Let me start by saying that I loathe "career politicians" whether they be local or national. My loathing goes from mayor Littlefield (if he's ever had civilian job, I'm not aware of it) on the local level to Nancy Pelosi and all the other blood suckers that feed off the public teat for life. 

Anyone that has ever read Thomas Jefferson's writings know that our system was intended to be run by citizen legislators that returned to their normal lives and jobs after serving a short time in a political office. Politics should not be a "career" nor should it be a "profession." A candidate should have a career and/or job to return to instead of just running for another vacant office.

A "career politician" serves themselves more than they serve the public. The public just can't seem to grasp this fact and  just keep voting for the most recognizable name or the person that runs the most commercials. If everyone started voting for the person on the ballot that they have never heard of, then maybe we could get rid of these entrenched parasites and get some new blood in our political systems. It would also allow those with limited funds to be able to run for office. We've had enough millionaires and lawyers, let's try something different. 

According to my un-official survey, our city council votes the exact opposite of public opinion 90 percent of the time. Today's Chattanoogan poll says that 85 percent of respondents want term limits for members of our city council. Do you think that Deborah Scott's proposal for term limits stands a snowball's chance in hades? I doubt it, but I support Deborah and her non-political approach to good government.

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Ronnie,
 Keep preaching the truth. After awhile it will get some traction and hopefully things will improve. 

I agree with you, Deborah Scott is for real. She needs to be mayor. 

Joe Blevins
Guild, Tn.

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It is strange to hear you say this, because it was just last week you were voicing an opinion of wanting a certain individual re-elected yet again. That same person has been a driving force of getting people removed from their positions while still being paid, all on the backs of taxpayers. 

That person has also not voted against (not voting is the same as voting for) the things that have lined their own pockets, which again is costing the tax payers.  

Can't have it both ways. 

Dee Layne

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Dear Mr. Land,

I don't know enough about Deborah Scott to address your words about her, but I feel I have to address two of your comments above.  First, you're suggesting that people should vote for candidates they've never heard of before--simply to rid us of all long-serving politicians, no matter their record.  And, this voting advice is based on your belief that most people currently only vote by name recognition and/or advertising.  Then, you only mention Democratic politicians as "bloodsucking" career politicians, hinting that you think only people who vote for them are the ones who vote this mindlessly.  Are you really serious about that?   

I could not disagree more.  Personally, I only vote for people I truly agree with, or because I believe that they deserve to be re-elected because of their record--and I want them to be able to finish what they've started, or sometimes, I vote because I believe that their opponent would take us down the wrong road, and I want to keep him or her out of office.  No matter which reason, my vote's always based on research and/or a candidate's previous record.  This has led me to vote for candidates from both parties, in my 28 years of voting.  And most of my friends and family base their votes on solid reasons as well, no matter their party. 

You see, I personally think far too many people vote for candidates out of simple, blind party loyalty--rather than name recognition or advertising, never really giving candidates from the other party any real consideration, after years of finding ways to blame everything wrong in America on the other side, and everything right on theirs.  As an Independent, I reject the party system because I believe that both parties care more about keeping or taking power, and opposing the other party by all means necessary much more than they care about doing good and right things for the American people.  Sadly, I think too many people buy into this mindset hook, line and sinker. 

Second, you start off by announcing that you loathe anyone who has ever had a career in politics, as if that kind of blanket hatred is something to be publicly proud of.  Whenever I hear political hatred like that, it puts me off immediately, no matter which side it comes from.  As a Christian, I try not to loathe anyone--including politicians, as Jesus commands me to love others--even my enemies.  (Too many American Christians have forgotten that command and feel very comfortable expressing public hatred for people they disagree with politically.  I've even heard this kind of thing come from the pulpit.)  As an American, I believe we all need to listen to, try to understand, and show respect for, those fellow Americans with whom we disagree, because when we do, we at least can disagree respectfully and maybe even create common ground and get good things done, rather than get mired in a Hatfields vs. McCoys gridlock that does nothing positive for anyone.  I pray that this growing political hostility in our time will recede--and I would call on my fellow Christians to be humble peacemakers to be the first to put that into action.  I hope your loathing subsides into respectful disagreement, Mr. Land.  Maybe then I'd listen to your advice. 

John Stegall