Now is the time to act on health care
Act Now. If Tennessee's political leaders can hammer out a "Tennessee Plan" that meets federal laws, hundreds of thousands of working families, including veterans, will receive much-needed health care beginning in 2014.
The best part, Tennessee will take in $1 billion (according to the General Assembly's fiscal note). That will be far more tax dollars than we Tennesseans will pay out.
But we must act now. If this chance passes, we may never repair the damage. The first program year, 2014, brings the maximum federal contribution (100 percent). After that, the contribution goes down to 90 percent in 2021 and stays there.
The program is endorsed by such groups as the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry, BlueCross Blue Shield of Tennessee and the United Methodist Church of Tennessee.
Don't let partisan politics bamboozle you. Tell the governor. Tell your legislators. We need to be competitive with other states and the world. Don't let worthy Tennesseans be left behind.
What can you do right now? Call or email Gov. Haslam and your legislators. Visit them personally. Write letters to editors. Ask your friends to join you.
This moment counts.
For more information, see www.ahealthytn.com and www.tnjustice.org/resources.
KATHY GILBERT
Feel-good Christianity not pleasing to God
Try finding many churches in the Chattanooga area where traditional songs and sermons on sin and repentance are preached on a given Sunday morning, A daunting task for sure. "Amazing Grace," "Softly and Tenderly," "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and others are relegated to the storage rooms in dusty forgotten hymnals.
If we have other weekly services at all, we assign our traditional quiet reverence for God to small classrooms appeasing our old folks to keep their tithes and offerings coming in, while we appeal to the young in our sanctuaries. The era of feel-good religion (Rick Warren style) has taken over most churches.
We're trading the deep spiritual services of a Billy Sunday, Graham, Moody, Spurgeon, and songs of a Bev Shea and Sankey for man's business-approach to worship.
Times have changed, they say. No they have changed. Don't believe me? Ask to see their salaries and benefits! God cannot be pleased!
BILL REESOR, Ooltewah
Men need to step up and be responsible
Since I was reading about Pope Francis backing the crackdown on American nuns for -- among other things -- not fighting abortion, I am saying to all the men who don't support abortion for any cause, it is time to take responsibility for male reproduction actions.
In the cases of rape or incest, a male is 100 percent responsible. In the cases of unwanted pregnancies, the male is 50 percent responsible. All men, including religious men should teach their sons, brothers, uncles, fathers, etc. that if they don't want an additional child to support or bring into this world, they should show responsibility and use protection or keep away. We are into the 21st century. It is past time for the men to step up and help solve this problem.
We all hear about the welfare queen, who supposedly has children to make more money (not factual), but what about the man who has several children by different women and supports none of them? The blame for the children is placed at the woman's feet. Now is the time to place blame where it lies. Men, step up and show responsibility.
KARLEEN SANDERS, Dayton, Tenn.
Every American needs to read Carson's book
A must read for every American: "America the Beautiful" by Ben Carson.
You will completely understand how and why we are losing the freedom that once made this country so free.
DOROTHY RUSSELL, Cleveland, Tenn.
Columnists are experts on economics, race
Thank you for the columns by Dr. Thomas Sowell and Dr. Walter Williams that were published on April 14. They are, in my opinion, the foremost experts on economics and race in the USA.
GEORGE MAYO
Gun votes by Corker, Alexander illogical
Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, co-sponsor of the Manchin-Toomey Bill referred to it as "not gun control but common sense." On Wednesday, despite the support of 90 percent of the American public, both Senators Corker and Alexander chose to vote against common sense and thus enable the criminally insane, serial rapists and al-Qaida to continue to purchase guns at gun shows and over the Internet unchecked. And contrary to the NRA, the bill does not require background checks on citizen-to-citizen purchases and actually criminalizes a gun registry.
I contacted the offices of both senators inquiring why they chose to ignore the will of the public, Sen. Corker could offer no explanation, while Sen. Alexander's office says the bill was "vague and ineffective," indicating support for the Grassley-Cruz Amendment. But that amendment does absolutely nothing to close the loophole.
In 2011, al-Qaida spokesman Adam Gadahn stated, "America is absolutely awash with easily obtainable firearms. You can go to a gun show at the local convention center and come away with a fully automatic assault rifle, without a background check, and most likely without having to show an identification card. So what are you waiting for?"
I'm sure he appreciates the senator's support.
MARC KENYON
Letter writer wrong on Bible references
I defend Robin Smith's column on April 8, and I challenge Wes Giglio's understanding of Scripture. The Bible certainly does not condone slavery, polygamy, torture, murder of women and children, nor human sacrifice!
Yes, there are references to these atrocities in Scripture, but it certainly doesn't mean that God condones these actions. On the contrary, God is against such atrocities. He who kidnaps a man and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, shall surely be put to death. (Exodus 21:16)
You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. (Deuteronomy 12:31)
Since I'm limited to 200 words, I am unable to refute each reference Mr. Giglio mentioned. Suffice it to say, according to God's word, Mr. Giglio is as wrong as wrong can be. How do I know this? 1 Timothy 1:8-11 is how I know.
And regarding human sacrifice: Jesus freely gave His life that we may be saved from all sin.
BEN BURKE