Letters to the Editor 01-18-2001
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Ashcroft Confirmation - School Stop Sign - Garbage Collectors Deserve Recognition - Ten Commandments - Subway Fire - Bank Policy - Taxes
Ashcroft Confirmation
Editor, Times-Union:Sen. Ashcroft deserves to be confirmed. Enough of bipartisanship. He is certainly educated enough to do the job in a responsible manner. He is a first class lawyer, served as Attorney General of Missouri for two terms as well as two terms as governor.
The question of racial insensitivity is ludicrous. His civil rights record is impeccable. As governor he signed into law a state holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and signed Missouri's first hate-crimes bill and fought to protect victims' rights. He declared musician Scott Joplin's home a Missouri historic site. He created an award honoring the black educator, George Washington Carver. He named a black woman to a state judgeship, and he led the fight to save Lincoln University, an historic Black college founded by African-American veterans of the Civil War.
In fact, he supported 26 of 28 African-Americans nominated to the federal bench and was commended as governor by one of the oldest black bar associations for his record of appointing minorities. In addition, as senator, he co-Sponsored the Violence Against Women Act.
Yes, it is public record that he opposed a judicial nominee who happened to be an African-American. He has been attacked for opposing the nomination of Judge Ronnie White to a lifetime appointment as a federal judge. Every Republican senator opposed White's confirmation, in part, because he urged a lower legal standard for a man convicted of first-degree murder four times (including the first-degree murder of three police officers). It was the judge's record, not his race, that aroused Ashcroft's opposition. Can't a public official who is white object to an appointee who is black without being accused of racism?
I believe what is really at issue here is his evangelical beliefs. He believes in the Bible, he's outspokenly prolife and he's opposed to the gay rights agenda. Since when did this disqualify a person for public office? America is composed of evangelicals as well as other groups of beliefs. A cabinet that is truly representative of America would only naturally include an evangelical.
Have we sunk to the point in this country that we would automatically disqualify a nominee because he is not a liberal?
Much rhetoric has been given saying the country needs to put differences behind and now unite behind Bush and one another. It is time to do just this. A confirmation of Ashcroft would be a step in this direction.
Please do two things.
First, let your senator know you strongly support a fair confirmation process for John Ashcroft. Go to www.senate.gov/senators/senator_by_state.cfm to find the contact information for the senators from your state.
Second, let the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee know you support John Ashcroft's confirmation. The committee begins its hearings Tuesday. Its members are: www.senate.gov/~judiciary/members.htm
D(DE) Biden Jr, Joseph, 202-224-5042, [email protected]
R(OH) DeWine, Mike, 202-224-2315, www.senate.gov/~dewine/request_form.html
D(WI) Feingold, Russell, 202-224-5323, [email protected]
D(CA) Feinstein, Dianne, 202-224-3841, [email protected]
R(IA) Grassley, Chuck, 202-224-3744, http://grassley.senate.gov/webform.htm
R(UT) Hatch, Orrin, 202-224-5251, [email protected]
D(MA) Kennedy, Edward, 202-224-4543, [email protected]
D(WI) Kohl, Herb, 202-224-5653, [email protected]
R(AZ) Kyl, Jon, 202-224-4521, [email protected]
D(VT) Leahy, Patrick, 202-224-4242, [email protected]
D(NY) Schumer, Charles, 202-224-6542, [email protected]
R(AL) Sessions, Jeff, 202-224-4124, [email protected]
R(NH) Smith, Bob, 202-224-2841, [email protected]
R(PA) Specter, Arlen, 202-224-4254, http://specter.senate.gov/webform.htm
R(SC) Thurmond, Strom, 202-224-5972, [email protected]
D(NJ) Torricelli, Robert, 202-224-3224, [email protected]
Kathy Stutzman
Warsaw
via e-mail
School Stop Sign
Editor, Times-Union:If you have a student who attends Edgewood Middle School or if you are a parent who drops your child off at Warsaw Community High School, then you have probably witnessed the latest in misplaced priorities. It seems that someone felt the need to add a stop sign mid-way through the drive in front of the school to allow teachers to cross from their parking area to the school. The first attempt was made by installing a stop sign on the left side of the road. Understandably, not many drivers regarded this stop sign as most would not even see it during their drive in the morning darkness (not to mention the fact that the sign was on the wrong side of the road). The school is now using a portable stop sign with the Warsaw City police monitoring the situation.
