Ticket to prosperity and other letters to the editors

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Ticket to prosperity

In response to the article about Tennessee leading the nation in minimum-wage jobs and those who protest for a higher minimum wage, the solution is simple. Higher-paying jobs are available to those who are prepared with marketable skills, education and motivation. Minimum-wage jobs are primarily entry-level positions meant as a starting point, not a lifelong station. Permanence in a minimum-wage position is a result of a lack of skills, education and/or ambition. A person cannot complain or protest for pay they don't receive for work they cannot or will not do. Stay in school, work hard and advance - that is the ticket out of minimum wage.

ROY C. CURTIS, Jasper, Tenn.


Trust Smartt for commission

Even brilliant people are wrong from time to time, but they have a choice between covering up or fessing up. The person who refuses to admit he is wrong does not belong in leadership. Any voter should look for positive signs of why a candidate should be elected, and danger signs of why one should not. There are few danger signs more clear than when a person refuses to admit he is wrong. And the Sabrena Turner campaign is wrong on the annexation claim. It's hard to miss the bright blue signs proclaiming "Sabrena: the "ONLY candidate that fought annexation." However, a little reading of past Times-Free Press articles on the issue clarifies that Phil Smartt fought annexation while chairman of the WWTA. But it's not about who was successful in fighting annexation. It's not about who cares more. It's about who I trust to be honest, exercise good judgment, lead with integrity and work with other elected leaders. Maybe that's why Phil has been endorsed by every influential Republican in this area - Claude Ramsey, Harold Coker, Bobby Wood, Gerald McCormick, Justice Mickey Barker and others. They know we can trust Phil to lead with honesty and integrity.

KATHY BECKSTEAD


Vote Fleenor for judge

We are fortunate to have someone of Pam McNutt Fleenor's caliber running for Chancery judge in our May election. Pam is a native of Chattanooga who loves our community. She will work with determination to ensure that Hamilton County citizens are treated with dignity and respect. Pam's character and ability are without compare. I have known Pam for 40-plus years. She is smart, honest and compassionate with a strong work ethic. Pam was the salutatorian of Central High School in 1977, graduated from UTC and then completed law school. She has practiced law here in Chattanooga all of her career. I know Pam well, and if you get the chance to meet her, you will feel that you know her well, too. She never meets a stranger. She is working with diligence to get out and meet as many in our community as possible. Don't hesitate to introduce yourself to her. I ask for your vote for Pam McNutt Fleenor in our upcoming May election. You will be proud of the job that she will do for Hamilton County!

CAROL ANNE COPPINGER, Hixson


Thanks to Marion County

The baseball game between Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences and Marion County started like any other on a recent Thursday evening in Jasper. However, it didn't end like most. Two CSAS players collided hard in the sixth inning to end the game. Both were knocked unconscious and showed signs of head trama. Eventually, the injuries were found to be not serious, but at that time, we didn't know how badly they were hurt. The parents and coaches of CSAS would like to thank the players, coaches and fans of Marion County for their support while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Their main concern was getting the injured CSAS players the medical attention they needed as quickly as possible. The Marion County baseball program is truly a class act.

STEVE BUTLER


Newspaper's price increase shocks

I have been subscribing to the Chattanooga Times Free Press for several years since moving here. I just received my renewal notice and was shocked to see the price increase. By my calculations, the price increase is 50 percent. It appears your cost of a new printing press is being passed on to the customer. My husband and I owned an engineering firm before retiring to Tennessee. When we needed new computer equipment, software, etc., we paid for it with our profits from previous years, not by charging our customers more. I cannot see how you can justify this tremendous price increase.

ANN DALE, Cleveland, Tenn.


Be consistent with criticism

The president has been criticized for not wanting to go to war with Russia over the Ukraine. He is called a wimp. However, when Russia invaded and conquered part of Georgia in 2008, Bush got by with calling the Russians "bullies." He did not even invoke sanctions. The tragedy in Ben-ghazi is endlessly blamed on Hillary Clinton. However, when 241 Americans died in the Beirut barracks bombing in 1983, I do not recall any criticism of Ronald Reagan's secretary of state. There were never any arrests or reprisals for that substantially greater tragedy. The political discourse in this country would benefit from a touch of consistency, self-awareness and honesty.

SHARON N. FARBER, M.D.


Gravitt ready for service

I'm extremely humbled by having the unique position of running unopposed to serve District 30 as its state representative. While I'm thankful for the opportunity to go to Nashville and represent my community, I will not accept this gracious opportunity by standing on the sidelines. I will continue my campaign with an emphasis on meeting with community leaders and citizens to highlight the good qualities of the district and discuss my ideas on key issues - public education, tax reform, job creation, government spending and economic development -that I expect to be raised during the next legislative session. I would be remiss not to thank the people who have assisted me. First and most important, I want to thank my wife, Cleo, and daughter, Kensley. A campaign is truly a family affair. Having them at my side was my strongest asset. I also want to thank those who helped spread the word, from elected officials who publicly endorsed me to my campaign committee members - Vince Butler, Robin Smith and Barry Watson. Last, I want to thank all of the contributors to my campaign. Your financial support made this day possible.

MARC GRAVITT


Bible truths answer all

Is there a problem with believing that anything that happened before Adam and Eve is prehistoric? The most wonderful history ever recorded tells us our story if we want to take the time to read it. It is a glorious story of love and redemption, and the more you read it, the more deeply satisfying it is and the more faith in the goodness of God grows. Jesus' bloodshed on the cross paid the price for mankind's inability to be sinless. His glorious resurrection is proof of his deity and power. Study, if you wish, the rocks and the heavens above. Try to figure out what happened before we were given a written account. As for me, I want to know why I'm here and where I'm going. "It is written." This is what Jesus told Satan.

RACHEL DECOSIMO