Letters to the Editor 02-11-2003
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Legislative Impact - Blood Donation - Basketball Coach - School Restructuring - Bus Altercation - Global Understanding - Voting System - Humane Society - Tattered Flags - Red Light Cameras - Good Samaritans
Legislative Impact
Editor, Times-Union:As the legislative session moves forward, I joined with my Senate colleagues this week to consider several pieces of legislation that eventually may have a significant impact on Hoosiers. Senate committees have been meeting for the last few weeks to hear testimony from the public on proposed legislation. As committee members, it is our duty to help decide what kind of effect a bill would have on our state, so these meetings are prime opportunities for hearing public opinion on a variety of proposed legislation. If a committee votes to pass a bill, it will then be eligible for consideration by the full Senate.
This week, the Senate passed a bill I authored, Senate Bill 3, which would allow local governments to install cameras to photograph vehicles running red lights. The bill limits fines to $100 and requires the city to post warnings to drivers that they are nearing intersections with cameras. In the bill's committee hearing, those who opposed the bill argued that the use of the cameras is an invasion of citizens' privacy. Those who supported the bill said it would deter motorists from running red lights and promote safety. The bill passed the full Senate, 31-19 and will now go to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Another topic of public interest this week involved SB 532, which would require Indiana's public schools to display the national motto, "In God We Trust." The national motto was adopted by Congress on July 30, 1956. The estimated cost for an 11- by 14-inch poster displaying the motto is approximately $3 to $6 and school corporations may not use any public funds to purchase the poster. Instead, they are urged to raise donated funds from the community.
In the bill's committee hearing, those in support of the initiative said that posting the motto gives our students a good sense of what America stands for, a sense of patriotism and the importance of celebrating our country's history. Those who opposed the bill worried that it could be unconstitutional and schools will not be able to find the money. This bill passed the Senate 44 to 6 and will go to the House for further consideration.
Due to Indiana's rising health care costs, the Senate passed SB 461, which states that the State Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has the authority to investigate Medicaid fraud, misappropriation of a Medicaid patient's private funds, abuse and neglect of Medicaid patients in accordance with federal law. According to the Attorney General's office, during FY 2002, there were a total of three fraud cases in which plea agreements resulted in reimbursement for costs of investigation totaling $36,953. This bill makes Indiana statute consistent with federal statute regarding the authority to investigate various aspects of Medicaid fraud, abuse and neglect.
The Senate also addressed another important bill this week that would strengthen the Amber Alert program. SB 203 provides civil immunity for a broadcaster who participates in the Amber Alert program and broadcasts the contents of an Amber Alert notification it has received from the state police. The advantage of this bill is that it ensures information from the state police will get out to the general public as quickly as possible.
These are just examples of issues that the Senate faced during the week and will continue to address this year. As always, please feel free to contact me with any concerns, questions or comments you may have.
Senator Kent Adams
District 9
Blood Donation
Editor, Times-Union:My purpose in this correspondence is to share some very important information with the citizens of Kosciusko County about the critical need for the donation of blood! The American Red Cross supplies approximately 50 percent of the nation's blood supply. We are able to accomplish this because some very dedicated people step forward, roll up their sleeves, and donate blood on a regular basis. This continues to occur in Kosciusko County!
Unfortunately, the need for blood is outpacing the supply that is generated across our country. In fact, many locations in the United States operate with less than a three-day supply, and in some locations a one-day supply exists today!
The residents of Kosciusko County have an opportunity to donate blood regularly on the second Tuesday of each month at the Center Lake Pavilion in Warsaw. Our next blood donor day is scheduled for Tuesday from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. I urge you to call 800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543) to schedule an appointment and provide the gift of life to a fellow citizen.
We are living in uncertain times and the goal of The American Red Cross is to build the blood supply across the nation so that in the event of an emergency, either military or civilian, we will be able to meet the challenge of providing a safe and secure blood supply.
