Letters to the Editor 02-01-2005
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Secession Response - Baffled By Bush - Give Blood - All About Oil
Secession Response
Editor, Times-Union:In response to Kent Coldren's letter:
I will briefly expand on my Jan. 24 letter. I am glad the North did put an end to the moral wrong of slavery, I just wish it could have been done by peaceful means instead of by war as does any other normal person. It would have even been better if the North could have also ended legalized white supremacy throughout the Union after the Civil War instead of nearly 100 years later. In response to those who would ask well, what if this amendment had been adopted before the Civil War, what then would the North have done about slavery? It could have waged a war of liberation against the South to free the slaves and it could have also given a closer country to flee to and be free instead of Canada if it would have stopped enforcing the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law prior to the Civil War. And also about the minimum threshold for secession, I do not believe that street gangs, fringe groups, paranoid militias and lone lunatics have the right to become their own independent republics because they cannot form functional lawful governments, only at the city-state level and above is it possible to form a functional lawful government and society.
And now to Mr. Coldren's criticisms. First, most of the Confederacy had already withdrawn from the Union and set up a fledging government by March 1861 for the wrong reasons but through mostly peaceful and orderly means. Second, I did not state in my letter that I wish to personally secede from the Union. Third, I did not state that I wish to spend my so-called pathetic lifetime leading a secessionist movement somewhere in the U.S.A. Fourth, I certainly did not advocate the United States splinter into several feuding mini-states this year so that terrorists can overrun us and establish an Islamic fascist dictatorship on American soil. Fifth, I'm intelligent enough to realize that this is one of the most free countries on Earth because if I publicly advocated the idea of secession in certain other countries I would be in jail or worse. Sixth, I did not enjoy seeing mass murder on live TV on 9/11. Seventh, like most Americans, I wait for the day Osama Bin Laden is captured and executed. Eighth, I hate tyrants like Saddam Hussein in general and more specifically, why would I sympathize with a dictator who opposes secession and supports the totalitarian principle all political unions are indivisible, since he would not let the Kurds and Shiites peacefully secede from Iraq during his reign of terror and when they tried to fight their way out and overthrow him in 1991 so he waged war against them.
I will continue to exercise the natural right to freedom of speech as I expect you to do the same.
Alexander Houze
Leesburg
Baffled By Bush
Editor, Times-Union:Once again I am totally baffled with our U.S. government spending and with President Bush (whom I did vote for). Last week our president had his inauguration festivities. Millions of dollars (private donations) were spent on parades, parties, security and much more that I can't name them all. Once again I am so disappointed. We as a nation have starving children here in our borders. We have men and women without jobs who are homeless. We have schools without equipment, books, teachers and money. But yet again we are being led with a blind eye to all these problems. Why didn't President Bush say, "I don't need all this hoopla, let's take care of our people first?" Maybe President Bush should have met with the new Ball State president who is not spending her $100,000 allowance for her inauguration. Instead she is giving five $20,000 scholarships to Ball State students. Yeah for her! Give that woman an A+.
President Bush could have given that money to schools, homeless shelters or used it for our soldiers who are coming home missing limbs, or families whose loved ones are never coming home. I worked with a Vietnam vet who lost his leg and had sores all over his stub because the government didn't have enough money so he could get a newer leg and one that actually fit properly. I pray to God we don't treat our newest vets the way that our government treated and forgot about our Vietnam vets. We are going to need money to keep open veteran hospitals, to train wives how to get better jobs so they can support their families without that extra income. Plus they need grief counseling to be able to cope. This wasn't their idea to lose their spouse.
I guess what I'm asking the president and Congress is think! How many normal everyday citizens can go out and spend money like it grows on trees? How many people are working seven days a week and just spinning their wheels? How many people are losing their jobs, homes, lives every day? How can you sit there and make these major spending decisions and not ask yourself "is this going to benefit the hard working man or is this going to benefit the White House? The next four years you need to think about the American public and our hardships, thing about ways to get our schools back in order, think about ways to get homeless people that one chance to get back on their own feet again. We are paying your paychecks, don't ever forget that. We are entitled to you putting our best interest first.
Patricia Shoemaker
North Manchester
Give Blood
Editor, Times-Union:Once again I take this opportunity to encourage all eligible residents throughout Kosciusko County to take the opportunity to donate blood and "Make a Difference" in your life and the lives of those who receive your lifesaving gift! We continue to experience a need for all types of blood, and our national supply remains at about 48 hours. Ideally, we would like to have a five/six-day supply in the event a major disaster was to occur requiring trauma response for large numbers of individuals.
During the month of February, the residents of Kosciusko County will have a total of seven opportunities to donate blood in accordance with the following schedule:
Feb. 3, First Presbyterian Church, Winona Lake, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Feb. 8, Center Lake Pavilion, Warsaw, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Feb. 8, North Webster American Legion Post, 3 to 7 p.m.; Feb. 9., Lake City Bank, Warsaw, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Feb. 11, R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co.*, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Feb. 16, Johnson & Johnson - DePuy Corp.*, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Feb. 23, Warsaw Chemical Corp.*, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
*Blood drive close to public.
