In-vest-ment gift recipient's thanks
I want to thank the individual who stopped his truck on Hixson Pike the week of Dec. 5 during morning rush hour to give me his reflective vest.
I walk on Hixson Pike's sidewalk every morning and, depending on what my schedule is for that day, it is sometimes necessary for me to walk between 7 and 7:30 a.m., when it is dark outside. Hixson Pike does have streetlights; however, to make sure that I am seen, I wear a headlamp as well as a neon orange vest (it does not have reflective stripes).
On one such morning, a wonderful man stopped his truck and threw me his reflective orange vest, stating that "I needed more than what I was wearing." This vest is definitely a professional vest and is wonderful. Even when I walk during the daylight hours, I wear it.
This town, county, state and country are made up of wonderful and caring people we should not lose track of during this political uncertainty and divisiveness.
Merry Christmas to all!
Laurie Shipley, Hixson
***
Student eyes reader ideas on gun ban
Recently, my senior English class received an assignment by our English teacher, which required us to engage the public on the culture wars in this country.
Many Americans are asking the U.S. government for more gun control because of mass shootings, some of which (Parkland School/Florida and Las Vegas/music festival) were perpetrated with a military-like, automatic rifle, the AR-15.
Although the Second Amendment allows citizens to own such a weapon, it poses a public threat. Banning it could help prevent future mass shootings, but opponents such as The National Review rightly say, "This is the worst kind of gun control. Any measure that preserves the ability of criminals to access guns while restricting the access of law-abiding Americans is a measure that fundamentally impairs the very purpose of the Second Amendment."
Meanwhile, The Washington Post, a ban proponent, rightly says, "Supporters of an assault weapons ban say that the goal is to prevent horrific mass shooting incidents, not stop the run-of-the-mill gun violence that kills dozens of Americans each day."
I would like to hear reader opinions about such a ban. Email your opinions to chattopinions423@gmail.com.
Samuel Garcia
***
Seeking support on carbon bill
I read with horror the Nov. 19 article on California wildfires. Having family and friends in the Golden State, I'm always concerned during the "fire season," but now it seems like even during normally colder months the state's still at risk of "total devastation," as President Trump said.
It was encouraging to read Gov. Jerry Brown saying "in the face of tragedy, people tend to rise above their lesser propensities" to emphasize that they had Trump's backing. It is this sort of bipartisanship we need in Congress to fight climate change as boldly and successfully as Americans always have tackled other critical threats throughout our history.
Today, I was emboldened to learn one such action occurred on Nov. 27 when a bipartisan group of representatives introduced the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R. 7173), legislation that incorporates a rising fee on carbon, with revenue returned to households. This market-driven solution would have a positive impact on the economy while at the same time slashing greenhouse emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
As a constituent of Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, I ask him to join his fellow conservatives and support this bill.
Patricia Diaz
***
Woodmore students fondly remembered
No one knew on that day that Jesus would come to call six special angels home that day. No one could see or imagine that special, important day when Jesus would pick out those six angels for a homeward-bound mission to glory.
Earth had a day of sadness and woe, but heaven was standing up clapping and rejoicing that six special angels were coming down Heaven's avenue. They were all dressed in white with halos all aglow, praising and shouting that they made it through.
But here on earth tears still flowed.
Jesus said let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. Put gladness and rejoicing in your soul and douse out the sadness. If you live a life faithful and true, you, too, can see your special angel standing there shouting, clapping and praising you through on Heaven's avenue.
Nora Cook
***
We celebrate Jesus, who's always with us
We celebrate Jesus' birthday. He was born of the Virgin Mary. God revealed his love through Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection. Christians have continued to remember and worship every Sunday what God has done through his son.
Christians believe all human beings are made in the image of God, capable of goodness and wisdom. This universal image leads Christians to accept every individual.
Through Jesus' birth, God came to love, forgive and save all humankind. God's grace is not only for righteous but for those who admit their failures. Most religions assume that one's spiritual status depends on your religious attainments. Such religious people feel superior to less religious individuals or those who do not belong to their religion.
The birth of the son of God begins a new humanity, a new community of people, who could lose their self-centeredness and begin a God-centered life. We celebrate his birth because it deals with our sins. Jesus came to serve us. Jesus prayed for his followers, "Father, give them the glory you gave me."
The followers of Jesus celebrate his birthday because they know he is always with them.
Amos Taj, Ooltewah
***
Start local to make America green again
Chattanooga calls itself the "Environmental City," yet we are plagued with increased plastic polluting of the Tennessee River. We also have a littering problem on our streets.
Scientists find increasing climate change, which threatens more forest fires and tropical storms. If America does not act soon, we risk the loss of clean air and water for our children and grandchildren. This is reality, folks, but the Trump administration and Congress choose to do nothing.
I hope Chattanooga area residents choose to do something about these issues. Start local. Pick up some litter. Take your kids on a hike or a bike ride at the Riverpark. Try some local produce from a farmers' market. Support area organizations like the Chattanooga Zoo, Reflection Riding or the Tennessee Aquarium.
Let's all resolve to help make America green again in 2019.
Allen Chesney
***
'Bumbling buffoon' getting much done
The liberal media's coverage of President Trump continues to be dripping with unending hatred, animosity and contempt. It is documented that 92 percent of their coverage is "negative." The coverage could accurately be described as distorted, inaccurate, pure propaganda and outrageous!
President Trump is often portrayed as "mentally unstable." How could such a mentally unstable person have built the business empire he built before becoming president?
He is often portrayed as a bumbling buffoon. Really? If he were, it would be impossible to accomplish many of the things he has accomplished as president.
For instance, how could a bumbling buffoon get the North Korean dictator to make the concessions to the U.S. he has made? How could a bumbling buffoon negotiate the complex trade deals with other countries that are benefiting the U.S.? And, if he were such a buffoon, how could he have engineered one of the greatest economic surges this country has witnessed in less than two years?
Fortunately, the media effort is failing to persuade a large percentage of the population. It is astonishing, under these circumstances, the president continues to command an "approval rating" of between 45 and 50 percent.
Jerry Johns, Ringgold, Ga.