In conclusion, we are blessed with many dedicated volunteers who support our blood drives in Kosciusko County, however, we need additional volunteers who can donate and help us reach the national goal of providing a safe and reliable blood supply! I urge you to call today and make an appointment to give the gift of life! You will be blessed and you will provide a blessing!
Larry Peppel
Executive Director
American Red Cross
Warsaw
Basketball Coach
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in reference to Jeni Adams' letter that she wrote about Gary Teel and his coaching abilities. I have been a friend of Gary Teel and his family for as long as I can remember. I was a little hurt when I noticed all of the false facts that were in Jeni's letter. I was unable to make it to this game, but while talking with people who did attend the game, I heard it was very interesting.
Gary has eight full-time players and three JV players that are brought up to play on Varsity. The JV players are only allowed to play five quarters during two games (official rule). All of the JV players that were brought up for the Manchester game played all five of their quarters. The eight Varsity also got their playing time in. The three girls that are not starters were able to be in and out of all four quarters. The starters were not put in during the fourth quarter, leaving the other Varsity as well as the JV players to finish the game. I guess my question to Jeni is, why do you feel that the starters played the whole game? Did you get your facts from someone who was not watching the game? If you would have gotten the truth, you would have seen that Gary did not strain or overplay any of the girls.
Remember that a starter or anyone else can hurt themselves walking from the locker room to the bench. Gary cares about the girls as if they were his own and would and will always protect their health.
Good luck to Coach Teel and the Lady Vikings. You have my support as well as others in the community.
Rebecca Spitler
Mentone
via e-mail
School Restructuring
Editor, Times-Union:On February 17, the Warsaw Community School Board plans to vote on a recently proposed impractical reform that will directly affect the students of Warsaw Community High School. This restructuring, which calls for a return to the traditional seven-period day as opposed to the current block four system, is slated for the 2003-04 school year. According to state and local politicians, educational cutbacks are a necessary solution to Indiana's ailing economic situation. If this claim is accurate, this community must work together to preserve Warsaw's successful educational system.
The elimination of WCHS' block scheduling (four 90-minute periods a day) will unquestionably result in a loss of valuable teachers, decreased individual student-teacher attention, fewer advanced placement courses, and most importantly, the absence of a college preparation atmosphere. Simulating the college experience, the current block system offers lengthy, intense classes, similar to typical college courses. Administrators claim that the seven-period day is cost-effective, as fewer teachers will be required. However, part of this savings will be offset by increased textbook costs since additional books will be necessary for a seven-period day. Finally, even the most industrious of students will most likely find it difficult to balance their time spent on homework for seven subjects, sports, extracurricular activities and family activities.
Those who must meet the increasing cost of educating our community's students should not do so at the expense of a first-rate education for all WCHS students. As this school reform is certain to have a detrimental impact on the students at WCHS, the community must advocate the block four system. Written protest from the community in support of the block four system may encourage the school board to reconsider its plans. Without community support, Warsaw High School's effective block four system, as well as several invaluable teaching positions, is sure to go the way of the dinosaur. If the community chooses not to intervene in this consequential matter, the educational system that has left an indelible mark on countless students at WCHS may be forever lost.
Cameron Abbott
WCHS Student Council Representative
Bus Altercation
Editor, Times-Union:Tippecanoe Valley School, I'm sorry I got in between your buses and Mr. McKey said something to me. But your buses also need to be reminded they are driving on Indiana roads under the same laws and regulations.
I think they are just mad because I call in and complain about them to the office and the bus garage. Many times I watch them almost hit your cars that are teenage drivers - they follow as one time I witnessed one of your buses deliberately push up on the back of a car (my daughters and I were three cars back, so if you wish to worry about my driving, check yours first).
If you're out to impress the new principal after this letter, I'm sure it won't help! I have two children through your school. I also have two more (one in elementary and middle school) so I will be around for a while and if I don't like something, ask your teachers, I do complain.
Oh, and by the way I paid my taxes for the schools and road, this give me a right to complain because I am not breaking any laws. We also need speed bumps to slow the buses down, so they don't fly out of the parking lot. Besides, if they can't handle being behind a car then why should they be on the road with people's children?
