Hope for Tennessee: A Reflection on Values
We have been long-time subscribers to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, mainly because of the talented cartoonist Clay Bennett. His work is something everyone should know about. The rest of the content in the paper is usually not as interesting or readable.
A Surprising Ad
This morning, I saw something that looked like an ad from the son of a former Republican Congressman in Tennessee’s 3rd District. It made my day and gave me hope for Tennessee.
The Message of Hope
Here is a transcript of the message since it was hard to read the screenshot:
Transcript from Chattanooga Times Free Press
Sandy on Signal transcribed from the Chattanooga Times Free Press page A 16. August 25, 2024
Aug 25, 2024 at 08:23:35 PM
I will type this out since this screen shot isn’t working. From Chattanooga Times Free Press.
A Father’s Legacy
“What would my father do? I grew up in Chattanooga, where my father Lamar Baker, a conservative Republican, served local citizens in the early 1970s. He reflected values of honesty, respect, and kindness. He was a loyal supporter of Richard Nixon and embraced his policies. But in 1974, things changed.
After listening to the Watergate tapes, he concluded that President Nixon was not someone he could support. My father was a committed Christian who lived by his values. He saw Nixon as lacking the character needed to lead the nation. His decision to turn away from Nixon came too late for his 1974 re-election campaign, which he lost, as did many Republicans.
Standing Up for Core Values
Fifty years later, my father is no longer with us. But if he were, I am sure he would join others who believe that the current Republican nominee lacks the character and core values to lead our country. My father would have based his decision on core Christian values.
As the election approaches, I hope others will honor fundamental human values above loyalty to a party or its candidate when making their choice. My father would have based his decision on the core Christian values that guided him through life.”
Sincerely,
Edward L. Baker, Jr. MD, MPH
Former Asst. General Surgeon General, US Public Health Service, RADM (ret.)
FAQ’s
Who is Clay Bennett?
Clay Bennett is a renowned cartoonist known for his work published in the Chattanooga Times Free Press. His cartoons often provide insightful and humorous commentary on political and social issues.
Why do you subscribe to the Chattanooga Times Free Press?
We subscribe primarily because of Clay Bennett’s cartoons. The rest of the content is usually not as engaging or readable for us.
What was the ad from the former Republican Congressman’s son about?
The ad was a letter from Edward L. Baker, Jr., the son of former Congressman Lamar Baker. In the letter, he reflects on his father’s values and how they would influence his stance on the current political climate, particularly regarding the character of the Republican Party’s nominee.
Who was Lamar Baker?
Lamar Baker was a conservative Republican Congressman from Chattanooga in the early 1970s. He was known for his honesty, respect, and kindness, and initially supported Richard Nixon before turning away from him after the Watergate scandal.
What did Lamar Baker do during the Watergate scandal?
After listening to the Watergate tapes, Lamar Baker concluded that President Nixon lacked the character necessary to lead the nation. Despite his loyalty to the Republican Party, he decided to withdraw his support for Nixon, which affected his re-election campaign in 1974.
What is the main message of Edward L. Baker, Jr.’s letter?
The main message is a call to prioritize fundamental human values over party loyalty when making electoral decisions. Edward L. Baker, Jr. believes that his father would have based his decisions on core Christian values and urges others to do the same.
What are Edward L. Baker, Jr.’s credentials?
Edward L. Baker, Jr. is a former Assistant Surgeon General of the US Public Health Service and holds the rank of Rear Admiral (retired). He also has an MD and MPH.
Why is this letter significant?
The letter is significant because it comes from the son of a respected former Congressman and highlights a shift in perspective within a traditionally conservative family. It emphasizes the importance of character and values in political leadership.
Where can I find the original letter?
The original letter was published in the Chattanooga Times Free Press on page A16 on August 25, 2024. However, since the newspaper doesn’t do many shareable pieces, a transcript of the letter is provided above.
How can I access more content from the Chattanooga Times Free Press?
You can subscribe to the Chattanooga Times Free Press through their official website to access more content, including articles, editorials, and cartoons by Clay Bennett.
