QuoteWorthy

People who had a way with words in the news last week:

“I’m going to do everything I can to be on the Republican ballot. I believe if we don’t take a stand now, this behavior is going to spread. I don’t think we can tolerate a small group making decisions for the whole. I think it’s what we used to call communism.”

— Catoosa County Commission candidate Steven Henry on not being allowed to qualify for the GOP primary. After a judge stepped in, he and three others qualified.

“It’s just terrible. People don’t vote.”

— Everlena Holmes with the Hamilton County Voters Coalition, as the county saw the lowest voter turnout in 12 years.

“This is a moment to speak the truth and to bury the lies. Here’s a simple truth. You can’t love your country only when you win.”

— President Joe Biden speaking about Jan. 6 during his State of the Union address. “Then I will tell you to your face: Goodbye to Palestine. I support Israel. Goodbye to Palestine. We will support Israel forever.” — U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Southeast Tennessee, in a viral video of him being confronted by pro-Palestine activists.

“I vote for everything. Then we can complain if we want to.”

— Donna Peters after voting in Sale Creek on Super Tuesday.

“God is wiiiillldd.”

— Grace Episcopal Church garden chief Lisa Lemza speaking about its award-winning garden.

“They were so excited and just so happy that something was being done in the community for sickle cell disease, and they were responsive and receptive to, yes, this needs to be accessible. So, I thought it went very well.”

— Cleveland, Tennessee, resident Jennelle Stephenson, on the reaction from government leaders she spoke with Thursday while serving as special guest of U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Georgia, at the State of the Union address in Washington. Stephenson was selected for the honor to help raise awareness of sickle cell disease and the need for accessibility to a new gene therapy treatment.

“Deb’s passion for people and her tireless work to bring access and resources to communities has been a driving force behind the Enterprise Center’s impact, partnerships and growth. Her leadership, especially throughout times of unexpected change in a pandemic, set the course for where we are today.” — Enterprise Center Board Chair Sydney Crisp on the work of Deb Socia, who is stepping down as the organization’s executive director, a job she has held since 2019.

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