Letters to the Editor 02-22-2005
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Supports Coach McBride - Know God - Low Pay - Taking Off Pounds - No Daylight Savings - No Daylight Savings - Likes To Agree
Supports Coach McBride
Editor, Times-Union:After reading this morning's newspaper, I was shocked to see the action taken by the Triton School Board concerning varsity basketball coach Mike McBride. The image that this article depicts is not that of the coach or the man that I have personally known from the past.
My son had the privilege of playing basketball for Coach McBride in seventh and eighth grade at Heritage Middle School. The experience of those couple of years under Coach McBride was probably some of the best that he has ever had in sports. I will admit that Coach McBride is a very intense and sometimes very animated coach. He is not afraid to let his players know when they have made a mistake. He is probably the hardest working coach that I have ever seen. He would spend hours looking at game films and preparing his players for games. He puts everything into the game of basketball and expects the same from his players. I have seen Coach McBride bench his best players for not playing to their potential and I have seen him get "in their face" about their game. I would never say any of this was abusing them. Every one of these players would come back the next night more focused, more determined, and work even harder. In the end it pays off, as all of these players went on to become outstanding high school athletes and students.
Basketball, with the right leadership, teaches hard work, goal setting, dedication, commitment and it builds character. It teaches you respect. I can honestly say that my son is a better man today because of his association with Coach McBride.
Mike McBride is not only a good coach, he is a fine man. He is a dedicated family man and a deeply religious man. When my son was baptized into the church a few years ago, he asked Coach McBride to be there and to participate with a prayer. Coach McBride was honored to be part of this important moment in my son's life. All of Coach McBride's former players have this same kind of respect for him.
The first year that Coach McBride went to Triton, I took a few of his former players to watch one of his games. The team that he had on the floor that night had far less athletic talent than that of their opponent (no disrespect intended to the players). However, played harder and with more spirit and intensity than many teams you will see. A credit to their coach. And, by the way, they won the game. The only other time that I have seen Coach McBride during his time at Triton was this past Saturday, Feb. 12. Triton was playing at Bethany Christian High School. I sat in the middle of the Triton section and couldn't believe some of the comments I was hearing from parents about the coaching staff. I am sure if the players have to go home after games and hear these kinds of negative comments, then they will no doubt have no respect for their coach or their teammates. A little support from the fans and parents goes a long way. If a coach has no support from them, he has no chance with his players.
Maybe mike McBride and Triton's basketball program aren't a perfect fit for each other. I do not believe that a man's reputation and his character should be ruined by the type of article that I read this morning.
Don Kropf
Goshen
Know God
Editor, Times-Union:Occasionally in a church worship service we sing "I Know Whom I Have Believed" song. The Whom in the song is God. I know God. What a statement! To be so sure of knowing God is comforting, but also awesomely challenging. This is not knowing about God. It is a personal relationship in which strength, direction, comfort, purpose, forgiveness, love correction is sought and found in and from God.
Is this self deception? Can God be known by you and me? Is this vain, foolish and a mistake? Or is it true, as millions through the centuries have affirmed? A few of these presently are: Billy Graham, the Pope, George W. Bush, Robert Schuler, D. James Kennedy, Charles Stanley.
Often objectors say knowing God is irrational, "give us some material proof." God is Eternal Spirit (John 4:24), not a human being, as we are eternal spiritual beings in material bodies temporarily.
Again, some people say that all this is wishful thinking. Like one of my grandson, who had an imaginary friend he called "Willie." But Willie always agreed with him; was right near; ready to do grandson's desire. This isn't so with God! He says "Thou shalt not to our wrong desires, choices and demands obedience when we would rather not. Remember Moses argued with God about leading Israel out of Egypt away from the mighty pharaoh. But finally did (Exodus 3 and 4).
There is nothing more important than that everyone whom God has created, and caused to grow from a baby into youth and adult, know God personally. How? It will take silence, alert waiting, enough faith to reach up in an expectant openness. It will include a willingness to observe and accept the quality lives of some whose living gives evidence of God's presence, guidance and love. Also, a reading of the Bible with a "hunger after righteousness " Matthew 5:6, is necessary. Then attendance in a community of believers to share and receive others sharing. Their life stories will support and enrich your journey.
