GOP in-fighting a treat to watch
I've got to admit I'm enjoying this cat fight between the camps of the Tennessee GOP. One letter writer even accused the others of being corrupt and shameful, which to me are redundant statements. I hope she doesn't think she is breaking new ground here.
The target of this letter writer's ire is Fleischmann and his bunch, so she must favor Robin Smith. Now, I've got issues with Fleischmann's political conduct myself, but his treatment of Ms. Smith is not one of them. After the Bob Corker campaign Ms. Smith ran in 2008, I can only remind her that what goes around comes around. The only campaign locally that beat Corker's for shamefulness was Saxby Chambliss in 2002.
Remember Republicans, the sun doesn't shine on the same dog all the time. Despite your concerted efforts to disenfranchise our voters, we will someday turn this thing back around.
ALLAN BAGGETT, Trion, Ga.
Comment spreads misinformation
In the article, "'Healthy' food stamp or heavy hand?" (front page, July 1), Florida state Sen. Ronda Storm questions why "they" (presumably the USDA) don't keep track of the types of food purchased by recipients. She then implies that the state, therefore, can't know if the purchases are for legal items.
It's difficult for me to believe that anyone who has grown up in the computer age doesn't understand the difference between a grocery store computer system that has a database of permitted food stamp items, versus a massive system that would collect data on all food-stamp purchases at every grocery and convenience store and submit that data to the state or USDA.
Knowing how often Republicans chose to vilify the food-stamp program, Sen. Storm's comments were likely intended to foster opposition to the program by spreading misinformation. Considering that there has been no mandate to control the foods recipients purchase, there is no justification for such a complex and expensive data-collection system. I'm confident that if such a system existed, the senator would be expressing outrage at the added administrative cost.
The food-stamp program provides an essential benefit for many hard-working Americans and should be accurately portrayed by elected officials.
LEWIS ADDISON
Support honorable Lanier for judge
During the 30 years that I have known Christian Lanier, he has always exhibited the utmost honesty, personal integrity and compassion for ordinary people in their everyday legal matters. With these personal characteristics, his broad knowledge of the law, and his many years of legal practice, he is eminently qualified for the position of city judge of Soddy-Daisy.
The people of Soddy-Daisy are very fortunate to have a man of Christian Lanier's quality who is willing to serve in the important position of city judge. Their vote for him in the upcoming election will ensure that they have an honest, honorable man administering justice in their community.
E. CLIFFORD WOLFE, Hixson
Which sins are 'missteps'?
Regarding the "Tempest in My Soul" story (front page, June 24):
If we are free to let "new beliefs" that directly contradict Scripture "take hold in our minds," then I have a question: Are there any restrictions on which sins can be classified as "missteps" of "hundreds of years of church tradition"? If not, I have a long list to submit for review.
HAROLD FRAKER, Hixson
City, county leaders shouldn't get raise
As a citizen and businessman in Chattanooga, I am outraged that city and county leaders got a pay raise. Do they not know the state of the economy, the high unemployment rate in Chattanooga, sub-par schools in South Chattanooga, lack of affordable health care, and a high foreclosure rate?
I am equally shocked by the lack of public response to this announcement. We cannot afford giving city and county leaders a pay increase in this economy. We should question whether city and county leaders represent our interests, to include monitoring politics in the school system, crime and murder rate in the city, and joblessness.
I am surprised city and county leaders fail to understand they are role models and stewards of the city and county coffers. They must do more to represent their constituency, which I am certain does not support a pay raise in these economic hard times. As a result of this pay increase, I predict city and county leaders will surprise taxpayers in the near future with news of a budget deficit and need for a tax increase.
Taxpayers should contact their representative to express their dissatisfaction with the pay increase and reinforce your feeling at the ballot box.
ERVIN MITCHELL
Hospital, insurance have great service
After hearing some disappointing things about Cigna and Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton, I was skeptical about my recent health issue. I was forced to have a surgical procedure. I have to say I've been amazed at the level of care from both the insurance and Hamilton Medical. Change has happened here, and I'm thankful for all your dedication and service.
BOBBY HAMRICK, Rocky Face, Ga.
Telling the truth 'a revolutionary act'
In this political season of often exaggerated pontifications and proclamations by candidates bolstered by a news media commitment to journalistic bias rather than objectivity ... may the words of George Orwell be remembered: "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act."
DONALD E. KLASING
Health plan foes may be hypocrits
Opponents of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are certain to object to the Supreme Court's favorable ruling on the constitutionality of the personal mandate as a tax. Should these opponents seek to repeal ACA based on its new guise as a tax, I hope they realize that they will appear even more hypocritical if they do not also work to repeal the 1986 Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). This legislation was enacted to ensure public access to emergency care even if someone does not have the ability to pay for that care. Certainly, the result of EMTALA is to transfer a tax burden from a nonpaying user of public health care facilities to others who maintain health insurance to avoid just such a situation. When considering the fact that abuse of EMTALA has been going on for years, new-found opposition to the ACA as a tax is odd since the new legislation serves to correct a 25 plus-year problem.
Personally, I would much rather see the nearly 50 million uninsured Americans covered by health insurance for the good of their health. I also appreciate the establishment of a system that is fair to all taxpayers.
HENRY SPRATT
Norton knows what he's doing
At one recent forum, three of the candidates admitted they did not know the number of days a defendant can sit in jail before being entitled to a hearing. This is a frightening scenario. Just because someone has been a lawyer for years does not mean he or she is qualified to be a judge, especially when they have never practiced the type of law the judgeships deals with.
Several of the candidates stated they are willing to learn on the job. Do we want a judge who does not know what he or she is doing?
Judge David Norton has been hearing criminal cases since 1985. He has dealt with all types of civil law as an assistant county attorney. He deserves our vote to keep him as General Sessions judge on Aug. 2.
JENNIFER MILLER