I just got home from the Chattanooga Pops in the Park concert and was greatly disappointed.

Not at the early arrival and the crowds, not at the smokers or the young ladies' wardrobe as so many complained about at Riverbend. No, what I was upset with were the political statements which were in with the taped music for the fireworks.

I know each year (or at least the last seven years I have gone) the only thing close to a political statement was Dr. King's I have a dream, which I always liked. This year, the music choices seemed to not have the same patriotic theme, but more political based, and then the three inserts of President Obama. It put a damper on my whole night.

No, I did not vote for him, but am hoping he will make the change and difference he promised in his campaign. However, it seems the only thing he has done since being sworn in, is spend a 'ton' of money and now seems to be campaigning for the 2012 election.

It put a sour taste in my mouth about attending any future Pops in the Park. The only funny part of it all, each time they played one of his statements, along with the cheering crowd when he said it live, all the people around where I was sitting boooed, and quite loud.

Bill Kelly
Hixson

* * *

After enjoying a wonderful afternoon of food, friends, family, and a wonderful concert by the symphony, I was subjected to a disappointing end to the celebration for the birth of our nation.

I have been attending the July 4th pops celebration since the days of when it was held at Chickamauga Battlefield, but never have I been so disappointed. During the fireworks, whoever is responsible for the accompanying music decided to play a montage of endless Barack Obama quotes from his election night victory speech. Never in all my years of attendance do I remember one quote of any other President or historical figure. Not only was the recorded music eclectic and unpatriotic in theme, but the insertion of partisanship was shameless.

I lay the blame for this at the feet of the city of Chattanooga and the event sponsors - Comcast, Alstom and the Allied Arts. Change truly has come to our country and not for the better.

Ted Jameson
Chattanooga

* * *

After years of "America, Love it or Leave it" and other brilliant nonsense from the right at even the most minor criticism of Bush we have finally come full circle. These people do not love America. You'd like to talk about partisan politics?

Like him or not, and personally I'm not happy with the guy right now, the election of President Obama is
one of the significant and important acts in our nations history.

Setting aside politics, the fact that a black man won the election is a
great step toward Dr. King's dream being realized, and celebrating
how far our nation has come since our founding fathers is something
important on our nation's Birthday.

Playing clips of the guy you don't like isn't partisan. It's showing respect to a President who's very existence would be unbelievable to America 200 years ago, even 50 years ago.

To the conservatives out there who can't wrap their heads around this, please note. Simply quoting the guy isn't partisan. Making any statement that doesn't call him a socialist isn't partisan. Playing a clip from an election night where America came together for the first time in years and united to elect someone with a clear mandate isn't partisan. It's making a statement about political reality.

If you are so filled with hatred of our President that you simply cannot hear his voice at a 4th of July celebration without getting the vapors, maybe its time to take a second look at how you love this country. Do you only love it when it does what you want? Do you take the time to actually study policy or do you simply get your facts from AM 1150's propaganda radio? Do you notice the extra money in your check every week from your recently cut pay roll taxes? I know I have and it's helped.

There is so much hate in this world. I'm sad to see those who screamed "America, Love it or leave it!" now showing their true colors. I had the honor of attending speeches by Bush Sr, Clinton, and G.W. Bush, none of whom were men I saw eye to eye to. I was in grade school when I saw Bush Sr. speak, and the things he said bothered me. His speech promoted selfishness, and called it individuality, and he got applause from the crowd of adults when he mentioned cutting school funding. Needless to say as a public school student I was not happy with this. But when he finished and walked out I still understood what the office of President means, and I stood up as he left. I shook his hand as he left because, even though I knew at that young age I disagreed with him, I knew his office represented something greater than my own personal views.

This is something a child can understand. The office is to be honored, even if you can't get behind the policies.

If the clips last night we chants of "universal health care" I could see your point that this was a partisan attack. But they weren't. It was about honoring the office, which for the first time in years is held by someone over 60% of the country can get behind. Heck, for the first time in years it's held by someone over 30% of the country can get behind.

Honoring the President, for his office if not his policies, is
something so simple even a child can understand it. I truly hope conservatives can catch up.

