For horse law reform and other letters to the editors

For horse law reform

Bravo to the Times for taking a strong stand in favor of the PAST act, which should be successful in stopping all manner of cruelties toward walking horses! Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act is the only route to finally end the accepted torture inflicted upon horses' hooves. It is simple: For horses to be protected, pads and chains must be outlawed! Lamar Alexander, get on board with PAST and help our state get beyond a shameful part of its history. And to citizens who truly love horses, please boycott walking horse shows until a surefire law is enacted. A lack of public dollars makes a strong statement to the powerful people who have allowed this tragedy to continue for more than 40 years. ANNE GARRARD GRINDLE Sewanee, Tenn.


Learn more about firearms

Concerning (Times editorial) "Gun madness in Georgia": It was, is, and will be a felony to drink alcoholic beverages while carrying a firearm. The so-called "guns in bars" bills allow a person with a license to carry a gun and go to a place like Chili's that happens to serve beer or mixed drinks and eat a meal. No alcohol can be consumed! This is not a bill allowing you to go to your local pub and get wasted while carrying a sidearm. Go take a class on the firearms carry law and then write your editorial. Oh yeah, the sign that will prevent carrying inside any business: a picture of a pistol in a lined-through circle. That simple. No "argument with the bouncer." How idiotic. Let's get real: People who bother to go through a class, learn the legalities of concealed/open carry, and pay for a license are not the type to cause problems with the law.

MIKE HENRY, Whitwell, Tenn.


Obama owns Afghan War

U.S. military casualties in Afghanistan have soared under Obama. According to Allen West's website, the Obama administration Rules of Engagement are largely responsible for this increase. Soldiers must not only fight the enemy but have to simultaneously watch their backs for the U.S. government. According to West, this leads to internal hesitation and needless military deaths. During 87 months of the war under Bush, there were 630 killed in action (KIA). This averaged out to 7.2 KIA per month. Whereas under Obama during 62-plus months of war, there have been a total of 1,681 KIA for an average of 27.2 KIA per month. That is almost four times the rate under Bush. These straightforward statistics loudly scream that something is fatally wrong. Obama and his ilk never take any responsibility: consider Fast and Furious, Benghazi and IRS targeting of conservatives. Although Obama will probably use the old tired "blame Bush" mantra, he now and for some time solely owns this war. When will his sycophant groupies "get it"? Those that refuse to acknowledge that the war belongs to Obama and demand a change are complacent in this tragedy. Our military forces deserve better!

R. CHILDRESS, Sewanee, Tenn.

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