Sue Guinn Legg’s article, “Solving Hunger,” on Dec. 13, provided an excellent example of two critically important conceptions: The compassionate determination of many people in our area dedicated to improving the lives of their fellow residents and the legislative dissonance of lawmakers that borders on hypocrisy. Far too often politicians smile, shake hands and pose for photos joining events celebrating the result of citizens working to counter the legislative reality those politicians created. Most recently, First District U.S. Rep. Phil Roe voted repeatedly against extending unemployment benefits — allowing them to expire on Dec. 28, quite probably resulting in more of our neighbors seeking assistance from this new food bank. Since cognitive dissonance occurs when a person’s thoughts and actions conflict (example: claiming to be a loyal Vols fan while wearing Gators’ gear), then legislative dissonance may accurately describe when politicians legislate one way then participate in events that undermine or contradict those legislative actions. Another example of Roe’s legislative dissonance: Voting against the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (a.k.a. the “stimulus”) yet appearing for a photo op to give officials of Takoma Regional Hospital a $1.3 million check — funds available only because of the $800 billion stimulus package.Prior to entering the voting booth later this year, Roe’s constituents may serve themselves, their children and families and our communities best by closely examining exactly what Roe (and the Republican Party) has done for — and more importantly what’s been done against — the people in Northeast Tennessee.J. CHRIS HENRY Johnson City
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