Letters to the Editor from TimesFreePress.com | http://timesfreepress.com/news/opinion/letters http://timesfreepress.com/news/opinion/letters Material needs basic for humans http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/24/letters-to-the-editors/ Rock slide puts Polk in a bind http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/23/11-23-letters-to-the-editors/ After attending the Nov. 13 True Woman’s Leadership Luncheon with Nancy Leigh Demoss and staff, I wish to encourage all women in the Chattanooga and surrounding areas to take action and register for the True Woman Conference to be held March 25-27, 2010. This conference is for all women, but particularly those who are searching and longing for a more fulfilled and purposeful life. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/22/letters-editors/ President Obama has been in office for only nine months, and the Democrats have had control of Congress for two years and nine months. We have seen change as Obama promised, but it has not been good. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/21/letters-to-the-editors/ Most politicians shield ignorance, but state Rep. Richard Floyd lacks this ability. Proof: Andy Sher's Nov. 14 article. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/20/letters-to-the-editor/ As an older person having worked over 40 years, paid debts and taxes, I now hear that only counseling would be paid for end-of-life care. I believe that is already in place, determined by my faith, family, doctors and me, and I do not need government to tell me how to die. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/19/letters-to-the-editors/ 'Gun free zones' wrong for military http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/18/letters-to-the-editors/ In a letter to the editor last April, I asked Sen. Bob Corker to use his political influence to help rescue abducted child soldiers in Central Africa. Since that time, legislation has been introduced to address this situation. The bill is the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act (S. 1067). http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/16/letters-editors/ To all who voted against the health care bill: http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/15/11-15-letters-to-the-editors/ After attending the Monday evening concert by the Chattanooga Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Sandy Morris and Gary Wilkes, I just wish all of Chattanooga could have heard the excellent talent that our city's young people exemplified at this concert. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/14/letters-to-the-editors/ It is still hard to believe the total amount of misinformation regarding health care. In a nation that is supposed to care for one another, our representatives still wage political battles and could care less about the everyday people. Both sides have their issues, and they need to listen to the people. No one person I have spoken with in the past five months was against the basic package and public option. It is the special interests, etc., and I surely wish the people of America would wake up. Our nation will not go belly-up by assisting the people without health care. Right now, we with insurance are paying higher and higher premiums because the cost of a person without health care is passed to us anyway. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/13/letters-to-the-editors/ The way people judge other people would almost be funny if not for the fact that God's Word forbids it. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/12/letters-to-the-editors/ Voters' message should be clear http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/11/letters-to-the-editors/ Reasons Cheney among the worst http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/09/11-9-letters-to-the-editors/ In response to the Oct. 30 article, "Questions raised about pre-k gains," it's true that high quality preschool experiences may not inoculate all children against academic struggles in elementary school and later. However, it's also true that we guarantee many children's failure if they are not provided rich learning experiences in language, literacy and social skills before they enter kindergarten. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/08/11-8-letters-to-the-editors/ Do we ever talk about the wonderful men who were instrumental in shaping and defining this great country with their intrinsic values and principles. They are the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton and many more. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/07/letters-to-the-editors/ "Sifting through the muck to see what is real" is a freedom our Founding Fathers included in our Constitution with great conviction. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/06/letters-to-the-editors/ Of all the bills that Obama and his democratically controlled Congress want, one of the worst is the cap and trade bill. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/05/ron-creek/ Improve services for mentally ill http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/04/letters-to-the-editors/ Newspaper is appreciated http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/03/letters-to-the-editor/ Re: the article “Health insurers’ profits not fat” (Oct. 26). In terms of our national health care debate, the article begs the question even further as to whether Americans require health reform to be part of our Congress’ agenda, and whether the insurance industry should lose antitrust exemptions. The “fact” health insurance profits are “not so fat,” will certainly lead to higher prices for health insurance. The question is, with accounting gambits, sweet executive compensation, corporate bonuses, consulting expenses, stockholder returns, compliance expenses, should health care be a “for-profit” enterprise? http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/nov/01/letters-editors/ Lookout Mountain is a place of exceptional beauty and a community with a valuable quality of life. The election this coming Tuesday has the power to determine the future of both. Some current city officials support the development of “amenities” at the expense of the character of the Mountain with its rich natural environment, quiet streets and irreplaceable tree canopy. Others have a wiser vision, one for the long term: addressing solid realities of steep slope erosion, dangerous storm water runoff, and traffic congestion on the two narrow access roads. