Letters to the Editor, May 17

To the editor:

If there ever was a person in existence that has an opinion, it would be me.

There have been times that voicing that was good and there have been times that it was not so good to say the least.

Everyone has their right to one, however, promoting the sharing of it is not always beneficial or even helpful at all.

I know that the T-G had a good reason in mind when they chose to offer the opportunity for comments to be submitted by readers underneath their online news stories. On the surface that doesn't seem to be a bad thing; deep down, though, it rarely is anything that is helpful. As I read the stories online, there always seems to be a long line of comments from most of the same users, especially on issues that take sides.

It ends up being that the comments take aim at each other oftentimes unrelated in a direct way to the news that was being shared. This must be an outlet for some people to vent their tempers.

It appears some do it often. I really don't see where this is beneficial to anyone other than the one who got to do it and the one who was fueled by it to comment once again.

I would hope that soon, and very soon, the T-G would consider eliminating this part of its online reading.

Rarely ever do I read anything that was worth reading in this section. Letters to the editor are much more appropriate seeing as your name is submitted at the same time your comments are.

When I feel that passionately about something, I am happy for you to know that I feel it and who I am.

In a time when this world looks so ugly, let's not let the T-G help contribute to it.

Dana Curtis,

Shelbyville

Editor's Note: Well spoken, Ms. Curtis. I myself have felt the same way at times, despite the fact that as a journalist, I have pledged to uphold our First Amendment rights: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peacably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Evelyn Beatrice Hall, writing under the pseodonym S. G. Tallentyre, summed up Voltaire's attitude with the following quote, which is often attributed to Voltaire: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

That is the attitude I strive to maintain as a member of a free press.

It is true that we do not require people to post their full names on our web site, a decision made long before I came along as editor. I personally don't give unsigned opinion the same credibility as I give to signed commentary.

We do pull overly offensive posts from the web site, so if you ever feel like a post goes too far, feel free to flag it. - j.p.

Sheriff commended for plan to use old hospital

To the editor:

I commend Sheriff Randall Boyce for his and his Department's foresight in their plans to utilize the old Bedford County Hospital. I must admit, however, when I first read of the plan I had some reservations. To put people who are incarcerated in such close proximity to both geriatrics and students, at the very least, raised my eyebrows. That being said, and after lengthy consideration, I have concluded he is both wise and progressive in his thinking.

I chaired the committee that presented the financial and building information to the County Commission that led to the ultimate sale of our hospital. Included in the information was a notation that the committee did not see a viable use for the building and saw it as a continuing liability. Not because it wasn't a very stable building, (Bud Melson assured all of us the structure was sound), but the demand for this type of building is very limited at best. To convert it to assisted living would be very expensive and our County Commission was not, and is not today, likely to spend the money on the chance that it will be profitable.

The same rules do not apply to the Sheriff's Department and the use he has in mind, and, as he has shown in the past, he will utilize the talents of the inmates for a great deal of the renovations.

Now, what about the Nursing Home and the MTSU/Motlow extension campus? I deliver Meals on Wheels, and at the Senior Citizen's Center when I pick up my meals there are always several inmates doing various jobs as required by the directors.

This has been going on for quite some time, and the people chosen to perform these tasks are quiet and polite and willing to help when they can. I have not noticed anyone being afraid of any of these people and most appreciate their efforts.

Some of these people can also be used to help out in the nursing home.

I do believe that just because someone does a bad thing does not automatically mean they are a bad person, and I trust our sheriff and his staff to know the difference.

I am sure there will be some problems with the implementation of this plan, there always are, but in my opinion this is the best use for this parcel of surplus property, and I hope the County Commission will concur.

Edward C. Huffman Jr.,

Shelbyville

-- The Times-Gazette publishes letters to the editor as space allows, and reserves the right to refuse any letter and to edit for content and length. All letters become the property of the Times-Gazette upon submission. Letters must be typed or clearly handwritten, and must include the phone number and address of the writer for verification purposes. Letters must be 500 words or less, and may not include personal attacks against private citizens or businesses. Please submit letters to editor@t-g.com, or mail them to: Times-Gazette, Attn: Editor, P.O. Box 380, Shelbyville, TN, 37162.