Letters to the Editor 01-10-2006
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Give Bush Full Power - Safety, Politics & French - Get Over It - The Banjo - Rebuttal - Playing It Safe - Fruit Cake - Remembers Speedway - Wolkins - Teen's Death
Give Bush Full Power
Editor, Times-Union:People of America, don't just sit their at your TV ring-side seat waiting for the outcome. Do something!
We, the people, need to step up with our voices once in a while and help out the most powerful man in the world, and this is one of those times. Our President, George Walker Bush, as are we all, are at war with Islamic terrorists sworn to kill all non-muslims, particularly Americans. Terrorists will not stop! They must be stopped! All this soft glove talk about how to deal with these devils has made me sick at heart and I must say, "there is nothing that any American could do to stop a terrorist that should be labeled illegal."
Make no mistake, we are in a no-holds barred knock-down drag-out World Wide War on terrorism. Our President should be able to wire tap, open mail, look at bank accounts, do whatever he thinks is necessary to get a hand up on these very evil humans. Why is our President being told that he needs to play by the book (of law) when our enemy knowingly uses our legal play book against us? Do you think they have played by any rules? Let our President do his best with whatever means he chooses to defeat this enemy without throwing unnecessary roadblocks in his way.
I don't think that any law-abiding citizen should care if their phones, e-mails, or snail mail is being looked at once in a while during this war on terrorism. I for one have nothing to hide and would not raise a fuss if I were looked at by our government, because I'm an honest American with nothing to hide. I'm sure that there are many many more millions just like me that want to say the same.
If you don't want our president doing all he can at this time, including taking a look at your anything, then you must have something in your lifestyle that you don't want big brother to know about. Please let your elected representatives know that you are standing with our President and that the time for "politically correct games" do not apply in time of war. Thank you for reading, now please do something. God Bless America.
Jonathan R. Mauk
Warsaw, via e-mail
Safety, Politics & French
Editor, Times-Union:Whatever could have possessed Homeland Security to lift the ban on small tools carried aboard airplanes? Wasn't the weapon of choice by the 9/11 guys a lowly box cutter? (Recall that these bad guys were all Saudis so one wonders why Riyadh was not "shocked and awed" rather than Baghdad.) Flight attendants are adamantly opposed to this new ruling as any thinking person should be, particularly one who has a daughter and granddaughter who routinely fly between NYC and L.A.
In another vein, it is irritating still to be getting e-mails dissing the French. True, they are highly individualistic; true, when we say "jump" they don't say "how high?"; true, DeGaulle was a conceited, arrogant, self-serving political figure (so what's so novel about that?). But the battle for Europe and indeed for western civilization as we knew it, no doubt would have been pursued the same way whether that particular piece of European real estate had been occupied by Mongolians, Moroccans or Minotaurs. This was the last bastion before the potential fall of the British Isles. We could not let that happen. Sixty years ago the vast majority of Americans were of European heritage, culturally, emotionally and perhaps economically tied to that continent.
Consider also, had it not been for the persuasive power of Ben Franklin, the French probably would not have opened their paltry treasury to those struggling, ragtag colonial forces, not once but twice, plus keeping much of the British forces occupied with the war with France. It is possible those uppity colonials might well have been singing "God Save the King" for another century or so.
Additionally, it is dumfounding to learn that not one senator, even those I usually admire, supported the proposal of the senator from one of the plain states to rescind all the pork money of each senator (including the $50 million to build a bridge off Alaska to connect to the mainland an island with 50 inhabitants). And here we are trying to tell other countries how to conduct their affairs, a classic case of "do as I say, not as I do."
Once in a blue moon an e-mail comes along that is non-knee-jerk, non-doctrinaire and is insightful - to wit: "It has been said that politics is the world's second oldest profession." After long years of observation I have come to the realization that more often than not, there is a striking resemblance between the two.
Tam Vogel
Winona Lake, via e-mail
Get Over It
Editor, Times-Union:Mr. Morehouse needs to get over it.
Mr. Morehouse, after reading your last letter to the editor on Jan. 3, I just couldn't believe you. Do you actually think that threatening someone is going to get anything accomplished? (You "haven't used your spurs, yet"?)
