Letters to the Editor 02-19-2002
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Gas Tax - CR 450E - Theft From Roving Chef - Thanks To Warsaw Fire Dept. - Religious Debate - Flag Etiquette
Gas Tax
Editor, Times-Union:You recently ran a letter from watchdog Aaron of Lebanon who indicates that Representatives Wolkins and Friend have explaining to do for voting in support of a 2-cent gas tax increase. He attempted to connect the passage of HB1004, the governor's $2 billion tax increase/tax restructuring bill, to our support for the gas tax increase. First, the governor's bill passed by only one vote and has virtually no chance of becoming law. Representative Friend and I voted against it because it raises in excess of $2 billion more than it gives for property tax relief.
The gas tax goes toward the building, repair and maintenance of Indiana's roads and is paid only by those who use the roads. The gas tax was set in 1988 at 15 cents per gallon. Most of the surrounding states are at 19 cents per gallon. In 2002, it takes 22-1/2 cents per gallon to just equal what the 15 cents would buy in 1988. Add in the fact that the gas mileage has increased about 10 percent (more miles, fewer gallons needed, less revenue for repair) since June 1988, and the problem gets worse. The other factors that add to the problem are the end of the Crossroads 2000 program where the state bonded (borrowed) $200 million to build roads from 1998-2001. We now have to pay back those bonds. Finally, the federal government estimates Indiana will receive $150 million less in federal gas taxes this year. Faced with these circumstances, we could do one of two things - ignore this and let the roads deteriorate over the next few years, causing thousands of dollars to residents for vehicle repair - alignments, tires, shocks -Êor we could raise the gas tax and maintain what we have. Roads and infrastructures are a very important part of a successful economic development program and we must promote job creation.
The 2-cent increases $65 million per year which doesn't come close to what is needed. It would take a 9-cent per gallon increase to just put us back to the buying power we had in 1988. Very few of us have the political courage to raise the 9 cents that is needed, but many of us were willing to go on record and support the 2-cent increase. Faced with the above facts, we feel it was correct to acknowledge and address the problem rather than sticking our heads in the sand. We think the voting public will agree.
If watchdog Aaron of Lebanon has any more questions, feel free to contact us directly, or if you prefer the letter to the editor route, we will respond.
David A Wolkins
State Representative, District 18
William C. Friend
State Representative, District 23
CR 450E
Editor, Times-Union:Don't close CR 450E.
It is wrong to close any crossing, especially the one at CR 450E. I realize you are trying to save money, but at the cost of people's lives.
What if that crossing was closed and Van Ness road was blocked for some reason. It would take longer to get to the person or person that needed help, like if they had a fire or somebody was sick. I pray and hope that doesn't happen.
But it is something to keep in mind. Just like in Claypool, they want to shut down those crossings. Instead of shutting down those crossings and vacating the roads, leave them open. That way you could get through if you needed to and it would get you faster to the location or the people where you are going.
Also, at CR 450E, it would help the farmers to get across where they needed to go, instead of going a long way around. If the road helps the farmers out, why shut it off? I realize that Yvonne Beyer owns property on both sides of the road. I would think she would be fighting to help the farmers and the people keep the road and railroad crossing open, instead of the other way around.
It would be easier to put up crossing gates and arms at that location and also have lights. In the longer run, it would be safer to do that. Please don't close the road off.
Also, if the road is closed off, how is she going to get to her property that she owns?
Mrs. Carolyn M. Stafford
Warsaw
Theft From Roving Chef
Editor, Times-Union:You know who you are! So do I.
For every $5 you have stolen from the donation jar, you are causing someone not to eat. It could be you. That money is not the Roving Chef's money, but God's, so I will let God deal with you. But I will say this, if you feel you must steal from the donations given to the Roving Chef to feed you and others, then please find your hot meal elsewhere and let those more deserving have your meal.
The Roving Chef van is never left unwatched when open. It is being watched either from a car or a window, so you have not gotten away with anything.
Not only have you stolen money from God's needy, but you have also stolen my respect for you. I will pray for God to forgive you and I know he will, but how can you forgive yourself?
Even though donations are down and it is a struggle to keep the Roving Chef going, I'm sure if you had asked for the money, it would have been given, if possible, or I could have found another way to help you.
God bless you.