Cyndee Ellis
Claypool
Global Understanding
Editor, Times-Union:As the United States searches for ways to promote peace and global understanding, one key initiative is taking place right here in Warsaw and surrounding neighborhoods.
Feb. 17-24 will mark the third annual AYUSA Host Family Appreciation Week - a time for saluting families around the country that have opened their hearts and homes to international exchange students.
Now more than ever, student exchange programs help pave the road to peace and global understanding. It has been the warmth of the people in Warsaw, Wawasee and Akron areas that has made it possible for the exchange students to enhance our community through international friendships.
To all the host families: Thank you for being a true example of American goodwill and hospitality! I invite others in our community to also get involved in this great community-building activity that not only enriches our community, but also our country. Contact your local AYUSA representative at 574-893-1744 or 877-283-5470 to become a part of this rewarding opportunity.
Tiffany Adams
AYUSA International
Akron
via e-mail
Voting System
Editor, Times-Union:About our punch voting ballot system, I think it is a good system and can't be beat for simplicity, accuracy, ease of use and low cost. The fuss that was made in Florida was because of the closeness of the election there. Democrats were doing everything they could to get more votes and to keep the Republicans from getting any more votes. The Republicans were trying to keep their lead and keep it from being eroded by keeping the Democrats from getting any more votes.
People are not stupid - they know how to vote the punch ballot system. It is cheaper and no need to spend millions or billions to have a computer voting screen system or any other kind of system. What will happen if the electricity goes off? Will we lose all the votes already cast? What if the computer crashes? Will we lose votes? Or how can you vote if the electricity does not come back on? If we are not smart enough to vote with the punch ballot system, I can anticipate a lot more problems with a more complicated system. Our punch ballots are machine-counted and are much more accurate than hand counting.
When you voted, or intended to vote, but didn't press hard enough, you didn't vote. What you intend to do does not count; you do it or you don't do it. A dimple does not mean anything; it is not a vote. I think the government is determined to change our voting method. I don't think it will be any better than what we have and will be a lot more expensive.
Wallace W. Huffman
Warsaw
Humane Society
Editor, Times-Union:During bitter cold weather, the humane society in my community received complaints about an old, gentle dog, chained outdoors day and night, who was trying desperately and unsuccessfully to burrow into the frozen ground to escape the brutal wind chill. The dog cried in anguish and frustration. His paws were bloodied with his efforts. His only "shelter" was a small plastic pet carrier, the floor of which was covered by ice.
The humane society intervened, but this is no uncommon situation. I have received expressions of concern for the many dogs in Kosciusko County that are forced to spend most of their lives chained outdoors in all kinds of weather, often without adequate shelter. Even if a dog house is properly insulated and furnished, the lives of chained and otherwise isolated dogs are lonely and unhappy.
We have all heard accounts of canine heroism. The Vietnam Dog Handlers Association says that dogs, hundreds of whom were killed in action, prevented about 10,000 American casualties during the Vietnam War. At Fort Benning, Ga., a monument depicts a combat-attired soldier with a dog at his side. An inscription reads, "They protected us on the field of battle. They watch over our eternal rest. We are grateful."
Seven years ago I adopted a frisky black Labrador retriever puppy from an animal shelter. Athena is a sweet dog who thrives on affection. Whenever I arrive home, Athena greets me, her tail wagging, her eyes all devotion. She loves to run with me and to fetch tennis balls I toss. And when I have a bad day, Athena snuggles up to me, reminding me I am not alone.
Dogs are, indeed, "Man's best friend." They deserve a place in our hearts and inside our homes.
Joel Freedman
Chairman, public education committee,
Animals Rights Advocates of Upstate New York
Canandaigua, N.Y.
