Letters to the Editor 02-25-1999
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Rural Dogs - Eliminate Judicial System - Mason Health Care - Gutless Government - Lawmakers Say Thanks - KCH Praised - Libertarians Against EDIT - Voting Their Conscience - Lying Acceptable
Rural Dogs
Editor, Times-Union:The following information was obtained through letters and telephone calls to county sheriff departments and from census data provided on internet sites. The statistical evidence appears to indicate that the size and extraordinary growth rate of Kosciusko County warrants the prompt attention of our elected and appointed representatives in addressing the issue of a county animal noise ordinance.
County Rural 1997 Pop. 37 Year # Regular
+ Barking Pop. Density Pop. County
Neighbor Code Est. Sq. Mi. Increase % Officers
Elkhart Yes 170000 336 57% 69
Kosciusko No 70000 121 75% 33
Marshall Yes 45000 95 40% 21
Noble No 42000 92 50% 19
Wabash Yes 35000 85 7% 16
Whitley No 32000 82 44% 11
Fulton Yes 20000 51 17% 7
Excerpts from selected county ordinances paraphrased:
"...It shall be unlawful for the owner of the dog to allow it to disturb the peace and quiet of the neighborhood by..."
"...habitually barking, making loud or unusual noises..."
"...bark, whine or howl in excessive or continuous..."
"...barks or howls for periods exceeding 30 minutes..."
Note: 72% of Kosciusko County residents live outside city limits. Kosciusko County has the highest number of county officers per capita of these counties.
Russ Kann, Syracuse
Eliminate Judicial System
Editor, Times-Union:What a week it was in Washington! We finally have all the impeachment proceedings behind us as a nation. And now that we even have word that our legislators are not even going to bother with a censure (because it's not what the "American people" want), I think it's time for us to take the next natural step.
I think it's time for our Representatives and Senators to vote a Congressional Commendation for our Chief Executive. He should be commended for leading us to perhaps the most revolutionary streamlining of our government ever. He has shown us that it really is possible and even feasible to eliminate our entire cumbersome and expensive judicial system. If it weren't for all he has led us through, we would never have discovered that you really don't need to have judges and lawyers. All we need are opinion polls. It's fantastic! Just think of all the money we can save in the federal budget by eliminating the judges, court employees and lawyers and their staff.
Just think how much money we could have saved on the O.J. trial! Instead of occupying the time and effort of all those lawyers and Judge Ito, we should simply have hired a few pollsters. If the polls had said O.J. did it, he'd have gone to jail. If not, he'd have gone free.
This plan could even be touted as one of this administration's new job creation programs. Think of how many pollster jobs we could create! And we could hire students just out of school looking for jobs to be pollsters for a fraction of what we have to pay a judge or lawyer. Then, take any lawsuit or criminal case. The pollsters just ask people whether they think there should be any consequences or not. It really doesn't matter if those polled know any of the particulars of a case - we can trust the American people to "feel one another's pain." If the polls show the person should be punished, so be it. If they don't, we acquit. It's so simple and cost-effective!
Oh, but what about the media who won't then be able to broadcast or write about trials? We'll have media outlets open up 1-900 phone numbers. So many of us never get called by the pollsters anyway. (Have you ever been polled?) This will give anyone interested in being a part of our great democracy a chance to call in and have their voice heard. People can (for a price) call in their opinion on any case.
What happens with all the money saved in the federal budget? I think we should take one half of the savings in the first year and use it to fund federally sponsored vocational rehabilitation centers so that all the judges and lawyers in our land can get job training to help them find new, viable careers. After all, I fear that they will be hurt most by this modernizing of jurisprudence.
The other half of the savings in the first year should go into saving social security. That will ensure that our President can boast of one more way his policies have saved our country and led us into the 21st century.
It's about time that something good comes from all our nation has been through this past year, don't you agree?
Bruce Barlow, Winona Lake
Mason Health Care
Editor, Times-Union:Today's article about Mason Health Care causes much more concern. First, we have the secret sale of a publicly owned hospital. Now we have doubtful cooperation of the new owners with another health facility. Where is the care and concern Quorum talked about?
Mr. Alt and company have now told us they are selling Mason Health Care, which was owned by KCH, which was owned by "we the people." Mr. Alt, what are you going to do with (or when are you going to sell) the old McDonald Hospital building, all the doctor's office buildings and practices KCH purchased last year, and all the buildings purchased in the small towns for doctor's offices that were never filled?
