Letters to the Editor 02-02-2005
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Forced Association - Bellar Case - Council Supports Eads - Hunting Preserve - Movie Choices
Forced Association
Editor, Times-Union:In response to "Secession" by Alexander Houze Jan. 24. I believe the title of this piece should have been forced association because this combination of verbs offers a broader definition of slavery ... I feel this is what the author intended to convey.
This article was very interesting to me because it touched on a period of time that I've studied extensively. Lincoln's presidency, the civil war and recconstruction. The election of 1860 was the most disputed (until recently) presidential election in our nation's history. Eleven southern states seceded from the union, becasue those 11 states' electoral votes were not counted in the presidential electionof 1860 ... Seventy percent of Democratic votes were not counted. The civil war was about a stolen election more than any other factor including slavery. It was about a complete takeover of the government by the Republicans for the first time in history of the nation. The Republicans found a foolproof way way to win elections - just don't count the oppositions votes ... Sound familiar?
The 13th Amendment was proposed Feb. 1, 1865, Lincoln was assassinated April 14, 1865. With the 13th Amendment laying on his desk waiting for his signature for 60 days ... what was he waiting for?
Andrew Johnson, a Democrat, signed into law the 13th Amendment Dec. 18, 1865. Then-president Johnson started the Department of Education in 1867. Also to his credit, signing into law the 14th Amendment to the Constitution July 28, 1868.
Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation freed no one! Only the signing of the 13th and 14th Amendments made slavery illegal in the United States, and granted all blacks full citizenship. President Johnson also set up rules and regulations for bidding on contracts for reconstruction of the south after the war. This angered Republicans and they immediately started impeachment proceedings against him.
The Republicans imposed the first payroll tax on all citizens to cover the cost of the Civil War, with a promise that after the war ended the tax would also end. It did not!
I want to take this time to make a few remarks about the vicious attack on Mr. Houze by Kent Coldren's "Response To Secession" Jan. 25. Mr. Coldren seems to have history confused. The North's efforts to preserve the Union came after the secession of the 11 states the effort was to force them back into the Union. The Civil War was Forced Association ... So you, Mr. Coldren, need to study American history, if you're wise enough to find a true account ... Mr. Coldren, if you want to follow the blind into a pit of quicksand be my guest ... Just don't try to force others to be associated with this kind of behavior. Get the point? I doubt it ... In conclusion, a short response to "social security" by Dennis Lundgren Jan. 11. Dennis makes some very good points. The experts say it is not broken, I believe the experts ... Beware of privatization and deregulation, they are both enemies of democracy.
Gene May
Etna Green
Bellar Case
Editor, Times-Union:As a former Miami county resident for 20 years, I have been following the Russell G. Bellar case with mild interest. After reading the article in Fort Wayne's The Journal Gazette on Jan. 23, my interest in this case went from curiosity to disbelief and anger.
According to The Journal Gazette Bill Friend, an Indiana State Representative R-Macy, "has had a professional relationship with Bellar, would not comment about Bellar's guilty plea but said he has seen, 'the misery law enforcement put one of his constituents in.'" I am angry and appalled that a state representative would make a statement like that regarding law enforcement when they were doing what they were trained and hired to do. Friend's words are negative and disrespectful. I am disappointed in his choice to make such an unconstructive and harmful public statement regarding law enforcement. It is clear to me that the misery, possible federal prison time and additional fines were brought upon Bellar himself when he chose to break the law. Bellar has pleaded guilty to three of the 38 federal felony charges brought against him. If Friend thinks that law enforcement caused misery to Bellar, does he also believe law enforcement causes misery to drunk drivers, murderers and child molesters?
I am also personally offended by Friend's statement because my husband is an Indiana State Trooper. I know the difficult and potentially dangerous situations he and many of our friends who are also in law enforcement face every day. During any given shift they may have to tell someone their loved one was just killed or they may enter a home so filthy that it should be condemned only to find small children living there with their drug-addicted parents. They are the ones who witness these scenes when most people can't imagine they even exist. They go to work wearing a bulletproof vest and carry a gun in hopes these things will protect them should one of the people they chose to protect decides to turn a gun on them. Rarely do they receive thanks for this necessary service they provide. No one thanks them for investigating and cleaning up methamphetamine labs. No one thanks them for the homeland security they provide on the local level.
People in law enforcement do not chose this profession for the money or thanks they receive. They chose it because they have a desire to protect children from drugs and abuse and keep our roadways safe from hazardous or intoxicated drivers. As individuals we should be thankful and feel fortunate there are people willing to possibly give up their lives to protect ours and those of our children. As a public figure and elected voice for the people in his district, Friend should give law enforcement the respect and support they work so hard to earn.
I no longer have any doubts as to why there are so many negative perceptions associated with law enforcement when an elected representative of the state and role model for our young people believes those who swore to uphold the law causes misery to those who break it.