Tattered Flags
Editor, Times-Union:After the tragedy of September 11th and now with the Columbia space shuttle explosion, it has been nice to see the increase in patriotism as demonstrated by U.S. flags flying everywhere. It is revolting, however, to see all the flags in tatters. This is the American flag, a symbol of freedom all over the globe. Here we are American citizens, offices, government buildings and the storekeepers of this great country, flying our flag after they are in shreds and unlit at night. We learned as little kids in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts proper flag etiquette, but it seems to me that many people in this community have forgotten these lessons. Even if you did not belong to one of these organizations, we did all learn in school that many people have died for this country and its great principals so doesn't it seem that you would fly your flag with pride and dignity?
Please, check out your flag. Has it been beat in the wind every day as you drive to work? Is it left out in the dark every night or stuck up in your eave trough? Is it sun-faded, tattered and torn? Then please think about replacing it and calling the local American Legion to dispose of your old flag with the proper respect it deserves.
Kim Horn
Warsaw
via e-mail
Red Light Cameras
Editor, Times-Union:I am all for the cameras at the stoplights on U.S. 30. In fact, I wish they could be installed at every intersection in and around Warsaw because it is not just on U.S. 30 that red lights and stop signs are being ignored.
I always look both ways before I proceed through an intersection. However, I don't think that just because a person doesn't they should have to pay with their life just because some insensitive jerk thinks that the stop lights and stop signs do not apply to them.
Every day I witness many people in the Warsaw area running red lights and ignoring stop signs. If the cameras at the intersections will stop some of this, then they will be worth putting up.
Brenda Lashley
Warsaw
via e-mail
Good Samaritans
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing to you on behalf of a parishioner of our church who was hesitant to have her name in print. Last Wednesday two young men turned in to me a set of keys found frozen in the snow on our grounds. As there were some grocery keytags on the keychain, we called the Owens (Kroger) toll-free number and reported the found keys. Within an hour Kroger headquarters contacted both me and the owner of the keys.
This sweet lady was so relieved and grateful to have her keys back, and wanted to thank both the kind young men who were so thoughtful to turn in the keys and the Owens staff for their diligence.
LeighAnn Logsdon
Warsaw
via e-mail
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- Legislative Impact - Blood Donation - Basketball Coach - School Restructuring - Bus Altercation - Global Understanding - Voting System - Humane Society - Tattered Flags - Red Light Cameras - Good Samaritans
Legislative Impact
Editor, Times-Union:As the legislative session moves forward, I joined with my Senate colleagues this week to consider several pieces of legislation that eventually may have a significant impact on Hoosiers. Senate committees have been meeting for the last few weeks to hear testimony from the public on proposed legislation. As committee members, it is our duty to help decide what kind of effect a bill would have on our state, so these meetings are prime opportunities for hearing public opinion on a variety of proposed legislation. If a committee votes to pass a bill, it will then be eligible for consideration by the full Senate.
This week, the Senate passed a bill I authored, Senate Bill 3, which would allow local governments to install cameras to photograph vehicles running red lights. The bill limits fines to $100 and requires the city to post warnings to drivers that they are nearing intersections with cameras. In the bill's committee hearing, those who opposed the bill argued that the use of the cameras is an invasion of citizens' privacy. Those who supported the bill said it would deter motorists from running red lights and promote safety. The bill passed the full Senate, 31-19 and will now go to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Another topic of public interest this week involved SB 532, which would require Indiana's public schools to display the national motto, "In God We Trust." The national motto was adopted by Congress on July 30, 1956. The estimated cost for an 11- by 14-inch poster displaying the motto is approximately $3 to $6 and school corporations may not use any public funds to purchase the poster. Instead, they are urged to raise donated funds from the community.
In the bill's committee hearing, those in support of the initiative said that posting the motto gives our students a good sense of what America stands for, a sense of patriotism and the importance of celebrating our country's history. Those who opposed the bill worried that it could be unconstitutional and schools will not be able to find the money. This bill passed the Senate 44 to 6 and will go to the House for further consideration.
