Target employees show concern
I wanted to commend several employees at the Gunbarrel Target.
On March 24, I was shopping there with my 12-year-old son, who has autism. He had what is referred to as a "meltdown."
We were able to make it to the restroom beside the pharmacy area where he screamed for what seemed like 20 minutes.
The two ladies working in the pharmacy area were so kind. They asked if we were OK and if they could do anything to help. Another employee asked if she could get us anything to help.
They weren't judgmental and were genuinely concerned for me and my son. I can tell you this is rare.
I've been asked to leave places of business, stared at, heard numerous comments regarding my parenting skills and my "crazy" kid, told I need to "get control of my son," etc.
April is autism awareness month. I encourage anyone who doesn't know what autism is to take a moment to educate themselves and their families and would encourage businesses to educate their staff. Autism affects 1 in 110 people. A wonderful resource can be found at www.autismspeaks.org. If you don't already know someone with autism, you will. Thanks again to the wonderful employees of the Gunbarrel Target.
LINDA ATKINS
Ooltewah
Photo caption raises questions
On page A2 In Sunday's Times Free Press, there was a caption which contained the following sentence: "Artist Keith Haring stands in 1986 in front of part of the Berlin Wall that he painted with a crawling baby."
Several questions come to mind. Why didn't he use a brush? Did he dip the baby in a whole can of paint or did he use a tray? How did the baby react to the whole experience?
MICHAEL V. WOODWARD
Hixson
Repealing death tax is the way to go
Contrary to your March 27 editorial (Tennessee tax breaks and racism), Gov. Haslam and lawmakers are right to repeal the state's immoral, economically devastating, and fiscally irresponsible death tax.
The Beacon Center of Tennessee recently published two reports that debunk your claims, both available online at www.beacontn.org. First, mega-millionaires don't pay our death tax; they move out of our state. Those left holding the bag are cash-poor farmers and family business owners.
Second, we published a study by noted economist Art Laffer showing the impact of all those fleeing our state. I for one want to keep wealthy and retired residents in Tennessee. That means more investments, more jobs, and more tax revenue than we currently enjoy. Driving away these job creators and taxpayers does no one -- rich or poor -- any good. Repealing the death tax is the right thing to do for all Tennesseans.
JUSTIN OWEN
President and CEO of Beacon Center of Tennessee
Nashville