I ask you, what good would it do to bring out your spurs on a dead horse? And what benefit would filing a lawsuit against Mr. Wolkins bring? (It seems as though filing a lawsuit has become the most common way of resolving disagreements. "Hmm, how much money can a I get from that person for wronging me?") You should check yourself before you throw that stone. I believe you should revisit your writings and refresh your own memory. How about your comment that "if a politician's lips are moving, they are lying"? Come on, now, Mr. Morehouse! We all know that not all politicians lie. Let's say, just for the sake of conversation, that they do ... how about if you run for public office and see how well you stand up to the constituents? There's always going to be someone that a politician can't please.
As for the term jihad, you either chose the definition that served your purpose, or you didn't research the definition of jihad. Let me help you. According to Webster's, jihad is also "a crusade for a principle or belief." Of course, the definition that you cited in your letter probably provoked the reaction from readers that you were hoping for, but it's more likely that Mr. Wolkins was referring to the above mentioned definition.
Finally, you mentioned that you "will sign your name to anything you say, right or wrong." I admire that, but that being the case, you can also expect responses to those things, especially when published in a public forum such as this. You don't seem to take criticism too well, though, so maybe you should do as the saying goes: "If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen."
I should say that I am in no way saying that I do or do not support Mr. Wolkins' or Mr. Morehouse's views on the current political issues. My whole point in this letter is that I am tired of people like Mr. Morehouse who can dish out the criticism, but not accept it, and then carry on about a topic. In reality, there are much more important issues plaguing the families of today. Families who have financial difficulties, health problems, etc., probably would rather these meager mud-slinging political letters just go away. How about some pats on the back for those who serve our country, state, city, churches, schools, volunteers, etc. Now that would be something to write about.
Tina Carson
Milford, via e-mail
The Banjo
Editor, Times-Union:It is always gratifying to read coverage of the banjo in public print, as it is found in the Times-Union Dec. 29.
Unfortunately, the historical recognition of the banjo is rarely in keeping with the current national prominence of the instrument. While realizing that the focus of the AP article was on the banjo in art, along with space limitations, I should like to supplement the article, which left a few gaps.
With a role as a former board member of The Fretted Instrument Guild of America and as a current member of the board of directors of the National Four-String Banjo Hall Of Fame Museum in Guthrie, Okla., and as a performer on four types of banjos, I have delved into the history of the banjo. It is little realized by the public today that the banjo was a dominant instrument from 1880 to 1930, with 40,000 players, a number second only to the piano. This was a five-string banjo played with gut strings at that time in American Victorian Society. Thousands of pieces, some highly complex, were composed for it and the music was read in notated form. A prince of England played this forerunner of today's five-string banjo. There were giants of virtuosity playing classical pieces. Even today, practitioners such as my recording colleague Douglas Back, are capable of playing Mendelssohn's famous Violin Concerto in E minor, third movement, on the instrument - no mean feat.
With the onset of the jazz music which often accompanied dancing from 1915-1930, the four-string tenor and plectrum banjos were developed for rhythm and solo purposes. They were in high demand for recordings and live performances in the Jazz Age. Two great banjoists commanded the scene then: Eddie Peabody and Harry Reser, with dozens of recordings. This banjo was superseded by the guitar about 1930 with the shift to swing music and more advanced forms of jazz, coupled with the emergence of the five-string country and folk banjo, which captures the musical stage today. If anyone should be interested in a more complete history of the four-string banjo, just check FIGA's Web site www.frettedinstrumentguildofamerica.org or just type FIGA, and also check that of the four-string banjo museum, www.banjomuseum.org Excellent books on the subject are: "America's Instrument: The Banjo in the Nineteenth Century" by Philip F. Gura; "Ring the Banjar!" by Robert Lloyd Webb; and "That Half-Barbaric Twang: The Banjo in American Popular Culture" by Karen Linn. I would welcome an opportunity to discuss the qualities of the instrument with anyone interested. After all is said and done, the banjo is America's only native instrument.
