Active fathers make a difference
There are 70 million fathers in America. In a poll, half the dads surveyed had one wish -- to spend the day relaxing with their families. The rest said that they wanted to visit their own fathers or do something active with their kids. So if you have a father you can spend time with thank God and give your dad a heartfelt card, a phone call or visit, a gift and a big hug -- but no neckties!
The National Center for Fathering reports there's a crisis: 27 million children in America are affected by their father's absence. Studies show children not living with their married biological parents suffer from higher rates of poverty, abuse, failure in school and delinquency, teenage unwed pregnancy, drug use, crime and depression.
Surveys show the most common factor in regard to men in prison is lack of a good father. Over 80 percent had no father or an abusive father.
Children growing up with a father have a better foundation for, and likelihood of, success as well-adjusted, healthy and productive adults. Without a good father, by the butterfly effect or ripple effect every future configuration for children is henceforth negatively altered forever!
DANIEL D. NAVE, Elizabethton, Tenn.
Focus on Mills' spending hurt story
An article (May 27) on Olan Mills' company's underfunded pension plan was newsworthy. But to attack the ownership I think was unfortunate. I worked for the company and would like to offer a different perspective.
During my time with the company, I had the opportunity to interact with Mr. Mills and his late brother on a daily basis. I found both men to be approachable by all employees and very aware the employees were a large part of the company's success. The compensation and benefits package was more than competitive for this area and the industry.
Millions of families have memories of loved ones because of this company.
I'm not an authority on pension plans but I'm a participant in this one. I believe Mr. Mills and the management team did everything to ensure the plan would continue.
It was unfortunate the article got sidetracked on how Mr. Mills spends his money. I worked for him, and the company treated me and all employees fairly. How he spends his own money is his business. Mr. Mills and his family have been very generous to this community. I would hate to see that change because a newsworthy article was sensationalized and attacked one of Chattanooga's finest families!
KYLE PRICE, Signal Mountain
Prayer is of essence in our nation now
We need to remember that our country has always made the declaration of our God. Since the beginning of our nation, we have put him in our hearts to praise, pray and worship. The license plates that state "In God We Trust" are wonderful to see.
We are straying away from God's truths and our blessed country. We have prospered in our economics and our manufacturing things to give us a better life. We have allowed lawmakers to legalize abortions, same-sex marriages and abolish prayer in our schools and school functions. Our morals are at a level of disregard to God's law.
Our silent majority needs to make its voices heard! Also, elect responsible people who will willingly work to reinforce our nation to the belief in God. "God Bless America" once was a great song. We were proud to be Americans. When we turn from God, he will turn from us, unless we repent and ask forgiveness. America -- wake up, before it's too late. At this time, prayer is of essence.
JUDY CORBIN, Soddy-Daisy
Strut impressive on short notice
A lot of opinions have surfaced regarding this year's Bessie Smith Strut ... the good, the bad, the ugly!
I have attended the Strut since the beginning. This year took me back to where it all began, a little taste of Mardi Gras feeling in Chattanooga. The weather was near perfect, the "grownfolk" crowd grew to a wonderful size, the food was still great and you could get to it. You could hear the music and see (the musicians). The security was on point. There was a festival atmosphere and an air of calmness. My mom felt safe, and my grandchildren and I did the "electric slide" and ate and had fellowship. It was wonderful!
What I didn't miss: too many tightly dressed, half-naked "young ladies," loud "young men," baby strollers, dogs and beer bottles, paper and trash lining the street. With only a couple of months to pull this together, I was very impressed and hope this is the beginning of what the future of the "Strut" will be.
Chattanooga and Friends of the Festival ... It was good!
ROSIE HART RUSSELL
Necessities come first
Re: the article, "Fathers in public housing honored" (June 9), about a father who was raising five children in public housing and helping his 15-year-old daughter raise $1,000 to enter a beauty pageant.
As a middle-class father, if one of my daughters had asked to be in a beauty pageant costing $1,000, I would have told her no. I wouldn't have spent $1,000 on a pure luxury, such as a beauty pageant, when there were many necessities we needed more. This is a vivid illustration of what's wrong with the government welfare system. Taxpayers are paying for the necessities of welfare recipients who spend their money on luxuries such as beauty pageants, tattoos, $200 sneakers, cell phones, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, etc.
When my wife and I first started out, we did without the luxury of a car, a television, air conditioner, telephone, living room furniture, or health insurance. We rented a partially furnished apartment without receiving any welfare whatsoever. We also paid our share of taxes, (there wasn't any Earned Income Credit). We spent my paycheck on rent, food, health care and other necessities and denied ourselves luxuries we wanted but couldn't afford.
JOHNNY FRAZIER
Today's young people different
As a young lad, our father taught us, if an officer of the law stops you, "answer his questions fairly." Do what he asks you to do. He is a friend and is here only to protect you and your interest. Always respect his authority! Never forget to "thank" him before he leaves. "For without law there will be no 'order.' "
Now in my mid-'80s, I have never forgotten this advice from my dad.
What amazes me today: Why young people want a "confrontation," as well as a very few educated people.
A "cop" is a "friend."
JAMES L. THORNTON, Hixson
Check the Bible on public prayer
Why don't you so-called Christians who get all twisted up about public praying read what Jesus had to say about praying in public. Read Matthew, Chapter 6 in the New Testament.
FREDRIC J. SHARK, South Pittsburg, Tenn.
DeGaetano brings values, respect
We have known Joe DeGaetano and his parents since we moved to Hixson in 1986. We have proudly watched Joe progress from elementary school through Notre Dame High School and to Vanderbilt University, where he graduated magna cum laude. He then worked hard to put himself through the University of Georgia Law School, where he graduated second in his class. All through these years, no matter how many varied honors he achieved, Joe has always remained the same honest, hard working, caring and respectful person we always have known.
Joe now has his own law firm in Chattanooga, and along with his delightful, community-involved wife, Heather, they are raising their daughter with their same family-based values.
Please vote for Joe DeGaetano for Hamilton County Sessions Court judge.
We are confident that he will give our community the gift of his values, compassion and respect for others, along with the dedicated, honest work ethic he will bring to this position.
Learn more about Joe by reading "Joe's Story" at his website, www.joeforsessionsjudge.com.
DICK AND JUDY SMITH, Hixson