Heather A. James
Warsaw
via e-mail
Council Supports Eads
Editor, Times-Union:The Mentone Town Council announced that Marshal Jim Eads is back on active duty. Marshal Eads has been on administrative leave following an officer-involved shooting on Jan. 5. The Mentone Town Council fully supports Marshal Eads in his actions.
Mark Hughes
Mentone Town Council President
via e-mail
Hunting Preserve
Editor, Times-UnionRe: Hunting Preserve Causing a Stir
Just because canned hunting is legal, doesn't make it right.
Gary Gerard had a chance to make an honorable stand against a detestable "sport" via his weekly column, but instead chose to stick to legal definitions and excuses while basically skirting the issue of right-versus-wrong.
The first third of his column was spent defending the preserve's (and I use that term ever so loosely) owner; the second part, the legal definitions; and the final section read like a news release (blatantly one-sided, like most news releases are), again defending the preserve's safety while offering a meek rebuke of the issue itself.
Only a publication as conservative as the Times-Union could attempt to justify canned hunting in such a manner.
Canned hunts are illegal in many, but not most, states. Many instances of abuse can be found, if not necessarily in this instance, but in many of these operations, as a quick Google search will confirm.
Even the Indianapolis Star, itself a shining light of conservatism, says, "Killing captive deer on fenced-in 'game preserves' is to hunting as shooting fish in a barrel is to angling."
Legalities aside, I have to wonder why some hunters don't choose to actually "hunt" - when the target isn't confined to certain death, and has a chance to escape - if they're so inclined?
It's not so much a "sport" if the result is fixed, now is it?
Matt Perry
San Diego, Calif.
Movie Choices
Editor, Times-Union:The Oscar nominations are out and the winner buzz is in full swing. The best part about feeling like you are a part of Hollywood is seeing these wonderful films. Here lies the problem. The films aren't playing locally. I understand that some of them have already played there. However, if a film is nominated for Best Picture, I believe it should come back again, to give those who have not seen it the opportunity.
My wife and I had to travel all the way to Fort Wayne to see "Million Dollar Baby" this weekend, a film I regard as one of the best I've ever seen. Why should we have to drive an hour to see this film?
I just don't understand why the local theater can't acquire better films, especially during Oscar season.
I would hope in the next few weeks, the local theater could acquire films like "Closer," "The Aviator," "Finding Neverland," "Hotel Rwanda" or "Sideways." I'm not sure how many folks are standing in line to see "Racing Stripes" or "Are We There Yet." I would much rather invest my dollars into the local community. However, if these films aren't going to be shown in Warsaw, I will have to take my entertainment spending elsewhere.
James Proudfoot
Warsaw
via e-mail
[[In-content Ad]]
- Forced Association - Bellar Case - Council Supports Eads - Hunting Preserve - Movie Choices
Forced Association
Editor, Times-Union:In response to "Secession" by Alexander Houze Jan. 24. I believe the title of this piece should have been forced association because this combination of verbs offers a broader definition of slavery ... I feel this is what the author intended to convey.
This article was very interesting to me because it touched on a period of time that I've studied extensively. Lincoln's presidency, the civil war and recconstruction. The election of 1860 was the most disputed (until recently) presidential election in our nation's history. Eleven southern states seceded from the union, becasue those 11 states' electoral votes were not counted in the presidential electionof 1860 ... Seventy percent of Democratic votes were not counted. The civil war was about a stolen election more than any other factor including slavery. It was about a complete takeover of the government by the Republicans for the first time in history of the nation. The Republicans found a foolproof way way to win elections - just don't count the oppositions votes ... Sound familiar?
The 13th Amendment was proposed Feb. 1, 1865, Lincoln was assassinated April 14, 1865. With the 13th Amendment laying on his desk waiting for his signature for 60 days ... what was he waiting for?
Andrew Johnson, a Democrat, signed into law the 13th Amendment Dec. 18, 1865. Then-president Johnson started the Department of Education in 1867. Also to his credit, signing into law the 14th Amendment to the Constitution July 28, 1868.
Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation freed no one! Only the signing of the 13th and 14th Amendments made slavery illegal in the United States, and granted all blacks full citizenship. President Johnson also set up rules and regulations for bidding on contracts for reconstruction of the south after the war. This angered Republicans and they immediately started impeachment proceedings against him.
The Republicans imposed the first payroll tax on all citizens to cover the cost of the Civil War, with a promise that after the war ended the tax would also end. It did not!
I want to take this time to make a few remarks about the vicious attack on Mr. Houze by Kent Coldren's "Response To Secession" Jan. 25. Mr. Coldren seems to have history confused. The North's efforts to preserve the Union came after the secession of the 11 states the effort was to force them back into the Union. The Civil War was Forced Association ... So you, Mr. Coldren, need to study American history, if you're wise enough to find a true account ... Mr. Coldren, if you want to follow the blind into a pit of quicksand be my guest ... Just don't try to force others to be associated with this kind of behavior. Get the point? I doubt it ... In conclusion, a short response to "social security" by Dennis Lundgren Jan. 11. Dennis makes some very good points. The experts say it is not broken, I believe the experts ... Beware of privatization and deregulation, they are both enemies of democracy.
