CNBC rankings, Fleischmann’s daylight saving time mistake and more letters to the editors

Who cares what CNBC thinks?

Does anyone that actually lives in Tennessee, especially East Tennessee, place any validity in a New Jersey-based CNBC ranking? This ranking is heavily weighted toward “quality of life” … not what most of us measure, but by things like inclusivity, transgenderism, bathroom access, reproductive rights and crime. I agree that low crime is important. The other measures, far less so.

(READ MORE: Times Opinion: Courtesy of Republicans, Tennessee ranks dead last in quality of life)

It’s important to note that Tennessee’s crime statistics were incredibly skewed by Memphis, a Democrat-run city, with some of the highest crime rates in the country. CNBC intentionally omitted any reference to the relocation trends taking place in this country. Why? Corporations and families are fleeing Democrat-run cities and states with high taxes, high cost of living, high crime, sanctuary policies and onerous regulations and moving to states like Texas (CNBC’s second worst), Tennessee, Florida and Georgia (fifth worst). The editor’s takeaway from all this is to vote out Republicans (Times, 7/18). Huh?

Every one of these states has a Republican governor. Clearly these states offer what a lot of people want for their quality of life. The progressive left’s platform should scare every one of us that cherish America’s traditions. Don’t be gaslit. Choose wisely this election season.

Robert Holmes

Apison

Fleischmann vote bad for constituents

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann’s vote to make daylight saving time permanent says something important about how he represents Tennessee’s 3rd District.

Permanent daylight saving time is the wrong choice for our region. Hamilton County and much of the 3rd District sit on the western edge of the Eastern time zone. Under permanent daylight saving time, the sun would not rise until after 8 a.m. from November to March, closer to 9 a.m. on some December and January mornings. That would leave children traveling to school in darkness during the coldest months. Research has linked later winter sunrises to negative health and safety outcomes.

Given these, why would our representative support the bill?

The answer reflects a pattern that has defined Fleischmann’s 15 years in Washington. He has demonstrated greater loyalty to the priorities of party leadership than to the interests of the people he was elected to represent.

Reasonable people can disagree about whether the nation should adopt permanent standard or daylight saving time. But for our region, the consequences are clear. Fleischmann had an opportunity to stand up for families, students and workers. Instead, he merely followed orders.

Voters should remember that the next time they are asked to send him back.

Andrew Stephenson

Some GOP names for Hart’s reflection

In his recent column (Free Press, 7/17), Ron Hart, a Lewis Grizzard wannabe, accuses the Democrats of virtue-signaling when they maintain that “toxic GOP men are … predators.” He lists Harvey Weinstein, John Edwards, Al Franken, Eric Swalwell and others to bolster his case. Then, with his ever-sharp wit, he writes: “Quick, name two Republicans that fit with the above.” I’ll volunteer:

Donald Trump, Matt Gaetz, Roy Moore, Mark Foley, Larry Craig, Trent Franks, Dan Shooter, Madison Cawthorn, Tom Reed, Tom Taylor, Pat Meehan, Joe Barton, Tim Murphy, Dennis Hastert, Blake Farenthold, Vance McAllister and our local favorite, Scott DesJarlais.

I hope Ron Hart finds this addition helpful.

Michael V. Woodward

Hixson