Charlie, The Roving Chef
Pierceton
Thanks To Warsaw Fire Dept.
Editor, Times-Union:We would like to thank the Warsaw Fire Department for the presentation on fire safety which firemen Kreg Warren and Joe Fretz gave to the people served by the Cardinal Center. The firemen were able to present their information in a manner that was not only informative, but was truly enjoyable to their audience. Several noted how each fireman took time to speak with various individuals during and after the presentation.
This training provided a valuable service and gave important safey information to a population that is often overlooked. We truly appreciate the support of the fire department and the efforts of the firemen who took time from their busy schedules to give these presentations. We are continually trying to get people with disabilities involved in the community, and programs such as this play a very important part in achieving this goal. We hope to build on this program and have the safety presentation by the fire department become an annual event.
Again, the Cardinal Center thanks the Warsaw Fire Department for its support and its efforts to serve the community.
Paul J. Nowak
Community Living Instructor II
Religious Debate
Editor, Times-Union:In the wake of the terrorist tragedy of Sept. 11, carefully selected clergy have presided over prayer meetings all across America. Organizers have made a point of having Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders standing side by side in an effort to present a united front against terrorism.
Jews, Muslims and Christians are being called upon to set aside their differences and work under a benevolent democracy for the common good.
The world seems to be asking, "Why cannot Islam, Judaism and Christianity hold hands together in our new global environment? Are your religious values really so different? Do your assumed differences really matter?"
Here are a couple of thoughts in response:
First, there is no reason we cannot respect people and treat them with dignity and compassion while strongly disagreeing with their beliefs. The world wrongly deduces that deeply held religious belief is the cause of intolerance and sinful behavior on behalf of some religious people.
Second, while all three religions claim belief in one God, that one God never said, He is approachable through three faiths. We should not disrespect those who follow Judaism or Islam, but we need to remember that all three deny some very central tenets of the other.
Islam and Judaism: deny Jesus' claim to be the one true messiah; Judaism and Christianity: reject Islam's assertion that "there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet"; do not accept Muhammad as a prophet; and reject the Koran as holy writ; and further, Islam has little capacity to tolerate a sovereign Jewish state in the Middle East, and Muslims the world over will always be fundamentally opposed to Israel.
The three great religions are not on the same path! And we should be concerned about the rush of so many who ought to know better than to join hands with neo-pluralists in pursuing a one-world religion.
The vigorous debate and discussion about who God is and whether or not Jesus is the Messiah must continue. If those on a crusade to stop the debate gain the upper hand, freedom of religion will truly be lost. And we will be guilty of encouraging the world's population to continue toward a Christless eternity.
Milton Gould
Warsaw
Flag Etiquette
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in reference to your 1-19-02 issue of the Times- Union:
Your article on flag etiquette was one of the most distasteful articles I have ever read. You sat there and told us how to present the flag with proper etiquette that you had to look up on the Internet, which one of the several thousand hits did you use and which search engine did you use? If you had to look it up you must have been sleeping during your school history classes or skipped school those days.
You preached to us how not to print the flag for a single use or on something that will be discarded after one use. But since the Sept 11th attacks, I see that just six inches above where your article appeared that there is a flag in living color, violation one, and then I opened the paper and saw in the obituaries two more flags printed in black and white. If you are not to print the flag on something intended for one use, Gary, why is your paper violating flag etiquette? Also, your paper printed flags on a full page for people to display in their home windows, clearly a violation of flag etiquette. It would seem as though double standards are in use here.
My observations:
1. People are yearning to give what they can to show support for what has happened to our country no matter how small or large their support is.
2. The people signed their names and notes on a flag in New York City, is this against flag etiquette? Yes. Do you see the Supreme Court going after these people? No. Why, because that is the last note that they can or the last remembrance that they will have for their loved ones. I am sure that if this article was to ever get to the New York Times or "Good Morning America" that the people of New York City would have a few more words for you to ponder.
I suppose what I am trying to say here, Gary, is that if the U.S. government is not going after anyone, the major news reporting agencies and the television networks are not worried about how or which way the people of the United States are displaying their support in the manner of flying the flag, why are you? The world has changed, sir, please quit sweating the small stuff and look at the whole picture or at least make sure that when you print an article telling people of how others are doing wrong that you are in the right and not the wrong before printing such garbage.
