Letters to the Editor 03-03-2006
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- In His Shoes - Major Moves - Gun Permits - Takes Issue - Patriot Guard - Seek Help
In His Shoes
Editor, Times-Union:First of all, in response to John Swick's letter in the March 1 edition and the segment on the Anthony DeMarco case, I respect your opinion that you think you would have told immediately if you were in the victim's shoes. However look at it this way: A figure that you have grown up with, became friends with, and came to know as one of the family does this to you. He then threatens your life and the lives of your family if you tell. Remember you are only a young boy. Think about it, do you tell? We know DeMarco was capable of molestation and now of trying to take his own life. Could he have carried out his threat? Unless you have gone through what the victim did, you in no way, shape, or form have any idea what you would have done.
A much larger picture is this. The victim will never be able to forget this. It will haunt him for the rest of his life. I know that all he wants to do is forget this and move on. I ask this out of respect for my friend. If a high school full of teenagers can give him the respect, keep quiet, and move on, can mature adults please do the same? If you were violated in this nature you would not want the publicity, I assure you.
Nate Bickel, via e-mail
Warsaw
Major Moves
Editor, Times-Union:Major Moves?
Moves to where for what reasons? When is selling an asset to buy a liability a smart business move? If you sell an asset that is or could be returning a profit, such as the toll road, to build more roads that will require endless maintenance - that is what you are doing! Who will build these new roads? Will it be citizens of the state of Indiana or low-wage immigrant and illegal alien labor? Will the corporations that do the work be from this state or another? Is any of this spelled out in this deal we are being sold?
Good luck trying to find out! I sent an e-mail to almost 30 state congressman and senators, received back four letters (two were form letters that answered none of my questions) and one hour-long call. The letter from Bill Ruppel and the call from Bill Friend's office seemed to be discussing different deals from the contradictions they contained. One question was, "Could a high speed passenger railway be built in the toll road right of way either in the median or beside the current road in the future?" Bill Ruppel said yes while Friends' office wasn't real sure just what we were leasing and what could be built on the toll road right away in the future, if anything, other than what those buying the lease desired. Did you know the state cannot improve U.S. 20 or U.S. 6 to four lanes for their length across Indiana during the entire life of the lease? Nor can you build a new east-west road that would compete with the toll road.
Please explain to me how someone standing here today can see into the future and know what the transportation needs of the northern third of the state will be in 25 years, 50 years or more? How can they tie the hands of future legislators not yet even born to address those issues? If this were part of an overall business plan for the state it would be different, but it is just what it appears to be, a short-sighted deal to try and get Mitch something to run for re-election on.
I asked if any potential businesses that might want to locate along these new roads such as the I-69 extension had been contacted to see what infrastructure they might require in addition to a new road to get them locate in our state, but was not answered. It would seem if the state desires industry and the jobs it brings, a plan would be developed around their needs and not just random road building in hopes someone might want to locate along them. We have two good industrial corridors started; one with Subaru in Lafayette and the GM truck plant in Fort Wayne. Maybe a road linking them would be a good idea considering the railroad access and other infrastructure already is in place in both of those areas? Oh that's right, that road wouldn't go to Indianapolis. I forgot.
What Indiana needs right now is leadership. People willing to take the time to develop a real plan for where Indiana needs to go in the future, not just those who wish to build roads in the hope "they will come." As slogans go, "Major Moves" isn't very catchy but "Pitch Mitch" has potential!
Mike Yazel, via e-mail
Mentone
Gun Permits
Editor, Times-Union:So Indiana may pass "stand-your-ground" legislation. That's very good. It primarily prevents anti-gun prosecutors from making the lives of law-abiding citizens miserable simply for defending themselves.
I have mixed feelings about the other provision making permits good for life. Now don't get me wrong, in a perfect world no permits would be needed. They are in fact unconstitutional. They are, however, a fact of life. Some 37 states now have "shall issue" permits. The problem I can envision is, what will these other states think of our lifetime permits? At the present time, states with normal four-year permits honor like permits from other states. If Indiana goes to a lifetime permit, will it still be honored in Michigan for instance?
Another problem I see with such a permit is what it may do to the state's police training programs. As I understand it, permit money is used for these programs. At the present time, I believe, there are some 300,000 permits in Indiana or some 75,000 per year, which figures out to some $1,875,000 per year. It's rather difficult to figure $100 per lifetime but I think $2 per year would be close. In other words, police funding would drop from $1.9 million per year to $600,000 per year.
I, for one, don't think three- to four-hundred dollars spread over a lifetime is too much.
Just thought I would throw this out. I'm sure some people will disagree and I'd like to hear from them. Especially you, Matt. Where the heck did you go now?
Harold Kitson
Warsaw
Takes Issue
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in reference to the letter from John Swick in Wednesday's paper.
How dare you write a letter defending gay people and then in turn say something negative about a child that has been molested!
Maybe this child did not come forth to his parents about the abuse because he was embarrased. Maybe the child did not come forth for fear that DeMarco might harm him or his family. Only the child knows why he waited to come forth to his parents and the reasons are none of your business or mine!
