America’s Best Days: A Hopeful Optimism

It is widely acknowledged by many Americans, regardless of ideological bent, or religious affiliation, that our nation is in deep trouble.  While America has encountered significant challenges over its 240 year history, never before has it faced so many self-inflicted wounds that pose such serious if not lethal threats to our nation.  I do not underestimate the monumental perils our nation faced during our civil war or even World War II.   But the threats of today are different, and perhaps Read more [...]

When Evil Visited Our City

It was another quiet, sunny day in beautiful Chattanooga, affectionally known as “Scenic City” Tennessee.  Just a few weeks earlier our city with such charm and character was voted “Best Town Ever” by hundreds of thousands of Americans.  And yet, on the morning of July 16 at 10:45 the peace in our city was tragically shattered in a sudden and violent manner.  In the moments that followed, our city was drawn into a worldwide battle between good and evil.  Previous to July 16, our sleepy Read more [...]

No Greater Love

On this Memorial Day, our collective thoughts as Americans turn to those men and women throughout the history of our nation who gave their all so that we might continue to enjoy the "blessings of liberty." Whether those unselfish patriots laid down their lives in 1776 as a result of "the shot heard 'round the world" or perhaps more recently as our fellow citizens gave their lives half way around the world, there is no greater act of love, sacrifice or commitment than the one they demonstrated.  Read more [...]

Opting out of my Faith: Not Optional

I am growing sick, tired and saddened over the aggressive discrimination, attacks and overt bigotry towards Christians and those who hold to an orthodox theology that has been in place for over 5,000 years that defines marriage as between one man and one woman. Up until a few years ago, this orthodox view was (and perhaps still is) mainstream in America. (And for the record, holding to the orthodox view of marriage is not akin to slavery or racism, so please don't even devolve to such a silly Read more [...]

PILOT’s – the Reason for Your Coming Tax Increase

Is it fair that common everyday taxpayers in Chattanooga & Hamilton County must pay 100% of their property taxes, including individuals who are finding it difficult to make it on fixed incomes as well as small struggling businesses, while wealthy, well connected businessmen get hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars in tax breaks that go straight into their back pockets! The Chattanooga City Council and Hamilton County Commission just gave away a 14 year $1 Million tax Read more [...]

Open vs Closed Primaries?

For some time now there has been a debate raging over whether Tennessee Republicans should keep their Primaries Open or Close them.  In essence, a Closed Primary would mean that voters would simply vote in the Primary based on the Party with which they affiliate or register.  Thus Republicans would vote in Republican Primaries and Democrats would vote in Democrat Primaries.  Then, once the candidate is selected by each party via their primary elections, all voters would then choose from the Read more [...]

Praying for Barack Obama

Those who know me are well aware of the fact that my life  is characterized by my interest in government, both locally and nationally.  In fact, if one were to scan my many posts on Facebook or my blog, or were able to examine the hundreds of conversations I’ve had throughout 2014, there would be no shortage of instances wherein my focus and criticism was directed at President Barack Obama.  (To be honest though, I’ve had plenty of less than positive comments for many Republican leaders Read more [...]

Republicans: Are You Listening?

As someone whose first vote was for Ronald Reagan in 1980, I can honestly say that I have consistently sought after the most conservative candidate I could find, but all too often I found myself voting for the lesser of two evils. But in 2009 the political landscape changed. When the Republicans could only muster up a miserable option by the name of John McCain to run against a socialist-Marxist by the name of Barack Obama, tens of millions of grassroots Americans said enough is enough. The Read more [...]

Leaders Lead on Amendment 1

This week the Hamilton County Commission was faced with what I believe may be one of the most important votes they have cast during their tenure.  Granted, the vote was over a "mere" Resolution that resulted in no overt action or new law in our county.  But there are times when simply speaking Truth and taking a stand on a foundational Principle is paramount and as such required. The Resolution which was voted on this week addressed Amendment 1 to the Tennessee Constitution - an Amendment which Read more [...]

Confusing Equality: When Two Doesn’t Equal Two

Following Thursday’s vote on the Domestic Partnership Ordinance referendum, I want to thank the citizens of Chattanooga for showing up at the polls to express their will on such an important issue.  Whether you were For or Against the ordinance, the fact that you shared your views, campaigned for your cause and voted your conscience reflects what our Founders desired:  an active citizenry engaged in directing their government.  And contrary to the voices of some, I, along with the hundreds Read more [...]