Friday, January 1, 1904
I know that some of my friends and family are going to be offended and irritated, but I must not keep quiet.
I don't know how so many Christians have bought into the world system that accepts liberal philosophy and liberal belief which prescribe that we only have to accept the parts of Scripture that allow us to live any way we wish. We can accept lifestyles with a wink and a nod because our friends and loved ones have become a part of this lifestyle.
We believe what liberal preachers, liberal politicians and liberal teachers espouse to us. We are blinded by what the world offers us, not what God asks of us.
In the name of empty altruism, we take on the offenses of the poor, the socialists, the environmentalists, not even realizing we are blinded by their own selfish interests. We like to think we are educated, entitled, and empathetic, but in reality we are empty.
DR. PAT TAYLOR
Ringgold, Ga.
Jake Tapper, senior White House correspondent for ABC News in Washington, D.C., wrote on Sept. 21 that President Obama falsely claimed the fast and furious program was "begun under the previous administration" when he was questioned last Thursday at the Univision forum. Actually, the "fast and furious" program was started in October 2009, nine months into the Obama presidency. I would use different words. Obama was caught in yet another big lie!
CLINTON GRANT
Rossville
There are great things about living in a small town like Red Bank. We have nice people, friendly businesses, reasonable property values, great schools, and parks supported by the town and community leaders. Visit Red Bank's dog park for a pleasant saunter through a well-planned scenic square. You'll be glad that you did.
The sidewalk around the park is terrific for walking or jogging. It's peaceful with birds singing, dogs romping, owners talking and everyone having fun.
The field next to the community pavilion was used by extreme Frisbee folks the other day. I watched a group of 10-20 skilled disc throwers and witnessed many gyrating grunts and a lot of laughter. I'm glad I was there.
People bring their youngsters to the playground, and it's wonderful to see kids play outside and put the electronics aside for a while.
Red Bank's tie to the North Shore continues the cultural diversity of unique shops, restaurants, fine churches and charming commons. This quaint park tucked into the back hills and ridges serves varied interests. It's great to live in a small town where a stroll is often good solace from a world full with complaint and too much world news.
GINA HEMBREE
Congratulations to the University of Tennessee for standing up to the Freedom From Religion group concerning game prayers.
It is very important not to allow this organization to push its standards on the university.
As a former resident of the liberal Northeast (Vermont), I have seen what havoc and ruination this type of censorship will do to a society. If you allow them to dictate when you can pray this time, they will return with more outrageous demands, chipping away slowly at the values you hold dear until they have changed your culture to fit their mold.
If they win this battle, you will be subjected to a parade of liberal misfits each one more radical than the last.
These people are the epitome of intolerance and will be insidious in their attacks on you. They will tie up your time and financial resources with their lawsuits and won't stop until you cave to them. Your society will be destroyed by them as I saw in Vermont.
No one is forcing religion on anyone. They are going to force you not to pray, denying you your right to prayer under the cloak of "offending someone else." A minority controlling a majority.
DAVID J. TOLASSI
Dunlap, Tenn.
I can't understand why or how the argument of prayer in public ever became such an issue. Evidently some set of Supreme Court justices decided that any entity supported or endorsed by government funds praying in public constitutes Congress establishing a national religion, which is obviously a ridiculous conclusion.
It seems to me the whole argument violates the "free exercise thereof." If this common man, common sense opinion runs counter to yours please enlighten me.
SAM LEWALLEN
If you want more of same, vote Obma
The polls show it's a neck- and-neck race for the White House between Obama and Romney, really.
If you want another $5 trillion added to our national debt in the next four years, you must vote for Obama.
If you don't care that our president goes around the world apologizing for America's greatness, then vote for Obama.
If you like the president ruling by executive order, (923) of them bypassing Congress, vote for Obama.
If you want the unemployment rate at 8 percent or even higher, vote for Obama.
If you want the Middle East and other countries supplying our oil rather than developing our own vast supply of energy, you must vote for Obama.
If you want fewer jobs, more people on food stamps and welfare, vote for Obama.
If you want a socialist form of government, and redistribution of wealth, vote for Obama.
If you want our government giving people a handout, instead of a hand-up, vote for Obama.
If you like the idea of our only real friend in the Middle East, Israel, continually being thrown under the bus, you must vote for Obama.
One thing I can say with certainty, a Romney administration will have no czars. He will think for himself.
DICK DeMARS
Crossville, Tenn.
In preparation for the presidential election, voters are being asked if they are better off than they were four years ago. May I suggest we also ask if our country is better off. Here are some relative data:
The cumulative budget deficit (difference between revenue and expenses) increased from $1.17 trillion for 2005-2008 to $5.41 trillion for 2009-2012. Increase equals 362 percent.
The national debt (money our government owes) averaged $9.1 trillion in 2005-2008 and increased to $14.2 trillion in 2009-2012. That is a 56 percent increase.
Average spending as percent of gross domestic product (value of goods and services produced) averaged 72 percent for the earlier time and 88 percent for the latter period. That not only represents a 22 percent rise, but the latest year's data topped 100 percent of GDP for the first time since 1946.
Please consider these facts provided by the U.S. Treasury Department before voting.
BERNARD COOMBES
Hixson
Mitt Romney recently spoke to a group of wealthy supporters at a private fundraiser in Florida. A portion of his remarks were dedicated to heaping lavish praise on former Vice President Dick Cheney. That, my fellow citizens, should be all you need to know about Mitt Romney.
SAM SHADDEN
Ringgold, Ga.
Contrary to a letter Sunday, the government doesn't currently provide any money to the Post Office. In fact, the government takes the money that is supposed to be set aside for future retirees' and future employees' health benefits. These are people who will never be employed because they will not be hired when the Post Office is closed. Government uses the $5.5 billion in funds that Congress requires every year as a piggy bank. There is no other government or privately owned company that is required to make payments into a government fund. The only income the Postal Service has comes from stamps/postage and merchandise they sell.
When the Post Office is closed and that 45 cents will not get the first-class letter sent across the country, then the author will have plenty to write about.
DEBORAH GIBSON
Ooltewah