Letters to the Editor 01-22-2004
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Gay Marriage - All-Day Kindergarten - Praise For Doctor - Defends AWL
Gay Marriage
Editor, Times-Union:As Americans, we are led by the power of our conscience and the history of our country to defend and promote the dignity and rights of all people. Each person, however frail or defenseless, has a place and a purpose in this world. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, we celebrate the gift of life and our commitment to building a society of compassion and humanity.
Today, the principles of human dignity enshrined in the Declaration of Independence - that all persons are created equal and possess the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - continue to guide us.
The above was on the TVC Web site speaking about abortion. However, I believe it speaks for a great many issues today. I am writing in response to the letter to the editor Jan. 13, written by Meredith Sensibaugh, entitled "Marriage Concerns."
I too am deeply concerned, although my concern lies in the efforts of my fellow American citizens to deny my rights, as one of the "all people" spoken of above, to pursue my equal and unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
First, I must apologize, I am not well educated on legal platforms or all the political movement on behalf of either side of this issue. I speak strictly from my own experience and opinions, so I won't be quoting Bible verses or court rulings, etc. I am simply one of the many homosexuals who would very much like to be able to legalize my commitment to my partner so that we would receive the same rights allotted to all people who work hard, pay their taxes, raise families, buy homes and are productive members of society.
I don't quite understand how wanting legal rights turns into destruction of the concept of marriage. We as a whole have redefined the concept of marriage over the decades. Marriages were not intended to be temporary, yet the divorce rate continues to skyrocket. We have multiple marriages/divorces, children from all theses different unions, children out of wedlock, marriage between races and different religious denominations. All of these leading to new and different social and legal issues. If we are to begin to limit the right to marry to only those that fit the so-called majority or norm then perhaps we should also amend the Constitution to exclude those who do not believe in God, those who have divorced, had children out of wedlock, are of different race, or belong to religious organizations that are not mainstream, or make up the majority of the religious population. Perhaps it would be easier to just have the Constitution read: Marriage consists of one man and one woman who believe in God and accept and follow his teachings and commandments faithfully and without flaw. We would definitely weed out a lot of "unconventional" unions this way. Maybe so many as to possibly then make conventional unions/marriages the minority.
As I stated earlier, these are just my thoughts and opinions. As an American citizen I respect the rights of everyone to voice their individual opinions and thank this newspaper for giving us a forum in which to do this.
Cheri Heath
Warsaw
All-Day Kindergarten
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in regards to Gov. Kernan's proposal of all-day kindergarten. In my opinion there is an upside and a downside to this.
The upside: I feel it would be a fantastic idea. For the simple fact it will help educate our children better. If they are there all day, those children who struggle will be able to learn more and the reinforcement will allow them to retain what they have learned at a much higher rate. Therefore when they go to first grade they may not have to go back to kindergarten for half of the day, allowing them not to miss out on first grade.
The downside: I asked our School Board if they had thought about if in 3 to 5 years there was all of a sudden a need for an extra classroom for Washington Elementary, where would they put that classroom if Silver Lake were there? All in all they did not feel this would happen because there may be a growth in the South but not in the Washington area.
Well, if this all-day kindergarten goes through in 2007, they will not only have 1 more classroom but possibly 2 more classrooms. They have NO room if Silver Lake goes to Washington Elementary. I am also assuming this will hold true with some of our other elementary, but I could be wrong.
So, I ask you again, if there is a need for an extra classroom where will you put it? You need to plan for the future and have a plan in place before you do this, which it does not seem like you have one or have even thought it through. I have said this before and I am going to say it again: If this goes through and in 3 to 5 years you are indeed in need of an extra classroom, I do not want to hear "OOPS! We made a mistake."
Sincerely,
Angela Fulton
Silver Lake
Praise For Doctor
Editor, Times-Union:To Dr. Michael Conjalka, Center of Hope Cancer Care, Warsaw:
As I walk into your reception area, it makes me feel welcome, and your receptionist also makes me feel more welcome. When she says, "Go on back," I walk into the chemo room, where you have a staff of well-trained chemo RNs.
When I was referred to the Hope Center, my doctor thought I would need some extra help. He was so right. A well-deserved pat on the back for Dr. Dana Coates.
Both doctors thought I had cancer. When the tests came back, you told me I do have cancer, and my thought was, "So I have cancer." In 2002, I had colon cancer and was cured. But when you told me I have cancer multiple places in my body, it was a real kick in the pants. I asked how much radiation, chemo and surgery I was looking forward to. You said, "No radiation, no surgery. I think we can cure your types of cancer with chemo." That took some sting out of the kick in the pants.