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/31/letters-editor/ At a recent event "honoring" convicted felon Scooter Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney attacked President Barack Obama about how he's handling the mess his regime left behind in Afghanistan. This from a guy with the administration that basically did everything wrong! Speaking of "dithering" -- instead of finishing the job in Afghanistan, Bush/Cheney sent our military into an immoral and illegal war in Iraq, leaving only a small number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan to go after the actual perpetrators of the 9/11 horror. Many generals are now saying our diversion of resources (dithering, if you will) has left the Afghanistan situation worse than ever. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/30/letters-to-the-editors/ Thank you for the editorial ("He who pays the piper...'' Oct. 23) on responsibility. I have been angered for months by the actions of our government. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/29/letters-to-the-editors/ In regard to Sen. Alexander's comments on Obama's enemies list and his frequent requests for bipartisanship. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/28/letters-to-the-editors/ No conclusions yet on red light cameras http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/27/letter-to-the-editors/ City budgeting must be flexible http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/26/10-26-letters-to-the-editors/ It is amazing to us that so many of our fellow citizens "vote" against their own personal interests. Either they don't understand what is going on or just simply ignore the facts. There has been so much vocal opposition to the concept of government involvement in personal medical decision making. Are these folks aware that insurance companies are notorious for their attempting and succeeding in denying treatment to "insureds"? http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/25/10-25-letters-to-the-editors/ The tri-state area lost a gentle giant with the passing of Mr. William Kenneth Emerson. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/24/letters-to-the-editors/ In America people have always been free to believe whatever they want, to worship their own "god" or not to believe in any "god" at all. But as a nation we always, always accepted Christ and the Bible as the national standard for right and wrong. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/23/letters-to-the-editors/ Having worked in pediatric critical care for many years we wanted to recognize the Tennessee Emergency Medical Services for Children (TN-EMSC). http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/22/letters-to-the-editors/ ESchools don't teach violence, hatred http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/21/letters-to-the-editors/ Do clunkers, Brazil outweigh seniors? http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/20/letters-to-the-editors/ The election for mayor and commission for Lookout Mountain, Ga., is Nov. 3. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/18/letters-editors/ Just as it’s getting harder to play the race card anymore, it’s also getting harder to play the Holocaust card. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/17/letters-editors/ Ref: Property encroachments, drainage, runoff, high density zoning, etc. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/16/letters-editors/ I feel a responsibility to respond to the "right side" of your editorial page with regard to health care issues in this country. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/15/letters-to-the-editors/ Fight the lies against reform http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/14/letters-to-the-editors/ Obama's promises going by wayside http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/13/letters-to-the-editors/ Chapelbrow site a flood problem http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/12/10-12-letters-to-the-editors/ A gentleman wrote a letter to the editor on Oct. 5 expressing a desire for President Obama to "look him in the eye" when delivering a TV speech. Most of us know the reason the president scans from left to right and back again is because he is reading his prepared speech from a Teleprompter. If you take his Teleprompter away from him he could not deliver a speech. Hmmmm ... that would be a good thing. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/11/10-11-letters-to-the-editors/ Bush left nation in financial ruin http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/10/letters-to-the-editors/ This is Pride Week in Chattanooga. Pride is an annual celebration of the diversity of our community. We are all different, yet we come together to be a vibrant, exciting, beautiful Scenic City. Some in our community, however, have suggested that this is wrong. They feel that certain aspects of our community diversity are destructive, evil and wrong. These people place their personal convictions above the concepts of freedom and self-determination that are integral to our community and our nation. