I have been having my taxes done at Northgate Mall for a number of years with ‘no charge.”
I appreciate this service very much, and I am sure many others feel the same way.
I wold like to thank the tax preparers and whoever else is responsible for providing this valuable service to residents.
Mary Coleman
Voucher program questions abound
Tennessee’s recent voucher-like proposal should invite answers to obvious questions. The state lists 89 private pre-K through 12 schools, with tuition ranging down from $50,000. The average annual cost is $9,562 (plus expenses). To qualify for the $7,300 proposed voucher, the low-income student must be from a low performing school. The 60th most expensive private school is the first one whose tuition would be covered by the $7,300. How will a low income family solve this math problem?
Some necessary questions: Do private schools hire teachers that meet the same accreditations the state requires? Do people who homeschool have to have a bachelor’s degree? Will students in private schools be tested and compared with public school students? This is a crucial time for learning for young people. Usually, neglect of the basics cannot be recovered. This is a policy problem.
The majority of our doctors, scientists, business people, manufacturers and visionaries are public school educated. If we have poorly functioning schools and teachers (and we do), isn’t it sensible to put the money into trying to build the best school system?
D.W. Kirkpatrick
Cleveland
Apison in a slump? Come see our traffic
Twice now I have read an article in your paper saying that Apison is in a slump.
I would be happy to give the lady who came up with these facts a tour of Apison. We have about eight new subdivisions in East Brainerd in the Apison area, with new ones being built all the time. Also, new homes on Bill Jones Road, and other areas of Apison, with more subdivisions planned.
All of these houses are expensive, so the people buying them must have a good income. The traffic is getting worse all the time. It took me about five minutes to pull out of London Lane on to East Brainerd last week.
Helen Blair
Trump’s McCain attacks ‘petty’
Mr. President,
Your personal attacks on the late Sen. John McCain are petty and despicable.
Sen. McCain was a patriot, a statesman and a true war hero. In your recent attacks, you whined that even though you gave your approval to “the kind of funeral ” he wanted in the National Cathedral, his family did not even thank you. A spokesman for the cathedral responded that services held in that edifice do not require the approval of the president or any other government employee. Mr. President, that is known as separation of church and state.
The Rev. H. Hunter Huckabay Jr.
‘Free enterprise’ frames the debate
That the debate between socialism and capitalism has re-emerged is, in my judgment, partly a result of terms which fail to frame the debate constructively.
Considering the 19th and 20th centuries, “socialism” is far too friendly a term, containing as it does the word “social” with all its positive connotations. “Collectivism” is more helpful, in its emphasis on some sort of centralized control over the nation’s production and distribution of goods and services (i.e., wealth). It raises the significant question, “Who controls this decision-making?” because, of course, some group will in fact exercise control (i.e., power). “Command economy” is a useful synonym here, and the fallout of such a system over the past century is evident for anyone willing to look.
Likewise, “capitalism” is unhelpful. (Try explaining it to young people with no business experience, no knowledge of the risks and perils of a business start-up.) That people should be free to take such risks, sometimes succeeding, sometimes failing, free of the centralized control implicit in a command economy, is the heart of the matter. Thus, “free enterprise” is more accurate.
As this renewed debate unfolds, we are not well served by ambiguities.
Gary Lindley
Lookout Mountain, Ga.
Only by the love and grace of God
A reader recently asked columnist David Cook for scriptures supporting a claim that being gay is a sin or a spiritual crime. Respectfully, he answered, refusing to use scriptures to make a point. He said, “He only believes gays and straight do not matter in the kingdom of heaven.” Though minor for today’s church, many Christians view this as a very big question.
Most Christians want to know what the Bible really says about certain moral laws. He believes the Bible only points to God. Perhaps for him to struggle with moral laws is a frivolous waste of time. Generally speaking, most Christians take moral problems seriously and often struggle with physical and spiritual matters. Christians often are confused on how to understand spiritual life.
From the perspective of secularism, which is steeped deeply in an understanding of a philosophical foundation of liberalism and democracy, our church and culture are losing their true value. Institutions are under rigorous self-criticism and reaffirmation. Biblical doctrines are considered outdated! One thing we know as Christians that is not outdated is gay or straight, no one can enter the kingdom of heaven except by the love and the grace of God.
Amos Taj
Ooltewah
Preferring Trump’s refreshing candor
There is so much posturing from people about President Trump’s remarks about John McCain.
The only thing that I heard him say is that he was not a fan of John McCain, and he did not like his vote against repealing Obamacare. The criticism of President Trump seems to be because McCain is dead. I find it refreshing to hear someone, especially someone holding political office, to be honest and courageous enough to say how they feel.
I also was not a fan of John McCain, but I admit that I like him more now because he can’t do any more damage to this country.
Johnny H. Frazier