Rik Lovelady
Warsaw
Rebuttal
Editor, Times-Union:Recently, the Indiana Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on behalf of four people, including Quaker lobbyist Anthony Hinrichs. The lawsuit seeks to restrict the content of prayers offered at the beginning of legislative assemblies. These four persons claim that they find the offering of Christian prayers using the names God, Christ and Jesus to be offensive.
In response, the General Superintendent of Indiana Yearly Meeting of Friends (Quakers) wrote a rebuttal stating that this viewpoint does not represent the views of most Quakers in Indiana Yearly Meeting.
Quaker Haven Camp, located on Dewart Lake, Syracuse, is a church-related camp and conference center supported by Friends (Quaker) churches. The QHC board of directors and Camp staff wish to make clear that the viewpoint being expressed by this lawsuit does not, in any way, represent the beliefs of the Camp, its board or supporters.
It is extremely unfortunate the Mr. Hinrich's position as a Quaker lobbyist has implied the support of Friends (Quakers) in Indiana. This is offensive beyond measure.
Dale Graves
President, Quaker Haven Board
Jerry and Letitia Dain
Quaker Haven Camp Managers
Syracuse
Playing It Safe
Editor, Times-Union:On the Thursday evening newscast of our local South Bend NBC station, the evening anchor reported on the controversy surrounding the new sitcom, "The Book of Daniel." He made a comment to the effect that Indiana and Arkansas stations are "playing it safe" by refusing to air the upcoming sitcom. His delivery of this comment came across in a degrading, or at best, condescending manner.
We live in a time when a handful of people can rob Christians of their right to express their faith in public. The same day of this broadcast, our state legislators had to pray in private if they wanted to invoke the name of Christ, due to the objections of a few. Yet when numerous Christians voice their objections to shows which glamorize illegal drug use, homosexuality, adultery, and other forms of objectionable behavior they are treated with disdain and their voices fall on deaf ears.
I applaud those Indiana and Arkansas stations that, rather than "playing it safe," listened to their audience and refused to offend them by airing this sitcom. Too bad the applause is not for WNDU.
Michael C Mahan
Warsaw, via e-mail
Fruit Cake
Editor, Times-Union:The year 1930 was a time for many poor people. Just after the stock market crash came the depression. Families could not afford candies nor fruit such as watermelon, lemons, oranges, peaches, plums, grapefruit, etc. If you lived in a county that had WPA, you worked and received "Script" (money) which you could spend in the WPA stores for bread, can goods and bologna for a week's supply of ham salad sandwiches.
You could save lots of food by candying the rinds and fruit. Someone cut up the candied rinds, fruit and with walnuts, hickory nuts and butternuts, they baked fruit cakes. It would keep a long time. I will never forget the wonderful taste of the candied fruit and nuts in the cake along with a glass of skim milk. The milk was free because the dairy had no use for skim milk so they gave it away.
So do not make fun of fruit cake because you may be hungry some day.
Jack W. Klinefelter Sr.
Warsaw
Remembers Speedway
Editor, Times-Union:Spending most summers during the '60s at Dewart Lake from my home in Anderson, it was my pleasure to spend Saturday evenings at the Warsaw Speedway. I was surfing the net and came upon a site dedicated to the memories of this old speedway.
As a young man during that time, it was a thrill to spend Saturday evenings watching the races and making new friends. Sorry that it is no longer in operation, as I believe that it was a positive element in the community that put Warsaw on center stage for many people around the Midwest.
Jack Huffman
Ridgeville, SC., via e-mail
Wolkins
Editor, Times-Union:I've been following the spat between Rep. Wolkins and several of his constituents with some interest. I'm not sure where Rep. Wolkins was coming from in his response, he seems to have an active imagination or a persecution complex. His comments were "off the wall" at best, it seems his only resource is personal insults.
Fact is, I saw a video clip of Rep. Wolkins on one of the South Bend stations prior to the vote on DST and he stated with some authority that, "most of my constituents are against daylight-savings time." Then a few weeks later he voted for it. That is the fact, he voted against the will of his constituents to please his party bosses. That is not "representation," that is being sold out.