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/09/letters-to-the-editors/ Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and other talk show hosts claim conservative credentials, but their agendas seem more aligned with driving personal profits using daily emotional dramas with fear and anger to "hook" their audiences, akin to rap music-type rages. Emotionally unbalanced diatribes using fear and anger can be addictive and harmful to one's mental and physical health. Some contend that "government" is the problem, but we can see Somalia as an example of no government. Our government is amazing when compared to the alternatives. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/08/letters-to-the-editors/ Keep high-density housing away http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/07/letters-to-the-editors/ What law did messages break? http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/06/letters-to-the-editors/ I want to praise a Chattanooga police employee who answered my 311 call and gave me support on a harassment issue from an ex-boyfriend. This support was important as I am a teacher with Hamilton County and this could have escalated to school, which could have endangered me and my middle school students. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/05/letters-editors/ Tuesday, a deer hunter went bow-hunting in Mountain Creek about 200 feet in back of my home and even closer to other houses in the Horse Creek Farms development. He drove his vehicle onto private property, without permission, to retrieve the rather large deer and place it on his vehicle. When asked by a resident what he was up to, he told her it was none of her (blanking) business. Police were called and a report made. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/04/10-4-letters-to-the-editors/ I finally had to write regarding these banners after reading a recent letter. The writer and supporters just don’t get it. “In God We Trust” was never a phrase authored by the founders of this nation. It wasn’t added to the dollar bill until 1953, as was “Under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance. It was argued at the time as setting one religion above all others and rightly so. The right to worship as you choose, be it Christian, Hebrew, Muslim, Buddhist or any other form of worship or not to worship at all is the greatness of America. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/03/letters-editor/ I'm appalled by the action taken by the Catoosa County School Board regarding a long-standing tradition of the Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School cheerleaders holding a spiritual banner for football players which has, apparently because of the biblical Scriptures, offended someone, thus this tradition is no longer to take place. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/02/letters-to-the-editors/ First, what we need is metropolitan government for Chattanooga and Hamilton County. This will not happen. Inner-city taxpayers will continue paying taxes for duplicate services and rural area taxpayers will not. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/01/letters-to-the-editors/ In an editorial (Sept. 25) lauding the "appointment of Paul Kirk to fill the seat left empty by the death of Mr. Kennedy," the "Republican jabbering about Mr. Kirk's appointment" was labeled "politics at its worst." It went on to state that a Republican governor would likely have appointed a Republican if the chance had presented itself. I thought that the Democratic controlled Legislature in Massachusetts changed the election laws in 2004 so that the Republican governor, Mitt Romney, would not be able to appoint a Republican, should the Democratic senator, John Kerry, be elected president. So aren't the Republicans right in crying foul? http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/30/letters-to-the-editors/ Bush, Republicans left financial mess http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/29/letters-to-the-editors/ Questions abound about WUTC future http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/28/9-28-letters-to-the-editors/ I’m in the 7th grade at Normal Park Upper School and I ride to school from the Golden Gateway apartments on a big yellow bus. But there are usually only 12 to 15 kids on our bus each day. That includes three kids who go to the Lower School. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/27/letters-editors/ The letter ("Music education vital in schools," Sept. 19) caught my interest because we had such a good music program in the public schools in Minneapolis (1925-1938). In grade school we had music one hour, twice weekly. You earned your way to the prized seat, the back seat in your row. In the question-answer period if you gave a wrong answer you had to take the front seat in your row and the others moved back a seat. We started learning the scale -- do re me fa sol la ti do. Next we sang from do to re, then re to me, etc., then do to me, then do to fa over and over. Next we skipped a third note, thinking carefully before we sang it. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/26/letters-to-the-editors/ I will not sit idly by and be called the worst thing ever -- a racist -- as indicated in the horrible cartoon (Sept. 16) by Clay Bennett. When Bennett tried to quiet any discussion about other ideas from his fellow Americans, I found it to be absolutely disgusting. Though I am not a member of the tea parties and did not attend the event in Washington, D.C., I was cheering those members on, praying their message would be heard by our government that I voted for and those I did not vote for. