'Life lessons' article, photos get attention
Normally, I only skim the Sports section until college football comes around. You caught my eye with both the title of the piece ("Life lessons abound with diverse Ridgeland Panthers," Aug. 24) and the diverse pictures. I read every word with pleasure. How smart the coach, Mark Mariakis, is about life. I commend him and wish and hope others follow his lead. Great story.
MARY ROSER
Man-Woman Marriage Came From Beginning
Some believe Christians have no right telling others what marriage really is. Have you forgotten who created marriage? When God created the world on the sixth day, he created man. God saw it was not good for man to be alone. He created, without exception, woman for man. He told man to leave father and mother. God made no exception when he told man to cleave to his wife only. Now those who are divorced for any cause except being an innocent victim of adultery, those male/female couples who live together without being married, or those who believe in a same-sex union or same-sex marriage: Not only do they show disrespect for one of God's greatest creations -- real marriage -- they show they dispute God's word on paper. They should be brave enough and be willing to challenge God personally about what God said in the Bible.
JENNIFER BRADFORD
Being Over 80 Has Its Benefits
One of the gratifying benefits of being over 80 and lame in Hamilton County, Tenn., is that you get to see so many beautiful smiles on strangers holding doors open and performing other generous, courteous acts.
FLOYD DENNIS, Hixson
Vote For Freedom Of Wine Sales
On July 10, 2013, in the Business section, there was an excellent article by Chris Hopkins titled "Horse and Buggy Laws Dictate How You Buy a Car." The essence of the article is as follows (paraphrased): A car manufacturer was attempting to gain approval from legislatures for direct sales to the public and running into serious opposition. One hundred-year-old laws dictate that the public must buy an auto from a franchised dealer. Since an average of 20 percent of state sales tax revenues come from auto dealers, lawmakers are inclined to protect this de facto oligopoly. This practice costs consumers and taxpayers handsomely. (End of paraphrase) In my opinion, this is the same type of profiteering shenanigans that dictate that wine can only be purchased in liquor stores in the state of Tennessee and that the amount of alcohol beer can contain to be sold in grocery stores is controlled. These are infringements of the rights of both consumers and businesses and amount to a form of monopoly. When given the opportunity, vote for freedom from these stifling arrangements benefiting only the state and the lobbyists.
SHERRY KITTS, Hixson
Stupid Stuff: No End In Sight
OK, so now the city receives $1.4 million from a federal government that is $17 trillion in debt and matches that with local funds of $358,000 while they have a big problem paying their pension debt and cannot pave city roads. When does the really stupid stuff by governments stop?
JEFF WELLS, Hixson