A few weeks ago, I got a questionnaire in the mail from Rep. Wolkins, asking my opinion on a number of issues. I tossed that in the trash, knowing that even though he knew our desires on DST he voted against our wishes anyway. So why bother telling him what we want, he will vote as he pleases or is told to by his party. I'm sure I'm not the only one tired of lip service instead of representation.
I think it's time that the local Republican Central Committee find another candidate. I'll vote for anyone other than Rep. Wolkins. He lied to us. Shoot, at this point I think I'd even vote for a Democrat! I'd vote for a Libertarian for sure but would prefer to see an honest Republican on the ballot.
Someone needs to run for the truth and for the people. The people we have now think that they are kings, not the servants they are supposed to be. Dave used to be a nice guy, now he's just another politician. It's time for a change.
Jeff Harding
Warsaw, via e-mail
Teen's Death
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing concerning the Thomas M. Hoopingarner case. A lot of people are angered at the thought that these boys left him to die and had no concern except for thier own well being. Or was there a reason? The investigators know these boys had nothing but lies to tell them, yet nothing can be done anymore. Steven Clouse, the Noble County prosecutor, has not been willing to talk to us about the case. In fact, he won't return any of our calls to him when all we want to know is why he can't find possible cause to charge these boys for their unreasonable, or should I say in my own opinion, criminal, actions. We did manage to talk to the county coronor and he told us some information that I feel to be too close to an act of crime, which I won't mention.
Our family is still in disbelief and anger over the decision to close the case. It seemed too sudden to do so without a more thorough investigation. We also feel some of our rights had been violated because we were not allowed to see our son's body before the autopsy for positive ID for one. We never were contacted by investigators or the prosecutor on any findings in the case or to let us know what they were doing with it. We had to call them to find out anything. I am getting close to filing a suit against Noble County if that's what it takes to get answers. I don't feel it should be nessesary to do so but I feel that they didn't investigate it in the right way and Mr. Clouse is being very short with us about giving us info on what his findings were. He should be our lawyer in a sense in this case but it seems hopeless to do anymore. I'd like to think it was an act of God, but why wasn't God on the minds of those who left him there to die?
Still grieving,
Tom Hoopingarner
New Paris, via e-mai
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- Give Bush Full Power - Safety, Politics & French - Get Over It - The Banjo - Rebuttal - Playing It Safe - Fruit Cake - Remembers Speedway - Wolkins - Teen's Death
Give Bush Full Power
Editor, Times-Union:People of America, don't just sit their at your TV ring-side seat waiting for the outcome. Do something!
We, the people, need to step up with our voices once in a while and help out the most powerful man in the world, and this is one of those times. Our President, George Walker Bush, as are we all, are at war with Islamic terrorists sworn to kill all non-muslims, particularly Americans. Terrorists will not stop! They must be stopped! All this soft glove talk about how to deal with these devils has made me sick at heart and I must say, "there is nothing that any American could do to stop a terrorist that should be labeled illegal."
Make no mistake, we are in a no-holds barred knock-down drag-out World Wide War on terrorism. Our President should be able to wire tap, open mail, look at bank accounts, do whatever he thinks is necessary to get a hand up on these very evil humans. Why is our President being told that he needs to play by the book (of law) when our enemy knowingly uses our legal play book against us? Do you think they have played by any rules? Let our President do his best with whatever means he chooses to defeat this enemy without throwing unnecessary roadblocks in his way.
I don't think that any law-abiding citizen should care if their phones, e-mails, or snail mail is being looked at once in a while during this war on terrorism. I for one have nothing to hide and would not raise a fuss if I were looked at by our government, because I'm an honest American with nothing to hide. I'm sure that there are many many more millions just like me that want to say the same.
If you don't want our president doing all he can at this time, including taking a look at your anything, then you must have something in your lifestyle that you don't want big brother to know about. Please let your elected representatives know that you are standing with our President and that the time for "politically correct games" do not apply in time of war. Thank you for reading, now please do something. God Bless America.