Due to Indiana's rising health care costs, the Senate passed SB 461, which states that the State Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has the authority to investigate Medicaid fraud, misappropriation of a Medicaid patient's private funds, abuse and neglect of Medicaid patients in accordance with federal law. According to the Attorney General's office, during FY 2002, there were a total of three fraud cases in which plea agreements resulted in reimbursement for costs of investigation totaling $36,953. This bill makes Indiana statute consistent with federal statute regarding the authority to investigate various aspects of Medicaid fraud, abuse and neglect.
The Senate also addressed another important bill this week that would strengthen the Amber Alert program. SB 203 provides civil immunity for a broadcaster who participates in the Amber Alert program and broadcasts the contents of an Amber Alert notification it has received from the state police. The advantage of this bill is that it ensures information from the state police will get out to the general public as quickly as possible.
These are just examples of issues that the Senate faced during the week and will continue to address this year. As always, please feel free to contact me with any concerns, questions or comments you may have.
Senator Kent Adams
District 9
Blood Donation
Editor, Times-Union:My purpose in this correspondence is to share some very important information with the citizens of Kosciusko County about the critical need for the donation of blood! The American Red Cross supplies approximately 50 percent of the nation's blood supply. We are able to accomplish this because some very dedicated people step forward, roll up their sleeves, and donate blood on a regular basis. This continues to occur in Kosciusko County!
Unfortunately, the need for blood is outpacing the supply that is generated across our country. In fact, many locations in the United States operate with less than a three-day supply, and in some locations a one-day supply exists today!
The residents of Kosciusko County have an opportunity to donate blood regularly on the second Tuesday of each month at the Center Lake Pavilion in Warsaw. Our next blood donor day is scheduled for Tuesday from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. I urge you to call 800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543) to schedule an appointment and provide the gift of life to a fellow citizen.
We are living in uncertain times and the goal of The American Red Cross is to build the blood supply across the nation so that in the event of an emergency, either military or civilian, we will be able to meet the challenge of providing a safe and secure blood supply.
In conclusion, we are blessed with many dedicated volunteers who support our blood drives in Kosciusko County, however, we need additional volunteers who can donate and help us reach the national goal of providing a safe and reliable blood supply! I urge you to call today and make an appointment to give the gift of life! You will be blessed and you will provide a blessing!
Larry Peppel
Executive Director
American Red Cross
Warsaw
Basketball Coach
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in reference to Jeni Adams' letter that she wrote about Gary Teel and his coaching abilities. I have been a friend of Gary Teel and his family for as long as I can remember. I was a little hurt when I noticed all of the false facts that were in Jeni's letter. I was unable to make it to this game, but while talking with people who did attend the game, I heard it was very interesting.
Gary has eight full-time players and three JV players that are brought up to play on Varsity. The JV players are only allowed to play five quarters during two games (official rule). All of the JV players that were brought up for the Manchester game played all five of their quarters. The eight Varsity also got their playing time in. The three girls that are not starters were able to be in and out of all four quarters. The starters were not put in during the fourth quarter, leaving the other Varsity as well as the JV players to finish the game. I guess my question to Jeni is, why do you feel that the starters played the whole game? Did you get your facts from someone who was not watching the game? If you would have gotten the truth, you would have seen that Gary did not strain or overplay any of the girls.
Remember that a starter or anyone else can hurt themselves walking from the locker room to the bench. Gary cares about the girls as if they were his own and would and will always protect their health.
Good luck to Coach Teel and the Lady Vikings. You have my support as well as others in the community.
Rebecca Spitler
Mentone
via e-mail
School Restructuring
Editor, Times-Union:On February 17, the Warsaw Community School Board plans to vote on a recently proposed impractical reform that will directly affect the students of Warsaw Community High School. This restructuring, which calls for a return to the traditional seven-period day as opposed to the current block four system, is slated for the 2003-04 school year. According to state and local politicians, educational cutbacks are a necessary solution to Indiana's ailing economic situation. If this claim is accurate, this community must work together to preserve Warsaw's successful educational system.
