Welcome both Mosley and Marshall to Baylor
I see Peyton Manning’s son, Marshall, has been enrolled at Baylor. I wish him a happy and successful time there and in his future career — whatever that may be! However, let us also welcome his twin sister, Mosley, also enrolled. She probably has not inherited Peyton’s throwing arm, but I feel sure she shares the family traits of kindness, decency and generosity. Good luck, Mosley.
Brenda Leavy
Couples metaphor for divided politics
Couples therapist and researcher psychologist Dr. John Gottman has identified “contempt” as the most toxic communication pattern accompanying severe marital dysfunction. It occurs when one or both partners in a relationship assume an attitude of morally superior disrespect and disdain toward the other.
The communication style we now see in the relationship between Democrats and Republicans appears to be decidedly contemptuous. It can be seen in statements by our political leaders, on talk radio and on TV shows. Certainly, the serious issues demand vigorous debate.
However, as a nation, America would benefit from political parties acting as respectful partners seeking principled compromise with their counterparts. That can be realized if enough of us demand it with our votes.
We would benefit from viewing those with whom we politically disagree as sharing the same human desires for safety, health and freedom to thrive. That goal can be reached by rejecting feelings of moral superiority over those whose dissimilar views we might share, were it not for differing life experiences.
Patrick Lavin
What I like about ‘Trinity Reformed’
Last Sunday’s and Monday’s articles on “Hegseth’s Christian nationalist denomination” and “the 19th Amendment” missed why I like Chattanooga’s “C.R.E.C.” church, “Trinity Reformed.”
I like the Lord’s Supper every week. Many evangelical churches don’t, despite New Testament hints and church history.
“Covenant” children eat the supper. The supper shows “the Lord’s death until he comes.” If the Lord Jesus Christ died for our children and is coming for them, then the showing includes them. Examine yourselves to make sure you’re carefully including all who should be included. Faith saves, so we must assume our children trust God until evidence shows they do or don’t. Jesus warned church leaders against the sin of despising little ones, the sin of keeping them from him and the sin of not feeding one of the least of his brothers.
Politics wasn’t a New Testament priority, but the king of kings has a finger in that pie, too. What does he prefer? (Very small government; lots of liberty.)
Godly, friendly people; rich music; preaching OK; quite a few fellowship meals. Come and see.
Andrew Lohr
‘History is history’; let’s don’t reframe it
Our democracy is disappearing as we wake up every morning. Now our history is under presidential attack. It is a clear attack on history when Mr. Trump directs changes at the Smithsonian to address discomfort, both his and those of a mythical group.
Mr. President, hear this message. History is history. What happens happens, and one’s feelings do not change an occurrence. Changing or withdrawing an event from a display in the Smithsonian is an insult to our intelligence. Reframing history damages our ability to learn from our mistakes. In fact, reframing history is a grave mistake from which we must learn.
Irv Ginsburg
There is no ‘happier side of slavery’
Rather than the Smithsonian showing “how bad slavery was,” perhaps President Trump would prefer the museum to show “the brighter, happier side of slavery in the U.S.” How about this, Mr. President:
1) Slavery provided a legal form of immigration to the U.S. that gave Africans free passage along with ample job opportunities once they arrived.
2) Those fortunate enough to be enslaved were provided free housing, room and board. Medical plans were also provided free of charge.
3) Slaves could be proud that their labor produced the major exports in America’s early years — cotton, tobacco and rice — thus securing the financial success of the country.
4) As slaves counted as 3/5 of a person, they helped bolster the political strength of the slave states.
5) Still today, the plantations slavery built and worked remain popular tourist attractions.
Grady S. Burgner
Election security keeps state strong
In Tennessee, we are proud of our record of running secure and trustworthy elections. Our state has been ranked the best in the nation for election integrity, thanks to common-sense safeguards like paper-verified ballots and rigorous checks and balances. But as someone who helps oversee elections at the county level, those results take planning, diligence and resources.
The McMinn County Election Commission is responsible for making sure every election is carried out with accuracy, transparency and professionalism. From registering voters to staffing polling places and maintaining secure equipment, our work is about protecting the foundation of democracy and ensuring every Tennessean can cast a ballot with confidence.
The threats we face now are more complex than ever. Iran and other foreign adversaries have already tried to break into voter registration systems, spread disinformation and circulate fake videos meant to erode public trust. We cannot afford to wait and see what happens. One minor breach can cause widespread chaos and distrust, and Congress should support the election officials who are working tirelessly at every level to guard against them.
Providing sustained, predictable funding for election infrastructure would help stop any threats right in their tracks. During President Trump’s first term, Congress provided around $400 million on average to help states strengthen election systems. But over the past two years combined, funding has dropped. With the FY26 budget debate coming fast this fall, lawmakers need to get serious about restoring robust federal investment to keep our elections secure.
Local officials do their job, and they do it well. Congress has a responsibility to make sure we have the resources to keep our elections strong. Protecting the ballot box is a responsibility worth defending, and one Tennesseans should continue to take pride in.
Todd Watson
Chair, McMinn County Election Commission