Mark Ennis
Winona Lake
via e-mail
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- Gas Tax - CR 450E - Theft From Roving Chef - Thanks To Warsaw Fire Dept. - Religious Debate - Flag Etiquette
Gas Tax
Editor, Times-Union:You recently ran a letter from watchdog Aaron of Lebanon who indicates that Representatives Wolkins and Friend have explaining to do for voting in support of a 2-cent gas tax increase. He attempted to connect the passage of HB1004, the governor's $2 billion tax increase/tax restructuring bill, to our support for the gas tax increase. First, the governor's bill passed by only one vote and has virtually no chance of becoming law. Representative Friend and I voted against it because it raises in excess of $2 billion more than it gives for property tax relief.
The gas tax goes toward the building, repair and maintenance of Indiana's roads and is paid only by those who use the roads. The gas tax was set in 1988 at 15 cents per gallon. Most of the surrounding states are at 19 cents per gallon. In 2002, it takes 22-1/2 cents per gallon to just equal what the 15 cents would buy in 1988. Add in the fact that the gas mileage has increased about 10 percent (more miles, fewer gallons needed, less revenue for repair) since June 1988, and the problem gets worse. The other factors that add to the problem are the end of the Crossroads 2000 program where the state bonded (borrowed) $200 million to build roads from 1998-2001. We now have to pay back those bonds. Finally, the federal government estimates Indiana will receive $150 million less in federal gas taxes this year. Faced with these circumstances, we could do one of two things - ignore this and let the roads deteriorate over the next few years, causing thousands of dollars to residents for vehicle repair - alignments, tires, shocks -Êor we could raise the gas tax and maintain what we have. Roads and infrastructures are a very important part of a successful economic development program and we must promote job creation.
The 2-cent increases $65 million per year which doesn't come close to what is needed. It would take a 9-cent per gallon increase to just put us back to the buying power we had in 1988. Very few of us have the political courage to raise the 9 cents that is needed, but many of us were willing to go on record and support the 2-cent increase. Faced with the above facts, we feel it was correct to acknowledge and address the problem rather than sticking our heads in the sand. We think the voting public will agree.
If watchdog Aaron of Lebanon has any more questions, feel free to contact us directly, or if you prefer the letter to the editor route, we will respond.
David A Wolkins
State Representative, District 18
William C. Friend
State Representative, District 23
CR 450E
Editor, Times-Union:Don't close CR 450E.
It is wrong to close any crossing, especially the one at CR 450E. I realize you are trying to save money, but at the cost of people's lives.
What if that crossing was closed and Van Ness road was blocked for some reason. It would take longer to get to the person or person that needed help, like if they had a fire or somebody was sick. I pray and hope that doesn't happen.
But it is something to keep in mind. Just like in Claypool, they want to shut down those crossings. Instead of shutting down those crossings and vacating the roads, leave them open. That way you could get through if you needed to and it would get you faster to the location or the people where you are going.
Also, at CR 450E, it would help the farmers to get across where they needed to go, instead of going a long way around. If the road helps the farmers out, why shut it off? I realize that Yvonne Beyer owns property on both sides of the road. I would think she would be fighting to help the farmers and the people keep the road and railroad crossing open, instead of the other way around.
It would be easier to put up crossing gates and arms at that location and also have lights. In the longer run, it would be safer to do that. Please don't close the road off.
Also, if the road is closed off, how is she going to get to her property that she owns?
Mrs. Carolyn M. Stafford
Warsaw
Theft From Roving Chef
Editor, Times-Union:You know who you are! So do I.
For every $5 you have stolen from the donation jar, you are causing someone not to eat. It could be you. That money is not the Roving Chef's money, but God's, so I will let God deal with you. But I will say this, if you feel you must steal from the donations given to the Roving Chef to feed you and others, then please find your hot meal elsewhere and let those more deserving have your meal.
The Roving Chef van is never left unwatched when open. It is being watched either from a car or a window, so you have not gotten away with anything.
Not only have you stolen money from God's needy, but you have also stolen my respect for you. I will pray for God to forgive you and I know he will, but how can you forgive yourself?
Even though donations are down and it is a struggle to keep the Roving Chef going, I'm sure if you had asked for the money, it would have been given, if possible, or I could have found another way to help you.
God bless you.
Charlie, The Roving Chef
Pierceton
Thanks To Warsaw Fire Dept.
