I do not plan to be back downtown at Coolidge Park or the Walnut Street Bridge.
There is obviously a problem and it seems that it cannot be handled.
Too bad we cannot have police posted there 24 hours a day with instructions “shoot to kill” whenever there is a disturbance with gunshots.
Be done with these people who cannot and will not ever do anything but cause trouble.
David Turner
Chattanooga
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I agree with Mr. Turner. I will avoid this area like the plague. I would possibly consider returning if Chattanooga was not anti-gun. I myself am a concealed carry permit holder and carry for "self defense."
Coolidge Park, just like every other park in Chattanooga, does not allow concealed carry. So here is my message to anyone down at city hall who may be reading. Legally armed law abiding citizens need to be able to protect life and limb at all times. Allow concealed carry in city parks. The state allows concealed carry in all state parks. If its good enough for the state it should be good enough for Chattanooga.
Matt Branum
East Ridge
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I've never been to Coolidge Park. I've been asked to go, and refused to subject my family to the environment of thuggery. If we add that to the nasty, foul odor of downtown, why would I want to go? All of downtown smells like an overflowing septic tank.
How can anyone respect others when they can't display respect for themselves or their families or even the people walking by? Walking downtown after dark is a gamble I will not take.
It's even worse when we have to appoint police everywhere to keep peace. I'm ashamed of this and every citizen of this city should be.
I carry a concealed weapon. I'm not afraid to go, but why "flirt" with disaster? Why risk taking my family to a potential war zone between thugs who have been left to their own design.
When the guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns. I've heard that many times and hoped it would never be true, but it's certainly true in our public parks.
It is politically incorrect to discuss the real reasons for the problems we are having. Maybe someday our country will correct our policy of tolerance to the degree of ignorance. It is not culture, it is not good for our community, and we as a city need to get our heads out of the sand.
Jaime Raines
Hamilton County Resident/non tourist of Downtown
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Hmmmmm....... so no "guns in parks?" See how that's been working for you folks in the short-sighted City Council?
Only the criminals will carry the guns. Those of us with carry permits will most likely avoid those "attractions." I do.
BTW: As a hard-core Obama Democrat, I see no reason to prevent law-abiding citizens from going armed in parks. It may even make these puke thugs think twice about the continued random gun-play in Coolidge firing range (er..) Park.
Robin Flores