'View on water firm shows inconsistency' and more Letters to the Editors

Friday, January 1, 1904

View on water firm shows inconsistency

If the Times' editorial, "Yoked to costly monopoly," (June 6) makes economic sense, then I wonder why the editors should stop with the water company. If the city should take over Tennessee-American Water Co., then perhaps it needs to seize every firm in Chattanooga such as the Times Free Press, which is a monopoly and sends "needless profits" to Little Rock. For that matter, why not seize Unum, since it sends "needless profits" out of the country. Are there chain restaurants owned from out of town? Alstrom? Seize them.

In the more than 40 years that I have been reading Times editorials, I have found one constant theme: government ownership of products magically eliminates opportunity cost. If they really believe what they are writing, then they would have the city take over ownership of the paper so all the profits could stay at home and everyone would be financially better off. In other words, be consistent.

WILLIAM L. ANDERSON

Frostburg State University

Frostburg, Md.


Story's arguments are not valid

Let me address two of the false arguments in the article "Tempest in my soul" (Sunday, June 24).

First, the article says sometimes one is forced to choose between faith and family. Not so. Faith may sometimes identify that a family member has embraced sin, but faith never requires one to stop loving that family member nor should such a circumstance be cause to reject biblical truth.

It is regrettable that Christians fail to embrace hurting persons when they need it most. Maybe we are unsure how to balance upholding biblical truth and still showing biblical love. I now take it as my personal challenge to never neglect a family when one of their members turns their back on biblical teachings.

Second, 505 verses about God's love do not trump the relatively few verses of God's definition of what is sin. Yes, God does love and is love, but He also is holy and turned His back on Jesus when Jesus took my sin and yours on the cross.

Those who criticize Christianity continue to ask why we impose ourselves in their bedrooms. The homosexual agenda isn't about bedroom behavior -- it is an attempt to re-script the Bible.

DENNIS URBANIAK

Signal Mountain


Christian values guided couple

We were overwhelmed and moved by Joan Garrett's achingly beautiful article (June 24, front page) concerning Matt and Frances Nevel's spiritual journey during their support, caring for and ultimate loss of their son Stephen to HIV. It was a disquieting story to encounter on a Sunday morning when so many are gathering in supportive Christian communities -- to read of a man who gave 30 years of his life in service to his Christian faith and community, who prayed to his God for guidance, who embraced his son, loved him and accepted him, and provided solace and overwhelming support in Stephen's losing battle to AIDS.

When Matt and Frances Nevel most needed the support and constancy of their church community, that community's support was, for the most part, withheld from them.

Thank you, Joan Garrett, for your thought-provoking essay on these parents' journey to understand and care for their son -- in the only way they could -- with the Christian values ingrained in their hearts and lives.

SHERRI AND PETER THORNTON

Cleveland, Tenn.


Romney should focus on economy

Let's just be honest. Whatever Mitt Romney says between now and November is just plain politics. But also, whatever the president says between now and November is just plain politics.

By executive order, President Barack Obama overstepped the rule of law and used the rule of his pen stroke. He could have done that two years ago, but he chose to do it now. And by pulling the illegal-alien issue to the forefront, President Obama is hoping to deflect the light of truth from his languishing economy.

Mr. Romney would do well to focus on the facts (the poor economy) rather that arguing with the president on a no-win discussion like amnesty for illegal aliens. Mr. Obama may have captured a few percentage points with Latinos, but Mr. Romney should not let him run away from his record on the economy. And Mr. Obama's record on the economy is a fact.

GERALD WHITELY

Ringgold, Ga.


Hoss' passion puts him atop judge list

Bryan Hoss is the best choice for Soddy-Daisy judge. As a recent graduate from law school, I have not spent much time within the legal community of Chattanooga and Soddy-Daisy. However, last summer I had the pleasure of working with Bryan at the firm of Davis & Hoss, P.C. Bryan's overall demeanor and personality can be summed up in one word: passion. Passion amongst the legal profession is refreshing to see for a "new" lawyer.

Bryan has shown a passion for the law. I have witnessed this passion whether it is in the courtroom, giving his clients a voice, or in the office, writing briefs.

Bryan's passion for the law causes him to be meticulous. He is meticulous in his arguments and in his writing. He is careful in his application of the law and examines every side of every argument. This is a characteristic you would want in a judge. A judge should be careful in his decisions. He should examine every side of every argument before making a decision.

Bryan's passion for the law makes him determined to seek justice. His determination in the courtroom will greatly serve the citizens of Soddy-Daisy.

JANIE PARKS


Story reveals unconditional love

Thank you Chattanooga Times Free Press, Alison Gerber, Joan Garrett and Matt and Frances Nevels for sharing with readers a story of unconditional love.

JOANNE PHILLIPS

Hixson


Judgmental actions can lessen religion

Re: "Tempest in my soul" (June 24). Thank you for this thought-provoking article. It put a face on the way any religion can be diminished when judgmental behavior is allowed to usurp loving behavior. "What would Jesus do?" If your answer isn't lovingly inclusive, chances are you've missed the mark.

PATRICIA SANDERS


Strut could have relieved anxiety

This year's Beside Smith strut was the least impressive of previous struts. The idea of charging admission disenfranchised most old and poor people. Those on fixed incomes were left without entertainment and a chance to see friends. The poor, who salvage aluminum cans from the garbage, missed out on opportunities to make money for bare essentials.

The police protection was more than enough. Instead of being threatened by the young people, I feel threatened by the police. The psychological and sociological reports made by City Hall assume that they know and understand the despair of poor and black frustration. They want to simply supply the prescriptions to its problems, refusing to recognize that the poor have listened to their empirical reports. The time has come for City Hall to be silent and listen to the poor and black people. It is difficult for men who have not known suffering to understand this experience. Poor people live on a subsistence-level budget and have little money left over for savings or luxuries. These conditions produce a great deal of emotional insecurity, anxiety and frustration. The Bessie Smith strut was one way to relieve this anxiety.

TYRONE ACKLIN


Isn't prayer free speech?

To all the people who wrote in in favor of the county commissioners not being allowed to have prayer, I have a question or two. When was it determined that prayer was not free speech? And no, we don't need an audience to pray, but Daniel prayed three times a day in front of a window for all to see, even after it had been declared illegal. Why do you think he did that?

Since we have decided it would benefit us as a society to remove prayer and all mention of God from schools and basically all public places, can any of you give me an example of how our society has improved? I can, if necessary, give you many examples of how it has declined.

To anyone who cares whether you are offending God and not man, when will you stop remaining silent and stand up and confess him before men? Matthew 10: 32-33.

GINA KELLY

East Ridge