The winter weather presents special challenges to some of our donors who would otherwise not miss their opportunity to donate blood. Therefore, we rely upon new donors who are able and willing to battle the elements to come and donate blood. I hope that you will consider such an opportunity. You can schedule an appointment by calling 800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543), and of course, walk-ins are always welcome!
In conclusion, please know that on behalf of the American Red Cross, I want to thank the residents of our county for their ongoing support. Clearly, "By working together, We can Save a Life!" Won't you consider sharing the Gift of Life, and making a difference in the life of another person!
Larry E. Peppel
Executive Director
American Red Cross
All About Oil
Editor, Times-Union:From his National Guard days not obeying orders and not fulfilling his obligation, to him being released early to go back to college at a high-profile school. To his alleged drunk driving. To his records being hidden from the public. To his being "forgiven" a large SBA loan. To his SEC inquiry. To his securing two suspect elections. To his illegal "war." To his not listening to several direct warnings about the 9/11 attacks. To his (and Ms. Rice) lying about 9/11. To his sending the bin Laden family back to Saudi. To his assurance of Flight 93 being shot down (that's the flight that was headed for the White House). To his two dozen (at least) reasons to invade Iraq (which none held water). To his delay when informed the U.S. was under attack. To his scare tactics on Social Security, etc., etc., etc. To his many, many wrong doings that he has never had to take responsibility for, because of being "privileged" then (and now). Well, I can rest easy now that I know his real agenda. I believe it's this: "W" had to take over a country to gain the first foothold in the Mideast. Then another, and then maybe another after that. Iran will be next, and he hopes Israel will not do the job for him. As the world has peaked its oil production/usage, he must control what is left. If Israel was to take Iran, we wouldn't get the benefit of its oil. And 75 to 80 percent of that is in the Mideast. We need not worry about Korea, as we have "pumped" China's economy. China will probably handle Korea for us. Which is good, because there is no vast amount of oil there. Now this may well place the Bush family in the trillionaire statues. But, who really cares. His means justifies the end. After all, we are Americans. We deserve to "have it all" at whatever price the world must pay. Yes sir, one heck of a strong leader! We must control the world and he knows that oil is the key. Oil will soon take over as one of our monetary basis, leaving our depleted gold and silver behind.
M. Tapp
Warsaw
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- Secession Response - Baffled By Bush - Give Blood - All About Oil
Secession Response
Editor, Times-Union:In response to Kent Coldren's letter:
I will briefly expand on my Jan. 24 letter. I am glad the North did put an end to the moral wrong of slavery, I just wish it could have been done by peaceful means instead of by war as does any other normal person. It would have even been better if the North could have also ended legalized white supremacy throughout the Union after the Civil War instead of nearly 100 years later. In response to those who would ask well, what if this amendment had been adopted before the Civil War, what then would the North have done about slavery? It could have waged a war of liberation against the South to free the slaves and it could have also given a closer country to flee to and be free instead of Canada if it would have stopped enforcing the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law prior to the Civil War. And also about the minimum threshold for secession, I do not believe that street gangs, fringe groups, paranoid militias and lone lunatics have the right to become their own independent republics because they cannot form functional lawful governments, only at the city-state level and above is it possible to form a functional lawful government and society.
And now to Mr. Coldren's criticisms. First, most of the Confederacy had already withdrawn from the Union and set up a fledging government by March 1861 for the wrong reasons but through mostly peaceful and orderly means. Second, I did not state in my letter that I wish to personally secede from the Union. Third, I did not state that I wish to spend my so-called pathetic lifetime leading a secessionist movement somewhere in the U.S.A. Fourth, I certainly did not advocate the United States splinter into several feuding mini-states this year so that terrorists can overrun us and establish an Islamic fascist dictatorship on American soil. Fifth, I'm intelligent enough to realize that this is one of the most free countries on Earth because if I publicly advocated the idea of secession in certain other countries I would be in jail or worse. Sixth, I did not enjoy seeing mass murder on live TV on 9/11. Seventh, like most Americans, I wait for the day Osama Bin Laden is captured and executed. Eighth, I hate tyrants like Saddam Hussein in general and more specifically, why would I sympathize with a dictator who opposes secession and supports the totalitarian principle all political unions are indivisible, since he would not let the Kurds and Shiites peacefully secede from Iraq during his reign of terror and when they tried to fight their way out and overthrow him in 1991 so he waged war against them.
I will continue to exercise the natural right to freedom of speech as I expect you to do the same.
