"Is violence putting Earth in jeopardy?" and other Letters to the Editors

Is violence putting Earth in jeopardy?

I'm wondering why all the news never seems to be anything positive. We turn on the television or read the daily newspaper and sadly, most of the news is bad. Could it be that the world is so full of violence and hatred that the 7 billion people on Earth may be in jeopardy?

The space program mission seems to be exploring the possibility of life being on other planets. Maybe they should worry more about maintaining life on our own planet by putting more money into research to cure cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc., rather than fighting these long hopeless wars.=

The president of Syria has seemingly decided not to wait, because he is already killing his own people. It's been said for a long time, "Don't trust the Russians," and rightfully so because President Putin seems to be going along with what's happening in Syria.

RICHARD D. BLOOD, Ringgold, Ga.


Norton always ready to listen

I have known David Norton for 20 years. I have witnessed him in action as a judge and as a family man. He is always ready to listen and is a very compassionate person. He has an excellent background in law and as a judge. Please consider voting for David Norton for General Sessions Court judge.

SHIRLEY YEAGER, Soddy-Daisy


Hoss can see both sides of argument

I am writing in support of Bryan Hoss as Soddy-Daisy judge. I have known Bryan for several years, and I believe his work ethic speaks for itself. Bryan has served as a public defender, interim judge for Sessions Court, and taught classes at UTC.

I have been with Bryan in professional and social environments, and I can say, without hesitation, that his character is impeccable. He is a loving father and a great friend. Bryan has the unique ability to see both sides of any argument. I believe this is an extension of his work with the Hamilton County District Attorney's Office and his work as a public defender.

Bryan has represented cases at the state and federal levels, and I believe this experience will serve the citizens of Soddy-Daisy well. Vote Bryan Hoss on Aug. 2.

PATRICK DAVERSON, Signal Mountain


Soddy-Daisy full of generosity

My years in ministry have placed me in many communities throughout East Tennessee. I have never seen the kind of generosity and compassion like that I have witnessed in my new hometown of Soddy-Daisy. These past two years have taught me that the people of Soddy-Daisy help each other in many ways.

I am involved with the Soddy-Daisy Food Bank where a number of the recipients of food help each other transport and distribute their monthly allotment. On more than one occasion a neighbor I have yet to meet will approach and offer some financial help to the food bank without being solicited for the help.

I am privileged to have a student in the Soddy-Daisy High School band. As a band booster, I have witnessed the same generosity given to the students in their projects as I have seen with the food bank.

Actions like these encourage those of us who volunteer in these and other community efforts to continue our work. Thanks to the people in Soddy-Daisy for helping make your city a great community.

REV. C. DON JONES, Pastor, Daisy United Methodist Church


You can count on Starnes' integrity

I have known Gary Starnes for decades, and his legal knowledge and work ethic are unmatched. Gary Starnes has always been a person who encourages and motivates people to make better choices. His volunteer history with children's organizations has always been a source of positive inspiration to so many who know him.

Gray Starnes' judicial experience as a special judge in both Sessions Court and city of Chattanooga court coupled with his trial experience for 26 years make him the best choice to serve our community as the next Sessions Court judge for Hamilton County. I understand why the police and fire organizations endorsed Gary Starnes. He is integrity we can count on.

Please join me in voting for judicial experience, legal expertise, and work ethic and all that is Gary Starnes in early voting July 13-26.

JIM ELLIOTT, East Ridge


GOP budget plan is a calamity

Garry Wills' book "What Jesus Meant" title plays off the evangelical catch-phrase "What would Jesus do?" -- which he and I find absurd. The Jesus I see in the Gospels is a God of love, one who is concerned about the poor and the homeless, one who the U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops says is not represented in Paul Ryan's budget plan that is endorsed by Mitt Romney and the GOP. This formula for economic calamity dates back at least to the Dickensian workhouse, Bernard Mandeville's "Fable of the Bees" and today's Charles Murray's "Coming Apart," with its warnings about spoiling the poor and homeless.

Is this a sign of "compassion fatigue," or just plain un-Christian behavior on the part of GOPers regarding the poor and homeless? Has social Darwinism returned?

B.J. PASCHAL, Sevierville, Tenn.


Conviction appeals take too long

It is very rare I will agree with anything David Cook writes. Mr. Cook is so liberal -- excuse me, that was rude -- he is so progressive I can hardly stand to read him. Progressive is so far left of liberal the movement is repulsive. But anyway I do agree with his latest commentary about Jesse Mathews (June 20).

In the first paragraph, Cook said if convicted Mathews deserves to die. Later in the commentary Cook said there are too many appeals to the conviction, and many times the family has to live through these appeals for up to 20 years before justice is served. From that point, the progressive side comes out, and the commentary goes down hill.

After his conviction, Mathews should get one appeal as soon as possible, within a year, and when that appeal is upheld, he should be executed the next day. Not even stated are the costs to taxpayers to keep Mathews and those like him alive. Very good, Mr. Cook, you are right about a couple things.

MARK TYSON


Don't intertwine therapy programs

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga seeks to become the sixth U.S. academic institution to offer an entry-level degree in occupational therapy. However, the current trend in the profession is the post-professional doctorate. This practice-based degree builds on advanced clinical skills; facilitating a higher level of reflection and professional reasoning necessary to develop leadership in health and rehabilitation sciences. Therapists must practice several years before returning for the post-professional doctorate. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy (ACOTE) has accredited 34 post-professional degree programs across the U.S. The proposed UTC program will graduate entry-level, novice OT practitioners.

I commend the UTC program for recognizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in health care professions. Yet, the unique domain and practice of occupational therapy must not be intertwined with physical therapy in entry-level education. As an OT educator and practitioner, I believe the recent coverage lacks a necessary definition of the profession.

Occupational therapy is a science-driven, evidence-based profession that enables individuals across the lifespan to participate in the everyday activities that are meaningful to them or that simply help them live life to its fullest. The occupational therapist considers the complete person, including his or her psychological, physical, emotional and social performance.

DR. LISA SCHUBERT, Signal Mountain

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