The elimination of WCHS' block scheduling (four 90-minute periods a day) will unquestionably result in a loss of valuable teachers, decreased individual student-teacher attention, fewer advanced placement courses, and most importantly, the absence of a college preparation atmosphere. Simulating the college experience, the current block system offers lengthy, intense classes, similar to typical college courses. Administrators claim that the seven-period day is cost-effective, as fewer teachers will be required. However, part of this savings will be offset by increased textbook costs since additional books will be necessary for a seven-period day. Finally, even the most industrious of students will most likely find it difficult to balance their time spent on homework for seven subjects, sports, extracurricular activities and family activities.
Those who must meet the increasing cost of educating our community's students should not do so at the expense of a first-rate education for all WCHS students. As this school reform is certain to have a detrimental impact on the students at WCHS, the community must advocate the block four system. Written protest from the community in support of the block four system may encourage the school board to reconsider its plans. Without community support, Warsaw High School's effective block four system, as well as several invaluable teaching positions, is sure to go the way of the dinosaur. If the community chooses not to intervene in this consequential matter, the educational system that has left an indelible mark on countless students at WCHS may be forever lost.
Cameron Abbott
WCHS Student Council Representative
Bus Altercation
Editor, Times-Union:Tippecanoe Valley School, I'm sorry I got in between your buses and Mr. McKey said something to me. But your buses also need to be reminded they are driving on Indiana roads under the same laws and regulations.
I think they are just mad because I call in and complain about them to the office and the bus garage. Many times I watch them almost hit your cars that are teenage drivers - they follow as one time I witnessed one of your buses deliberately push up on the back of a car (my daughters and I were three cars back, so if you wish to worry about my driving, check yours first).
If you're out to impress the new principal after this letter, I'm sure it won't help! I have two children through your school. I also have two more (one in elementary and middle school) so I will be around for a while and if I don't like something, ask your teachers, I do complain.
Oh, and by the way I paid my taxes for the schools and road, this give me a right to complain because I am not breaking any laws. We also need speed bumps to slow the buses down, so they don't fly out of the parking lot. Besides, if they can't handle being behind a car then why should they be on the road with people's children?
Cyndee Ellis
Claypool
Global Understanding
Editor, Times-Union:As the United States searches for ways to promote peace and global understanding, one key initiative is taking place right here in Warsaw and surrounding neighborhoods.
Feb. 17-24 will mark the third annual AYUSA Host Family Appreciation Week - a time for saluting families around the country that have opened their hearts and homes to international exchange students.
Now more than ever, student exchange programs help pave the road to peace and global understanding. It has been the warmth of the people in Warsaw, Wawasee and Akron areas that has made it possible for the exchange students to enhance our community through international friendships.
To all the host families: Thank you for being a true example of American goodwill and hospitality! I invite others in our community to also get involved in this great community-building activity that not only enriches our community, but also our country. Contact your local AYUSA representative at 574-893-1744 or 877-283-5470 to become a part of this rewarding opportunity.
Tiffany Adams
AYUSA International
Akron
via e-mail
Voting System
Editor, Times-Union:About our punch voting ballot system, I think it is a good system and can't be beat for simplicity, accuracy, ease of use and low cost. The fuss that was made in Florida was because of the closeness of the election there. Democrats were doing everything they could to get more votes and to keep the Republicans from getting any more votes. The Republicans were trying to keep their lead and keep it from being eroded by keeping the Democrats from getting any more votes.
People are not stupid - they know how to vote the punch ballot system. It is cheaper and no need to spend millions or billions to have a computer voting screen system or any other kind of system. What will happen if the electricity goes off? Will we lose all the votes already cast? What if the computer crashes? Will we lose votes? Or how can you vote if the electricity does not come back on? If we are not smart enough to vote with the punch ballot system, I can anticipate a lot more problems with a more complicated system. Our punch ballots are machine-counted and are much more accurate than hand counting.
When you voted, or intended to vote, but didn't press hard enough, you didn't vote. What you intend to do does not count; you do it or you don't do it. A dimple does not mean anything; it is not a vote. I think the government is determined to change our voting method. I don't think it will be any better than what we have and will be a lot more expensive.
