Senior citizen sees need to return to basics
Dear Editor:
I’m a senior citizen. I served our country as a proud Marine. It’s depressing to see our freedoms and liberties being taken away by a government that is intent on full control of our lives.
We’re forced to drink fluosilicic acid. It’s not only costly to provide home filtration to remove the poison contaminants from my water, but on top of that, my water bills have tripled!
Locally, I see our taxes spent foolishly on unnecessary walking bridges, bike trails and special interest projects. What do I get for my taxes?
Although living on a fixed income, I have to pay a huge fee for health insurance, aside from what’s taken from Social Security for coverage. At the same time, I see county employees receiving “free” health benefits and a retirement package we’d all love to have.
I live off Morganton Road. My 18-year-old neighbor was killed in an accident on this dangerous road, which just awaits its next wreck. However, there are community officials pushing for a new highway extension instead of repairing current hazards.
County commissioners are discussing a tax increase for 2013 even though some of us have trouble saving to pay our current property taxes. These commissioners never listen to what the citizens want; instead they follow the instructions of department heads and unelected officials in Blount County. They have no conscience when it comes to increasing taxes or controlling private land use.
Our schools are out of control. I have a grandson in the public school system and I worry that he won’t be taught about our patriotic history or the Constitution of the United States. I see more interest in spending on sports than on educational needs. We need to get back to basics. Throwing more money at schools is not the solution.
We senior citizens are fed up!
A concerned citizen,
Ron McTigue
5274 Morganton Blvd.
Greenback, TN 37742
