Op/Ed for TriCities

Thwart APCo Rate Hike

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:13:00 EDT

APCo once again has requested three rate increases totaling almost 38 percent per 1,000 kw/month usage.

Media Covered Parades

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:02:00 EDT

In response to Walter Wright’s letter regarding no TV coverage of Bristol’s Fourth of July parade [“TV ignored parades,” Aug. 12], I want to let you know that ARC TV headquartered in Norton, Va., provides television coverage of a huge variety of events and happenings throughout the Mountain Empire.

Save Historic Sites Before They Decay

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:30:00 EDT

Communities are defined by their pasts and their approaches to their future. We should be doing everything we can to preserve our historic landmarks, as once gone, they are lost forever.

Opposition To Dominion Power Plant Remains Strong

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:28:00 EDT

Stu Gitchell, site manager for Dominion, was quoted by this paper as saying the plant will be an “imposing” sight. Indeed, this coal plant will “impose” on Wise County, with devastating air and water pollution and the destruction of our mountains.

Beware When Hiring Contractors

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:26:00 EDT

Doing business with an individual as opposed to an established business is risky.

Davis Bows Out, Roe Up To Task

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:51:00 EDT

It was most certainly futile and probably a week late, but Congressman David Davis deserves credit for dropping his legal challenge and finally conceding the Aug. 7 Republican primary to Phil Roe on Friday.

J. TODD FOSTER: 2 BHC Polls Show Damascus Is No Dysfunctional Darling

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:46:00 EDT

I’ve got good news for those of you who live in or care about Damascus, Va.: You finished third – last – in our recent “Most Dysfunctional Town” poll.

Protect Area’s Beauty With Air Quality Control

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:23:00 EDT

I have been in this beautiful region for five months and have enjoyed the mountains and the valleys.

Creating Fair, Effective, Efficient Care

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:15:00 EDT

Our nation’s health care system is in need of serious reform.

Stop Offshore Drilling

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:12:01 EDT

President George Bush told the press he was for offshore drilling.

Setting A Bad Example

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:03:01 EDT

I see you are still going on about the Ahmad Bradshaw deal.

Warner Elated, Tires Deflated

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:55:00 EDT

Former Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner, a U.S. Senate candidate, has been tapped to deliver the keynote address at the 2008 Democratic National Convention on Aug. 26 in Denver.

Appointment Doesn’t Reflect Any Disloyalty

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:26:00 EDT

This comment is in reference to the Aug. 6 letter by Sandra Sanders.

Managed Care Inefficient

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:17:00 EDT

A friend recently returned from vacation with terrible pains all the way around the stomach.

Governing By Fear

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:11:00 EDT

Politicians acquire power by promising to defend us against threats.

All Politicians The Same

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Talk about a whiny baby. David Davis can’t take defeat very well. You lost, move on and get over it.

There Truly Is An Olympic Ideal …

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:57:00 EDT

The Ancient Greeks did something special, no doubt something that we, in the modern world, can appear to be incapable of doing.

Obama Lacks Experience To Be President

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:18:00 EDT

Although Barack Obama meets the constitutional requirements (age and native birth) for president of the United States, his credentials are so lacking, it’s doubtful he could get a job as CEO of a small company.

Big Oil Won’t Willingly Give Up Control Of Supply

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:12:00 EDT

The big oil companies, partnered with OPEC and environmentalists, operate under the certain knowledge that he who controls the supply of oil and gas can forever demand increased profits.

Almost Everyone Knows: Drilling Lowers Oil Prices

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:02:00 EDT

Two economics professors from Nichols State University, R. Morris Coates and Gary Pequet, recently submitted a study titled “The Effect of Opening up Drilling in ANWR on the Current Price of Oil” to Dr. James L. Smith, editor of The Energy Journal published by the International Association for Energy Economics.

Mr. Davis: Can You Hear Me Now?

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:22:00 EDT

Soon-to-be former U.S. Rep. David Davis is having a hard time dealing with the loss of his seat.

Davis Needs To Accept Loss

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:16:00 EDT

Congressman David Davis, who lost a close Republican primary last week in the 1st District, essentially wants a do-over.

It’s The Religious Right That Distorts Bible

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:09:00 EDT

Dr. James Dobson, the evangelical voice of “Focus on the Family,” recently accused Barack Obama, who not only graduated from Harvard Law School but who also taught constitutional law, of having a “fruitcake understanding of our Constitution” and “deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own world view.”

