Why must we trash our neighborhoods? and more letters to the editors

Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor

Why must we trash our neighborhoods?

I have the pleasure of owning a home in a clean, well-maintained neighborhood development at the intersection of Bill Reed and Green Shanty roads. I enjoy living there.

When I leave my home, however, it's a different story. I do believe that this intersection, along with most of Standifer Gap in this area, may be the single most trashed area in all of Ooltewah; in fact, it may be the most trashy area in all of Chattanooga. Why? Why is this a favorite place for Krystal, Panda Express, Chick-fil-A, booze bottles, hub caps - oh, and my favorite every Friday evening - the Delsym cough syrup bottles and the booze nips and beer bottles.

I often hear people talking about how beautiful the state of Tennessee is; not around here. It's disgusting, shameful and so, so inexcusable.

What rock have these people been hiding under that they don't know better than this? I am embarrassed every time I have guests because they have to travel through the mounds of unsightly garbage and trash to get to my neighborhood.

Tennessee may be a beautiful state, but this part of Ooltewah sure isn't.

Ellen Spencer

Ooltewah

Seeking gun action from officials

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty: Think about it. We all know that 18-year-old kids should not be allowed to have access to an automatic rifle that was designed to be a weapon for war, yet we have watched as hundreds of children are killed year after year because we have done nothing to prevent an 18-year-old from getting these horrible weapons and invading our schools.

Think about it. What a wonderful opportunity you have and what an obligation you have to see that this senseless killing will never happen again.

Let's hope and pray that you will take action that will be a tribute to you for the rest of your tenure in office, and thanks from the vast majority of your constituents.

Think about it.

Pat Brock

No, our laws are not 'fixed forever'

To the writer of the May 22 letter ("Aren't our laws fixed forever"), I am a Latin scholar and was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1975.

Please remember the 1857 decision in Dred Scott and the 1896 decision in Plessy v. Ferguson were both once "stare decisis," the latter being overturned in Brown in 1954, thus illustrating that the Constitution is a "flexible document," Chief Justice Warren basing his majority opinion on information from social science studies rather than court precedent.

It is further noteworthy that another May 22 writer ("Let's get serious about gun laws"), in calling for gun control despite the Second Amendment, begins his letter as follows: "The Founding Fathers created a Constitution adaptable to future times."

Claudos Spears

Young Harris, Ga.

Adams has a plan for housing crisis

The recent news about development is exciting for those who have lived through Hamilton County's economic highs and lows. But with the news of investment comes a downside: Some development is forcing longtime residents out of their neighborhoods, some into homelessness.

I am encouraged at least one candidate for office sees this displacement/gentrification as the problem it is. That candidate is Matt Adams, who is running for Hamilton County mayor. Adams' approach to our affordable housing crisis makes sense. He smartly suggests the county look to its "rainy day" fund to put in place a program ensuring all Hamilton County residents have access to safe, affordable housing. He also wants to partner with the private sector to help build a community where people can afford to live comfortably, not struggle to pay rent every month; perhaps even find a path to home ownership if that is what they want.

I support Adams for county mayor, and I urge all voters - no matter party affiliation - to do the same.

Rodney Strong

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