Jonathan R. Mauk
Warsaw, via e-mail
Safety, Politics & French
Editor, Times-Union:Whatever could have possessed Homeland Security to lift the ban on small tools carried aboard airplanes? Wasn't the weapon of choice by the 9/11 guys a lowly box cutter? (Recall that these bad guys were all Saudis so one wonders why Riyadh was not "shocked and awed" rather than Baghdad.) Flight attendants are adamantly opposed to this new ruling as any thinking person should be, particularly one who has a daughter and granddaughter who routinely fly between NYC and L.A.
In another vein, it is irritating still to be getting e-mails dissing the French. True, they are highly individualistic; true, when we say "jump" they don't say "how high?"; true, DeGaulle was a conceited, arrogant, self-serving political figure (so what's so novel about that?). But the battle for Europe and indeed for western civilization as we knew it, no doubt would have been pursued the same way whether that particular piece of European real estate had been occupied by Mongolians, Moroccans or Minotaurs. This was the last bastion before the potential fall of the British Isles. We could not let that happen. Sixty years ago the vast majority of Americans were of European heritage, culturally, emotionally and perhaps economically tied to that continent.
Consider also, had it not been for the persuasive power of Ben Franklin, the French probably would not have opened their paltry treasury to those struggling, ragtag colonial forces, not once but twice, plus keeping much of the British forces occupied with the war with France. It is possible those uppity colonials might well have been singing "God Save the King" for another century or so.
Additionally, it is dumfounding to learn that not one senator, even those I usually admire, supported the proposal of the senator from one of the plain states to rescind all the pork money of each senator (including the $50 million to build a bridge off Alaska to connect to the mainland an island with 50 inhabitants). And here we are trying to tell other countries how to conduct their affairs, a classic case of "do as I say, not as I do."
Once in a blue moon an e-mail comes along that is non-knee-jerk, non-doctrinaire and is insightful - to wit: "It has been said that politics is the world's second oldest profession." After long years of observation I have come to the realization that more often than not, there is a striking resemblance between the two.
Tam Vogel
Winona Lake, via e-mail
Get Over It
Editor, Times-Union:Mr. Morehouse needs to get over it.
Mr. Morehouse, after reading your last letter to the editor on Jan. 3, I just couldn't believe you. Do you actually think that threatening someone is going to get anything accomplished? (You "haven't used your spurs, yet"?)
I ask you, what good would it do to bring out your spurs on a dead horse? And what benefit would filing a lawsuit against Mr. Wolkins bring? (It seems as though filing a lawsuit has become the most common way of resolving disagreements. "Hmm, how much money can a I get from that person for wronging me?") You should check yourself before you throw that stone. I believe you should revisit your writings and refresh your own memory. How about your comment that "if a politician's lips are moving, they are lying"? Come on, now, Mr. Morehouse! We all know that not all politicians lie. Let's say, just for the sake of conversation, that they do ... how about if you run for public office and see how well you stand up to the constituents? There's always going to be someone that a politician can't please.
As for the term jihad, you either chose the definition that served your purpose, or you didn't research the definition of jihad. Let me help you. According to Webster's, jihad is also "a crusade for a principle or belief." Of course, the definition that you cited in your letter probably provoked the reaction from readers that you were hoping for, but it's more likely that Mr. Wolkins was referring to the above mentioned definition.
Finally, you mentioned that you "will sign your name to anything you say, right or wrong." I admire that, but that being the case, you can also expect responses to those things, especially when published in a public forum such as this. You don't seem to take criticism too well, though, so maybe you should do as the saying goes: "If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen."
I should say that I am in no way saying that I do or do not support Mr. Wolkins' or Mr. Morehouse's views on the current political issues. My whole point in this letter is that I am tired of people like Mr. Morehouse who can dish out the criticism, but not accept it, and then carry on about a topic. In reality, there are much more important issues plaguing the families of today. Families who have financial difficulties, health problems, etc., probably would rather these meager mud-slinging political letters just go away. How about some pats on the back for those who serve our country, state, city, churches, schools, volunteers, etc. Now that would be something to write about.
Tina Carson
Milford, via e-mail
The Banjo
Editor, Times-Union:It is always gratifying to read coverage of the banjo in public print, as it is found in the Times-Union Dec. 29.
Unfortunately, the historical recognition of the banjo is rarely in keeping with the current national prominence of the instrument. While realizing that the focus of the AP article was on the banjo in art, along with space limitations, I should like to supplement the article, which left a few gaps.
