Fleischmann's duck-and-hide won't work and more letters to the editors

Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor

Fleischmann's duck-and-hide won't work

The recent tribute to Marilyn Lloyd, the representative for Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District for 20 years in the 70s, 80s and early 90s, told of a person who, in the words of Zach Wamp, "... put country first, her district second" and then her party. Would that we could say the same for the current holder of this position.

Using a similar analogy, Chuck Fleischmann puts maintaining his seat first, answering to his big donors' wishes second, and being a reliable "yes man" to his party third, leaving precious little time for the people of his district or their needs. The only way we even know that he is around is through carefully scripted photo-ops attended by people assured to ask no inconvenient questions.

Personally, I think it's time for the congressman to come out of his rabbit hole and talk openly with his constituents, telling us why we should give him our vote on Nov. 6. And while he's at it, we encourage him to face his opponent for the 3rd District seat, Dr. Danielle Mitchell, in a debate so that we can compare their positions and make an informed decision with our vote.

Jim Griffin, Delano, Tenn.

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We don't need a puppet in Senate

A corrupt government peddles lies and false hope. Marsha Blackburn's primary ad showed President Donald Trump playing to his followers by ridiculing Phil Bredesen, a man he admits he does not know. My impression of Blackburn is that she plans to blindly follow whatever Trump says and does.

Like Trump, she has no plans for health care, infrastructure, immigration or a plan to lower the deficit (more than $200 billion increase since Trump took office). If she is planning only to follow Trump and not seek answers to the problems of our state and country, why do we need her?

Does her allegiance to Trump also mean she supports his lies, false statements and corruption? Tennessee needs a senator who can think and act on his own. Not a puppet. Following Trump is not going to help solve anything. His chaos, corruption and lack of decency will continue because she does not have the strength and will to make a change for the betterment of the people of Tennessee.

My fellow Tennesseans, think hard before voting for this candidate. We can do better.

Larry Trame, Ooltewah

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Protect our most precious resources

America is losing people faster than any other country because of drug abuse. America's big companies and high-net-worth individuals are seeing too many green lights in the drug market and will parlay them on the government's endorsement of med-pot and E-cigs flavored with nicotine to have a boom market.

We must examine the legal, political and cultural force behind this domestic threat. It took a century for us to get our head around Big Tobacco. Why are we still driving on the wrong side of the road in "bio-terrorism," a public health disaster? We are now in a state of emergency. It is time for all hands on deck - parents, churches, schools and community groups that must be the advocates to save our youth. I deeply believe that our most precious gift is our children; we must keep them safe.

Let our great country remember God, in the person of his son Jesus Christ, who gave his life for our salvation.

Robert C. Heathington Jr.

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Kneeling for anthem is about the veterans

About the Sept. 11 Chattanooga Times "Pam's Points" editorial:

Yes, Pam, the kneeling has everything to do with veterans. It is a backhanded slap to veterans who served under the flag, and, yes, they "believed in something even if it meant sacrificing everything."

Their sacrifices are what allows you and Colin Kaepernick to spout your ignorant diatribe. Sacrifice engenders respect. You have to earn it. Respect is not a right, it is a privilege.

Kaepernick voluntarily quit his job, so he made no sacrifice. Maybe you should follow his example and walk your Nikes down to the homeless shelters and visit the vets and serve them. "Just do it" and hear the vets from the Revolutionary War to Pearl Harbor, Korea, Vietnam and up to the present stand and sing the national anthem.

Maybe Clay Bennett can draw a cartoon depicting your Nikes walking with you in them.

William Hughes, East Ridge

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