Glad Moccasin Bend value will be realized
Our elders taught us, “when you know better, do better.” Gov. Bill Lee’s decision not to pursue new construction at Moccasin Bend is a wonderful reflection of government doing better, recognizing the incalculable value of this land, its history and what it means to preserve it for our future.
When construction began on Stonehenge and the pyramids were rising in Egypt, people were building temporary settlements on Moccasin Bend. As Rome was founded and Pompeii burned, people were thriving, gardening and even learning ceramics right here. From Hernando de Soto to the Revolutionary War, Trail of Tears, Underground Railroad, Civil War and more, this land has been the epicenter of activity, and this monumental step toward its conservation and preservation inspires hope in our future.
Students all over the country are learning about these periods in American history, but Chattanooga has the places, historic events and people who teach them. Kudos to National Park Partners, and all the people and organizations who have been fighting to preserve, protect and interpret this historic site.
Thanks to the TFP for exemplifying Adolph Ochs and his famous “all the news that’s fit to print” motto in your comprehensive coverage of this important issue. Your coverage helped make an important issue a community conversation.
Jennifer Crutchfield
Nuclear supporters drinking the Kool-Aid
It seems like every day there’s another TFP article about the wonders of nuclear power and how Tennessee will be a leader in producing a nuclear-powered economy.
Snake oil, hoodwinking and propagandizing are words that come to mind. We must believe that nuclear plants safely provide clean carbon-free emissions to solve climate-change issues. None of that is true. They’re not safe: Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukishima have left ongoing public health and seafood issues especially for children and women as research shows.
Daily produced radioactive waste lasts longer than the cylinders in which it is stored. It’s not carbon-free, considering the mining and energy required to prepare uranium pellets for reactor fuel rods loading. They are certainly not a climate solution. They require years to build. Besides, there’s excessive expense!
Solar and wind are cheaper, safer and ready now. To see true information about why nuclear power is unnecessary and unsafe for meeting public power demands, download “Atomic Bamboozle.” During the month of September, watch it for free. In the Chattanooga region we are especially vulnerable to nuclear hazards from seven nuclear reactors with TVA wanting more.
Don’t drink the Kool-Aid. Get informed.
Sandra Kurtz
How can you allow ‘Mallard Fillmore’?
So, you censored “Doonesbury” for repeating the actual words of JD Vance, the Republican candidate for vice-president, and then run this “Mallard Fillmore” racist trash. Shameful. Retraction, apology and canceling this “strip” would be a barely adequate response.
Paul M. Hendricks
Paper thanked for Moccasin Bend stories
The Times Free Press has done an outstanding job of covering the Moccasin Bend hospital story from both a national park and a mental health point of view.
Your reporters dug into complex issues with great tenacity and finesse. Your editorial writers brought clarity in advocating a full national park and a better located hospital. Adolph Ochs, who was the father of your paper and a parent in a way of a Moccasin Bend park, would be immensely proud if he were alive today.
Our community owes you a great vote of thanks for this and many other great contributions. Everyone needs to be a subscriber!
Frank “Mickey” Robbins