Don't you think that this child has had to deal with enough public humility from all of the publicity of this case? I just wonder if you would feel different about this situation if this was your child?
I feel like you have some nerve defending gay people and then in the next paragraph complaining about how this child handled his own situation!
You say that it is not right to judge other people and here you are judging this poor child that has had his innocense ripped away from him!
Heidi Ulrey, via e-mail
Warsaw
Patriot Guard
Editor, Times-Union:Recently, there was an article in the Times-Union concerning the Patriot Guard Riders. I am very proud to be one of their members.
This week we have been called into action by the family of one of our fallen heroes. Sgt. Rickey Jones, 21, of Kokomo, recently made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. His funeral will be Monday and there will be an organized ride down to provide a non-confrontational buffer zone between the protesters and the services. For some unexplained reason, there is a group in the name of their religion that takes pleasure in the deaths of our heroes. This is not about whether you agree with the war or not but showing respect to those who are on the front lines fighting for your right to disagree.
If you know a veteran, give them a hug and say thank-you, when one of our soldiers comes home, say thank-you. When one makes the ultimate sacrifice, let's rally behind the families and let them know how much we appreciate the freedoms their children gave their lives for. For any info on the PGR Riders, what we are about, as well as information on this mission, log on to www.patriotgaurd.org
Ken Platt, via e-mail
Warsaw
Seek Help
Editor, Times-Union:Re: John Swicks' letter printed March 1, 2006.
First and foremost, I did not want or need to be informed that your thinking and/or logic was so twisted, let alone be given a fairly detailed example!
Second, your innuendo towards the actions or inactions of a juvenile, I find very disturbing to my adult logic and moralistic values. Anyone with a little common sense and a mature knowledge of legal and illegal (right and wrong) would not have submitted a letter worded as you did, it is just more proof that "they" (the immoral minority) are all around us and our children.
Third, no sane Christian would agree with your worded defense of a child molester by trying to share the blame of the crime as partly the victims.
Fourth, coming from the mind that submitted this letter, I would think that your ending sentence of "live and let live" would have been more like, "let me do as I please, to hell with the laws of the land." The Holy Bible, the inspired words of God put into print, states we are to obey the laws of the land. Not twist them to fit our life styles.
Fifth and finally, yes, John, we in a spiritual sense are not to judge others, but our nation's courts must. If it's not too late John, seek help.
Jonathan R. Mauk, via e-mail
Warsaw
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- In His Shoes - Major Moves - Gun Permits - Takes Issue - Patriot Guard - Seek Help
In His Shoes
Editor, Times-Union:First of all, in response to John Swick's letter in the March 1 edition and the segment on the Anthony DeMarco case, I respect your opinion that you think you would have told immediately if you were in the victim's shoes. However look at it this way: A figure that you have grown up with, became friends with, and came to know as one of the family does this to you. He then threatens your life and the lives of your family if you tell. Remember you are only a young boy. Think about it, do you tell? We know DeMarco was capable of molestation and now of trying to take his own life. Could he have carried out his threat? Unless you have gone through what the victim did, you in no way, shape, or form have any idea what you would have done.
A much larger picture is this. The victim will never be able to forget this. It will haunt him for the rest of his life. I know that all he wants to do is forget this and move on. I ask this out of respect for my friend. If a high school full of teenagers can give him the respect, keep quiet, and move on, can mature adults please do the same? If you were violated in this nature you would not want the publicity, I assure you.
Nate Bickel, via e-mail
Warsaw
Major Moves
Editor, Times-Union:Major Moves?
Moves to where for what reasons? When is selling an asset to buy a liability a smart business move? If you sell an asset that is or could be returning a profit, such as the toll road, to build more roads that will require endless maintenance - that is what you are doing! Who will build these new roads? Will it be citizens of the state of Indiana or low-wage immigrant and illegal alien labor? Will the corporations that do the work be from this state or another? Is any of this spelled out in this deal we are being sold?
Good luck trying to find out! I sent an e-mail to almost 30 state congressman and senators, received back four letters (two were form letters that answered none of my questions) and one hour-long call. The letter from Bill Ruppel and the call from Bill Friend's office seemed to be discussing different deals from the contradictions they contained. One question was, "Could a high speed passenger railway be built in the toll road right of way either in the median or beside the current road in the future?" Bill Ruppel said yes while Friends' office wasn't real sure just what we were leasing and what could be built on the toll road right away in the future, if anything, other than what those buying the lease desired. Did you know the state cannot improve U.S. 20 or U.S. 6 to four lanes for their length across Indiana during the entire life of the lease? Nor can you build a new east-west road that would compete with the toll road.
Please explain to me how someone standing here today can see into the future and know what the transportation needs of the northern third of the state will be in 25 years, 50 years or more? How can they tie the hands of future legislators not yet even born to address those issues? If this were part of an overall business plan for the state it would be different, but it is just what it appears to be, a short-sighted deal to try and get Mitch something to run for re-election on.
