Birth control choice woman's decision only and other letters to the editors

Birth control choice woman's decision only

Re: "Chattanooga woman turns to Go Fund Me for IUD birth control" (Oct. 8): The remark that Laura Kramer doesn't want a baby is one that suggests she does not ever want to bear a child, and like many opinions about women and decisions about their body, this one is overly assumptive. In our society, there is a stigma that women who choose to not have children are "radical feminists" or "mommy-haters," when contrarily it is because they are just focused on their career or can't support the financial weights that come with having a child. Many women in their 20s and 30s choose long-term contraceptives because they are the best option financially and for their personal health, not because they never want children. Statements that allude that women choose long-term contraceptives because they never plan on having children are misleading and deceitful. The only person who should have a say over a woman's decision about her body is the woman herself, and choosing when to have a child is one of those decisions, whether she is on birth control or not.

OLIVIA MOYE


Help Third World improve sanitation

What makes a Third World country? Poor people, unsanitary conditions, no education, no jobs, starvation, disease, and the list goes on. Ebola comes from the Ebola River in Africa. Without being too graphic, do we really know what this river is used for? Drinking water for cattle and humans, washing clothes, burying dead people and animals, bowel and urine elimination, bathing, and other life-preserving activities. However, these life-preservation activities have turned against these people and turned their lives into a death-threatening virus. Thousands have died for the lack of good sanitation. In our own nation, we had outhouses for bathrooms for many years, and as our lives improved, we have found great sanitary ways to take care of bodily functions. There are many organizations and foundations that help Third World countries with vaccinations, crop preservation, schooling and other functions. However, we must find a way to help these people with sanitation. This may sound simplistic, but after reading some material and talking to people who do know about such things, I really believe our money (and prayers) must be used to help them learn how to become more sanitary and to get clean water.

DR. PAT TAYLOR


Carter will help Georgia students

In Georgia, our governor and state legislators say they value children, families and education, but their actions tell a different story. Since 2004, they have cut nearly $1 billion from our schools. As a result, school districts across the state have been forced to make drastic cuts year after year. Teaching positions and valuable programs have been lost. Class sizes continue to increase. Education is an investment in the future of our communities and our state. However, for the past 10 years, our lawmakers have made a conscious decision to stop investing in that future, and our children and state are suffering because of that decision. This year we can choose to re-elect the people who have stopped investing in our future or we can vote for a change. Jason Carter believes a properly funded school system is good for both our children and the economic health of our state. A thriving education system provides opportunity and attracts businesses. We deserve nothing less.

CHRIS SANDOW, LaFayette, Ga.


Keep Robertson, Allen on Signal

Annette Allen has served eight years, organized and serves on the Clean Streams Task Force, represents the Signal Mountain Town Council on the planning commission, library and parks board, founded and serves on the conservation easement group, wrote subdivision regulations and has worked since 2010 to protect the town's park land. Susan Robertson has served eight years, wrote the new town website and town code, represents the council on personnel, historical, design review and planning committees, founded and serves on the tree board, and writes "Council Notes" every week. Since they came on the council, we have seen no problems. We have only seen progress! * Financial: balanced budget, retired school debt early, reduced property taxes, Moody AA3 bond rating. * Infrastructure: worked with TDOT on Highway 127, rehabilitated town complex, made water system improvements. * Safety: new public works facility and fire station on Shackleford Ridge coming. The council does not divide 3-2 on votes; in the last four years out of 401 votes, four were not unanimous. In days, we will vote for council members. Susan and Annette are the workhorses. Don't replace them with candidates who have not attended meetings or know the issues.

BOB GRIESINGER, Signal Mountain


Gas prices falling despite government

I just wanted to say thanks to all those in the oil industry for the increase in my income because of the falling gas prices. In what The Wall Street Journal calls "the year of living on the brink," we are seeing gas prices falling. This used to be the time for gas prices to soar, but now the Middle East can't dictate the price. Our private oil industry is producing so much oil that world prices are falling. I don't know how long this will last, but this is what happens with capitalism and freedom. This is also in spite of our government, which has tried to destroy energy production and the private companies that produce it. So we owe a massive thanks to those who produce it, transport it and sell it to us. This will reduce our cost for almost everything we buy. So, thanks oil companies, for not letting government interference stop you from innovating, finding new resources and then distributing it to all of us in flyover country.

BRUCE CALDWELL, Signal Mountain


Why is resistance never mentioned?

Complaints of police brutality and disrespect in certain communities continue to make headlines and elicit some extreme assumptions based on questionable reports. When a police officer attempts to investigate suspicious or criminal behavior, it seems that cooperation and compliance is replaced by resistance and confrontation. That seems to be either ignored or intentionally disregarded.

JERRY MacCAULEY


Keep Red Bank moving forward

You have undoubtedly noticed the plethora of candidate signs that adorn nearly every street and intersection in Red Bank. Surely you are aware of the critical election date of Nov. 4. I am gravely concerned -- being a long-term resident and property owner -- that some are unaware of the battle being waged over the city's direction and factors influencing property values. I say this because I have attended multiple sessions of the Red Bank Planning Commission and Red Bank City Commission. Both commissions have been surprised at the voter turnout, but I'm concerned there hasn't been more interest. Fellow citizens, unless we invest time to truly understand what is being proposed we are susceptible to misinformation and influence and could well cost ourselves and the city untold millions of dollars. Please do your homework and understand the truth. The new rezoning ordinance that two of our commissioners are blocking can be found at http://www.redbanktn.gov/. This ordinance was unanimously approved by the planning commission! Hopefully, you'll vote to keep Red Bank moving forward by voting for our mayor, John Roberts, Terry Pope and Ed LeCompte.

KAREN STAGE

Upcoming Events