphold slavery were Democrats.
The Republican Party was founded in 1854 with the philosophy of anti-slavery. The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution for abolishing slavery, granting citizenship to blacks and granting voting rights to blacks were approved by the Republican Congress.
So, it’s quite clear that the Democrat Party has a history of dividing this country and the Republican Party of unifying the people.
Gary Hayes
Ooltewah
Can’t trust Trump; that’s a big deal
Our intelligence agencies have concluded Russia meddled in the 2016 elections. But President Trump doesn’t believe them, preferring to embrace fake news and believe Russian President Putin. Apparently, he does not comprehend the danger. Trump’s lack of truthfulness is central to the Russia investigation, and in his book James Comey called him “untethered to truth.”
At least 97 percent of climate scientists agree: Climate-warming trends over the past century are likely due to human activities. But he doesn’t believe them. Also troubling is his own inclination toward exaggeration and untruthfulness. His political rise was founded on lies that Obama was a Muslim and not an American citizen.
As of May 1, in the 466 days since becoming president, he made 3,001 false or misleading claims, an average of nearly 6.5 claims/day, according to The Fact Checker’s database that analyzes suspect statements uttered by the president.
A president who spends so much time misrepresenting the truth is without precedent. Every president has occasionally “shaded” the truth, but no other president has been so reckless with it. It seems we cannot trust our president to speak the truth. To me, that’s a big deal.
Sam Bledsoe
Lenoir City, Tenn.
Stop backing weak people. Wake up!
As a lifelong Republican, I’m thoroughly disgusted with those in office and those running, except for a few who are retiring. The Republican candidates for Tennessee governor and Mealy Mouse Fleischmann speak proudly of their “Christian values” while proudly supporting a person who:
-Is a bigot: Look at his statements on not letting people from s–hole countries come into the U.S. without even giving them a chance. Just what does Lady Liberty stand for?
-Doesn’t regard family values: separating children from their parents and Stormy Daniels.
-Doesn’t care for middle America: tariffs/trade wars that only hurt our exports.
-Has taken our international diplomacy back to the dark ages: criticizes Canada, the EU, etc., but praises Russia and North Korea.
-Isn’t fit to lead our armed forces (I’m a veteran): He never served but had five deferments.
-Disregards the First Amendment: It is the press that keeps us in check.
I am not perfect and pray to my savior, Jesus Christ, for forgiveness and faith every day. Wake up people. This country is in trouble and if we keep supporting weak people, I’m afraid for our children.
Laurie Shipley
Hixson
Elizabeth Baker the pick for District 2
Elizabeth Baker is the better choice to represent District 2 on the Hamilton County Commission.
Elizabeth is an outspoken proponent and supporter of public education who has worked with multiple school districts, most recently serving on Superintendent Bryan Johnson’s transition team. She has a deep knowledge of the legislative process and extensive experience as a businesswoman.
Elizabeth’s commitment to our community can be seen in her work with Stay with HCDE. She is a co-founder and leader of this nonpartisan grassroots organization which opposes the creation of an independent school district by the Town of Signal Mountain.
In her work with Stay with HCDE, I saw Elizabeth do more listening than speaking. She sought and gave equal weight to the opinions of teachers, students, administrators, parents, business leaders and financial experts. I know she will do the same as our county commissioner.
I’m asking my Democratic, Republican and independent friends who vote on Signal Mountain and in Valdeau, Stuart Heights, Lupton City and Red Bank 3 to join me in voting for Elizabeth Baker for Hamilton County Commission District 2. Early voting starts July 13; election day is Thursday, August 2.
Annie Hall
Signal Mountain