Letters to the Editor from TimesFreePress.com | http://timesfreepress.com/news/opinion/letters http://timesfreepress.com/news/opinion/letters We are celebrating the independence of our country from England. How wonderful that there were such giants at that particular time. The courage, dedication, selflessness, and wisdom that it took to form our government were phenomenal. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/04/letters-editors/ We will truly miss Dr. Paul Nolan. His years serving Hamilton County as a county commissioner showed what a true selfless public servant can accomplish for our community. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/03/letters-editors/ Several of my neighbors say their 2009 property assessments spiked upwards of 38.5 percent in four years. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/02/letters-editors/ Our health care system is in dire trouble. Costs have gone wild and an unacceptable number of our citizens have no health insurance. Those who do have premiums that are eating away at their incomes. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/28/letters-editors/ I am confused. I understand now that with a concealed carry weapons permit I can carry a handgun into parks and bars in Tennessee. Why can’t I carry a shotgun to the finest sporting clays facility in Southeast Tennessee? When will Montlake Classic Clays be allowed to reopen? http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/27/letters-editors/ Thank you for the insightful editorial (June 18) regarding “Veterans and end of life care.” In reaching veterans about end-of-life care services, Hospice of Chattanooga is extremely fortunate to partner with our local VA clinic, the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council, the Homeless HealthCare Center, the Community Kitchen, the Area Agency on Aging and Disability, area veteran service officers and the area Disabled American Veterans to assist local veterans facing chronic or terminal illness. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/26/letters-editors/ Triple truck trailers would save fuel, reduce trips and decrease fuel emissions. It would also reduce cost for the carrier. Go You Big Green Machine! http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/25/letters-editors/ Thanks to recycling advocate Frank DePinto, the mayor has promised to return this great service back to the people of Chattanooga. Frank, we the people “thank you for your concerns and efforts on our behalf.’’ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/21/letters-editors/ There have been numerous letters concerning the pros and cons of recent changes to Tennessee’s gun laws. As a retired law enforcement officer I would like to provide some information. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/19/letters-editors/ Last Saturday night, I experienced the dream of a lifetime, spending the night on the Delta Queen. It was one of the most awesome experiences of my life. The integrity of the boat has been maintained with all of the beauty of the antiques, stained glass, and even the mechanical systems, like even keeping the steam engine. And it didn’t hurt that it was the last night of Riverbend. Can you imagine experiencing Little Richard and the festival’s finale, the fireworks, from a rocking chair on the Queen’s deck? http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/18/letters-editors/ Our church, wanting to be good stewards of God’s earth and resources, has operated a recycling program for the last five years. In our attempt to enlarge this endeavor, we sought to put recycling bins on church property. We were told by the city of Ringgold that we would need a zoning variance, which we were able to secure through the zoning board. The church also prepared the property so as not to cause an eyesore. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/14/letters-editors/ After reading the June 11 Free Press opinion pieces “A trillion-$ tax increase,” “Does Obama mean ‘pay as you go,’” and “Job Predictions ‘optimistic’” I could not help but feel like these were the ramblings of a school yard bully trying to force their opinions on everyone as if they were facts. Your scathing, sarcastic tone betrays the wisdom of your audience. When will you realize that the few who are still listening cannot hear what you are saying because we are distracted by the way you are saying it? http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/13/letters-editors/ The people of Tennessee should be ashamed of their legislative body in Nashville. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/12/letters-editors/ I congratulate the Tennessee Aquarium on its newest jelly exhibit. The new jellies and the glass exhibit are exceptional. As you walk into the new area it seems that the jellies go on forever. There are new tanks for the Aquarium’s wonderful jellies. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/11/letters-editors/ As a retired veteran of 42 years of service to this nation (21 military and 21 foreign service/OGA), I continue to benefit from both the military and federal employee health care systems. These benefits and entitlements are similar to the health care benefits that our representatives in Congress receive. In some political camps, the idea of universal health care, health insurance and a security network for all reeks of socialism. Evidently, our presidents, Congress, and the military who continue to benefit from these multifaceted care systems must be closet socialists. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/07/letters-editors/ D-Day on Saipan came early on June 15, 1944, when the Marines’ 2nd and 4th Divisions landed on its southwestern beaches under heavy fire. By nightfall more than 1,500 had died. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/06/letters-editors/ In response to a letter (May 28), I would agree the European invaders of these continents were terrorists. Not only did they invade by the “Will of God” using “Manifest Destiny” as an excuse, they also stole, murdered, disfigured and tortured in the name of their God. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/05/letters-editors/ I agree with Cal Thomas’ column (May 22). He effectively argues for the position that Israel has no choice but to take military action to destroy Iran’s capacity to enrich uranium. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/04/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/01/letters-guns-bars-open-letter-sen-bo-watson/ As I read the headlines in this morning's Chattanooga Times Free Press, I was saddened by your comments, due to your lack of understanding on the true meaning of the Second Amendment. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/01/letter-right-bear-arms/ Attacks on CCW permits alarmist http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jun/01/letters-editors/ Reading the May 28 letter “U.S. ancestors weren’t terrorists” provided me with yet another chapter of history rewritten by a revisionist intent on defending their view by claiming God’s will. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/30/letters-editors/ In the May 24 edition, the arts and education administrator for the city of Chattanooga wrote that their magazine and media expenses were “privately sponsored,” or “at no taxpayer cost.” I believe this referenced a magazine and media spending by this particular department. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/28/letters-editors/ What has happened and is happening to the greatest nation this world has ever known? Our economy is in the tank, sure, put there by mistakes due to bad individual financial decisions, bad real estate and banking decisions and other factors, but mainly due to the decisions being made by our leadership in the Congress! http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/24/letters-editors/ Keeping a gun to defend your home is one thing, and should be permitted. It's a personal choice that doesn't usually endanger the public at large. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/23/letters-editors/ I am writing to praise Judge Don Poole for ruling in favor of East Ridge Mayor Mike Steele. The residents who caused Mr. Steele so much grief, stress and expense should have to reimburse him the $6,800 he has paid to defend himself in a lawsuit that had no merit. Charles Wright, an attorney who represents the residents, said, “It’s a lot of money” that will have to come out of the petitioners’ own pockets — about $618 each. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/21/letters-editors/ The Salami Theory says that if you want to steal your neighbor’s salami, you take it slice by slice. He is less likely to notice it disappearing little by little than if it is taken all at once http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/18/letters-editors/ For the fourth consecutive year, my wife and I spent an entertaining and enlightening Mother’s Day weekend in Chattanooga. Again we wondered why so few locals joined us. We were at TaleSpin, which brings the cream of the storytelling crop to your city. This year we heard nine outstanding tellers, including four “regional” talents. We saw friends from Georgia and met folks from throughout Tennessee and beyond, but the festival venue (Miller Plaza pavilion) was never full. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/17/letters-editors/ Recently Miss California (Carrie Prejean) lost her bid to become Miss U.S.A. She was asked by judge Perez Hilton what her opinion was on gay marriage. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/16/letters-editors/ It’s too bad that the writer who made the insightful observation that Chattanooga is suffering from redneck conservatism and Republicanism was answered only by a couple of those same right-wing types. They recommended that the author relocate to California with all those liberals, atheists and … scholars? (Oh, the horror!) http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/15/letters-editors/ A letter in the May 9 Times Free Press, complains that President Obama "ignored" the National Day of Prayer. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/14/letters-editors/ This is in reply to the vitriolic letter (May 4) regarding Thomas Sowell. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/13/letters-editors/ Wouldn’t it be nice if we had vocal politicians who would get term limits established for all federally elected politicians, federal judges, and Supreme Court justices? Politicians who would require these same officials to have to use the same Social Security and Medicare benefits that the average American citizen has to use instead of the fat cat retirement and health care benefits they vote for themselves? Who would outlaw all lobbyists who buy votes with perks for the bureaucrats who don’t report those perks as income and have to pay their fair share of taxes on? Who would not allow attorneys to serve in congressional offices since they only enact legislation only they can interpret? http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/10/letters-editors/ May 7 is set aside as the National Day of Prayer each year. This day has been recognized for decades by the president of the United States; that is, until President Obama chose to ignore it. The National Day of Prayer and the National Prayer Breakfast are nonsectarian and usually draw participants of all faiths who unite to pray for peace and other worldwide concerns. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/09/letters-editors/ The fight has begun — should everyone be allowed to carry a gun under the shield of self-defense? Opinions for and against the same will soon be left up to voters. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/08/letters-editors/ I read about a tragedy just narrowly averted because of the action of one person. Eight starving horses were wasting away in a field. A neighbor saw the horses suffering and decided to call a local veterinarian. That action spurred a rescue operation to save the horses. The rescue came too late for one, but the rest are safe now. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/03/letters-editors/ The true test of leadership: What is life like for the people, what can I do for all the people? This is the question a good mayor asks. Hats off to Mayor Littlefield for embracing every citizen in your plan to move the city of Chattanooga forward, not just the ones who moved downtown and purchased “very expensive homes.” http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/may/01/letters-editors/ Phyllis Schlafly (“Yes, marriage can be saved,” April 17) claims that the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) must be saved at any cost. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/30/letters-editors/ Letters repeat lies about Jews http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/27/letters-editors/ We’ve been hearing a lot about our schools, teacher layoffs, closing schools, “No Child Left Behind,” and the increase in our dropout rates! How many parents and educators have heard this travesty — when special education students graduate they’re counted as dropouts! Recently, my son’s teacher and I were made aware of this and we are furious. We spend money for special education teachers, programs, buses, aides, resources to help with job placement, our kids stay in school till they are 22 years old, graduate on stage with the senior class, and then they are labeled “dropouts”! http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/26/letters-editors/ Dietrich Bonhoeffer was one of the few who quickly understood, even before Hitler came to power, that National Socialism was a brutal attempt to make history without God and to found it on the strength of men alone. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/25/letters-editors/ Slanted cartoons a daily onslaught http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/23/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/22/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/21/letters-editors/ Keep private market for student loans http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/20/letters-editors/ Use disguised ships to trick pirates Forget the romantic pirates of the high seas, treasure maps and all. These Somali pirates are deadly thieves and murderers. Paying them ransom is not the solution. There is too much coastline and ship traffic to effectively patrol. