Uber a super service for city
Having been a faithful user of the Uber car service for a couple of years now, I can tell you it will be a welcome addition to Chattanooga.
I have used Uber in many different cities throughout the country and have had the same great result every time.
When you summon an Uber car with your phone, the driver calls you back immediately to confirm your location. You also have the ability to see a picture of your driver, along with the make of car and license plate.
The cars are always clean, up to date on maintenance and the drivers very friendly.
I have had several instances where I had extreme difficulty in trying to call a cab company for a pick-up downtown - this isn't New York City, where there are cabs everywhere.
The best part about Uber is that there are no cash transactions since it is billed to your credit card on file, and they won't accept tips.
It's time for Chattanooga to join the rest of the progressive cities and embrace this important service.
KEN MAURY
Teachers try to 'build' students
Recently I read that the Public Education Foundation brought a speaker to town to inspire teachers to be memorable.
On its face, that sounds great! Most teachers enter the profession to "make a positive difference in the lives of their students." However, the story read as if most teachers did not make a "memorable impression" on students. The article implied that most teachers are "worthless."
The presenter needs to read more brain research studies. Negative memories are stored in the part of the brain that deals with life-saving "fight or flight" skills.
Our brains do not make enough room for all the positive memories since they are less likely to be needed to save ourselves from poisonous plants, rabid animals or opinionated speakers.
Teachers work interdependently. From pre-K to grade 16, students build skills as a mason builds a wall - brick by brick. From one grade to the next, teachers increase skills, support pre-learned skills and expand thinking. If students choose not to learn, do not focus or are absent, gaps occur. The next teacher tries to eradicate those gaps.
Celebrate our improving schools; respect our educators and their efforts to help children become productive citizens.
SANDY HUGHES, HCEA president
Zero passengers can save lives
My deepest sympathies go to the families of the two teens involved in the recent crash on Lower Mill Road in Hixson. Tragically, these crashes happen frequently. The tools to reduce these crashes and save lives exist, and it is my hope we can use them.
Research has shown that riding with friends increases the chances of fatal teen car crashes by 44 percent. Enforcing a zero-passenger rule for teens, at least for the first year of driving, is one of the most important things parents can do to help keep their teens safe.
The Tennessee Teen Safe Driving Coalition, an initiative of The Allstate Foundation and the National Safety Council, is working in Tennessee to help make sure parents have the resources and information they need. With everyone's help, we can make our roads safer for all.
KRISTI TOWNES, Tennessee Teen Safe Driving Coalition
Bennett owes vets an apology
There have been thousands of veterans who served their country and the red, white and blue. Many of them have paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.
Cartoonist Clay Bennett showed little or no respect in his cartoon of "Old Glory" on Nov. 9. The Times Free Press showed no respect in its printing of the cartoon - only two days before Veterans Day.
The TFP and Mr. Bennett owe all veterans an apology.
BUD CONWAY, Whitwell, Tenn.