You may be doing the right thing. With all this secret buying in the past and selling recently it leads to much doubt and mistrust. Then we see that Mr. Alt is the chairman of the group that will "award or donate" the funds accumulated from their sales. Wow!
I'm not saying anything is wrong. I'm saying by doing everything secretly you cause us to wonder whose best interest is being served.
It is hard to believe the Times-Union is just sitting by and not spear-heading "our right to know." When there is something questionable in a school or town you step up into the leadership position informing what is going on. Which is what you should do now in my opinion.
If this is progress, I sure hope the rest of us can see it soon.
Alice Waggoner, Etna Green
Gutless Government
Editor, Times-Union:We are governed by a bunch of gutless people.
They do not care about the people who elected them. They do not care about the morals of the country. They do not care about the stain of the Presidency or our country.
Their only concern is to be re-elected.
Everyone who is imprisoned or under house arrest for lying to a grand jury or trying to obstruct justice should be immediately released. Never again should anyone be imprisoned for doing what the president did.
Those who voted against impeachment also voted against the Constitution of the United States.
We have all been betrayed.
Evelyn Trickle, Laketon
Lawmakers Say Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Please allow us this public forum to extend our thanks and appreciation in being named recipients of the Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce "Excellence in Government Award."
As natives of the area, privileged to serve in the Indiana General Assembly, this honor is especially meaningful.
Our responsibility is to study and be fair in considering the issues which come before us. We have a strong commitment to the betterment of our local citizens and their welfare, coupled with the economic well-being of the business and professional community.
It is an honor to receive this coveted award.
Kent Adams
State Senator
David Wolkins, State Representative
KCH Praised
Editor, Times-Union:I spent another week in KCH again this year. I have nothing but praise for this hospital.
I want to thank Dr. Jensen, Dr. Sawyer and any other doctor involved with my surgery. Also the R.N.s, the aides, the housekeepers and all those on the fourth floor who cared. There is plenty of TLC on that floor. The food was very good. It wasn't the cook's fault that I couldn't eat. I mustn't forget the R.N.s in O.R. Thanks to you all.
Marjorie Perry, Warsaw
Libertarians Against EDIT
Editor, Times-Union:Just a note to Kosciusko County voters: You would have gotten a vote against the EDIT or any other tax from every Libertarian you voted into office. Please keep that in mind next election and thanks again to all who did vote Libertarian. Keep on votin' (Libertarian, of course).
Deanna Newton, Warsaw
Voting Their Conscience
Editor, Times-Union:I have the feeling I could be running out of favor with the Letters to the Editor or at least exceeded my limit of printings. Whichever, I feel the climate, especially the National, encourages me to submit a few more of my off-the-wall comments. I hope they will be of some benefit to at least some of you who read the "Letters" column.
Today is Friday, Feb. 12, in the United States of America and all is, in my opinion, not well. Our United States Senators voting their conscience acquitted and exonerated William Jefferson.
Was their conscience bi-partisan? I think not. Did they vote the 80-20 polls? I think yes. Were they more concerned with their own welfare than the citizenry of this country of ours? I think yes. Quote from Robert Byrd, senator from the state of West Virginia: " This President did commit perjury and obstruction of justice." Senator Byrd voted acquittal on both these counts. He is the revered perennial watch-dog of the Senate rules, fount of history and wisdom. I feel he needs to take on a little humility, especially after his remarks and actions pertaining to the Articles of Impeachment. He did not even want to continue the hearings.
I believe it has finally happened. Democratic and Republican politicians have finally, officially melded. They are leading as one. No need for bi-partisanship. No need to explain their actions on anything.
To you reform party members: I have read your platform and, for the most part, it is good and I wish you well, "but" (that word "but" doesn't rise) ... To even make a dent in the United "Dempub" party you would (quoting recent words in the Times-Union) need "canonization" and - still a stretch if the 80%-ers are the reflection of all - young and old. Well?
We critical bunnies are off a week. Congress is in recess.
B. J. Walker, Warsaw
Lying Acceptable
Editor, Times-Union:It appears that lying has become an acceptable way of life in our good old U.S.A. Our president lies and many members of Congress stand and applaud him. American Airline pilots call in sick, which is obviously a lie. They are encouraged to do this by their union officials.
What will the children of the pilots learn when they see their parents tell a bold face lie? The answer: It is OK to lie.
The nation has been torn apart by Mr. Clinton's lies. Many innocent people have been hurt by the pilots' lies. There will be a day of reckoning for liars, but in the meantime, much harm is done.