As a pilgrim on the journey to know God, receive the picture of God revealed in Jesus, Who said "I and my Father are One" John 10:30. You will find Him is you seek Him with all your heart, and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 4:29.
You can know God! May your journey be successful, friend!
C.L. Hendrix
Winona Lake
Low Pay
Editor, Times-Union:You know I often feel sorry for those ladies and gentlemen who work for our local retailers. The reason I often feel sorry for them is because some often are paid below $7 per hour and some have to work two jobs to support their families. I feel that some of our successful retailers need to re-adjust their starting pay scales to account for the cost of paying rent or house payments or those normal expenses that do increase period to period. I would like for successful retailers to consider increasing their starting pay to compete with the competition. Some stores have common excuses, such as sales aren't very high or some other nonsense excuse. I think if retailers or any business would have less people leaving for other jobs if pay adjustments were applied. It's only my opinion. Thank you for reading!
Bob Smythe
Warsaw
Taking Off Pounds
Editor, Times-Union:With all the struggle our people are having with overweight and obesity, I feel this letter (if you choose to print it) could be termed a public service announcement.
I would like to tell you about TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). This is a nonprofit organization and is the least expensive of all the weight-loss groups in the area.
Our local club, TOPS IN 112, is very proud of our accomplishments for the year 2004. We, collectively, lost over 100 pounds for the year. The Best Loser was June Ladd, who met her goal weight and graduated to KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly). The second best loser was Barbara Brilliandt and third was Mary Lou Baker. We are also proud to announce that not even one member of our club had a gain over Christmas or New Year.
Our club members offer lots of genuine encouragement for each other, plus all new members. We have informative programs plus new contests running all the time. The contests offer small rewards and help our with incentives. We also offer a $5 bill for any member who loses continuously for six consecutive weeks.
We meet every Monday at Miller's Merry Manor's lounge in their new assisted living facility.
If you would like more information, please call Mary Lou at 574-267-8409. Your first meeting is free. Hope to see you soon.
Barbara Brilliandt
Secretary, TOPS
Warsaw
No Daylight Savings
Editor, Times-Union:I just called my State Representative, David Wolkins, 18th District, to express my views against HB 1034: Indiana to observe DST.
The phone messenger I spoke with takes calls and messages concerning all HB for all state representatives. He states out of approximately 100 calls today, only two were for Indiana observing DST. He said the other phone messengers had the same ratio of calls. With this in mind, I undoubtedly believe the vast majority of Indiana residents want to keep the status quo.
Governor Daniels, who I voted for, was quoted in the Star Feb. 17, "... There is a clear majority for DST in the state. ..." How wrong can he be?
After growing up in Indiana, then graduating from the University of Arizona in Tucson, and now again residing in Indiana, I have and hope to continue not to play an outdated game with our clocks dating from WWI and WWII.
Robert A. Ragland
Leesburg
No Daylight Savings
Editor, Times-Union:There is much talk about the war in Iraq and whether or not we should be involved. I hate war. War is hell. However, there are times when war is necessary (remember Hitler?). History teaches us that appeasement and pacifism do not always work (remember Neville Chamberlain?). For many Christians, there is such a thing as "just war" - a position first formulated by Augustine, one of the early church fathers, who is commonly recognized as one of the greatest Christian thinkers of all time (Reasons To Believe, "Facts for Faith, Issue 5, 2001, at www.reasons.org). The "just war doctrine" is a doctrine that has shaped Western civilization for 1,600 years. It seeks to answer the question of when it is permissable to wage war. (A search under "just war" at www.breakpoint.org will provide a "Just War Fact Sheet" and many informative articles pertaining to just war. Also, an insightful article on "Can Preemptive Military Action in Iraq Be Justified?" can be found.)
I pray we do not so soon forget what happened on 9/11 and the thousands of lives that were taken. As difficult as it is at times, we must stay the course in the war against terrorism.
Tim Morbitzer
North Manchester
via e-mail
Likes To Agree
Editor, Times-Union:Like, to like, Mr. David Runyan. I like, agree with like, your like, recent like letter in the like, Times-Union like, newspaper on like, you know like what.
Like, thank you.