You explained that the drugs that have been released in the last couple years, and one drug that was only six months old, would cure my cancer. It has been six months and your recent tests show I have been cured of half my cancer. Thanks, Doc.
Doc, I think we have both been blessed.
Bob Hedington
Warsaw
Defends AWL
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to respond to "Upset with AWL." I am sorry about the loss of your pet. I have been in similar circumstances, losing a long-time pet and replacing it with an adopted pet from the AWL and finding it to be ill. But you are putting the blame for these circumstances and the responsibility for the conditions you write about on the wrong people. It IS a frustrating and heartbreaking story.
Parvo is a terrible disease, but it is not the fault of the shelter people that your dog had the virus. If people were more responsible and had the pets neutered, spayed and vaccinated, not only would parvo not be a problem but the shelter would not have all the animals and other problems they deal with daily. The problem lies with irresponsible pet owners. The workers at the shelters are dedicated and hardworking and deal with the heartache you describe every day with little thanks and little financial support.
Some of us understand. We volunteer there, do fund-raisers, donate money, time, supplies and adopt pets there, too. I have adopted many of my animals from the AWL and I know when I do that there could be problems and health issues. I am willing to do what is necessary to care for them. I have had to put 2 dogs through heartworm treatment which was expensive but well worth it in that I had loyal pets that lived a happy and long life when had I not, they would have died. I do not feel you did the wrong thing choosing to return the dog, I am sure that was what you had to do, but please do not blame the shelter and its workers for your decision and your pain. It is their hard work and dedication that makes it possible to give those animals a second chance when without them they had none.
The AWL also educates the public about the need to neuter animals and be responsible pet owners. They cannot force people to be responsible and the problem continues to grow. I applaud them for not throwing in the towel and giving up. What a terrible thing that would be for everyone. And perhaps if more people, like you, who truly care about the animals, would do more to help the AWL staff, the conditions there would only improve.
So again, I am truly sorry for what happened to you and to "Lucy" but please put the blame where it really belongs, on the ones who allowed Lucy to be ill in the first place, the ones who owned her parents or her and did not see to it the animals got the proper care.
And to the AWL staff, you are wonderful, caring people. Please keep helping the animals and education the people and working toward making this something that no longer happens. What else can I do to help?
Launda Ewell
Pierceton
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- Gay Marriage - All-Day Kindergarten - Praise For Doctor - Defends AWL
Gay Marriage
Editor, Times-Union:As Americans, we are led by the power of our conscience and the history of our country to defend and promote the dignity and rights of all people. Each person, however frail or defenseless, has a place and a purpose in this world. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, we celebrate the gift of life and our commitment to building a society of compassion and humanity.
Today, the principles of human dignity enshrined in the Declaration of Independence - that all persons are created equal and possess the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - continue to guide us.
The above was on the TVC Web site speaking about abortion. However, I believe it speaks for a great many issues today. I am writing in response to the letter to the editor Jan. 13, written by Meredith Sensibaugh, entitled "Marriage Concerns."
I too am deeply concerned, although my concern lies in the efforts of my fellow American citizens to deny my rights, as one of the "all people" spoken of above, to pursue my equal and unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
First, I must apologize, I am not well educated on legal platforms or all the political movement on behalf of either side of this issue. I speak strictly from my own experience and opinions, so I won't be quoting Bible verses or court rulings, etc. I am simply one of the many homosexuals who would very much like to be able to legalize my commitment to my partner so that we would receive the same rights allotted to all people who work hard, pay their taxes, raise families, buy homes and are productive members of society.
I don't quite understand how wanting legal rights turns into destruction of the concept of marriage. We as a whole have redefined the concept of marriage over the decades. Marriages were not intended to be temporary, yet the divorce rate continues to skyrocket. We have multiple marriages/divorces, children from all theses different unions, children out of wedlock, marriage between races and different religious denominations. All of these leading to new and different social and legal issues. If we are to begin to limit the right to marry to only those that fit the so-called majority or norm then perhaps we should also amend the Constitution to exclude those who do not believe in God, those who have divorced, had children out of wedlock, are of different race, or belong to religious organizations that are not mainstream, or make up the majority of the religious population. Perhaps it would be easier to just have the Constitution read: Marriage consists of one man and one woman who believe in God and accept and follow his teachings and commandments faithfully and without flaw. We would definitely weed out a lot of "unconventional" unions this way. Maybe so many as to possibly then make conventional unions/marriages the minority.
As I stated earlier, these are just my thoughts and opinions. As an American citizen I respect the rights of everyone to voice their individual opinions and thank this newspaper for giving us a forum in which to do this.
