Chattanooga Pulse

Metro Government
It has been apparent for many years that in order for Chattanooga to keep pace with other cities in the region that we’ll need more streamlined and effective government.  The current hodgepodge of cities and county government is a detriment to growth, which is why even though the powers-that-be in county government may be against the tide, Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield is correct in calling for metro government.  We have far too many chiefs greedily protecting their little pieces of pie instead of looking out for the region as a whole.  The time has come for Chattanooga and Hamilton County to grow up.  The question is will some politicians be willing (or even able) to pull their heads out of the sand long enough to see this fact.
Tyler Curtis

Native American Environmentalism
The indigenous peoples of North America” practiced conservation? Obviously they made less dent on the land than us white folks, and produced less stuff, but North America used to have some interesting animals that disappeared between the arrival of the “indigenous peoples” and the arrival of the white guys. And I think SOME of the “indigenous” would drive a herd of buffalo over a cliff, cut out their tongues, and leave the rest to rot. (Biodegradable, I guess.) Some of the indigenous would display their riches by destroying them: you can run your Ford over a cliff, but I can run my Cadillac, so to speak. The Aztecs practiced human sacrifice en masse. By all means take note of the Indians’ good points, but, like us, they could have been better stewards of God’s creation.
Andrew Lohr

Neither “For” Nor “Against”
By over-using and ill-defining terms we thwart the very goals we wish to achieve. It seems many people think, by virtue of their political belief system, that they either have to be “for” or “against” taking care of the planet. And I’m not talking radical things here, just common sense things like not throwing out trash, etc. It’s been convoluted and therefore has lost credibility with many people. I’ve seen kids (and adults) make fun of people who even mention cleaning up things, and that’s sad.
Dana Fly

Officer Kenneth Freeman & Real Discrimination
There are two broad types of police officers. One is the concerned citizen that is doing their part to make this world a better, safer place. The other is the schoolyard bully that is just in it for the power trip that gives the first types a bad name. Three guesses which one this guy is. Kenneth, it’s not because you’re black or white or Hispanic or anything else. It’s because you’re a bully that does not deserve to wear the badge, or be put in charge of anything more important than a drive-through window.
Chris Edymnion