Allen D. Regenos
Claypool
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- Supports Coach McBride - Know God - Low Pay - Taking Off Pounds - No Daylight Savings - No Daylight Savings - Likes To Agree
Supports Coach McBride
Editor, Times-Union:After reading this morning's newspaper, I was shocked to see the action taken by the Triton School Board concerning varsity basketball coach Mike McBride. The image that this article depicts is not that of the coach or the man that I have personally known from the past.
My son had the privilege of playing basketball for Coach McBride in seventh and eighth grade at Heritage Middle School. The experience of those couple of years under Coach McBride was probably some of the best that he has ever had in sports. I will admit that Coach McBride is a very intense and sometimes very animated coach. He is not afraid to let his players know when they have made a mistake. He is probably the hardest working coach that I have ever seen. He would spend hours looking at game films and preparing his players for games. He puts everything into the game of basketball and expects the same from his players. I have seen Coach McBride bench his best players for not playing to their potential and I have seen him get "in their face" about their game. I would never say any of this was abusing them. Every one of these players would come back the next night more focused, more determined, and work even harder. In the end it pays off, as all of these players went on to become outstanding high school athletes and students.
Basketball, with the right leadership, teaches hard work, goal setting, dedication, commitment and it builds character. It teaches you respect. I can honestly say that my son is a better man today because of his association with Coach McBride.
Mike McBride is not only a good coach, he is a fine man. He is a dedicated family man and a deeply religious man. When my son was baptized into the church a few years ago, he asked Coach McBride to be there and to participate with a prayer. Coach McBride was honored to be part of this important moment in my son's life. All of Coach McBride's former players have this same kind of respect for him.
The first year that Coach McBride went to Triton, I took a few of his former players to watch one of his games. The team that he had on the floor that night had far less athletic talent than that of their opponent (no disrespect intended to the players). However, played harder and with more spirit and intensity than many teams you will see. A credit to their coach. And, by the way, they won the game. The only other time that I have seen Coach McBride during his time at Triton was this past Saturday, Feb. 12. Triton was playing at Bethany Christian High School. I sat in the middle of the Triton section and couldn't believe some of the comments I was hearing from parents about the coaching staff. I am sure if the players have to go home after games and hear these kinds of negative comments, then they will no doubt have no respect for their coach or their teammates. A little support from the fans and parents goes a long way. If a coach has no support from them, he has no chance with his players.
Maybe mike McBride and Triton's basketball program aren't a perfect fit for each other. I do not believe that a man's reputation and his character should be ruined by the type of article that I read this morning.
Don Kropf
Goshen
Know God
Editor, Times-Union:Occasionally in a church worship service we sing "I Know Whom I Have Believed" song. The Whom in the song is God. I know God. What a statement! To be so sure of knowing God is comforting, but also awesomely challenging. This is not knowing about God. It is a personal relationship in which strength, direction, comfort, purpose, forgiveness, love correction is sought and found in and from God.
Is this self deception? Can God be known by you and me? Is this vain, foolish and a mistake? Or is it true, as millions through the centuries have affirmed? A few of these presently are: Billy Graham, the Pope, George W. Bush, Robert Schuler, D. James Kennedy, Charles Stanley.
Often objectors say knowing God is irrational, "give us some material proof." God is Eternal Spirit (John 4:24), not a human being, as we are eternal spiritual beings in material bodies temporarily.
Again, some people say that all this is wishful thinking. Like one of my grandson, who had an imaginary friend he called "Willie." But Willie always agreed with him; was right near; ready to do grandson's desire. This isn't so with God! He says "Thou shalt not to our wrong desires, choices and demands obedience when we would rather not. Remember Moses argued with God about leading Israel out of Egypt away from the mighty pharaoh. But finally did (Exodus 3 and 4).
There is nothing more important than that everyone whom God has created, and caused to grow from a baby into youth and adult, know God personally. How? It will take silence, alert waiting, enough faith to reach up in an expectant openness. It will include a willingness to observe and accept the quality lives of some whose living gives evidence of God's presence, guidance and love. Also, a reading of the Bible with a "hunger after righteousness " Matthew 5:6, is necessary. Then attendance in a community of believers to share and receive others sharing. Their life stories will support and enrich your journey.
