The only "dog I have in this fight" with regards to the latest recall situation is the same relationship I had for the VW vote, I'm merely a resident of Tennessee. I do have opinions and I do listen to all sides before I make those opinions however it seems obvious to me what's happening with this recall. Mr. Andersons name isn't mentioned without the tag line for his non-supporters "you're anti-gay," goes hand in hand with those of non-supporters of the current administration...first printed words are "you're a T-party racist."
While I am neither I do see it everyday in nearly every opinion regarding either Mr. Obama or Mr. Anderson. It doesn't matter that the promises made were merely lip service to getting that darn vote, it only matters that everyone that doesn't agree is now an "anti-gay racist." Or more specifically for our region "anti-gay racist union haters."
Some of us look at the facts, some of us have done our research and some of us are tired of talking the talk but the refusal of walking the walk. Just because we're not in agreement doesn't make us any more of a hater then those on the left that appear to be against Christian beliefs. The country was founded on freedoms and speech happens to be one of the most important. I take my hat off to the residents who are unhappy with the lack of progress and who have their noses out of joint over a chicken in every backyard but not in every pot. It's the American way, allow the people to speak without tagging them with the nasty "anti-everything" we hear with regards to every political decision that's made today. Politicians need to step up to the plate and take responsibility rather than spending their time and money spinning spinning spinning.
Sue White
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Recall advocate Mahmood Abdullah said, "...Anderson doesn't represent what the people want. His only goal is to boost homosexuality...." Well, golly, that doesn't sound anti-gay to me. I'm sure Charlie Wysong, openly anti-gay Tea Party activist, is only concerned with Councilman Chris Anderson's "job performance" and nothing else. Yep, makes perfect sense.
It especially makes perfect sense when you add up how many other members of the Council have been recalled over the years. Why there must be hundreds, right? Well, other than the famous Mayor Ron Littlefield attempt, that list is pretty slim and I can't believe it's because all of those other council folks have been so awesome at their jobs.
It's simple. Same sex legislation made enough homophobes in this town angry enough to want a special referendum in August and that intolerance and anger carried over to Chris Anderson, the openly gay target.
Herb Montgomery
Chattanooga