Get Kids Active As They Head Back To School

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:14:01 EDT

Summer is coming to an end, and parents are getting ready to send their children back to school.

Obama Is No Truman

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:06:00 EDT

In those thrilling days of yesteryear when the Lone Ranger rode off exclaiming, “High Yo Silver, Away!” people would ask, “Who was that masked man?” while looking at a silver bullet he left behind.

Private Funds Help Barter Stay Afloat

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I found the letter from the Emory resident criticizing Dominion Power for their contribution to the Barter [“Dominion uses play as ploy,” Aug. 7] to be cold and insensitive. It seems so easy to find fault rather than to show appreciation for almost any good deed, as was the case here.

Leave Teachers Alone

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

School is again about to start. We will see teachers outside opening car doors, unfastening seatbelts, holding kids’ hands as parent drop them off for school.

Court’s Power Grab

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I would like to comment on the Supreme Court and its rulings.

TV Ignored Parades

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

My name is Walter E. Wright. I am retired from the United States Army with 26 years of service.

Bad Behavior In Bluff City

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:24:00 EDT

I’ve always perceived a redneck as a person who participates in barroom brawls, causes neighborhood feuds, wears white socks with a black business suit, marries his or her first cousin, has a large selection of junked cars in the yard and still uses Vitalis hair tonic.

Recycling, Hydrants Needed In County

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:12:01 EDT

I am writing to ask, does anyone have influence with the Washington County Board of Supervisors?

All Experience Not Equal

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:01:00 EDT

What is experience?

Public Service Academy’s Time Has Come

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:27:00 EDT

About a year ago, I became involved with a grassroots movement to create the U.S. Public Service Academy, this country’s first national civilian university.

ANDREA HOPKINS: Paris Hilton For President? A Funny Thought For Sure

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:17:00 EDT

Give Paris Hilton points for her sense of humor.

In The Tank For Obama

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:15:00 EDT

Never in my life have I seen such slanted coverage as the 2008 presidential campaign.

A Victory For East Tennessee

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:12:01 EDT

Dr. Phil Roe, a retired obstetrician and Johnson City mayor, unseated incumbent congressman David Davis by a whisker in Thursday’s Republican primary.

Support Conservation

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:04:00 EDT

A lot of the wild animals are almost extinct.

J. TODD FOSTER: Herald Courier Sports Section Under New Management

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:03:01 EDT

One of the most difficult and time-consuming duties any editor has is hiring.

A Logging Ruling And Public Art

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:53:00 EDT

A federal judge hasn’t yet decided whether clearing timber from a proposed strip mine site is an independent activity or the preliminary stage of mining work.

Energy Greed Is Killing Us

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:33:00 EDT

Greed has become America’s greatest problem.

Police Budget Can’t Stand More Trimming

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:18:01 EDT

This is in reference to the July 24 article, “Sending money back to commonwealth irks local governments.”

China Is To Blame

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:09:00 EDT

The United States is not the great factor when discussing fuel hogs; the culprit is China.

Health Care Spending, But No Results

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:18:00 EDT

Tennessee ranks 42nd in the nation for overall child well-being, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2008 KIDS COUNT data book.

Wrong Focus By TWRA

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:07:00 EDT

On behalf of all the people fishing July 26 in the tournament at the 421 Boat Ramp on South Holston Lake, we would like to extend a special thank you to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

We Recommend Roe, Russell

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:38:00 EDT

Tennessee voters go to the polls today.

Dominion Uses Play As Ploy

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:13:00 EDT

Barter Theatre’s Festival of Appalachian Plays and Playwrights is celebrating its eighth year showcasing regional works-in-progress.

Judge’s Logging Ruling Interferes With Rights

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:02:00 EDT

The current situation in Wise County regarding a federal judge shutting down a logging operation on private property should bring alarm to other landowners in the region.

Banned From Organizing In Public Housing

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:18:00 EDT

In response to the July 29 editorial [“Political speech in public housing”] and the July 23 article, I wish to offer the following comments.

Facts About Tenure

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:06:00 EDT

The Tennessee Code states that “tenure indicates the statutory requirements, conditions, relations and provisions … under which a teacher … holds a position as a teacher. … Administrative and supervisory personnel shall have tenure as teachers and not necessarily tenure in the specific type of position in which they may be employed.”

Davis Ducks Debate Again

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:01 EDT

U.S. Rep. David Davis is ending his primary campaign in trademark fashion – by refusing to debate his main opponent or engage in any unscripted discussion of ideas.

