'Memorial Auditorium in the right hands' and more letters to the editors

Friday, January 1, 1904

Memorial Auditorium in the right hands

"Drew's View" on May 31 argues that Knoxville does not own the Tennessee Theatre and Davidson County the Ryman Auditorium. He fails to mention that Chattanooga's Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium is not just a performance venue but a true and properly dedicated memorial to our service veterans, built soon after World War I.

It is true Memorial Auditorium needs much work. But in recent years, it has been the recipient of the Chattanooga Music Club's efforts to raise over a million dollars to restore the magnificent Austin pipe organ. Additionally, following restoration of the third-floor Community Theater, the Chattanooga Music Club gave the city a 9-foot concert grand Baldwin piano.

The citizens of Chattanooga enjoy free concerts put on by the Chattanooga Music Club, including a patriotic concert around the Forth of July and a holiday concert in early winter. These could go the way of the wind should a private enterprise procure this facility. What a pity that would be.

JEANNETTE MARTIN


The only opinion that matters is God's

Front-page headline "800 years later theological debate still simmers." There is only one answer that matters to Protestants and Catholics: Did you accept Jesus Christ of Nazareth as your lord and savior?

When we do meet Jesus, we can learn who was correct on theological difference. We were told by Jesus to go and make disciples, ones who accept him and help them mature. Further, to be one as he and the Father is One. Let's do that, and let the differences not divide us.

ELIZABETH ANDERSON


Junk barge needs to be removed

For many years, a large number of people in Chattanooga, including myself as a member of the Hamilton County legislative delegation, have worked to promote and beautify our city -- not only for ourselves but also for people visiting Chattanooga. We now are very proud of what has been done.

Now we hear or read frequent complaints concerning the Allen Casey junk barge, which takes away from the beauty of the Tennessee River at a major tourist area. It's past time for someone in authority to step up and tell Mr. Casey to get this eyesore off the river. Give him a set number of days to move it, or make him reach in his pocket and begin paying a stiff fine for every day the junk remains.

In 1995, the legislative weekend in Chattanooga, celebrating the opening of the aquarium, was a proud moment for our city. Let's not let one trash dump take away from all of the good.

BILL McAFEE, Ret. State Rep. 27th District


Riverbend performers need to be on time

My husband and I attended Riverbend on Saturday night to enjoy the music but especially to see Cee Lo Green.

We needed to leave by 10:15 p.m. to be home by 11 p.m., as did our friends. (Pets to be let out, teenagers with curfews to meet, church the next morning, etc.) We had hoped to see at least half of his show but saw none due to his late start.

Headliners for the 9:30 p.m. show need to be more professional and realize their fans are not all young and without responsibilities.

Lastly, the Coke stage is beautiful. People go to see the river, the bridges, the mountains and the sights and sounds of the people. To show 30-plus minutes of nonstop television commercials ruined the reason many attend Riverbend, and I hope it is never repeated.

COLBY MARROW, Signal Mountain