In the July 17 TFP, Clay Bennett had a cartoon in the editorial section showing the Statue of Liberty with her torch on the ground, holding a sign with the word “France,” and her right hand out to hitch a ride back to France. This clearly represents the liberal view of immigration control efforts currently under consideration, and which we seem to be losing from a conservative point of view.
The purpose of Miss Liberty, however, had nothing to do with immigration. She was a gift from France for three reasons: (A) to commemorate the lasting friendship between France and the U.S.A.; (B) to commemorate our signing of the Declaration of Independence; and (C) to honor the U.S.A. for having created a viable democracy.
The statue was dedicated in 1886. Seventeen years later, the passage “Give me your tired, etc.” was added on a plaque affixed to Miss Liberty’s base. This is where the concept of open borders has become a part of the statue’s purpose. It had, and still has, no such relationship to Miss Liberty’s original intent.
Al Hockert
Hixson
Lake Winnie ready with aid for illness
On July 26, my wife and I took our two grandchildren to Lake Winnepesaukah. The heat and humidity of the day, the stress of wrangling two nuclear boys ages 4 and 7, and the exciting centrifugal force of the Tilt-a-Whirl caused a medical situation to occur with my wife. Without question, the concession staff gave us a bag of ice, and the trained emergency staff came to her aid in two to three minutes.
They gave her cold water, some food and transferred her to a comfort station, which had air-conditioning and a bed. The staff took the grandchildren for rides while my wife recovered enough to safely be moved to our car for the trip home. Harriett and I wish to thank the concession staff, EMT Ripper, and staff member Lisa and another staff person whose name I didn’t get. All ended well, thanks to their attention. Of course, we want to return to Lake Winnie.
Please let TFP readers know that Lake Winnie is prepared and willing to aid its customers.
Robert Berman
Hixson
Trump fostered hands-off policy
When President Donald Trump took office, World War III was imminent! Three world leaders had their hands on their button. If any one of them pushes his button, in minutes, a large percentage of the world’s population will start to die horrible deaths! Those near ground zero will be instantly vaporized while those farther away will die of radiation sickness and starvation.
Trump has gotten all three world leaders to take their hands off their button; Trump first gave face-saving respect to the three world leaders, Putin of Russia, Kim of North Korea and Xi of China. He arranged eyeball meetings with all three leaders and has developed personal friendships with them. All three have taken their hands off their button, and sincere negotiations for world peace have begun.
I pray the Democrats, the Squad and the media start to give Trump the civility and goodwill Trump has given, and now gets, from Putin, Kim and Xi. If they don’t start doing this, we will be more likely to be defeated by the enemies within than the enemies without.
Dr. Tom Herzog
Numbers varied on tax increase
Commissioner Sharpe told the TFP he was frustrated with those who opposed the tax increase but offered no solutions. Tom Decosimo, Elgin Gray and others did. Nonetheless, consider:
Our county gives the Chamber of Commerce $600,000 annually; where does it go? The city gives the chamber $600,000 annually; how about asking the city to give it to schools?
We give our superintendent $50,000 a year for retirement. This position pays more than $200,000 a year with a lot of benefits. Administration costs were singled out as worthy of financial trimming.
Of 81 civic, business and government leaders in the Power Poll, 56, or 73%, wanted a tax increase. And I continued to hear references that more than 60% of Hamilton County residents wanted an increase.
Yet, one reputable poll had 2,672 votes cast, showing 76%, or a little more than 2,000 residents, opposed to a tax increase. In the TFP, 240, or more than 60%, of only 400 people, residents approved.
Local neighborhood associations were overwhelmingly opposed but apparently fell on deaf ears of some elected officials.
Thanks to the five county commissioners who listened to constituents and voted against a tax increase.
Ron Ray
You are racist if you don’t rebuke Trump
Donald Trump’s overtly racist comments about four Democratic congresswomen are absolutely disgusting. His remarks issued at two news conferences – first on July 13 and then on July 15 – are especially repugnant because of the high office he currently holds. These comments must be condemned by freedom-loving Americans everywhere.
It was bad enough when he first tweeted such things, but to repeat his words and add to them as he did on July 15 is inexcusable. He is unrepentant and has no shame. Trump’s comments must be loudly condemned by us all. Otherwise, we, too are racists.
And what are the responses from our other leaders? Many Democrats have expressed great disgust. Yet only four Republican senators have strongly criticized Trump. A few other Republicans have offered half-hearted criticism or even tried to justify Trump’s comments!
Why do more Republicans not speak out? Are Republicans racists? Since I have a few Republican friends, I do not believe this. However, right now Republicans look very bad indeed. Remember: Silence equals consent. Pay attention!
Crystal Kadivar
Hixson
Trump supports Putin-style D.C.
Bob Mueller’s report proved that Vladimir Putin interfered in the 2016 election, continues to do so today and plans to increase his efforts in 2020. Putin admitted he favored Trump. That’s expected since the Trump organization owes Putin millions of dollars.
On June 13, Donald Trump admitted he would accept interference in future elections from foreign entities, including foreign corporations and governments. Republican senators including Marsha Blackburn voted to defeat the Foreign Influence Reporting in Elections Act. Think about this! The Republican Party embraces influence from foreign entities in our election process. As a hard-working, American taxpayer, do you think your interests will be given any attention at all when foreign corporations are funding Republican election efforts?
Will voters continue to support Republican Party efforts to destroy democracy in America in favor of a Putin-style dictatorship? Well, 90% of Republicans approve of the job Donald Trump is doing.
Jonathan D. Nessle
Government revenue rising or falling?
I would like an answer as to who is lying in today’s paper (July 27). Paul Krugman said tax revenues have fallen “on the order of $140 billion over the past year.”
The right side editorial said, “it is a fact that the tax cuts have caused government revenue to rise.” It is sad that you can no longer count on accuracy in the newspaper.
Kris Riefler