I understand the need for the teachers to be able to cross safely. However, I think it is interesting that just 50 feet away are the cross walks where students are expected to cross. These cross walks are not lighted. There is no stop sign and the police are not monitoring these areas. What kind of message are we sending to our children? That they are not important enough for us to invest in their safety too. All too often I have seen our middle school and high school students nearly miss being hit by a car at one of these walkways. At the very least, these crossings should be lighted.
I also find it interesting that the police have been at the school to monitor the motorists' response to the new sign. However, every day when I travel to my job I notice semi-trucks blatantly running red lights on U.S. 30, every day, all day; but I never see any police monitoring this situation.
I understand that local government has limited resources, but does this seem like the best use of those resources?
Lisa M. Mahan
Warsaw
via e-mail
Garbage Collectors Deserve Recognition
Editor, Times-Union:What mortal ever honored a garbage collector? And they should be honored. A garbage collector should be recognized for committing the burdensome task of being responsible for all of the nation's slop and refuse.
Christmas has come and gone, which reminds me--at Christmas, citizens give candy and cookies to the mailman and the paperboy. But, how many "Christmas spirited" folks give candy and cookies to a garbage man at Christmas time, or any other time? Oh, we citizens do give something to the "lowly" garbage collector at Christmas, a "gift" which is a day late, a gift that consists of tons and tons of offensive offal and refuse left from the many holiday celebrations held throughout the community.
They hold banquets to honor sports figures, movie stars and politicians reeking of glamour, glitter and ostentatiousness. So, how about honoring the "lowly" garbage man with a little of that glamour, glitter and ostentation? Garbage collectors should be presented with a big banquet in appreciation for their stamina and forbearance in dealing with other people's trash and rubbish. Still, who would likely be the one to end up with the scraps and swill from the banquet table? (Three guesses!)
Then, there's the matter of awards. Hollywood presents the "Oscar" for achievements rendered through the motion picture screen, and sports figures are honored with all types of prestigious accolades as a reward for their talents in the field of athletic endeavor. So, how about giving loyal, "thankless," hardworking garbage collectors a few awards and accolades for services rendered? Let's see now, what type of symbol would serve as an award to present to a garbage collector? How about a gold-plated dumpster, or a diamond-studded garbage can? But, all kidding aside, I reiterate--garbage collectors should have their day of recognition and a special award for seeing after all of the dreaded trash, rubbish and vermin that contaminates the universe.
Don Kaiser
Warsaw
Ten Commandments
Editor, Times-Union:All my life I have lived in America where the self-discipline required by living up to the Ten Commandments made it possible to live in peaceful neighborhoods, walk safely wherever I please and make friends with every person I meet who has the time to talk. All my ancestors were in this country before the Revolutionary War and I am grateful and proud that this country is peaceful today because the Ten Commandments were the cornerstone of our laws, Constitution and our self-disciplined daily life.
Taking all this for granted is a good way to lose it. There are too many bad laws that have been passed. Why does Congress have to meet all year long and keep passing more and more laws we don't even know about? Have we become sleeping Gullivers tied down with rules and regulations beyond counting, rules and regulations unread by you and me, and rules and regulations that have eroded our freedom surreptitiously in a way that would please Lenin? We have had eight years of new laws by unpublicized Executive Orders.
After eight years of a less than ideal president, have we already lost our freedom? Is all this prelude to triggering righteous rebellion so one final Executive Order will suspend our hallowed Constitution and Bill of Rights?
There are many books out on the life stories of the Clintons and their ambitions. Ignore reading them at your own peril.
B.C. Reynolds
North Webster
Subway Fire
Editor, Times-Union:Late Sunday afternoon the Subway on Detroit Street experienced an electrical fire. At the time, we were inside enjoying our meal. The youth group from First Christian Church would like to thank the individual who came and warned us about the fire outside of the building. We didn't get the opportunity to thank you in person, but wanted to express our sincere thanks for your actions.
First Christian Church Youth Ministry
Warsaw
via e-mail
Bank Policy
Editor, Times-Union:Recently I received notice from a bank that starting Feb. 1, they were increasing the minimum amount in savings from $100 to $200. That is the higest form of discrimination as it discriminates against the poor.
I don't know anyone who wouldn't love to have $200 or more in a checking or savings account and be able to add to it each payday. But for those on a fixed income or trying to live paycheck to paycheck, it's next to impossible.
They are doing a reverse Robin Hood. Take from the poor so the rich can keep theirs.
What a sad state of affairs.
Helen B. Wise
Claypool
Taxes
Editor, Times-Union:Where is the Indiana tax surplus? What is being done with it? How much is it?