Wallace W. Huffman
Warsaw
Humane Society
Editor, Times-Union:During bitter cold weather, the humane society in my community received complaints about an old, gentle dog, chained outdoors day and night, who was trying desperately and unsuccessfully to burrow into the frozen ground to escape the brutal wind chill. The dog cried in anguish and frustration. His paws were bloodied with his efforts. His only "shelter" was a small plastic pet carrier, the floor of which was covered by ice.
The humane society intervened, but this is no uncommon situation. I have received expressions of concern for the many dogs in Kosciusko County that are forced to spend most of their lives chained outdoors in all kinds of weather, often without adequate shelter. Even if a dog house is properly insulated and furnished, the lives of chained and otherwise isolated dogs are lonely and unhappy.
We have all heard accounts of canine heroism. The Vietnam Dog Handlers Association says that dogs, hundreds of whom were killed in action, prevented about 10,000 American casualties during the Vietnam War. At Fort Benning, Ga., a monument depicts a combat-attired soldier with a dog at his side. An inscription reads, "They protected us on the field of battle. They watch over our eternal rest. We are grateful."
Seven years ago I adopted a frisky black Labrador retriever puppy from an animal shelter. Athena is a sweet dog who thrives on affection. Whenever I arrive home, Athena greets me, her tail wagging, her eyes all devotion. She loves to run with me and to fetch tennis balls I toss. And when I have a bad day, Athena snuggles up to me, reminding me I am not alone.
Dogs are, indeed, "Man's best friend." They deserve a place in our hearts and inside our homes.
Joel Freedman
Chairman, public education committee,
Animals Rights Advocates of Upstate New York
Canandaigua, N.Y.
Tattered Flags
Editor, Times-Union:After the tragedy of September 11th and now with the Columbia space shuttle explosion, it has been nice to see the increase in patriotism as demonstrated by U.S. flags flying everywhere. It is revolting, however, to see all the flags in tatters. This is the American flag, a symbol of freedom all over the globe. Here we are American citizens, offices, government buildings and the storekeepers of this great country, flying our flag after they are in shreds and unlit at night. We learned as little kids in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts proper flag etiquette, but it seems to me that many people in this community have forgotten these lessons. Even if you did not belong to one of these organizations, we did all learn in school that many people have died for this country and its great principals so doesn't it seem that you would fly your flag with pride and dignity?
Please, check out your flag. Has it been beat in the wind every day as you drive to work? Is it left out in the dark every night or stuck up in your eave trough? Is it sun-faded, tattered and torn? Then please think about replacing it and calling the local American Legion to dispose of your old flag with the proper respect it deserves.
Kim Horn
Warsaw
via e-mail
Red Light Cameras
Editor, Times-Union:I am all for the cameras at the stoplights on U.S. 30. In fact, I wish they could be installed at every intersection in and around Warsaw because it is not just on U.S. 30 that red lights and stop signs are being ignored.
I always look both ways before I proceed through an intersection. However, I don't think that just because a person doesn't they should have to pay with their life just because some insensitive jerk thinks that the stop lights and stop signs do not apply to them.
Every day I witness many people in the Warsaw area running red lights and ignoring stop signs. If the cameras at the intersections will stop some of this, then they will be worth putting up.
Brenda Lashley
Warsaw
via e-mail
Good Samaritans
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing to you on behalf of a parishioner of our church who was hesitant to have her name in print. Last Wednesday two young men turned in to me a set of keys found frozen in the snow on our grounds. As there were some grocery keytags on the keychain, we called the Owens (Kroger) toll-free number and reported the found keys. Within an hour Kroger headquarters contacted both me and the owner of the keys.
This sweet lady was so relieved and grateful to have her keys back, and wanted to thank both the kind young men who were so thoughtful to turn in the keys and the Owens staff for their diligence.
LeighAnn Logsdon
Warsaw
via e-mail
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