General Bell: Unfortunately, Mr. Cook Has Drawn the Battle Lines - And Response (9)

I was deeply saddened to read David Cook's commentary in Sunday's Times Free Press entitled, "Warfare, Lynching and Coolidge Park."  That said, I suppose it's fair enough to finally understand with clarity why some are opposed to the establishment of a "Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center" in a relatively unused and very small corner of the park named after him.  Apparently, the opponents have never really been concerned about the red herring issue of saving "green space."  Indeed, Mr. Cook telegraphs to us that opposition is about an anti-military sentiment in our community.

Mr. Cook exclaims that the museum (it is not a museum, it is a Heritage Center) will be "…a museum of warfare."  He refers to the future Coolidge Heritage Center as bringing the "…. scent of warfare" to Coolidge Park.  And he goes on to say that "Warfare destroys the very things that Coolidge Park represents."

Excuse me, sir.  Your declarations offend me.  First and foremost, Coolidge Park was first established to recognize our military heroes.  Coolidge Park was set aside in 1945 by the city of Chattanooga to honor Mr. Coolidge and all World War II veterans by recognizing their valorous contributions to preserve our democracy and eradicate Nazi fascism.  

And, Mr. Cook, you entirely miss the true purpose of the future center.   The purpose of the small but dignified Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center in the park named after Mr. Coolidge will be to tell the stories of our local heroes who have gone forth to risk or give their lives to preserve our democracy -- the very democracy that affirms your right to pen your commentary in the Times Free Press.  The Heritage Center will tell the Medal of Honor stories of the past so we can educate the children of our future.

So if indeed Mr. Cook has opted to "draw the battle lines," I can only hope and pray that Chattanooga's elected leaders will finish the fight and quickly approve the construction of the Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center in the proposed small and out of the way corner of Coolidge Park.  The lines are drawn and clear.  Our elected leaders will now speak, and the voters will have the opportunity to speak later.

General B.B. Bell

U.S. Army (Retired) 

* * * 

Want to have a Medal of Honor Center in Coolidge park? Great. I'm for it provided you pay homage to Marine Major-General Smedley D. Butler who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor twice. 

Underneath his portrait and service record, please be sure to post what this American hero wrote about war.  Here's a few excerpts from his "War is a Racket." Remember these words were written nearly 80 years ago. 

"War is a racket. It always has been. It is possibly the oldest, easily the most profitable, surely the most vicious. It is the only one international in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives.  

"A racket is best described, I believe, as something that is not what it seems to the majority of the people. Only a small 'inside' group knows what it is about. It is conducted for the benefit of the very few, at the expense of the very many. Out of war a few people make huge fortunes.  

"In the World War a mere handful garnered the profits of the conflict. At least 21,000 new millionaires and billionaires were made in the United States during the World War. That many admitted their huge blood gains in their income tax returns. How many other war millionaires falsified their tax returns no one knows.  

"How many of these war millionaires shouldered a rifle? How many of them dug a trench? How many of them knew what it meant to go hungry in a rat-infested dug-out? How many of them spent sleepless, frightened nights, ducking shells and shrapnel and machine gun bullets? How many of them parried a bayonet thrust of an enemy? How many of them were wounded or killed in battle? 
Out of war nations acquire additional territory, if they are victorious. They just take it. This newly acquired territory promptly is exploited by the few - the selfsame few who wrung dollars out of blood in the war. The general public shoulders the bill.  

"And what is this bill?  

"This bill renders a horrible accounting. Newly placed gravestones. Mangled bodies. Shattered minds. Broken hearts and homes. Economic instability. Depression and all its attendant miseries. Back-breaking taxation for generations and generations. 

"I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a high class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902-1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar interests in 1916. I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903. In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard Oil went on its way unmolested. Looking back on it, I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents. 

"A few profit – and the many pay. But there is a way to stop it. You can't end it by disarmament conferences. You can't eliminate it by peace parleys at Geneva. Well-meaning but impractical groups can't wipe it out by resolutions. It can be smashed effectively only by taking the profit out of war.  

"Beautiful ideals were painted for our boys who were sent out to die. This was the 'war to end all wars.' This was the 'war to make the world safe for democracy.' No one mentioned to them, as they marched away, that their going and their dying would mean huge war profits. No one told these American soldiers that they might be shot down by bullets made by their own brothers here. No one told them that the ships on which they were going to cross might be torpedoed by submarines built with United States patents. They were just told it was to be a 'glorious adventure.' 

"No admiral wants to be without a ship. No general wants to be without a command. Both mean men without jobs. They are not for disarmament. They cannot be for limitations of arms. And at all these conferences, lurking in the background but all-powerful, just the same, are the sinister agents of those who profit by war. 

"So...I say, to h---with war!" 

General Butler died before Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Granada, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the countless other wars of professed "patriots" who have sent Americans to die for profits. 

General Butler would not be shocked by today's military/corporate "glorious adventures" — some things never change. 

If only America today had political and military leaders like General Butler instead of the war hawks, neo-cons, bought-and-paid-for politicians, and merchants of death that pose as patriots waving the American flag where the stars and stripes have been replaced by the dollar sign and the grim reaper. 