John-Michael Bond
Chattanooga

* * *

I can certainly see where quotes from Obama during the fireworks would sit poorly with any American. I'm an Obama supporter, but he's not the Divine Leader or Chairman Obama. We Americans don't devote ourselves to any leader or politician. We are united on the Fourth of July in exalting America.

I wasn't there, but if what these people are saying is true, somebody in charge doesn't understand what America and the Fourth of July is all about. What a numbskull booboo. The day is about "We the People" not the great Chairman or Divine Leader.

David Saluk

* * *

did not attend "Pops at the Park" last night. The crowds there are getting way too large to deal with. I was attending the celebration that took place in Soddy Daisy along with the rest of the good ole' boys and girls. After reading what others have posted above, I have to add my "two cents" on the matter.

If the truth be told, how many people at any of these events actually are there to celebrate Independence Day? I consider myself to be an average Joe, and I must truthfully admit that I was there to be with friends and family, to eat and drink like a pig, and to see the fireworks display. I do like to think myself patriotic, but, I am sitting here realizing that at no time last night did the thought of our country's reason to celebrate our Independence enter my mind. I did say a silent prayer for our military personnel, but that was as far as my thoughts went.

If everyone who was at Pops in the Park last night would admit the whole-hearted truth, they too would say they had limited or no thoughts of Independence day on their minds and they were just there to watch the fireworks go boom and bang and light up the sky. To truly accept and embrace our forefathers reasoning for declaring Independence and signing the Declaration, you cannot just have the celebration proceed to only your liking. You also have to accept what you consider inappropriate "political" inclusion in last nights events.

We should be celebrating our history of freedom and the events that occurred to bring us to where we are now. Whether or not you believe he's all talk or agree with what President Obama has to say, he has provided motivation and inspiration to a country who needs it badly because they haven't really seen it since the Kennedy Years.

Even though I side with the people who do not like President Obama's policies, the fact that he was the first black man to be elected President is part of that history. This alone establishes the right to include him in our celebration.

If you didn't like what you were hearing or seeing last night, you could have gotten up and left at any time. That would have been exercising your "freedom of choice".

Tom Donelson
Hixson
debogey1@comcast.net

* * *

David's quote "We the People" references the United States Constitution which, although is applicable, is also not what the day is about. There are a number of folks who think the day is about celebrating the military, and while we cannot overstate their importance, their day is called "Veteran's Day". The fourth of July commemorates the Declaration of Independence, and the crux of the matter in my opinion is celebrating this statement: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Richard Hickam

* * *

I attended "Pops in the Park" with my wife and my parents last night. We got there about 10 minutes before the fireworks due to traffic. As we sat to watch the show and catch the last bit of the symphony, I couldn't help but notice a lot of people up and walking around.

Even during the fireworks themselves, when you should be looking up, I was distracted by massive groups of people swiftly walking by. Why be there if you're not going to watch the display?

"Pops in the Park" has sadly become a Riverbend leftover.

As far as the Obama quotes, I heard no "boos". But why were other President's voices left out? No Bush, Clinton, JFK, FDR. Nobody. What's up with that?

Billy Thomas
Chattanooga

* * *

Although I weighed attending the fireworks at Coolidge Park on July 4, after reading what occurred, I am very glad that I was not there. Obviously, they turned the patriotic family event I once so enjoyed at Chickamauga Battlefield into a political goodwill opportunity.

Those who wanted to celebrate the real meaning of Independence Day assembled at Ross's Landing earlier in the day to personally meet and greet some local seated politicians and others who are campaigning for office. It gave us a chance to become informed voters by learning about their political positions in advance. It also provided the opportunity to revisit the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution--something sorely missing in today's often whimsical political environment. After all, July 4 is really supposed to be about America's history, government, and traditions, isn't it? The words were inspiring, uplifting and patriotic, and it was delightful to see young children and teens rallying around the American flag and repeating words from our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution in unison with the older crowd.