Drilling Focus is Misguided

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The Richmond editorial that you reprinted on July 24 is wrong-headed. Terribly so.

Obama’s Troop Snub

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

An article on FoxNews.com [“Obama cancels visit to wounded U.S. troops in Germany”] caught my eye the other day. Apparently, the media darling Barack Obama has time to give a speech to hundreds of German citizens, but can’t find the time to visit his own countrymen who are giving their time to fight for our, and his, freedom.

Time to Unpave Paradise

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

A proposal to relieve the United States dependence on foreign oil: Tear up all the parking lots, residential driveways and other unnecessary asphalt-paved areas, then refine the residue to gasoline.

Draining One Lake To Feed Another One

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:18:00 EDT

Over the past seven weeks, South Holston Lake has dropped more than eight feet and Boone Lake has risen seven feet.

A Questionable Decision To Shuffle School Leaders

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:12:00 EDT

Leaders are a rare commodity in today’s society.

DUI Work Crew Was A Welcome Sight

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:05:00 EDT

As a business owner on U.S. Highway 421, we struggle on a weekly basis cleaning up trash that is thrown into the median and the surrounding roadways.

ANDREA HOPKINS: Big Tobacco’s Unholy Influence On Congress Is Waning

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:58:00 EDT

Just before heading out on its long summer break, Congress took a bold step with regard to tobacco.

On Earmarks, Davis Misses The Point

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:44:01 EDT

David Davis’ supporters just don’t get it.

J. TODD FOSTER: Was Justice Blind In Bradshaw Case? Who Knows

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:37:00 EDT

One of the many roles of a free press is to keep an eye on the judiciary.

Roe Cut City Spending

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:37:00 EDT

I have been involved in 1st District congressional politics all through the days of Jimmy Quillen and Bill Jenkins – two men I admire greatly.

Column Was A Low Blow

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:30:00 EDT

I was truly amazed and disappointed as I read the article [Todd Foster’s column, “It’s only wishful thinking, Bristol city officials] comparing Rep. David Davis to a whale in the July 27 paper.

Davis Is No ‘Quillen’

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:23:01 EDT

When have we had a weaker representative from the 1st District than David Davis?

Spinning The Facts

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:17:00 EDT

In a recent ad, David Davis states that, “[He] has never pocketed money from oil companies.” This statement is quite a spin on the facts.

Stand By Your Pork

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:12:00 EDT

On Feb. 6, 2007, Rep. David Davis made this statement on his House Web site, “To reach a goal of a balanced budget, we need to hold the line on spending, reduce earmarks, and pass line-item veto to crack down on worthless pork.”

PAC Money Is Legal

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:07:00 EDT

I’ve noticed a recent trend that has prompted me to voice my opinion.

A Bar Too High For Many Schools

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:02:00 EDT

Sullivan Central High School’s official graduation rate is slowly improving.

Stick To Bristol

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:01:00 EDT

I found Councilman David Shumaker’s political opinions [“Crossing party lines: Why I’m for Lundburg, Obama and Roe,” July 20] laughable and absolutely absurd.

Tired Of Empty Promises

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:29:00 EDT

When my newspaper comes, I usually read the front page and then turn to the opinion page to find out what other people have to say.

Kaine, Energy And Oil Profits

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:20:00 EDT

In government, transparency is a good thing.

Great Job, Davis

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:17:00 EDT

Common sense is something that should be easy for all of us.

Too Many Roe Letters

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:11:00 EDT

Is it just me or has anybody else noticed the extraordinary amount of letters to the editor in the Bristol Herald Courier in support of Phil Roe?

Tarnishing A Good Man

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:01:00 EDT

“People, not politics” is an interesting campaign slogan to use.

Guilty Teens Will Receive A Second Chance

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:23:00 EDT

A juvenile court judge has found two teenagers guilty of vehicular homicide in Kristal Walsh’s death.

Bold Choices Needed For Downtown

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:17:00 EDT

In response to Jannie White’s July 24 letter [“State Street needs fixer-upper for tourist season”], I understand her frustration about the old abandoned buildings in downtown Bristol and certainly recognize that the old McCory building is one of the biggest eyesores on State Street.

Davis Can Work With The Democrats

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:05:00 EDT

U.S. Rep. David Davis has a proven record of putting people first.

Davis And ‘Big Tobacco’

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:12:00 EDT

Everyone is talking about David Davis taking money from the big oil companies, but I am sickened by the fact that Davis is a respiratory therapist by profession, yet has accepted special interest money from big tobacco.