General Smedley Butler drew the battle-lines 80 years ago. When one can't tell the difference between today's generals and admirals and a corporate board-of-directors it may be too late. 

I look forward to General Butler's prominent position in the Medal of Honor Center. 

Stephen Greenfield 

* * * 

If the so-called public meeting at the Theatre Center on Aug. 3 had allowed opponents to speak, General Bell would have heard multiple points of view and numerous reasons for opposition. Instead, the meeting was a one-sided infomercial with only proponents of the museum allowed to speak from the stage. No questions were taken and no opponent was allowed on stage or offered a chance to hold the microphone and speak to the packed auditorium. This was the most undemocratic public meeting ever held. Only one side was allowed to speak. Considering that the project was being fast tracked and flying under the radar, many opponents expected this meeting would be their chance to have their say. They were mistaken.

Space does not allow me to elaborate on all the reasons I oppose the center but I am against giving away even one square foot of public green space to a private entity. If the Casey land is worth $1 million an acre, this land is surely worth at least that much or more. Why would the city just give this land to a private group for $1 a year? It doesn't make sense and it's not their land to give away. It belongs to all of us. There are other places to put the center. Coolidge Park is already a wonderful tribute to Charles Coolidge.

 

* * * 

Thanks to General Bell for his response to the article by David Cook.  General Bell was right on with his response to Mr. Cook.  I find it hard to believe that the paper continues to print the left wing articles by Mr.  Cook.  If the paper does continue to print his garbage I will stop buying it.  I would encourage advertisers to stop sending them the money to operate.  

Mr. Cook lives on Signal Mountain, in a very nice house, so so so far away from all of the problems he champions in his articles.  He teaches at a private school.  He is living life large.  He has no first hand experience about what he spouts.  He is so far removed from the reality of what he writes about that he thinks he is homeless living under a bridge.  He needs a reality check.  Or better, eight weeks of basic training at Fort Bliss Texas.  (ho rah)  

It's really a shame that the soldiers who died for Mr. Cook’s right to pen this trash can’t be here to help him understand what he will never understand.  I feel so sorry for him.  I wish he could have heard the stories told by my uncle, who was at Pearl Harbor on a submarine, or Dr. Warren Averitte, who was wounded in battle at Tarawa, or Freddie Few, who was a highly decorated helicopter pilot in Vietnam. And I can’t forget SSgt. Ed Barnes and SSgt. Mark Reher, who both wear that badge of a Silver Kentucky Rifle with a Silver Star over it on a Blue Field.  They just don’t give those badges to anyone.  I won’t give the name of this honor but those of you that read this understand what Mr. Cook will never understand, not in a million years.  I am deeply honored to have known these people. 

So, as you might guess, I am for the Museum in Coolidge Park.  Maybe, just maybe, some of the frisbee players, dog walkers and pontificators will be inspired to tour the inside and start to understand what myself and others understand and what David  Cook will never understand. 

P.S. My other uncle has his name on the Gold Star Wall at Patten Parkway.  It would be great to see it at Coolidge Park.  Somebody call Mr. Cook and tell him what it means to have your name on the Gold Star Wall and what that Kentucky Rifle with a Star means.(ho rah) 

E.G. McCarson 

* * * 

Four thousand square feet, out of 13 acres (566,280 square feet) total, is all that has been requested for our veterans' heritage. What happened to the other 10 acres that were originally set aside for Coolidge Park? Nobody has ever asked that question that I've seen. 

Coolidge Park was originally set out to honor our veterans, not as a green space. So what's the problem here? It isn't like this group is asking for what my husband and some of his cronies have suggested; that the entire park be covered in colored gravel in the form of an eagle, globe and anchor. 

We love our soldiers, sailors, marines, coast guardsmen, airmen, and national guardsmen, don't we..... until their work is done and we don't need them any more, just like police and other emergency services personnel. 

Talk is cheap, isn't it. 

Vicki Rodgers
Nine Mile 

* * *

General Bell describes the area for the museum as a “relatively unused and very small corner of the park…” If that’s the only area of the park that’s proposed to be used, why isn’t the Heritage Center asking for 4,000 square feet instead of the requested 2.3 acres of the park?

In an ideal world, there would be no more wars, but that is unlikely. As more wars and conflicts are fought, the military will award more medals. It is likely that the rest of the 2.3 acres will be used since the Heritage Center will have already leased the land. And then where will the museum expand to? 

In 1945 when some “promise” was made to Coolidge, the park as such did not exist. No one could have foreseen what the park would look like today or how extensively the citizens of Chattanooga would be using it. 

A museum will exacerbate the lack of parking in the area. Parking is an issue all over the North Shore, especially when there are events in the park. There are more and more businesses in the area and CARTA and the administration have given Patel’s apartment building many of Renaissance Park’s parking spaces . If the museum draws the traffic it hopes for, then the parking situation will be even worse for all concerned. 