With a role as a former board member of The Fretted Instrument Guild of America and as a current member of the board of directors of the National Four-String Banjo Hall Of Fame Museum in Guthrie, Okla., and as a performer on four types of banjos, I have delved into the history of the banjo. It is little realized by the public today that the banjo was a dominant instrument from 1880 to 1930, with 40,000 players, a number second only to the piano. This was a five-string banjo played with gut strings at that time in American Victorian Society. Thousands of pieces, some highly complex, were composed for it and the music was read in notated form. A prince of England played this forerunner of today's five-string banjo. There were giants of virtuosity playing classical pieces. Even today, practitioners such as my recording colleague Douglas Back, are capable of playing Mendelssohn's famous Violin Concerto in E minor, third movement, on the instrument - no mean feat.
With the onset of the jazz music which often accompanied dancing from 1915-1930, the four-string tenor and plectrum banjos were developed for rhythm and solo purposes. They were in high demand for recordings and live performances in the Jazz Age. Two great banjoists commanded the scene then: Eddie Peabody and Harry Reser, with dozens of recordings. This banjo was superseded by the guitar about 1930 with the shift to swing music and more advanced forms of jazz, coupled with the emergence of the five-string country and folk banjo, which captures the musical stage today. If anyone should be interested in a more complete history of the four-string banjo, just check FIGA's Web site www.frettedinstrumentguildofamerica.org or just type FIGA, and also check that of the four-string banjo museum, www.banjomuseum.org Excellent books on the subject are: "America's Instrument: The Banjo in the Nineteenth Century" by Philip F. Gura; "Ring the Banjar!" by Robert Lloyd Webb; and "That Half-Barbaric Twang: The Banjo in American Popular Culture" by Karen Linn. I would welcome an opportunity to discuss the qualities of the instrument with anyone interested. After all is said and done, the banjo is America's only native instrument.
Rik Lovelady
Warsaw
Rebuttal
Editor, Times-Union:Recently, the Indiana Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on behalf of four people, including Quaker lobbyist Anthony Hinrichs. The lawsuit seeks to restrict the content of prayers offered at the beginning of legislative assemblies. These four persons claim that they find the offering of Christian prayers using the names God, Christ and Jesus to be offensive.
In response, the General Superintendent of Indiana Yearly Meeting of Friends (Quakers) wrote a rebuttal stating that this viewpoint does not represent the views of most Quakers in Indiana Yearly Meeting.
Quaker Haven Camp, located on Dewart Lake, Syracuse, is a church-related camp and conference center supported by Friends (Quaker) churches. The QHC board of directors and Camp staff wish to make clear that the viewpoint being expressed by this lawsuit does not, in any way, represent the beliefs of the Camp, its board or supporters.
It is extremely unfortunate the Mr. Hinrich's position as a Quaker lobbyist has implied the support of Friends (Quakers) in Indiana. This is offensive beyond measure.
Dale Graves
President, Quaker Haven Board
Jerry and Letitia Dain
Quaker Haven Camp Managers
Syracuse
Playing It Safe
Editor, Times-Union:On the Thursday evening newscast of our local South Bend NBC station, the evening anchor reported on the controversy surrounding the new sitcom, "The Book of Daniel." He made a comment to the effect that Indiana and Arkansas stations are "playing it safe" by refusing to air the upcoming sitcom. His delivery of this comment came across in a degrading, or at best, condescending manner.
We live in a time when a handful of people can rob Christians of their right to express their faith in public. The same day of this broadcast, our state legislators had to pray in private if they wanted to invoke the name of Christ, due to the objections of a few. Yet when numerous Christians voice their objections to shows which glamorize illegal drug use, homosexuality, adultery, and other forms of objectionable behavior they are treated with disdain and their voices fall on deaf ears.
I applaud those Indiana and Arkansas stations that, rather than "playing it safe," listened to their audience and refused to offend them by airing this sitcom. Too bad the applause is not for WNDU.