Show Was ‘Juried’

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:07:00 EDT

The July 23 letter by Lewis Hagy cries out for response to his criticism of the Virginia Highlands Festival Juried Art Show last season.

Davis Twists The Truth To Score Political Point

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:04:00 EDT

In his latest campaign ad, U.S. Rep. David Davis accuses his Republican primary opponent Phil Roe of hypocritically seeking more than $1 million in federal earmarks. Worse, he implies that Roe is a closet Hillary Clinton supporter.

Sullivan School Chief Search Fatally Flawed

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:38:00 EDT

By now, the Sullivan County Board of Education members who voted to hire Jack Barnes as director of schools likely are suffering buyers’ remorse. If not, they should be.

Davis Was Wrong On Vets, Dogs

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:17:00 EDT

While I can hardly afford to put fuel in my pickup truck or food on my table, David Davis wants to send me mailers about how much he cares for me – while voting against raising the minimum wage for the lowest-paid workers.

‘Heart Of A Servant’

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:11:00 EDT

I have had the opportunity to become a good friend of Dr. Phil Roe over the past several years.

Roe Trying To Buy Seat

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:02:00 EDT

Mayor Phil Roe’s intentional deceit of 1st District voters is overwhelming.

Political speech in public housing

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:41:00 EDT

A group of Obama campaign workers broke no law when they knocked on doors in a Bristol Virginia housing project last week.

Restored Train Will Provide Years Of Fun

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:32:00 EDT

I want to personally thank all the people who were involved in the refurbishing of the Steele Creek Park train.

Russell Best Of The Democrats

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:21:00 EDT

A Democrat hasn’t represented East Tennessee in Congress since 1881, when Rutherford B. Hayes was the president.

The ‘Real’ David Davis

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:20:00 EDT

I have been reading some of the negative, politically motivated letters about U.S. Rep. David Davis with dismay and regret.

Truth Isn’t In Him

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:10:00 EDT

I find it disturbing that a young Davis sprout [“Davis focused on nation,” June 10, Johnson City Press] would apparently use a second account of the family dog Oreo to bail out her father, U.S. Rep. David Davis, over a range of thorny political issues, given the fact that the freshman congressman was quoted by a Kingsport newspaper last year as stating that the Davis family dog had died in early 2007 only after receiving the best veterinarian care.

Raises Were Out Of Line

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

Thank you for your coverage of the raises in Washington County. After reading the comments made by Odell Owens, I am, quite frankly, livid.

ANDREA HOPKINS: Bidding Farewell To One Career To Pursue Another

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 01:00:00 EDT

For four years, I’ve been the guardian of this newspaper’s editorial page – a unique position of trust.

J. TODD FOSTER: It’s Only Wishful Thinking, Bristol City Officials

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:47:00 EDT

After taking off a few days recently, I returned to work and received an unusual salutation from reporter David McGee, a veteran here who covers Bristol Virginia city government.

Recall Places A Burden On Bluff City

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:21:01 EDT

Congratulations to Alderwoman Irene Wells; she took a stand against this recall mess in Bluff City.

Trading Up: Phil Roe Is Best For Congress

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:14:00 EDT

In his short time in Congress, David Davis has made a name for himself as a strident partisan and a dedicated servant of special interests.

Faulty Democratic Logic

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:11:00 EDT

I read with interest David Shumaker’s July 20 op-ed.

Senators Opposed Cuts

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EDT

A recent letter to the editor implied that Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker supported a reduction in Medicare payments to physicians. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Wind Power And A Tax Holiday

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:59:00 EDT

T. Boone Pickens made a fortune in the Texas oil fields.

David Ignores His District

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:17:00 EDT

There is an important congressional race on Aug. 7.

Earmarks Serve Purpose

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:11:00 EDT

Phil Roe’s campaign slogan is “People, Not Politics,” but his campaign ads are nothing but politics as usual.

Use Local Businesses

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:02:00 EDT

It would seem, that with David Davis’ rhetoric about “East Tennessee values” and all the good work he does for folks in this area, he could at least use a local letter shop to do his campaign mailings.

Neal Best Choice For Commission

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:45:00 EDT

In the twilight of his life, Sullivan County Commissioner Ralph Harr led a crusade for schools.

We Need To Reduce Our Oil Consumption

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:17:00 EDT

Jim Gilmore has a fairly simple plan for reducing oil prices.