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/25/letters-to-the-editors/ Regarding your Sept. 20 editorial, "What about our 'czars'?" http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/24/letters-to-the-editors/ Charaterization is not Rep. Wamp http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/23/letters-to-the-editors/ Use actions, not just words to teach respect http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/22/letters-to-the-editors/ Editorial attack on Wamp shameful http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/21/9-21-letters-to-the-editors/ If we already know where the waste and fraud is within our government-run health care programs, why isn't something already being done about this wasteful allocation of our tax dollars? http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/20/9-20-letters-to-the-editors/ President Barack Obama called Congress together for a speech to push his health care reform but also to further his political agenda. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/19/letters-to-the-editors/ In February of 2001, a man fired and waved a gun on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House. He was quickly surrounded by Park Service police and Secret Service. After a 10-minute standoff a Secret Service agent shot him in the leg. He was taken to a hospital, then to jail. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/18/letters-to-the-editors/ I'm wholly impressed that the insurance industry has convinced millions to defend them. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/17/letters-to-the-editors/ It is really impossible to measure how important to Chattanooga our University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/15/fp1-utcs-new-48-million-library/ Don't believe Obama on health proposals http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/15/letters-to-the-editors/ Don't let personality or policy risk force http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/14/9-14-letters-to-the-editors/ As a resident of North Georgia, I have written to both Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson as well as Rep. Nathan Deal. I have absolutely no faith whatsoever that any communication with those folks gets more than a cursory glance from one of their staff members. The scattering of replies that I have actually received were nothing more than form letters. I can hear it now, "Ethel, this bozo is complaining about Social Security. Send reply 33." They are not "representatives" as that word is intended. Once elected, they seem to feel they have been granted carte blanche to do whatever they want and to blazes with what we, the taxpayers, want and sent them to do ... represent us. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/13/9-13-letters-to-the-editors/ A letter in Sunday's Times Free Press began with, "It's time to give health care to all." I find that the current debate is not about whether Americans get health care. Pay for it or not, an emergency room will treat you. Rather, the debate is about who will allocate what level of health care to whom, and who will pay for it. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/12/letters-to-the-editors/ I am a 67-year old woman and a firm believer in health care reform. I feel that it is an absolute necessity. I run a homeless shelter in my town. Those people who are not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, of which there are many, cannot pay for their medications or cannot afford to go to a doctor. I feel that is incredibly sad and embarrassing in this country of ours. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/11/letters-to-the-editors/ Following August's public rebuke of the city's proposed lawn ordinance, Chattanooga officials quickly announced their rewrite process would include broader community input. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/10/letters-to-the-editors/ Reform won't lead to rationed care http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/09/letters-to-the-editors/ Leaders causing U.S. to self-destruct http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/08/9-8-letters-to-the-editors/ The mayor says that annexation is a wash. Is it really? http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/06/9-6-letters-to-the-editors/ One outrage after another from the Obama administration. Now we hard-working taxpayers not only have to support the felons in prison, but the Social Security administration is sending them $250 checks as part of the Obama Economic Stimulus Package. Well, that certainly will stimulate the economy; it'll be additional income for the drug pushers and the pimps! http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/05/letters-to-the-editors/ I would suggest to everyone that they do what I have done. I have printed all 1,017 pages of the bill on health care reform. And President Barack Obama is not explaining it the way it is written. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/04/letters-to-the-editors/ Cal Thomas' recent commentary (Aug. 26) on "The British Medical System vs. USA" draws unsupported conclusions attacking current health reform proposals. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/03/letters-to-the-editors/ Kennedy, Goldwater said what they meant http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/02/letter-to-the-editors/ U.S. needs leadership shown by Kennedy http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/sep/01/letters-to-the-editors/ Taxpaying suckers get 'shafted' again http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/31/8-31-letters-to-the-editors/ No matter how well intentioned, when big government gets involved, things go wrong. The "cash for clunkers" initiative is instructive: the government plan helped new car sales this summer, but it also hurt used car sales. The spike in new car sales sucked money out of the rest of the economy. Charities suffered as cars were crushed instead of donated. Used cars are becoming more expensive, and junk parts are becoming scarce. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/30/8-30-letters-to-the-editors/ The Wall Street Journal's recent editorial "ObamaCare's Contradictions" pointed out that many of the "lies, myths, misinformation and false witness" about his health care plan are coming directly from the president's own lips. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/29/letters-to-the-editors/ Clay Bennett, the Chattanooga Times' liberal propagandist masquerading as an editorial cartoonist, is a disgrace to his profession. He, along with the columnist, Paul Krugman, the socialist masquerading as an economist, are perfect examples of why trust in the popular news media is declining. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/28/letters-to-the-editors/ The Free Press and many of its readers have expressed concerns about the impending insolvency of Medicare. None of them has any suggestions for improvement. Perhaps they prefer the bad old days when most seniors would just drop dead as soon as they were too old to work. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/27/letters-to-the-editors/ City fortunate to have veterinary center http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/26/letters-to-the-editors/ Development brings harm to mountain http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/25/letters-to-the-editors/ Public option backers just renaming plan The Obama Administration may now table the "public option" for health care. They are now talking about a co-op health care program. I am amazed at the Obama-ites' ability to change the subj http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/24/8-24-letters-to-the-editors/ Some things are just amazing to me, especially the latest stories about the town hall meetings being interrupted by protesters, not letting folks conduct a peaceful debate about the subject at hand. I wonder if some of these same folks thought it was patriotic to send over 4,000 of our young and brave Americans to die in a war that we should not have started. If these people would have raised their voices back then, these Americans would be home with us now. Ironic, starting a war with no voices heard and the protesters being drowned out and labeled un-American, and now if you want health care for all our fellow Americans you are again being drowned out and being again labeled everything from un-American to socialist. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/23/letters-editors/ I read your newspaper every day, and day after day, I read letters and editorials in your paper about all of these myths about the president's health care reform agenda. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/22/letters-to-the-editors/ It has been my practice in the last few years to talk with anyone who may possibly be a military veteran. I thank them for their service to our country and they are always grateful and a little surprised, as sadly, not many people remember to thank them. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/21/letters-to-the-editors/ I was amused by a letter in the Aug. 9 paper. The writer is so against annexation, yet went on to list the things he enjoys in the downtown area. He loves the tree-lined streets, Miller Park concerts, use of the riverfront, etc. He requested the mayor to "please keep our city like it is." http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/20/letters-to-the-editors/ Health ideas another step toward socialism http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/19/letters-to-the-editors/ Too much spending imperils the country Sadly, America is no longer a government "of the people." It is now, and has been for some time, a government of lobbyists and special interest groups. President Ronald Reagan said in the '80s, "In this http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/18/letters-to-the-editors/ Reform will cost trillions more http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/17/8-17-letters-to-the-editors/ An article in a major media outlet has raised an important health question: Is exercise really an effective means for weight loss? http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/16/letters-editors/ Shriver opened doors for the disabled http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/15/letters-to-the-editors/ Shades of 1940s Germany! I just finished reading an extract of key points in the "ObamaCare" package and could hardly believe what I was reading! Folks, if we allow our government to pass this farce, we will be regretting it for the rest of our lives. Also, if we allow our "out of control" government to continue as they have been since Obama became president, we will never get this country out of debt. Contact your senators and representatives now and tell them that we will not put up with this nonsense any longer! http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/14/letters-to-the-editors/ Where does the city get its power to seize land and double tax us? http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/13/letters-to-the-editors/ Obama proposals remove freedoms http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/12/letters-to-the-editors/ Obama not living up to his stated beliefs http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/11/letters-to-the-editors/ Our government and military have been told by the Afghan government that we are to avoid all civilian casualties, Afghan that is, in all military operations against the Taliban and the al-Qaida terrorists. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/09/letters-editors/ As a senior, I see a trend in our present government that shows they have no plans for our future. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/08/letters-editors/ During my 15 years on the Signal Mountain Town Council and the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners, I’ve tried to cast my vote on what’s best for the future. The Town Council and some town citizens seek acceptance by the County Commission of Tom Poteet’s sole bid to acquire the old Signal Mountain Middle School property, now owned jointly by the county and the Board of Education. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/07/letters-editors/ According to Rob Gordon at the Heritage Foundation, here are some earmarks for House Leader Nancy Pelosi’s district: http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/06/letters-editors/ It is with deepest sympathies that Parkridge Medical Center recognizes the recent passing of Dr. Joe Anne Quillian, a physician who had been an active member of the hospital’s medical staff since its doors opened in 1971. Dr. Quillian’s office had been located on the Parkridge campus since 1980. Her compassionate expertise in the practice of internal medicine allowed her to touch the lives of many in our community. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/04/letters-editors/ Corker not listening during judge hearing http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/03/8-3-letters-to-the-editors/ Annexation serves as nothing more than taxation without representation. In one sense, it may be the lowest, most despicable form of elected officials’ cowardly disregard for the wishes of taxpayers. The current City Council annexation moves are nothing more than tax grabs to offset past financial mistakes. Reasonable people should be ashamed for such actions without first considering the wishes of those proposed to be annexed. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/02/letters-editors/ In response to your editorial (July 29), you said annexation should be done if the city is willing to provide services to those in the annexed areas. I cannot make this any clearer: We are getting nothing from the city that we don't already have. Zip, nada, zero. We already have streets, lighting, garbage pick-up, sewers and great emergency services. We have all this, but in the end will see our house payments go up $100-$200 a month if annexation is approved. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/aug/01/letters-to-the-editors/ My best friend is unable to receive health care from the state of Tennessee. She worked for a Cleveland, Tenn., manufacturing company for 20 years, but was fired after having a severe nervous breakdown. Consequently she lost her health insurance. She was diagnosed with severe depression and bipolar disorder. She has coronary artery disease and other ailments such as protruding discs in her neck. She also has a genetic disorder that will cause high blood pressure and strokes. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/31/letters-to-the-editors/ Almost a month ago, we lost a great human being, Dr. Paul Nolan. He and his wife, Anne, are part of what has been affectionately known as "the greatest generation." They have epitomized what it means to be involved as stewards of our community. They have made our area a better place to live. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/30/letters-to-the-editors/ Health care system is capitalism at most evil http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/28/letters-to-the-editors/ Is another revolution needed in America? Another piece of typical leftist propaganda was in the Times (July 23) in the form of a cartoon illustrating an area covered by and labeled as "mixed nuts" and one wide-eyed man (appearing to blend in) holding a s http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/27/7-27-letters-to-editors/ Fair trade aids in ending poverty The article, "Local fair trade businesses helping poor of world," by Joy Lukachick (July 11) was refreshing in that it illuminated your city's desire to strategically influence the world positively through eth http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/26/7-26-letters-to-editor/ The proposed Obama health care will cost trillions of dollars. Many people won't be covered. Care will be rationed. He wants it passed before the Congress adjourns early next month; before their constituents have a chance to tell them how they oppose the legislation. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/25/letters-to-editors/ I enjoyed Clay Bennett's editorial cartoon in Sunday's (July 19) newspaper. It shows a white New Haven, Conn., firefighter taking a promotion exam with questions about certain sports and music that stereotypically only white people would know the answers to. Nobody with half a brain would seriously believe that the city of New Haven would offer a firefighter's promotion test that was not made up of questions that were pertinent to a firefighter's job. Cultural bias testing is nothing more than a lame excuse for not being able to do well on a promotion test because of the lack of knowledge of your job. It is even more of a pathetic excuse for discrimination, for which no valid excuse exists. The Supreme Court decided, rightfully, that if you are taking a promotion test for any job the most knowledgeable person should be promoted regardless of his race. Mr. Bennett's cartoon shows how ridiculous the notion of a culturally biased test is. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/24/letters-to-editors/ I am writing in response to a letter that appeared in your Letters to the Editor section on Saturday, July 18. The letter indicated our Tennessee Valley Credit Union denied a loan request for one of her employees because we were keeping funds from the government's TARP funding program. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/23/letters-to-the-editors/ I often found it safe to park in the Unum lots, but as of late I’m second-guessing coming to the Scenic City past dark. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/19/letters-editors/ Your editorial, “‘Taxpayer music’ — sour note” (July 14) advances a notion that misleads the public on the value of the arts to the public welfare. Certainly patrons of the arts will make choices in these difficult times concerning their own support and participation. That does not mean that arts organizations should be abandoned to the “marketplace,” as most were never and may never be totally self-supporting. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/18/letters-editors/ Living here is a relatively new to us. We came from a larger area in the West, where finding a doctor merely meant a phone call and making an appointment. We had a family physician, even though we were in business for ourselves and had no medical insurance. We’re people who pay our bills. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/17/letters-editors/ The general public should come out and take advantage of the community forum on health care called “Prescriptions for Change.” This event gives people a chance to find out the latest about what is being publicly discussed in the area of health care reform. It gives them the opportunity to listen to and ask questions of a panel of health care professionals and advocates. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/16/letters-editors/ The recent congressional vote on H.R. 2454: American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 identified those Tennessee representatives who appear to have fallen prey to the influence of the big oil and big coal lobbyists. Thankfully, the bill passed, albeit by a slim margin of 219 to 212. A no vote was expected from the Tennessee Republicans, but two Democratic representatives, Lincoln Davis and John Tanner, were among the 212 who voted no against H.R. 2454. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/12/letters-editors/ I would like to thank the gentleman who rang our doorbell Tuesday night around 11:30 to see if we owned or knew who owned a miniature Dachshund-mix that he found injured on Blair Road in Apison. Not many people would risk their own well-being at that time of night to help an animal in need. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/11/letters-editors/ United Healthcare, the insurance carrier for the public school systems in North Georgia, is unwilling to negotiate in good faith with Hutcheson Medical Center, the primary hospital for this community. The current contract pays the hospital far less than Medicare or Medicaid rates. The hospital loses money in such a contract. In a few weeks the teachers and staff of the North Georgia school systems will be faced with potential disruption of health care services if United Healthcare continues its current tactic of refusing to negotiate. If this is what we can expect from private insurance, I welcome a public option for health insurance as a provider, an employer and an employee. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/10/letters-editors/ In response to a letter urging everyone to reject Obama’s health plan, I have personal knowledge of the U.K. health plan as I have family members there. The scaremongers in this country need to get their facts correct before blatantly rejecting this plan. Please do your research. In the U.K. you do not wait a year to see a doctor. If you have a life-threatening illness your needs are met promptly, as rightly so. If you have a non-life-threatening illness then, yes, you are on a waiting list. A patient needing non-life-threatening surgery has a choice to go on a waiting list or have the surgery in one of the EU countries which is paid for by the government. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/09/letters-editors/ Thomas Friedman’s column (June 25) reveals a lack of common sense on the part of those who contend that taxation is the best motivater to advance the “green” agenda. His $1 per gallon “freedom tax” would, in his words, “stimulate more investment in renewable energy, stimulate more demand for energy efficient vehicles and reduce oil imports.” http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/06/letters-editors/ Once I served on the board of a small non-profit whose mission was poverty relief. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jul/05/letters-editors/ 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-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/25/letters-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/24/letters-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/24/letters-editors/ 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-editors1/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/18/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/17/letters-editors/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/16/letters-editorsa/ http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/feb/16/letters-editors/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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/ 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 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/ Credit card debt is another financial disaster that should have never happened. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/jan/04/lenders-consumers-share-blame/ 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/