Editor, Times-Union:We would like to thank the Warsaw Fire Department for the presentation on fire safety which firemen Kreg Warren and Joe Fretz gave to the people served by the Cardinal Center. The firemen were able to present their information in a manner that was not only informative, but was truly enjoyable to their audience. Several noted how each fireman took time to speak with various individuals during and after the presentation.
This training provided a valuable service and gave important safey information to a population that is often overlooked. We truly appreciate the support of the fire department and the efforts of the firemen who took time from their busy schedules to give these presentations. We are continually trying to get people with disabilities involved in the community, and programs such as this play a very important part in achieving this goal. We hope to build on this program and have the safety presentation by the fire department become an annual event.
Again, the Cardinal Center thanks the Warsaw Fire Department for its support and its efforts to serve the community.
Paul J. Nowak
Community Living Instructor II
Religious Debate
Editor, Times-Union:In the wake of the terrorist tragedy of Sept. 11, carefully selected clergy have presided over prayer meetings all across America. Organizers have made a point of having Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders standing side by side in an effort to present a united front against terrorism.
Jews, Muslims and Christians are being called upon to set aside their differences and work under a benevolent democracy for the common good.
The world seems to be asking, "Why cannot Islam, Judaism and Christianity hold hands together in our new global environment? Are your religious values really so different? Do your assumed differences really matter?"
Here are a couple of thoughts in response:
First, there is no reason we cannot respect people and treat them with dignity and compassion while strongly disagreeing with their beliefs. The world wrongly deduces that deeply held religious belief is the cause of intolerance and sinful behavior on behalf of some religious people.
Second, while all three religions claim belief in one God, that one God never said, He is approachable through three faiths. We should not disrespect those who follow Judaism or Islam, but we need to remember that all three deny some very central tenets of the other.
Islam and Judaism: deny Jesus' claim to be the one true messiah; Judaism and Christianity: reject Islam's assertion that "there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet"; do not accept Muhammad as a prophet; and reject the Koran as holy writ; and further, Islam has little capacity to tolerate a sovereign Jewish state in the Middle East, and Muslims the world over will always be fundamentally opposed to Israel.
The three great religions are not on the same path! And we should be concerned about the rush of so many who ought to know better than to join hands with neo-pluralists in pursuing a one-world religion.
The vigorous debate and discussion about who God is and whether or not Jesus is the Messiah must continue. If those on a crusade to stop the debate gain the upper hand, freedom of religion will truly be lost. And we will be guilty of encouraging the world's population to continue toward a Christless eternity.
Milton Gould
Warsaw
Flag Etiquette
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in reference to your 1-19-02 issue of the Times- Union:
Your article on flag etiquette was one of the most distasteful articles I have ever read. You sat there and told us how to present the flag with proper etiquette that you had to look up on the Internet, which one of the several thousand hits did you use and which search engine did you use? If you had to look it up you must have been sleeping during your school history classes or skipped school those days.
You preached to us how not to print the flag for a single use or on something that will be discarded after one use. But since the Sept 11th attacks, I see that just six inches above where your article appeared that there is a flag in living color, violation one, and then I opened the paper and saw in the obituaries two more flags printed in black and white. If you are not to print the flag on something intended for one use, Gary, why is your paper violating flag etiquette? Also, your paper printed flags on a full page for people to display in their home windows, clearly a violation of flag etiquette. It would seem as though double standards are in use here.
My observations:
1. People are yearning to give what they can to show support for what has happened to our country no matter how small or large their support is.
2. The people signed their names and notes on a flag in New York City, is this against flag etiquette? Yes. Do you see the Supreme Court going after these people? No. Why, because that is the last note that they can or the last remembrance that they will have for their loved ones. I am sure that if this article was to ever get to the New York Times or "Good Morning America" that the people of New York City would have a few more words for you to ponder.
I suppose what I am trying to say here, Gary, is that if the U.S. government is not going after anyone, the major news reporting agencies and the television networks are not worried about how or which way the people of the United States are displaying their support in the manner of flying the flag, why are you? The world has changed, sir, please quit sweating the small stuff and look at the whole picture or at least make sure that when you print an article telling people of how others are doing wrong that you are in the right and not the wrong before printing such garbage.
Mark Ennis
Winona Lake
via e-mail
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