Alan D. Price
Bourbon
via e-mail
[[In-content Ad]]
Latest News
E-Editions
- Ashcroft Confirmation - School Stop Sign - Garbage Collectors Deserve Recognition - Ten Commandments - Subway Fire - Bank Policy - Taxes
Ashcroft Confirmation
Editor, Times-Union:Sen. Ashcroft deserves to be confirmed. Enough of bipartisanship. He is certainly educated enough to do the job in a responsible manner. He is a first class lawyer, served as Attorney General of Missouri for two terms as well as two terms as governor.
The question of racial insensitivity is ludicrous. His civil rights record is impeccable. As governor he signed into law a state holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and signed Missouri's first hate-crimes bill and fought to protect victims' rights. He declared musician Scott Joplin's home a Missouri historic site. He created an award honoring the black educator, George Washington Carver. He named a black woman to a state judgeship, and he led the fight to save Lincoln University, an historic Black college founded by African-American veterans of the Civil War.
In fact, he supported 26 of 28 African-Americans nominated to the federal bench and was commended as governor by one of the oldest black bar associations for his record of appointing minorities. In addition, as senator, he co-Sponsored the Violence Against Women Act.
Yes, it is public record that he opposed a judicial nominee who happened to be an African-American. He has been attacked for opposing the nomination of Judge Ronnie White to a lifetime appointment as a federal judge. Every Republican senator opposed White's confirmation, in part, because he urged a lower legal standard for a man convicted of first-degree murder four times (including the first-degree murder of three police officers). It was the judge's record, not his race, that aroused Ashcroft's opposition. Can't a public official who is white object to an appointee who is black without being accused of racism?
I believe what is really at issue here is his evangelical beliefs. He believes in the Bible, he's outspokenly prolife and he's opposed to the gay rights agenda. Since when did this disqualify a person for public office? America is composed of evangelicals as well as other groups of beliefs. A cabinet that is truly representative of America would only naturally include an evangelical.
Have we sunk to the point in this country that we would automatically disqualify a nominee because he is not a liberal?
Much rhetoric has been given saying the country needs to put differences behind and now unite behind Bush and one another. It is time to do just this. A confirmation of Ashcroft would be a step in this direction.
Please do two things.
First, let your senator know you strongly support a fair confirmation process for John Ashcroft. Go to www.senate.gov/senators/senator_by_state.cfm to find the contact information for the senators from your state.
Second, let the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee know you support John Ashcroft's confirmation. The committee begins its hearings Tuesday. Its members are: www.senate.gov/~judiciary/members.htm
D(DE) Biden Jr, Joseph, 202-224-5042, [email protected]
R(OH) DeWine, Mike, 202-224-2315, www.senate.gov/~dewine/request_form.html
D(WI) Feingold, Russell, 202-224-5323, [email protected]
D(CA) Feinstein, Dianne, 202-224-3841, [email protected]
R(IA) Grassley, Chuck, 202-224-3744, http://grassley.senate.gov/webform.htm
R(UT) Hatch, Orrin, 202-224-5251, [email protected]
D(MA) Kennedy, Edward, 202-224-4543, [email protected]
D(WI) Kohl, Herb, 202-224-5653, [email protected]
R(AZ) Kyl, Jon, 202-224-4521, [email protected]
D(VT) Leahy, Patrick, 202-224-4242, [email protected]
D(NY) Schumer, Charles, 202-224-6542, [email protected]
R(AL) Sessions, Jeff, 202-224-4124, [email protected]
R(NH) Smith, Bob, 202-224-2841, [email protected]
R(PA) Specter, Arlen, 202-224-4254, http://specter.senate.gov/webform.htm
R(SC) Thurmond, Strom, 202-224-5972, [email protected]
D(NJ) Torricelli, Robert, 202-224-3224, [email protected]
Kathy Stutzman
Warsaw
via e-mail
School Stop Sign
Editor, Times-Union:If you have a student who attends Edgewood Middle School or if you are a parent who drops your child off at Warsaw Community High School, then you have probably witnessed the latest in misplaced priorities. It seems that someone felt the need to add a stop sign mid-way through the drive in front of the school to allow teachers to cross from their parking area to the school. The first attempt was made by installing a stop sign on the left side of the road. Understandably, not many drivers regarded this stop sign as most would not even see it during their drive in the morning darkness (not to mention the fact that the sign was on the wrong side of the road). The school is now using a portable stop sign with the Warsaw City police monitoring the situation.
