Thank Ochs also for Point Park use
Paul Neely’s article (Perspective, Feb. 17) describing the legacy of Adolph S. Ochs detailed his influence on the practice of journalism. For Chattanoogans, equally meaningful was his role in preserving Lookout Mountain’s Point Park for public use.
As the end of the 1800s approached, development of Lookout Mountain accelerated. Hotels, inclines and railroads were built to take advantage of the spectacular view. T
hat’s when Ochs organized and inspired a movement to protect the beautiful property on the point and sides of the mountain. The most valuable land in the region, instead of being divided into high-priced individual lots, was donated to the U.S. Park Service as part of Chickamauga and Chattanooga Battlefield.
This benevolent, farsighted decision continues to have positive repercussions for Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga and the surrounding region. Every homesite on the mountain enjoys increased value because of its access to Point Park and the trail system on the sides of the mountain that connects to Sunset Rock, Skyuka Spring and Reflection Riding.
The spectacular view from Point Park draws visitors to Chattanooga annually, and that view has become the brand mark of the city of Chattanooga.
Again, thank you, Adolph S. Ochs!
Doug Stein, Lookout Mountain, Ga.
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Drug prices too costly for too many
I recently had an experience while at a local pharmacy which caused me great distress.
The first woman in line to pick up prescriptions appeared to be middle aged and from a middle socio-economic group (if that still exists). The pharmacy tech told her that her out-of-pocket cost was $150. The woman, looking embarrassed, said she couldn’t afford it and left.
The next gentleman in line was picking up prescriptions for a relative and was told he would have to pay an additional $54 for glucose strips. He, too, was unable to purchase them.
When I reached the front, I said,”I hope I can pay for this.” In response, the pharmacy technician said that it is not uncommon that people are unable to pay and the staff finds it heartbreaking that they cannot do more to help.
Sen. Chuck Grassley has held hearings with Big Pharma. They are hoping to negotiate lower out-of-pocket costs for Medicare patients with catastrophic illnesses. This is just a start.
I suggest that each of us call our senators and representatives to advocate for fair drug pricing. The pharmaceutical industry is one of the strongest lobbying groups in the U.S. We must advocate for one another by opposing outrageous drug pricing.
Cheryl Walker-Ridder, Hixson
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No need to scare teens on climate
I believe that the far left, politicians and news media are putting a big burden of fear and stress on our young people.
Last week I saw a teenager asking a politician, ” What is going to happen in 10 years?”
Another asked, “Why is it not being fixed now, why do we have to face it?”
Teenagers have enough stress in their life. They do not need to fear the future because of some left-wing “boo” tactics.
Maybe they did enjoy the part about flatulent cows. Maybe it is the politicians who are just “full of it.”
Ruth Cote, Hixson
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Lessons from Diane one year forward
On this one-year anniversary of Diane Hulgan’s passing after a tragic accident, I still weep over the loss of one of my best friends. Diane was a devoted country music fan – something I rarely listened to. Through the years, Diane compiled playlists of country songs for loved ones.
Her gift of music continues to comfort me – especially Brad Paisley’s “When I Get Where I’m Going” and Tim McGraw’s “Find Out Who Your Friends Are.” Diane provided for my future comfort – a legacy we would all do well to imitate.
At her memorial service, our pastor, Grady Davidson, encapsulated her life with “Lessons We Can Learn from Diane”: 1) Expect to see the God of history at work in this present moment; 2) Keep our faith in God simple; 3) Every human being is infinitely interesting (if you bother to study them and get to know them); and 4) Everybody needs to have a collision with The Solid Rock and see the light.
Kathy Richards, East Ridge
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Socialism the way out of want, fear
Thirty years ago, Americans could raise a family and buy a home and car on one full-time income. Today, home prices are six digits, and children require costly electronics for education. Higher education without life-compromising debt is available to too few.
Life’s opportunities have dramatically declined. The vilified socialist movement offers a way forward. “Soak-the-rich” characterizations are answered by obvious and extremely lucrative “soak-the-poor” pay-day loans, slum landlords, inflated rents, pawn-your-title schemes, used car hustlers, rent-to-own furniture, Chapter 13 bankruptcies, jail bonders, bounty hunters, asset confiscation laws, etc.
Capitalism feeds on the poor. Now the U.S. is eating its young as the $1.5 trillion debt of its hopefuls striving for productive lives attests.
Yes, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez gets facts wrong, but why pillory a 29-year-old, compassionate striver while lauding an old silver-spooned lying brand?
Democratic-socialism is not Venezuela – it’s Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Canada and European nations that were forced to respond when returning WWI and WWII soldiers demanded freedom from “want” and “fear.”
These were two of the four freedoms pronounced by President Franklin Roosevelt and illustrated by Norman Rockwell. Yet, we’re still struggling.
Lucy Taylor
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Smollett incident doesn’t excuse rest
The revelation “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett has turned himself into authorities on charges he choreographed the recent racist/homophobic attack on him should bring about a collective facepalm. However, Smollett is innocent until proven guilty.
Still, evidence has proven hate crimes have been on the rise in America over the past three years. Recently, the Southern Poverty Law Center released its annual report on hate groups in America, showing the number of such groups are at a level not seen in 20 years.
While this year marks the 1619 anniversary of the first slave ships landing here, this country is still debating the necessity of Confederate monuments in public spaces. Recently, an Alabama newspaper editor suggested the KKK ride again.
And just because gay marriage is the law, that hasn’t stopped lawmakers from introducing bills designed to discriminate against the LGBTQ community.
If this ordeal was, as authorities contend, staged; it is a slap in the face to everyone from Emmett Till to Matthew Shepard who was assaulted or murdered because they were not white, straight, gender-conforming or didn’t follow a religion.
If this is a hoax, Smollett should apologize. And that might not be enough.
Brian Lake, Rossville, Ga.
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Disloyalty to boss a reason for firing
I am retired, and I have worked for many bosses over the years. Some were great, but some were difficult to work with, but they were always the boss.
I could either find another job or learn to get along with them. But if I attempted to sabotage their goals or undermined their authority while still on the job, I knew that I would be fired. And I should have been. I would have been disloyal to the boss and the company.
Mr. Comey, Mr. McCabe, Mr. Rosenstein, Mr. Strzok and Ms. Page were rightfully fired because they couldn’t get along with their boss.
Mr. Trump was elected; they were not.
Gerald Whitely, Ringgold, Ga.
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Carbon Act will fix our planet
Re the Feb. 1 article “Why a Student of History Cannot Buy the Climate Change Hype”:
At the end of 2018, a United Nations Climate Report stated we have 12 years to take action before the effects of climate change are irreversible. I’m not writing to convince people climate change is a threat or try to debate why they should care.
I’m writing because action needs to occur. As a recent college graduate, I want to see a planet habitable for the future. The UN report stated: “Carbon pollution needs to be cut by 45 percent by 2030” to see improvements. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019 (H.R. 763) will do that. This policy will reduce America’s emissions by at least 40 percent in the first 12 years, improve health/save lives, and create 2.1 million new jobs.
I am calling on Rep. Fleischmann to support this policy. It works because it implements a fee on fossil fuels. Starting low, and growing over time. It lowers carbon pollution because energy companies, industries, and consumers moves toward cleaner, cheaper options.
This is a nonpartisan issue; we share and coexist on the planet together.
Jenn Galler