I asked if any potential businesses that might want to locate along these new roads such as the I-69 extension had been contacted to see what infrastructure they might require in addition to a new road to get them locate in our state, but was not answered. It would seem if the state desires industry and the jobs it brings, a plan would be developed around their needs and not just random road building in hopes someone might want to locate along them. We have two good industrial corridors started; one with Subaru in Lafayette and the GM truck plant in Fort Wayne. Maybe a road linking them would be a good idea considering the railroad access and other infrastructure already is in place in both of those areas? Oh that's right, that road wouldn't go to Indianapolis. I forgot.
What Indiana needs right now is leadership. People willing to take the time to develop a real plan for where Indiana needs to go in the future, not just those who wish to build roads in the hope "they will come." As slogans go, "Major Moves" isn't very catchy but "Pitch Mitch" has potential!
Mike Yazel, via e-mail
Mentone
Gun Permits
Editor, Times-Union:So Indiana may pass "stand-your-ground" legislation. That's very good. It primarily prevents anti-gun prosecutors from making the lives of law-abiding citizens miserable simply for defending themselves.
I have mixed feelings about the other provision making permits good for life. Now don't get me wrong, in a perfect world no permits would be needed. They are in fact unconstitutional. They are, however, a fact of life. Some 37 states now have "shall issue" permits. The problem I can envision is, what will these other states think of our lifetime permits? At the present time, states with normal four-year permits honor like permits from other states. If Indiana goes to a lifetime permit, will it still be honored in Michigan for instance?
Another problem I see with such a permit is what it may do to the state's police training programs. As I understand it, permit money is used for these programs. At the present time, I believe, there are some 300,000 permits in Indiana or some 75,000 per year, which figures out to some $1,875,000 per year. It's rather difficult to figure $100 per lifetime but I think $2 per year would be close. In other words, police funding would drop from $1.9 million per year to $600,000 per year.
I, for one, don't think three- to four-hundred dollars spread over a lifetime is too much.
Just thought I would throw this out. I'm sure some people will disagree and I'd like to hear from them. Especially you, Matt. Where the heck did you go now?
Harold Kitson
Warsaw
Takes Issue
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in reference to the letter from John Swick in Wednesday's paper.
How dare you write a letter defending gay people and then in turn say something negative about a child that has been molested!
Maybe this child did not come forth to his parents about the abuse because he was embarrased. Maybe the child did not come forth for fear that DeMarco might harm him or his family. Only the child knows why he waited to come forth to his parents and the reasons are none of your business or mine!
Don't you think that this child has had to deal with enough public humility from all of the publicity of this case? I just wonder if you would feel different about this situation if this was your child?
I feel like you have some nerve defending gay people and then in the next paragraph complaining about how this child handled his own situation!
You say that it is not right to judge other people and here you are judging this poor child that has had his innocense ripped away from him!
Heidi Ulrey, via e-mail
Warsaw
Patriot Guard
Editor, Times-Union:Recently, there was an article in the Times-Union concerning the Patriot Guard Riders. I am very proud to be one of their members.
This week we have been called into action by the family of one of our fallen heroes. Sgt. Rickey Jones, 21, of Kokomo, recently made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. His funeral will be Monday and there will be an organized ride down to provide a non-confrontational buffer zone between the protesters and the services. For some unexplained reason, there is a group in the name of their religion that takes pleasure in the deaths of our heroes. This is not about whether you agree with the war or not but showing respect to those who are on the front lines fighting for your right to disagree.
If you know a veteran, give them a hug and say thank-you, when one of our soldiers comes home, say thank-you. When one makes the ultimate sacrifice, let's rally behind the families and let them know how much we appreciate the freedoms their children gave their lives for. For any info on the PGR Riders, what we are about, as well as information on this mission, log on to www.patriotgaurd.org
Ken Platt, via e-mail
Warsaw
Seek Help
Editor, Times-Union:Re: John Swicks' letter printed March 1, 2006.
First and foremost, I did not want or need to be informed that your thinking and/or logic was so twisted, let alone be given a fairly detailed example!
Second, your innuendo towards the actions or inactions of a juvenile, I find very disturbing to my adult logic and moralistic values. Anyone with a little common sense and a mature knowledge of legal and illegal (right and wrong) would not have submitted a letter worded as you did, it is just more proof that "they" (the immoral minority) are all around us and our children.
Third, no sane Christian would agree with your worded defense of a child molester by trying to share the blame of the crime as partly the victims.
Fourth, coming from the mind that submitted this letter, I would think that your ending sentence of "live and let live" would have been more like, "let me do as I please, to hell with the laws of the land." The Holy Bible, the inspired words of God put into print, states we are to obey the laws of the land. Not twist them to fit our life styles.
Fifth and finally, yes, John, we in a spiritual sense are not to judge others, but our nation's courts must. If it's not too late John, seek help.
Jonathan R. Mauk, via e-mail
Warsaw
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