It was a fun time. Although the turnout was small due to the near-absence of local publicity and lack of support from local entities, it was an enthusiastic crowd. In fact, a similar event in Marrietta, Georgia on July 3 drew over 4000 people, and others report even higher numbers. It was a pleasure to meet several folks who had traveled up to 100 miles just to celebrate with other American patriots in Chattanooga and to have the opportunity to ask questions of those running for office. The timing of the event was perfect--the early hour still left ample time to meet in the afternoon with family and friends, roast hot dogs, and shoot fireworks.

While I may have missed the Chattanooga Symphony performances and the fireworks, I feel my day was better spent with those who truly understand the reason we celebrate July 4, 1776, and who also recognize why we must continue to protect and preserve at all costs the intent of our forefathers when they drafted this precious document and the Constitution of the United States.

Mya Lane

* * *

Could it be other presidents were not quoted because this is our current president and not George Bush or any of the others mentioned? Why can't people do just a simple thing like go listen to a wonderful concert, see fireworks, fellowship with the community, and enjoy a wonderful evening without picking out 5 seconds of the evening and go nuts about it? And thank you John-Michael Bond for your letter that was so right on.

It just amazes me that people can go to a 5 hour evening filled with fun and a beautiful evening and then rush home to right a letter complaining because they quoted our current president in a 5 second event. If he had been George Bush or any other president you would not have complained.

Geeeez people, look around you at all the hungry, homeless, and destitute people around you and put your efforts into making things better, and use your energy to pray for our country and our president instead of constantly bashing him. Whether I like him or voted for him makes no difference, the fact is that someone did and he is our president. If you want change, help to make change instead of sitting in a park thinking how mad you are that someone that does want to make change was quoted during the fireworks.

Linda Weathers

* * *

Wouldn't the great irony be if President Obama's independence day message was about unifying the great political rift among our citizens? Since no one here has offered to quote what he said I'll venture that as soon as his voice was heard folks immediately turned him off. Lets all rejoice in our 1st amendment right to say what we want, even if it has no merit other than to gripe.

Jim Larkin
Bay St. Louis, MS.

* * *

I agree with those expressing disappointment with the taped Obama quotes during the fireworks display. And even though I did not vote for President Obama, I would have been just as critical if it had been George Bush or Ronald Reagan being quoted.

For some reason there seems to be a trend at all types of entertainment venues that the more and louder noise the better. The fireworks display was spectacular by itself, why did the promoters feel a need to have any background noise? Same way at UT football games now. In my opinion a college football game is the most exciting sporting event there is. But for some reason the UT Athletic Department feels it needs to pump in rock music through the Jumbotron to provide more excitement.

Hey entertainment promoters, sometimes less is better. Particularly when you have a fireworks show or football game that is very entertaining in its own right.

Luke Jones
N. Chattanooga

* * *

I thought the comments by the president during the closing moments of Pops in the Park were in poor taste, especially considering the right-wing Republican influence here. But if we are going to allow Jehovah's Witnesses and other ultra conservative groups to give out literature, let's just consider it tit-for-tat. None of these groups should have been allowed inside the park. It was a time for us to enjoy the music of our country as Americans, not as factions within the country.

David Suttles

* * *

To those who keep complaining about the sponsors choice of music, knock it
off.

The music is picked by the fireworks company that prearranges all of these
shows well beforehand. There were probably 10+ fireworks shows that night with the same music/effects. If there was a political statement to be made, it was that of the fireworks company. I would venture to say that most of the sponsors and event coordinators were just as suprised to hear the arrangement as anyone else.

Was it ignorance on their part? Yes. Should they have listened to it beforehand? Yes. Will some of you go elsewhere next year? Yes. Does anyone really care? No. Should make for less traffic problems next year.

No one ever quoted Bush because he never had anything inspiring to say. Not to say any of the quotes played back in the park were, but I assume that was the idea - to inspire Americans in a down period. How do you even know it was the same fireworks company? That would explain the different choice in music - perhaps the new company has played current presidential quotes at
their shows for years. It wasn't a new company, but I doubt anyone
considered any other explainations other than the sponsor's political views.

Everyone that complained here ought to be ashamed at their political
shallowness. Their political views are just a obvious as any shown that
night.

