Letters

Find a better site for the silo towers

Memphis has the largest population on the Mississippi River with an unencumbered view of the River. It may be difficult for a company in Indiana to realize how important this scenic vista is to the millions of people who visit the river and live in Memphis. Obviously, the owners will not have to see them everyday. There has to be a better site for these unattractive, view-blocking concrete towers.

Jean Reid, Memphis

Federal funds fuels great medical work

As a lifelong Memphian and relative of a childhood cancer victim, I have seen firsthand the amazing work done each day at St. Jude. Trump’s proposal to cut back funding for biomedical research by 18 percent will not only have a profound impact on St Jude, but also funding received annually by other entities. Currently, St. Jude receives $70 million, University of Memphis receives $6 million and UTHSC receives $35 million. Leaders are concerned that we could face losing our position of world leadership in research to other nations if the Trump budget cuts are successful. The recent rejection of Trump’s plan by Congress gives us hope that St. Jude may continue the six-year plan, orchestrated by current CEO James Dowling, to expand research, treatment, and their campus. If you feel helpless over recent changes, now is the time to use our voices. Be proactive by writing letters, making calls, and emailing your representatives against cuts. Support boosting NIH spending by $20 billion over the next 10 years. Oppose any attempts that threaten our position as a global leader in biomedical and energy research, and let St. Jude get back to the wonderful work they do saving our children.

Chandler Smithers, Memphis

Taking Calkins to task on Tigers' coverage

What is wrong with this picture? Our supposed-tobe-great sportswriter, who was instrumental in running off our coach who went on to be the ACC coach of the year, is now saying that our current, former coach of the year and thought-to-be-headed-to-the-hall-offame coach is not up to the task of being our coach. Let’s get serious here. Maybe we just need a more positive approach and a new sportswriter. Is Geoff (Calkins) the wrong guy for Memphis?

Bob Williams Jr., Memphis.

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