I understand the need for the teachers to be able to cross safely. However, I think it is interesting that just 50 feet away are the cross walks where students are expected to cross. These cross walks are not lighted. There is no stop sign and the police are not monitoring these areas. What kind of message are we sending to our children? That they are not important enough for us to invest in their safety too. All too often I have seen our middle school and high school students nearly miss being hit by a car at one of these walkways. At the very least, these crossings should be lighted.
I also find it interesting that the police have been at the school to monitor the motorists' response to the new sign. However, every day when I travel to my job I notice semi-trucks blatantly running red lights on U.S. 30, every day, all day; but I never see any police monitoring this situation.
I understand that local government has limited resources, but does this seem like the best use of those resources?
Lisa M. Mahan
Warsaw
via e-mail
Garbage Collectors Deserve Recognition
Editor, Times-Union:What mortal ever honored a garbage collector? And they should be honored. A garbage collector should be recognized for committing the burdensome task of being responsible for all of the nation's slop and refuse.
Christmas has come and gone, which reminds me--at Christmas, citizens give candy and cookies to the mailman and the paperboy. But, how many "Christmas spirited" folks give candy and cookies to a garbage man at Christmas time, or any other time? Oh, we citizens do give something to the "lowly" garbage collector at Christmas, a "gift" which is a day late, a gift that consists of tons and tons of offensive offal and refuse left from the many holiday celebrations held throughout the community.
They hold banquets to honor sports figures, movie stars and politicians reeking of glamour, glitter and ostentatiousness. So, how about honoring the "lowly" garbage man with a little of that glamour, glitter and ostentation? Garbage collectors should be presented with a big banquet in appreciation for their stamina and forbearance in dealing with other people's trash and rubbish. Still, who would likely be the one to end up with the scraps and swill from the banquet table? (Three guesses!)
Then, there's the matter of awards. Hollywood presents the "Oscar" for achievements rendered through the motion picture screen, and sports figures are honored with all types of prestigious accolades as a reward for their talents in the field of athletic endeavor. So, how about giving loyal, "thankless," hardworking garbage collectors a few awards and accolades for services rendered? Let's see now, what type of symbol would serve as an award to present to a garbage collector? How about a gold-plated dumpster, or a diamond-studded garbage can? But, all kidding aside, I reiterate--garbage collectors should have their day of recognition and a special award for seeing after all of the dreaded trash, rubbish and vermin that contaminates the universe.
Don Kaiser
Warsaw
Ten Commandments
Editor, Times-Union:All my life I have lived in America where the self-discipline required by living up to the Ten Commandments made it possible to live in peaceful neighborhoods, walk safely wherever I please and make friends with every person I meet who has the time to talk. All my ancestors were in this country before the Revolutionary War and I am grateful and proud that this country is peaceful today because the Ten Commandments were the cornerstone of our laws, Constitution and our self-disciplined daily life.
Taking all this for granted is a good way to lose it. There are too many bad laws that have been passed. Why does Congress have to meet all year long and keep passing more and more laws we don't even know about? Have we become sleeping Gullivers tied down with rules and regulations beyond counting, rules and regulations unread by you and me, and rules and regulations that have eroded our freedom surreptitiously in a way that would please Lenin? We have had eight years of new laws by unpublicized Executive Orders.
After eight years of a less than ideal president, have we already lost our freedom? Is all this prelude to triggering righteous rebellion so one final Executive Order will suspend our hallowed Constitution and Bill of Rights?
There are many books out on the life stories of the Clintons and their ambitions. Ignore reading them at your own peril.
B.C. Reynolds
North Webster
Subway Fire
Editor, Times-Union:Late Sunday afternoon the Subway on Detroit Street experienced an electrical fire. At the time, we were inside enjoying our meal. The youth group from First Christian Church would like to thank the individual who came and warned us about the fire outside of the building. We didn't get the opportunity to thank you in person, but wanted to express our sincere thanks for your actions.
First Christian Church Youth Ministry
Warsaw
via e-mail
Bank Policy
Editor, Times-Union:Recently I received notice from a bank that starting Feb. 1, they were increasing the minimum amount in savings from $100 to $200. That is the higest form of discrimination as it discriminates against the poor.
I don't know anyone who wouldn't love to have $200 or more in a checking or savings account and be able to add to it each payday. But for those on a fixed income or trying to live paycheck to paycheck, it's next to impossible.
They are doing a reverse Robin Hood. Take from the poor so the rich can keep theirs.
What a sad state of affairs.
Helen B. Wise
Claypool
Taxes
Editor, Times-Union:Where is the Indiana tax surplus? What is being done with it? How much is it?
Alan D. Price
Bourbon
via e-mail
[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092