Michael Easparam

* * *

I was highly amused by all of the complaints about the inclusion of politics in the recent Pops in the Park festivities. These are the same folks who gladly suffer fighter jets buzzing Riverbend attendees while military recruiters work their booths on the sidelines. The same folks who think it's great to sing the national anthem at baseball games and pledge allegiance to the flag at every public meeting. The same folks who insist on starting the UTC commencement ceremony with a prayer (or at least they did when I graduated), with total disregard for the religious beliefs of the graduates. And so on.

I find highly suspect the declarations by these whiners that they would have been just as disgruntled if some president other than Mr. Obama were being quoted. Where were the floods of complaints about the inappropriate and, to some, offensive interjections of political and religious trappings at the events I cite above? As long as it's not your own personal beliefs being dumped on, Chattanooga's fine with it. And if someone like me complains, she's being unpatriotic, nasty, and possibly even an attention seeker. But dish out a teaspoon of Barack Obama and you guys come unglued.

I've got one word for these folks, and it starts with "H" and ends with "ypocrite." Welcome to my world, and I hope that having walking a yard in my moccasins will make you a bit more open minded and considerate when it comes to shoving your culture down the throats of others simply because you outnumber them.

Joy Day

* * *

I have read many commentaries and have taken my time to soak in all the information and opinions left about this year's Pops on the River celebration.

As an attendee of the event, I thoroughly enjoyed the crowd, performance and celebration of the Fourth of July for several reasons. As a Chattanooga native, I am proud to showcase the spectacle of our Scenic City. I was around many visitors who said they were from out of town and were visiting for the Fourth. I am excited that the city of Chattanooga conducts such a showcase that attract tourists to our area. I think the park, river and bridges is only a rare site for most. Hopefully, those who were visiting will be encouraged from the show to visit Chattanooga more often and in more detail.

Concerning the performance, although the CSO might have not performed as many "patriotic" songs as most would like, I think the show provides a good variety to keep the audience entertained. Let's face it, most of children today know Disney songs better than other American songs. I also think having a regional guest appear on stage brings most cultural to the audience. Whether you like it or not, bluegrass has an Appalachian birth, and I think we should celebrate what our region has been able to contribute to the arts. I know from being a graduate of an university where bluegrass was actually a major, it is appreciated throughout the world and think, it all started in our own backyard.

Continuing about the performance and audience though, I will say that trash cans were not emptied, but honestly, could you imagine someone trying to get through the crowd to do so, and if it that was you beside the trash can, would you appreciate it? I would guess there would many of responses on here to the incident, if it was to happen.

I also noticed quite a few of park security and policeman as well. I even noticed one policeman helping a mother out with her two sons to get them to the restroom, so I cannot comment on that issue.

Then, lets move on to the political commentary at the end of the ceremony... As soon as it happened, my husband leaned over and said, "They've just made a lot of people mad by putting Obama in there." Apparently he was right. Whether you're a supporter or not, I think does not affect your view on the situation. I think it's change that frightens people so much.

One gentleman on this commentary said that MLK's quote of "I have a dream" was announced during the production and was okay with it. Well, think about it. When MLK gave this speech, I'm sure there were many who did no appreciate what he had to say then, but now seeing what has happened since, they support MLK's dream and vision.

Whether we like it or not, we are part of something that will greatly affect our generations and generations to come, and in my measly opinion, that is what the music production was about.

You noticed that most of the quotes streamed to the music had a consistent theme of change. In our country, change brought freedom to many. Both freedom for us to be a free country, to practice our own religions, arts, etc; freedom of slavery, freedom to vote. I think for myself this is what celebrating Independence Day is about... coming together as a nation to remember how we courageously fought for these freedoms and independences.

I understand we all have different opinions about how to celebrate and why to celebrate, but just remember that you're allowed to do so because our country is built on that philosophy and isn't that something to celebrate? So let's forget about if we can grill, what girl was wearing what, what song was played during the fireworks finale and instead, soak in thankfulness and blessings this country and its people has allowed each one of us.

Jennifer Pickard