Lately I have been trying to understand why our local paper has Jim Hammond in their cross hairs. On a regular order of events they hit him with innuendos and gossip. They have skirted close to the line without making any charges against him. In the past I have shared my knowledge of Jim since 1980.
The Times Free Press seems to have the traditional view of the liberal press in regards to Christianity, conservative people, supporting friends good or bad. If they have a problem with the sheriff you would think they had enough backbone to state that problem and wrongdoing on the front page.
But no, they will hide in the shadows and use innuendos, gossip, half truths and any other way to trash him.
This kind of journalism truly shows the character of the leadership of our local paper. They seem to fall in that group of people that are described by: Don't confuse me with the facts, I have already made up my mind.
N.D. Kennedy Sr.
Ooltewah
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Why is the paper watchdogging the sheriff?
Two words: Billy Long. I have not perceived any innuendos, but there sure are some questionable relationships (Lonnie Hood) and a touch of nepotism.
Frankly, I am thankful for investigative journalism. If there are no "issues" then there should be no worry, right?
Veronica Madaris
East Ridge
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Mr. Kennedy, the people going after Sheriff Jim Hammond are no more liberal than I am conservative. They may be feeding the TFP information, but none of what they're attempting to accomplish has much if anything to do with politics. In time they'll switch and throw the TFP under the bus once they accomplish their goals and just like everyone else they use. I may disagree with Sheriff Hammond and I don't bite my tongue to let him or anyone know when I disagree with them. However, unlike these people behind this, I'm mature enough to know the difference between disagreeing with someone versus being viciously vindictive and spiteful. No matter what disagreement I might voice against someone, I can still have the uppermost respect for them. I especially respect Sheriff Hammond. And if he doesn't already know it, he needs to be made aware that sometimes your enemies are more closer than you think.
I've been in these individuals' cross-hairs for quite some time. Over the years I've basically learned who they are and how they operate. After being unable to dig up any criminal history on me, they've switched gears and attempted to dig up information to see if I'm a "threat to society?" For what? Speaking out? Will to speak up and out about injustices I know have taken place? Having a view opposite their own that doesn't mesh with their way of thinking? And here, all these years, we were told that's what our fathers, mothers, siblings, children and others have gone away to fight and possibly die for? So the rest of us could have the right to not only have an opinion, but not be afraid to voice it. Hypocrisy is the name....and oppression remains the American shame.
Brenda Manghane~Washington