Michael C Mahan
Warsaw, via e-mail
Fruit Cake
Editor, Times-Union:The year 1930 was a time for many poor people. Just after the stock market crash came the depression. Families could not afford candies nor fruit such as watermelon, lemons, oranges, peaches, plums, grapefruit, etc. If you lived in a county that had WPA, you worked and received "Script" (money) which you could spend in the WPA stores for bread, can goods and bologna for a week's supply of ham salad sandwiches.
You could save lots of food by candying the rinds and fruit. Someone cut up the candied rinds, fruit and with walnuts, hickory nuts and butternuts, they baked fruit cakes. It would keep a long time. I will never forget the wonderful taste of the candied fruit and nuts in the cake along with a glass of skim milk. The milk was free because the dairy had no use for skim milk so they gave it away.
So do not make fun of fruit cake because you may be hungry some day.
Jack W. Klinefelter Sr.
Warsaw
Remembers Speedway
Editor, Times-Union:Spending most summers during the '60s at Dewart Lake from my home in Anderson, it was my pleasure to spend Saturday evenings at the Warsaw Speedway. I was surfing the net and came upon a site dedicated to the memories of this old speedway.
As a young man during that time, it was a thrill to spend Saturday evenings watching the races and making new friends. Sorry that it is no longer in operation, as I believe that it was a positive element in the community that put Warsaw on center stage for many people around the Midwest.
Jack Huffman
Ridgeville, SC., via e-mail
Wolkins
Editor, Times-Union:I've been following the spat between Rep. Wolkins and several of his constituents with some interest. I'm not sure where Rep. Wolkins was coming from in his response, he seems to have an active imagination or a persecution complex. His comments were "off the wall" at best, it seems his only resource is personal insults.
Fact is, I saw a video clip of Rep. Wolkins on one of the South Bend stations prior to the vote on DST and he stated with some authority that, "most of my constituents are against daylight-savings time." Then a few weeks later he voted for it. That is the fact, he voted against the will of his constituents to please his party bosses. That is not "representation," that is being sold out.
A few weeks ago, I got a questionnaire in the mail from Rep. Wolkins, asking my opinion on a number of issues. I tossed that in the trash, knowing that even though he knew our desires on DST he voted against our wishes anyway. So why bother telling him what we want, he will vote as he pleases or is told to by his party. I'm sure I'm not the only one tired of lip service instead of representation.
I think it's time that the local Republican Central Committee find another candidate. I'll vote for anyone other than Rep. Wolkins. He lied to us. Shoot, at this point I think I'd even vote for a Democrat! I'd vote for a Libertarian for sure but would prefer to see an honest Republican on the ballot.
Someone needs to run for the truth and for the people. The people we have now think that they are kings, not the servants they are supposed to be. Dave used to be a nice guy, now he's just another politician. It's time for a change.
Jeff Harding
Warsaw, via e-mail
Teen's Death
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing concerning the Thomas M. Hoopingarner case. A lot of people are angered at the thought that these boys left him to die and had no concern except for thier own well being. Or was there a reason? The investigators know these boys had nothing but lies to tell them, yet nothing can be done anymore. Steven Clouse, the Noble County prosecutor, has not been willing to talk to us about the case. In fact, he won't return any of our calls to him when all we want to know is why he can't find possible cause to charge these boys for their unreasonable, or should I say in my own opinion, criminal, actions. We did manage to talk to the county coronor and he told us some information that I feel to be too close to an act of crime, which I won't mention.
Our family is still in disbelief and anger over the decision to close the case. It seemed too sudden to do so without a more thorough investigation. We also feel some of our rights had been violated because we were not allowed to see our son's body before the autopsy for positive ID for one. We never were contacted by investigators or the prosecutor on any findings in the case or to let us know what they were doing with it. We had to call them to find out anything. I am getting close to filing a suit against Noble County if that's what it takes to get answers. I don't feel it should be nessesary to do so but I feel that they didn't investigate it in the right way and Mr. Clouse is being very short with us about giving us info on what his findings were. He should be our lawyer in a sense in this case but it seems hopeless to do anymore. I'd like to think it was an act of God, but why wasn't God on the minds of those who left him there to die?
Still grieving,
Tom Hoopingarner
New Paris, via e-mai
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