Fred Yohey, Atwood
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- Rural Dogs - Eliminate Judicial System - Mason Health Care - Gutless Government - Lawmakers Say Thanks - KCH Praised - Libertarians Against EDIT - Voting Their Conscience - Lying Acceptable
Rural Dogs
Editor, Times-Union:The following information was obtained through letters and telephone calls to county sheriff departments and from census data provided on internet sites. The statistical evidence appears to indicate that the size and extraordinary growth rate of Kosciusko County warrants the prompt attention of our elected and appointed representatives in addressing the issue of a county animal noise ordinance.
County Rural 1997 Pop. 37 Year # Regular
+ Barking Pop. Density Pop. County
Neighbor Code Est. Sq. Mi. Increase % Officers
Elkhart Yes 170000 336 57% 69
Kosciusko No 70000 121 75% 33
Marshall Yes 45000 95 40% 21
Noble No 42000 92 50% 19
Wabash Yes 35000 85 7% 16
Whitley No 32000 82 44% 11
Fulton Yes 20000 51 17% 7
Excerpts from selected county ordinances paraphrased:
"...It shall be unlawful for the owner of the dog to allow it to disturb the peace and quiet of the neighborhood by..."
"...habitually barking, making loud or unusual noises..."
"...bark, whine or howl in excessive or continuous..."
"...barks or howls for periods exceeding 30 minutes..."
Note: 72% of Kosciusko County residents live outside city limits. Kosciusko County has the highest number of county officers per capita of these counties.
Russ Kann, Syracuse
Eliminate Judicial System
Editor, Times-Union:What a week it was in Washington! We finally have all the impeachment proceedings behind us as a nation. And now that we even have word that our legislators are not even going to bother with a censure (because it's not what the "American people" want), I think it's time for us to take the next natural step.
I think it's time for our Representatives and Senators to vote a Congressional Commendation for our Chief Executive. He should be commended for leading us to perhaps the most revolutionary streamlining of our government ever. He has shown us that it really is possible and even feasible to eliminate our entire cumbersome and expensive judicial system. If it weren't for all he has led us through, we would never have discovered that you really don't need to have judges and lawyers. All we need are opinion polls. It's fantastic! Just think of all the money we can save in the federal budget by eliminating the judges, court employees and lawyers and their staff.
Just think how much money we could have saved on the O.J. trial! Instead of occupying the time and effort of all those lawyers and Judge Ito, we should simply have hired a few pollsters. If the polls had said O.J. did it, he'd have gone to jail. If not, he'd have gone free.
This plan could even be touted as one of this administration's new job creation programs. Think of how many pollster jobs we could create! And we could hire students just out of school looking for jobs to be pollsters for a fraction of what we have to pay a judge or lawyer. Then, take any lawsuit or criminal case. The pollsters just ask people whether they think there should be any consequences or not. It really doesn't matter if those polled know any of the particulars of a case - we can trust the American people to "feel one another's pain." If the polls show the person should be punished, so be it. If they don't, we acquit. It's so simple and cost-effective!
Oh, but what about the media who won't then be able to broadcast or write about trials? We'll have media outlets open up 1-900 phone numbers. So many of us never get called by the pollsters anyway. (Have you ever been polled?) This will give anyone interested in being a part of our great democracy a chance to call in and have their voice heard. People can (for a price) call in their opinion on any case.
What happens with all the money saved in the federal budget? I think we should take one half of the savings in the first year and use it to fund federally sponsored vocational rehabilitation centers so that all the judges and lawyers in our land can get job training to help them find new, viable careers. After all, I fear that they will be hurt most by this modernizing of jurisprudence.
The other half of the savings in the first year should go into saving social security. That will ensure that our President can boast of one more way his policies have saved our country and led us into the 21st century.
It's about time that something good comes from all our nation has been through this past year, don't you agree?
Bruce Barlow, Winona Lake
Mason Health Care
Editor, Times-Union:Today's article about Mason Health Care causes much more concern. First, we have the secret sale of a publicly owned hospital. Now we have doubtful cooperation of the new owners with another health facility. Where is the care and concern Quorum talked about?
Mr. Alt and company have now told us they are selling Mason Health Care, which was owned by KCH, which was owned by "we the people." Mr. Alt, what are you going to do with (or when are you going to sell) the old McDonald Hospital building, all the doctor's office buildings and practices KCH purchased last year, and all the buildings purchased in the small towns for doctor's offices that were never filled?