Coolidge Park is used by inner city families as their green space for recreation and family picnics. Kids play in the fountain and on the grass, and ride the carousel. People use the river access for paddleboarding and kayaking. The park is used by many for celebrations such as the Fourth of July concert, when the entire green space is covered with people. Movies are held in the park. Tourists and locals walk the Walnut Street Bridge and eat in the restaurants. Locals enjoy meandering through the park while enjoying the green space along the river. This is the proper use for Coolidge Park, not a location for a museum. 

Joan Goodlet Hamner 

* * * 

As I read the comments of those opposed to building the Medal Of Honor Heritage Center in Coolidge Park, I can't believe what some people have written.  Shame on all of you that have lost pride in your country, or what total sacrifice really means.  I've seen folks like you at ball games, Fourth Of July celebrations, Memorial Day ceremonies and other events that honor those that served and even sacrificed their lives for our country.  As those of us that really appreciate this "land of the free, and home of the brave", bow our heads in prayer, remove our hats, or place our hands over our hearts in respect as we remember their sacrifice, I've seen folks like you looking around, talking, laughing and showing a total disregard for the pride servicemen like me and others feel for our country, as our National Anthem is playing, or our flag passes by.  

No, we're not a perfect nation.  We've made mistakes, but brother it sure beats any other country you might choose over your own.  

Could the Medal Of Honor Heritage Center be built somewhere else?  Sure, but why should it?  As you enjoy your "open space" and vast "grassy field" at Coolidge Park, where you and others run around chasing your frisbee, ask our own Sergeant Andrew Smith how he feels as he stands before you on two artificial limbs that were blown off by an IED, or his buddies that have lost arms and legs,and can't throw that frisbee any more, or the Gold Star wives and mothers whose husbands, sons and daughters gave their lives for even selfish people like you, how they feel about having the Medal Of Honor Heritage Center in Coolidge Park.   

I only pray that our elected officials disregard the selfish, self-centered remarks of people like you and remember that the vast majority of Chattanoogans would be proud to have the Medal Of Honor Heritage Center in Medal Of Honor recipient Calvin Coolidge's park for all our children, grandchildren, citizens and visitors to visit, learn and enjoy.  

It will stand as a symbol of utmost respect and honor for all to see that yes, we put this building in the most visible, valuable and sacred place we could find to honor those that gave their all so that you and I can live in this great country.  

How much is the life of a brave serviceman worth?  Giving the best we have is still far too little.  To suggest putting this sacred building off in some other remote corner of Chattanooga, so you and others like you can laugh and play and ignore their sacrifice, would convey the utmost in callous disrespect. 

Thank you General Bell, and all the other admirals, generals and others dedicated to giving Chattanooga such a wonderful and beautiful building for all to see how proud Tennessee is of our heritage, and the sacrifice that keeps us so free. 

Bill Reesor
Ooltewah  

* * *

This was a promise your city made to a hero more than 50 years ago and you want to whine about green space being taken away from you....unbelievable.  What did you do to earn this space? Nothing, that's what. 

General Bell and Bill Reesor hit the nail right on the head.  You're probably the same folks protesting historical monuments and think you can simply re-write history as if war never happened. Well, wouldn't that just be peachy keen, unfortunately it doesn't work that way no matter what your college professor told you. 

Quit your whining and be thankful there's still men and women vowing to give up their life if necessary so that you and your kids can wade in the fountain and ride the carousel.  Thinking about yourselves is typical liberal thinking...how about thinking about those that make everything possible for you?  If not for these heroes you'd be speaking a different language and the last thing in the world you'd be doing is complaining about green space...you'd be busy trying to find food. 

Off my soap box,
Sue White 

* * *

I totally agree with General Bell and Bill Reesor.  However, I take exception on a couple of points made by Sue White.  

As a college graduate, I never had a professor who tried to re-write history.  Whether at UTC or Covenant College, my professors taught facts and made their classes interesting to boot.  When we shy away from higher education, we all lose. 

I think about others besides myself and understand the concerns voiced by some against the proposed center.  Guess what…I consider myself to be liberal in many of my values and still think we should honor our heroes in the park set aside for such purposes. 

Much of the political strife in our country is based on false assumptions about our imagined internal enemies instead of working to find commonality and solutions.  Don’t paint with such a broad brush. 

Linda McDonald
Suck Creek Mountain 

* * * 

Coolidge Park was named for Charles Coolidge who was awarded the  Congressional Medal of Honor. That award was for gallantry and bravery in combat which goes beyond the call of duty. 

The park is on land that once housed the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center. I saw this building most of my childhood as we crossed the Market Street Bridge. 

It is now a multi-use park and has been used for a variety of events from concerts to recreation. But its use has not been limited to one person's view of how it should be used. 

David Cook's opinion regarding its use may have been nothing more than his attempt to provoke people into reading another venting. 

I'm sure there are many people who have no idea of the history of the land on which the park is located or Charles Coolidge. 

But that does not change the fact for Mr. Cook or those ignorant of the park's history that it is a multi-use park. 

So let's see some toleration, Mr. Cook. Show us how it's done. Talk is cheap except when a newspaper pays you to goad the public into reading your stuff. We all share that park and how it is used. 

Ralph Miller