Gene May
Etna Green
Bellar Case
Editor, Times-Union:As a former Miami county resident for 20 years, I have been following the Russell G. Bellar case with mild interest. After reading the article in Fort Wayne's The Journal Gazette on Jan. 23, my interest in this case went from curiosity to disbelief and anger.
According to The Journal Gazette Bill Friend, an Indiana State Representative R-Macy, "has had a professional relationship with Bellar, would not comment about Bellar's guilty plea but said he has seen, 'the misery law enforcement put one of his constituents in.'" I am angry and appalled that a state representative would make a statement like that regarding law enforcement when they were doing what they were trained and hired to do. Friend's words are negative and disrespectful. I am disappointed in his choice to make such an unconstructive and harmful public statement regarding law enforcement. It is clear to me that the misery, possible federal prison time and additional fines were brought upon Bellar himself when he chose to break the law. Bellar has pleaded guilty to three of the 38 federal felony charges brought against him. If Friend thinks that law enforcement caused misery to Bellar, does he also believe law enforcement causes misery to drunk drivers, murderers and child molesters?
I am also personally offended by Friend's statement because my husband is an Indiana State Trooper. I know the difficult and potentially dangerous situations he and many of our friends who are also in law enforcement face every day. During any given shift they may have to tell someone their loved one was just killed or they may enter a home so filthy that it should be condemned only to find small children living there with their drug-addicted parents. They are the ones who witness these scenes when most people can't imagine they even exist. They go to work wearing a bulletproof vest and carry a gun in hopes these things will protect them should one of the people they chose to protect decides to turn a gun on them. Rarely do they receive thanks for this necessary service they provide. No one thanks them for investigating and cleaning up methamphetamine labs. No one thanks them for the homeland security they provide on the local level.
People in law enforcement do not chose this profession for the money or thanks they receive. They chose it because they have a desire to protect children from drugs and abuse and keep our roadways safe from hazardous or intoxicated drivers. As individuals we should be thankful and feel fortunate there are people willing to possibly give up their lives to protect ours and those of our children. As a public figure and elected voice for the people in his district, Friend should give law enforcement the respect and support they work so hard to earn.
I no longer have any doubts as to why there are so many negative perceptions associated with law enforcement when an elected representative of the state and role model for our young people believes those who swore to uphold the law causes misery to those who break it.
Heather A. James
Warsaw
via e-mail
Council Supports Eads
Editor, Times-Union:The Mentone Town Council announced that Marshal Jim Eads is back on active duty. Marshal Eads has been on administrative leave following an officer-involved shooting on Jan. 5. The Mentone Town Council fully supports Marshal Eads in his actions.
Mark Hughes
Mentone Town Council President
via e-mail
Hunting Preserve
Editor, Times-UnionRe: Hunting Preserve Causing a Stir
Just because canned hunting is legal, doesn't make it right.
Gary Gerard had a chance to make an honorable stand against a detestable "sport" via his weekly column, but instead chose to stick to legal definitions and excuses while basically skirting the issue of right-versus-wrong.
The first third of his column was spent defending the preserve's (and I use that term ever so loosely) owner; the second part, the legal definitions; and the final section read like a news release (blatantly one-sided, like most news releases are), again defending the preserve's safety while offering a meek rebuke of the issue itself.
Only a publication as conservative as the Times-Union could attempt to justify canned hunting in such a manner.
Canned hunts are illegal in many, but not most, states. Many instances of abuse can be found, if not necessarily in this instance, but in many of these operations, as a quick Google search will confirm.
Even the Indianapolis Star, itself a shining light of conservatism, says, "Killing captive deer on fenced-in 'game preserves' is to hunting as shooting fish in a barrel is to angling."
Legalities aside, I have to wonder why some hunters don't choose to actually "hunt" - when the target isn't confined to certain death, and has a chance to escape - if they're so inclined?
It's not so much a "sport" if the result is fixed, now is it?
Matt Perry
San Diego, Calif.
Movie Choices
Editor, Times-Union:The Oscar nominations are out and the winner buzz is in full swing. The best part about feeling like you are a part of Hollywood is seeing these wonderful films. Here lies the problem. The films aren't playing locally. I understand that some of them have already played there. However, if a film is nominated for Best Picture, I believe it should come back again, to give those who have not seen it the opportunity.
My wife and I had to travel all the way to Fort Wayne to see "Million Dollar Baby" this weekend, a film I regard as one of the best I've ever seen. Why should we have to drive an hour to see this film?
I just don't understand why the local theater can't acquire better films, especially during Oscar season.
I would hope in the next few weeks, the local theater could acquire films like "Closer," "The Aviator," "Finding Neverland," "Hotel Rwanda" or "Sideways." I'm not sure how many folks are standing in line to see "Racing Stripes" or "Are We There Yet." I would much rather invest my dollars into the local community. However, if these films aren't going to be shown in Warsaw, I will have to take my entertainment spending elsewhere.
James Proudfoot
Warsaw
via e-mail
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