You may be doing the right thing. With all this secret buying in the past and selling recently it leads to much doubt and mistrust. Then we see that Mr. Alt is the chairman of the group that will "award or donate" the funds accumulated from their sales. Wow!
I'm not saying anything is wrong. I'm saying by doing everything secretly you cause us to wonder whose best interest is being served.
It is hard to believe the Times-Union is just sitting by and not spear-heading "our right to know." When there is something questionable in a school or town you step up into the leadership position informing what is going on. Which is what you should do now in my opinion.
If this is progress, I sure hope the rest of us can see it soon.
Alice Waggoner, Etna Green
Gutless Government
Editor, Times-Union:We are governed by a bunch of gutless people.
They do not care about the people who elected them. They do not care about the morals of the country. They do not care about the stain of the Presidency or our country.
Their only concern is to be re-elected.
Everyone who is imprisoned or under house arrest for lying to a grand jury or trying to obstruct justice should be immediately released. Never again should anyone be imprisoned for doing what the president did.
Those who voted against impeachment also voted against the Constitution of the United States.
We have all been betrayed.
Evelyn Trickle, Laketon
Lawmakers Say Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Please allow us this public forum to extend our thanks and appreciation in being named recipients of the Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce "Excellence in Government Award."
As natives of the area, privileged to serve in the Indiana General Assembly, this honor is especially meaningful.
Our responsibility is to study and be fair in considering the issues which come before us. We have a strong commitment to the betterment of our local citizens and their welfare, coupled with the economic well-being of the business and professional community.
It is an honor to receive this coveted award.
Kent Adams
State Senator
David Wolkins, State Representative
KCH Praised
Editor, Times-Union:I spent another week in KCH again this year. I have nothing but praise for this hospital.
I want to thank Dr. Jensen, Dr. Sawyer and any other doctor involved with my surgery. Also the R.N.s, the aides, the housekeepers and all those on the fourth floor who cared. There is plenty of TLC on that floor. The food was very good. It wasn't the cook's fault that I couldn't eat. I mustn't forget the R.N.s in O.R. Thanks to you all.
Marjorie Perry, Warsaw
Libertarians Against EDIT
Editor, Times-Union:Just a note to Kosciusko County voters: You would have gotten a vote against the EDIT or any other tax from every Libertarian you voted into office. Please keep that in mind next election and thanks again to all who did vote Libertarian. Keep on votin' (Libertarian, of course).
Deanna Newton, Warsaw
Voting Their Conscience
Editor, Times-Union:I have the feeling I could be running out of favor with the Letters to the Editor or at least exceeded my limit of printings. Whichever, I feel the climate, especially the National, encourages me to submit a few more of my off-the-wall comments. I hope they will be of some benefit to at least some of you who read the "Letters" column.
Today is Friday, Feb. 12, in the United States of America and all is, in my opinion, not well. Our United States Senators voting their conscience acquitted and exonerated William Jefferson.
Was their conscience bi-partisan? I think not. Did they vote the 80-20 polls? I think yes. Were they more concerned with their own welfare than the citizenry of this country of ours? I think yes. Quote from Robert Byrd, senator from the state of West Virginia: " This President did commit perjury and obstruction of justice." Senator Byrd voted acquittal on both these counts. He is the revered perennial watch-dog of the Senate rules, fount of history and wisdom. I feel he needs to take on a little humility, especially after his remarks and actions pertaining to the Articles of Impeachment. He did not even want to continue the hearings.
I believe it has finally happened. Democratic and Republican politicians have finally, officially melded. They are leading as one. No need for bi-partisanship. No need to explain their actions on anything.
To you reform party members: I have read your platform and, for the most part, it is good and I wish you well, "but" (that word "but" doesn't rise) ... To even make a dent in the United "Dempub" party you would (quoting recent words in the Times-Union) need "canonization" and - still a stretch if the 80%-ers are the reflection of all - young and old. Well?
We critical bunnies are off a week. Congress is in recess.
B. J. Walker, Warsaw
Lying Acceptable
Editor, Times-Union:It appears that lying has become an acceptable way of life in our good old U.S.A. Our president lies and many members of Congress stand and applaud him. American Airline pilots call in sick, which is obviously a lie. They are encouraged to do this by their union officials.
What will the children of the pilots learn when they see their parents tell a bold face lie? The answer: It is OK to lie.
The nation has been torn apart by Mr. Clinton's lies. Many innocent people have been hurt by the pilots' lies. There will be a day of reckoning for liars, but in the meantime, much harm is done.
Fred Yohey, Atwood
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