Cheri Heath
Warsaw
All-Day Kindergarten
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in regards to Gov. Kernan's proposal of all-day kindergarten. In my opinion there is an upside and a downside to this.
The upside: I feel it would be a fantastic idea. For the simple fact it will help educate our children better. If they are there all day, those children who struggle will be able to learn more and the reinforcement will allow them to retain what they have learned at a much higher rate. Therefore when they go to first grade they may not have to go back to kindergarten for half of the day, allowing them not to miss out on first grade.
The downside: I asked our School Board if they had thought about if in 3 to 5 years there was all of a sudden a need for an extra classroom for Washington Elementary, where would they put that classroom if Silver Lake were there? All in all they did not feel this would happen because there may be a growth in the South but not in the Washington area.
Well, if this all-day kindergarten goes through in 2007, they will not only have 1 more classroom but possibly 2 more classrooms. They have NO room if Silver Lake goes to Washington Elementary. I am also assuming this will hold true with some of our other elementary, but I could be wrong.
So, I ask you again, if there is a need for an extra classroom where will you put it? You need to plan for the future and have a plan in place before you do this, which it does not seem like you have one or have even thought it through. I have said this before and I am going to say it again: If this goes through and in 3 to 5 years you are indeed in need of an extra classroom, I do not want to hear "OOPS! We made a mistake."
Sincerely,
Angela Fulton
Silver Lake
Praise For Doctor
Editor, Times-Union:To Dr. Michael Conjalka, Center of Hope Cancer Care, Warsaw:
As I walk into your reception area, it makes me feel welcome, and your receptionist also makes me feel more welcome. When she says, "Go on back," I walk into the chemo room, where you have a staff of well-trained chemo RNs.
When I was referred to the Hope Center, my doctor thought I would need some extra help. He was so right. A well-deserved pat on the back for Dr. Dana Coates.
Both doctors thought I had cancer. When the tests came back, you told me I do have cancer, and my thought was, "So I have cancer." In 2002, I had colon cancer and was cured. But when you told me I have cancer multiple places in my body, it was a real kick in the pants. I asked how much radiation, chemo and surgery I was looking forward to. You said, "No radiation, no surgery. I think we can cure your types of cancer with chemo." That took some sting out of the kick in the pants.
You explained that the drugs that have been released in the last couple years, and one drug that was only six months old, would cure my cancer. It has been six months and your recent tests show I have been cured of half my cancer. Thanks, Doc.
Doc, I think we have both been blessed.
Bob Hedington
Warsaw
Defends AWL
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to respond to "Upset with AWL." I am sorry about the loss of your pet. I have been in similar circumstances, losing a long-time pet and replacing it with an adopted pet from the AWL and finding it to be ill. But you are putting the blame for these circumstances and the responsibility for the conditions you write about on the wrong people. It IS a frustrating and heartbreaking story.
Parvo is a terrible disease, but it is not the fault of the shelter people that your dog had the virus. If people were more responsible and had the pets neutered, spayed and vaccinated, not only would parvo not be a problem but the shelter would not have all the animals and other problems they deal with daily. The problem lies with irresponsible pet owners. The workers at the shelters are dedicated and hardworking and deal with the heartache you describe every day with little thanks and little financial support.
Some of us understand. We volunteer there, do fund-raisers, donate money, time, supplies and adopt pets there, too. I have adopted many of my animals from the AWL and I know when I do that there could be problems and health issues. I am willing to do what is necessary to care for them. I have had to put 2 dogs through heartworm treatment which was expensive but well worth it in that I had loyal pets that lived a happy and long life when had I not, they would have died. I do not feel you did the wrong thing choosing to return the dog, I am sure that was what you had to do, but please do not blame the shelter and its workers for your decision and your pain. It is their hard work and dedication that makes it possible to give those animals a second chance when without them they had none.
The AWL also educates the public about the need to neuter animals and be responsible pet owners. They cannot force people to be responsible and the problem continues to grow. I applaud them for not throwing in the towel and giving up. What a terrible thing that would be for everyone. And perhaps if more people, like you, who truly care about the animals, would do more to help the AWL staff, the conditions there would only improve.
So again, I am truly sorry for what happened to you and to "Lucy" but please put the blame where it really belongs, on the ones who allowed Lucy to be ill in the first place, the ones who owned her parents or her and did not see to it the animals got the proper care.
And to the AWL staff, you are wonderful, caring people. Please keep helping the animals and education the people and working toward making this something that no longer happens. What else can I do to help?
Launda Ewell
Pierceton
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