Alexander Houze
Leesburg
Baffled By Bush
Editor, Times-Union:Once again I am totally baffled with our U.S. government spending and with President Bush (whom I did vote for). Last week our president had his inauguration festivities. Millions of dollars (private donations) were spent on parades, parties, security and much more that I can't name them all. Once again I am so disappointed. We as a nation have starving children here in our borders. We have men and women without jobs who are homeless. We have schools without equipment, books, teachers and money. But yet again we are being led with a blind eye to all these problems. Why didn't President Bush say, "I don't need all this hoopla, let's take care of our people first?" Maybe President Bush should have met with the new Ball State president who is not spending her $100,000 allowance for her inauguration. Instead she is giving five $20,000 scholarships to Ball State students. Yeah for her! Give that woman an A+.
President Bush could have given that money to schools, homeless shelters or used it for our soldiers who are coming home missing limbs, or families whose loved ones are never coming home. I worked with a Vietnam vet who lost his leg and had sores all over his stub because the government didn't have enough money so he could get a newer leg and one that actually fit properly. I pray to God we don't treat our newest vets the way that our government treated and forgot about our Vietnam vets. We are going to need money to keep open veteran hospitals, to train wives how to get better jobs so they can support their families without that extra income. Plus they need grief counseling to be able to cope. This wasn't their idea to lose their spouse.
I guess what I'm asking the president and Congress is think! How many normal everyday citizens can go out and spend money like it grows on trees? How many people are working seven days a week and just spinning their wheels? How many people are losing their jobs, homes, lives every day? How can you sit there and make these major spending decisions and not ask yourself "is this going to benefit the hard working man or is this going to benefit the White House? The next four years you need to think about the American public and our hardships, thing about ways to get our schools back in order, think about ways to get homeless people that one chance to get back on their own feet again. We are paying your paychecks, don't ever forget that. We are entitled to you putting our best interest first.
Patricia Shoemaker
North Manchester
Give Blood
Editor, Times-Union:Once again I take this opportunity to encourage all eligible residents throughout Kosciusko County to take the opportunity to donate blood and "Make a Difference" in your life and the lives of those who receive your lifesaving gift! We continue to experience a need for all types of blood, and our national supply remains at about 48 hours. Ideally, we would like to have a five/six-day supply in the event a major disaster was to occur requiring trauma response for large numbers of individuals.
During the month of February, the residents of Kosciusko County will have a total of seven opportunities to donate blood in accordance with the following schedule:
Feb. 3, First Presbyterian Church, Winona Lake, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Feb. 8, Center Lake Pavilion, Warsaw, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Feb. 8, North Webster American Legion Post, 3 to 7 p.m.; Feb. 9., Lake City Bank, Warsaw, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Feb. 11, R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co.*, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Feb. 16, Johnson & Johnson - DePuy Corp.*, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Feb. 23, Warsaw Chemical Corp.*, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
*Blood drive close to public.
The winter weather presents special challenges to some of our donors who would otherwise not miss their opportunity to donate blood. Therefore, we rely upon new donors who are able and willing to battle the elements to come and donate blood. I hope that you will consider such an opportunity. You can schedule an appointment by calling 800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543), and of course, walk-ins are always welcome!
In conclusion, please know that on behalf of the American Red Cross, I want to thank the residents of our county for their ongoing support. Clearly, "By working together, We can Save a Life!" Won't you consider sharing the Gift of Life, and making a difference in the life of another person!
Larry E. Peppel
Executive Director
American Red Cross
All About Oil
Editor, Times-Union:From his National Guard days not obeying orders and not fulfilling his obligation, to him being released early to go back to college at a high-profile school. To his alleged drunk driving. To his records being hidden from the public. To his being "forgiven" a large SBA loan. To his SEC inquiry. To his securing two suspect elections. To his illegal "war." To his not listening to several direct warnings about the 9/11 attacks. To his (and Ms. Rice) lying about 9/11. To his sending the bin Laden family back to Saudi. To his assurance of Flight 93 being shot down (that's the flight that was headed for the White House). To his two dozen (at least) reasons to invade Iraq (which none held water). To his delay when informed the U.S. was under attack. To his scare tactics on Social Security, etc., etc., etc. To his many, many wrong doings that he has never had to take responsibility for, because of being "privileged" then (and now). Well, I can rest easy now that I know his real agenda. I believe it's this: "W" had to take over a country to gain the first foothold in the Mideast. Then another, and then maybe another after that. Iran will be next, and he hopes Israel will not do the job for him. As the world has peaked its oil production/usage, he must control what is left. If Israel was to take Iran, we wouldn't get the benefit of its oil. And 75 to 80 percent of that is in the Mideast. We need not worry about Korea, as we have "pumped" China's economy. China will probably handle Korea for us. Which is good, because there is no vast amount of oil there. Now this may well place the Bush family in the trillionaire statues. But, who really cares. His means justifies the end. After all, we are Americans. We deserve to "have it all" at whatever price the world must pay. Yes sir, one heck of a strong leader! We must control the world and he knows that oil is the key. Oil will soon take over as one of our monetary basis, leaving our depleted gold and silver behind.
M. Tapp
Warsaw
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