As a pilgrim on the journey to know God, receive the picture of God revealed in Jesus, Who said "I and my Father are One" John 10:30. You will find Him is you seek Him with all your heart, and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 4:29.
You can know God! May your journey be successful, friend!
C.L. Hendrix
Winona Lake
Low Pay
Editor, Times-Union:You know I often feel sorry for those ladies and gentlemen who work for our local retailers. The reason I often feel sorry for them is because some often are paid below $7 per hour and some have to work two jobs to support their families. I feel that some of our successful retailers need to re-adjust their starting pay scales to account for the cost of paying rent or house payments or those normal expenses that do increase period to period. I would like for successful retailers to consider increasing their starting pay to compete with the competition. Some stores have common excuses, such as sales aren't very high or some other nonsense excuse. I think if retailers or any business would have less people leaving for other jobs if pay adjustments were applied. It's only my opinion. Thank you for reading!
Bob Smythe
Warsaw
Taking Off Pounds
Editor, Times-Union:With all the struggle our people are having with overweight and obesity, I feel this letter (if you choose to print it) could be termed a public service announcement.
I would like to tell you about TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). This is a nonprofit organization and is the least expensive of all the weight-loss groups in the area.
Our local club, TOPS IN 112, is very proud of our accomplishments for the year 2004. We, collectively, lost over 100 pounds for the year. The Best Loser was June Ladd, who met her goal weight and graduated to KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly). The second best loser was Barbara Brilliandt and third was Mary Lou Baker. We are also proud to announce that not even one member of our club had a gain over Christmas or New Year.
Our club members offer lots of genuine encouragement for each other, plus all new members. We have informative programs plus new contests running all the time. The contests offer small rewards and help our with incentives. We also offer a $5 bill for any member who loses continuously for six consecutive weeks.
We meet every Monday at Miller's Merry Manor's lounge in their new assisted living facility.
If you would like more information, please call Mary Lou at 574-267-8409. Your first meeting is free. Hope to see you soon.
Barbara Brilliandt
Secretary, TOPS
Warsaw
No Daylight Savings
Editor, Times-Union:I just called my State Representative, David Wolkins, 18th District, to express my views against HB 1034: Indiana to observe DST.
The phone messenger I spoke with takes calls and messages concerning all HB for all state representatives. He states out of approximately 100 calls today, only two were for Indiana observing DST. He said the other phone messengers had the same ratio of calls. With this in mind, I undoubtedly believe the vast majority of Indiana residents want to keep the status quo.
Governor Daniels, who I voted for, was quoted in the Star Feb. 17, "... There is a clear majority for DST in the state. ..." How wrong can he be?
After growing up in Indiana, then graduating from the University of Arizona in Tucson, and now again residing in Indiana, I have and hope to continue not to play an outdated game with our clocks dating from WWI and WWII.
Robert A. Ragland
Leesburg
No Daylight Savings
Editor, Times-Union:There is much talk about the war in Iraq and whether or not we should be involved. I hate war. War is hell. However, there are times when war is necessary (remember Hitler?). History teaches us that appeasement and pacifism do not always work (remember Neville Chamberlain?). For many Christians, there is such a thing as "just war" - a position first formulated by Augustine, one of the early church fathers, who is commonly recognized as one of the greatest Christian thinkers of all time (Reasons To Believe, "Facts for Faith, Issue 5, 2001, at www.reasons.org). The "just war doctrine" is a doctrine that has shaped Western civilization for 1,600 years. It seeks to answer the question of when it is permissable to wage war. (A search under "just war" at www.breakpoint.org will provide a "Just War Fact Sheet" and many informative articles pertaining to just war. Also, an insightful article on "Can Preemptive Military Action in Iraq Be Justified?" can be found.)
I pray we do not so soon forget what happened on 9/11 and the thousands of lives that were taken. As difficult as it is at times, we must stay the course in the war against terrorism.
Tim Morbitzer
North Manchester
via e-mail
Likes To Agree
Editor, Times-Union:Like, to like, Mr. David Runyan. I like, agree with like, your like, recent like letter in the like, Times-Union like, newspaper on like, you know like what.
Like, thank you.
Allen D. Regenos
Claypool
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