In this vast wasteland of media sources that is the Chattanooga market we are fortunate to have the Chattanoogan to provide us the real news or to borrow a phrase,"give the news impartially without fear or favor."
One example was the article on Signal Mountain yesterday and its founder C.E. James who developed the mountain for white people only. Besides the fact this was pretty much standard procedure all the way up until the Civil Rights laws of the 60s, Signal Mountain remains one of the whitest communities in the state. The latest estimate is that 98.2 percent of the residents today are white.
For some reason the TFP today failed to mention this in the paper. For a publication that is so big on diversity and inclusion one would think this would have been a front page story or at least mentioned in the local news section. One wonders if the fact that two of the biggest diversity and inclusion editorial writers live in the whitest community in the state would find this article somewhat embarrassing?
Another example is the "Cream Scheme" scam which wrapped up yesterday with the sentencing of the ring leader Wayne Wilkerson. Wilkerson and his cronies bilked the government and insurance companies out of millions of dollars. The Chattanoogan is the only local news outlet that has covered the trial and the sentencing daily. It appears our local TV stations are more interested in someone adopting a dog or 50 people in a county of 360,000 people showing up for some idiotic protest than some group selling a miracle cream at $15,000 a jar.
Thanks to John and his colleagues for giving us a real news source.
Douglas Jones
Ooltewah
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And your point is, Douglas? Lookout Mountain remains at over 97 percent white with a black population at .62 percent (as in dewey-decimal point.You remember that dude from grade school don't you?)
I sometimes rode with my dad back in the '60s when George Scholze, who lived atop Lookout Mountain, would send my dad to take items and supplies to various people living on various mountains, Elder, inside Lookout Mountain as well, and towns like Dunlap, Tn. Scholze would call ahead of time to let them know my dad was coming, and warned them not to bother him or they'd have him, George Scholze, to deal with. Some of those areas, even Lookout Mountain, had what amounted to sentries, men with guns, and signs NO _____ allowed, posted at various points. No one ever dared to approach my dad in a threatening way and, the times I rode with him, we were immediately flagged through.
Bottom line, Douglas, if you're trying to sow discord and make a case against Signal Mountain and TFP editors who live on Signal Mountain, you'll have to go after all the mountains, Lookout Mountain included, and even some areas in the city if you want to start pointing fingers.
By the way, doesn't John Wilson live on Lookout Mountain, or use to unless he recently moved. Nothing against John. I like him. He's been my protector in many ways, he may not realize during some pretty interesting, but disturbing, experiences I had with local authority by allowing me to remain visible through writings. But you have to be willing to tell the truth if your goals are to shame the devil.
Brenda Washington
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Apparently I don’t read between the lines as well as Ms. Washington. To me, “the point” of Mr. Jones' opinion piece was to point out The Chattanoogan provides a comprehensive, fair and accurate account of news worthy items in the city and I agree wholeheartedly.
As he highlights, it does often shine light on facts that other local news service seem to overlook which is appreciated.
I have to admit I fail to see the connection between his (what I feel was a) complimentary letter and Ms. Washington’s interesting historical trip down memory lane. In this case, once I’ve read her reply, I am the one that says “what’s the point”.
Bottom line, thank you, John (and Roy) and I join Mr. Jones in my appreciation of all you do for your readers.
Gus Bryan
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Brenda, I have lived on Lookout Mountain since college graduation in 1957.
Armed guards and posted signs is the most ludicrous statement you have made.
I remember when the one-room Black school was closed and combined with Lookout Mountain Elementary, one of the first in the area.
Please know the facts before you speak.
Jimmy Campbell