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/19/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/18/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/17/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/16/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/14/letters-editors/ Thank the union for good benefits http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/13/letters-editors/ As a new resident to the Chattanooga area, I’m impressed with the beauty of the city and the area. However there are a couple of things I’ve seen that are a bad idea. The first is traffic cameras to ticket people who run red lights. This is a form of lazy policing. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying the police are lazy. I’m saying the city doesn’t care about safety, only revenue. When a police officer stops a person for a traffic offense he is able to detect if the driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs. He also finds out if this person has outstanding warrants or is fleeing from a crime scene. The camera doesn’t know or care. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/12/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/11/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/10/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/10/letters-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/09/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/08/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/07/letters-editors/ Don’t make doctors, nurses do abortions http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/06/letters-editors/ I am writing in response to the Times editorial (“Don’t rush to deregulate,’’ March 30) to make clear that AT&T is not seeking to be deregulated. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/05/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/04/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/03/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/02/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/01/letters-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/01/letters-editors/ Vote McDaniel to avoid loss of black on council http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/30/letters-editors/ We cannot turn a blind eye to level of injustice and criminality that has occurred. Our future and the generations to come must know the truth of what has transpired. Justice occurs in fairness and accountability. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/29/letters-editors/ Care of yard, river are not the same http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/28/letters-editors/ I could write a full page on the pros and the rights that our forefathers gave us on the ownership of guns, but I will keep it short and simple, with just two questions, about the “left” side of your paper. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/27/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/26/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/25/letters-editors/ Are expectations same for all cartoons? http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/23/letters-editors/ Radio chips are not the answer to food contamination. Better living conditions with less crowding, more inspectors, and cleaner processing equipment in both the animals’ areas and the kitchens of the food preparers will help much more than the wastefully expensive radio chip proposal. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/22/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/21/letters-editors/ To the Editor: http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/20/want-income-tax-call-two-men-and-truck/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/19/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/18/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/17/letters-editors/ If catastrophe occurs, it will be Bush’s doing http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/16/letters-editors/ There should be an amendment to the Constitution requiring all entities of the U.S. government to buy things that are 100 percent manufactured in the U.S.A. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/15/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/14/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/13/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/12/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/11/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/10/letters-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/09/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/09/letters-editors-/ Daily we read about the exorbitant cost associated with providing and obtaining a college education. This problem can be solved and billions saved by using existing technology — Internet-based elearning solutions — to educate our adult population. This technology has been proven at many universities. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/08/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/07/letters-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/07/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/06/letters-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/06/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/05/letters-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/04/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/04/letter-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/03/letter-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/03/letters-editors/ I want to express my appreciation to Mayor Littlefield for signing the National Cities Climate Protection Agreement. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/02/littlefield-gets-odell-support/ My family and I have enjoyed knowing Peter Murphy for several years. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/02/shapiro-backs-murphy-district-9/ Whom can you put your trust in when a person puts his name out there to run for city office? http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/02/deborah-scott-gets-vote/ We are faced with an important choice this Tuesday to determine as a community who will provide the best leadership for our city for the next four years. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/02/not-politics-public-service/ I am voting for Rob Healy, even though I did not even know who this man was two months ago. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/02/rob-healy-mayor/ Chattanooga's government could adopt a save-jobs-first philosophy in this recession, instead of laying off its lowest-wage workers. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/02/city-could-adot-save-jobs-first-philosophy/ This campaign has been very brief and I am still learning about Rob Healy but I like what I see and hear from him. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/02/im-voting-rob-healy/ I am voting for Rob Healy on Tuesday. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/02/clyde-voting-healy-mayor/ If Chattanooga is to become a great city, we must have a city council that will move us forward, with professional members who work collaboratively to improve the quality of life for everyone. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/02/berz-and-ladd-understand-community/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/02/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/02/letters-editorsa/ So often in politics, we have to choose between candidates who don't inspire us, voting against one person rather than for another. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/01/murphy-inspiring-has-clear-vision/ I have known Carol Berz for over 30 years and have always found her to be a person of integrity. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/01/smith-would-vote-berz-if-she-could/ I believe George Patten will make an excellent Councilman because of the listening skills he has developed from being in sales. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/01/george-patten-will-hear-your-concerns/ In response to a letter published on 2/27, I must challenge the accusation made by Sheila Stapp that legal contributions from local unions to District 6 Councilwoman Carol Berz will automatically sway her vote towards union positions. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/01/evans-throws-support-berz/ District 7 council candidate and my distant cousin, Dr. Eberhardt’s race comments are not at all news. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/01/eberhardt-weighs-district-7/ I have known Peter Murphy for ten years. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/01/peter-murphy-city-council/ I have known Carol Berz for probably thirty years, and I strongly urge the voters of District 6 to re-elect her to the City Council. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/01/williams-urges-support-berz/ The article on unemployment benefits Friday (Feb. 13) (how appropriate) interested me. If a friend has lost a job, it is a tragedy. if the unemployed individual happens to be you, it is a disaster. Two and one half years ago, I lost my job. And, yes, for those years I have made “searching for a job my fulltime job,” as your contributor suggested. I have survived by using all my savings and had my home go into foreclosure over a year ago so now I live with family. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/mar/01/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/28/letters-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/28/letters-editors/ As Board Chair of the McKamey Animal Center I feel it is necessary to correct some misinformation that was in a February 23 letter credited to Randy Millsaps. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/27/mckamey-board-chairm-sets-record-straight/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/27/letter-editors-/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/27/letter-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/27/letter-editors/ The McKamey Animal Center has been in existence less than a year and, during that time there has been unending speculation about all facets of the Center. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/26/facts-about-mckamey-animal-center/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/26/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/26/letters-editors1/ Thurman’s comments this week suggest that she is living in a bygone era. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/25/letter-math-skill-important/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/25/letters-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/25/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/24/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/24/letters-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/23/letters-editorsa/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/23/letters-editors/ Our elected officials don’t appear to care very much about the American work force. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/22/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/21/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/21/letters-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/20/letters-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/20/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/19/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/19/letters-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/18/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/18/letters-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/17/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/16/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/16/letters-editorsa/ American taxpayers deserve and should demand the identification of the greedy vultures from Wall Street and all the other banking facilities that took the bonuses when the hard-working taxpayers are being laid off from their jobs and are facing the prospect of losing their homes. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/15/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/14/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/13/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/12/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/11/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/10/letters-editors/ Today I had the great opportunity to see the movie "Paper Clips", describing the effort of a teacher in Whitwell, TN, who struck upon the Holocaust as a perfect opportunity to teach her middle school students about the horrendous mass killings that took place in Germany during WW2. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/09/paper-clips-powerful-documentary/ It is my pleasure to write this letter from the Chattanooga Area Labor Council. Our official endorsements for the March 3, 2009 City elections follow. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/09/editorial-endorsement-chattanooga-area-labor-counc/ If Bush is criticized, so should Obama http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/09/letters-editors/ In the 1970s, Jane Fonda showed tremendous patriotism and courage by opposing the Vietnam War. She had the courage to speak out and challenge a vain and corrupt engagement. Nothing she said was quite as careless as supporting the war or blindly accepting its false rationale while crimes were being committed and honest Americans were being so irresponsibly handed to fate. God bless our troops and those who protest corruption as well. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/08/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/07/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/06/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/03/letters-editors/ There are some myths in the media about the Employ Free Choice Act (EFCA). http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/02/facts-about-efca/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/02/letters-editors/ Our economy is in ruins, inflation is rampant, unemployment could reach double digits and jobs are becoming more scarce by the minute. Even Microsoft is laying off — first time ever. My raise was 15 cents/hour last year (guess I am lucky to even have a job). Why are property “values” not indexed to the economy which affects us all? Perhaps some of our elected officials need to venture out of their “ivory towers” and feel the real crunch that we all must endure. I guess if you can’t “squeeze blood from a turnip,” you might as well squeeze dollars from the taxpayers. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/01/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/31/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/30/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/29/letters-editors/ Growing up in Chattanooga (Red Bank) my parents would take me to the rail station now known as the Choo-Choo to catch a Southern train to Birmingham, Ala. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/28/choo-choo-memories-readers-share-memories-chattano/ Our second amendment is at risk more now than ever before, because of president Obama’s ideas of taking guns away from honest law abiding citizens! http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/28/howard-says-second-amendment-risk/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/28/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/27/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/26/letters-editors/ If Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble catches any slack or reprimands from any source, whether it be local or national, all God-fearing, decent, rightminded citizens need to come to the front and give Mr. Gobble our unconditional support. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/25/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/24/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/23/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/22/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/20/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/19/letters-editors/ Officer of the court sets a good example http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/18/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/17/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/15/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/12/letters-editors/ Air travel used to be a fun experience but now it has turned as one of the worst and dreaded experiences. International terrorism has contributed greatly to this confusion. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/11/letters-editors/ Judicial elections http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/10/letters-editors/ Most incompetent http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/09/letters-editors/ Let’s get rid of mercury http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/08/letters-editors/ 12 days of Christmas don’t end till Jan. 5 http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/06/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/05/letters-editors/ During the presidential campaign, the Republicans made political hay from Iran’s latest testing of missiles capable of reaching Israel, inferring that only someone with military experience (I wonder who?) could save Israel from a nuclear holocaust. But they overlooked one important fact. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/04/israels-weapons-serve-deterrent/ For many of us, our home is our biggest financial investment. Our neighborhoods are sanctuaries. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/04/rezoning-shows-why-ethics-code-needed/ A review of “Valkyrie” (Dec. 26) says the film “never comes to life.” The reviewer must have been dead when he wrote it. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/04/valkyrie-compelling-and-well-crafted/ Some things make so little sense that one wonders why otherwise intelligent people do them. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/04/prosecution-man-doesnt-make-sense/ I agree with Mr. Denney’s letter (Dec. 31) about terrorists studying us. I also feel we should be aware of our surroundings in our neighborhoods, because included in the terrorist classification, as far as I’m concerned, also are thieves. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/04/thieves-study-us-just-terrorists-do/ At 9:03 a.m., Sept. 11, 2001, the American people watched as the World Trade Centers were attacked, and our freedom at risk. The president came on the air and declared war on al-Qaida in Afghanistan saying that the people responsible for these attacks will pay. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/04/bush-put-us-more-danger/ Might I suggest that we just give in to the several environmental groups who are savaging the Tennessee Valley Authority over the ash spill at the Kingston Steam Plant in Roane County. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/04/what-would-it-be-without-electricity/ Credit card debt is another financial disaster that should have never happened. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/04/lenders-consumers-share-blame/ Recently my wife and I visited a lifelong friend at the Standifer Place, which has been known for years as the County Nursing Home. Were we ever surprised when we arrived. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/04/standifer-visit-brings-pleasant-surprise/ Please check out the article highlighting Joseph’s Coat Ministries in the Chattanooga Times Free Press (Sunday, Dec. 28). The article, on the front page (bottom left) of the newspaper, is titled: “An intervention of faith.” http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/04/article-highlights-ministrys-mission/ We do not know how to begin to thank the linemen from Chattanooga who came to Danville, N.H., after our recent ice storm. Just when we were beginning to think we would not see our Christmas tree lights this year, they came to our rescue! We are so very grateful to them, and we hope you can pass along our thanks. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/04/chattanooga-linemen-brighten-christmas/ For those of you who refuse to give President Bush even a modicum of credit for progress in the Iraq war, consider this: In 2008, year to date, twice as many Americans have been killed by hostile intent in Obama’s Chicago than in all of “Bush’s Iraq.” Maybe it’s time for a troop surge in Illinois. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/04/its-time-troop-surge-illinois/ In this time of oncoming economic stagnation and human suffering, I know of no more positive act of humanity than the donation of blood product. I fear that as the situation worsens and people become more fearful and, hence, more self-absorbed, the will and desire to do good will markedly diminish. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/04/dont-let-hard-times-halt-blood-donations/