Letters to the Editor 03-23-2000
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Respect The Flag - 'Class' Basketball - Congratulations Tigers - Census Intrusion - Relay For Life - Gas Prices
Respect The Flag
Editor, Times-Union:For those who want to light Old Glory on fire, stomp all over it or spit on it to make some sort of "statement," I say let them do it. But under one condition: they MUST get permission from three sponsors.
First, you need permission of a war veteran.
Second, you need a signature from an immigrant.
Third, you should get the signature of a mother.
Not just any mother. You need a mother of someone who gave their life for America. It doesn't even have to be from a war. It could be a cop. Or a fireman. Maybe a Secret Service or NSA agent. Then again, it could be a common foot soldier as well. When that son or daughter is laid to rest, their family is given one gift by the American people; an American flag. Go on. I dare you. Ask that mother if you can spit on her flag. Away from family, away from the precious shores of home, in the face of overwhelming odds and often in the face of death, the American flag inspires those who believe in the American dream, the American promise, the American vision. ...
Americans who don't appreciate the flag don't appreciate this nation. And those who appreciate this nation appreciate the American flag. So if you want to desecrate the American flag, before you spit on it or before you burn it, I have a simple request. Just ask permission. Not from the Constitution. Not from some obscure law. Not from the politicians or the pundits. Instead, ask those who have defended our nation so that we may be free today. Ask those who struggled to reach our shores so that they may join us in the American dream. And ask those who clutch a flag in place of their sacrificed sons and daughters, given to this nation so that others may be free. For we cannot ask permission from those who died wishing they could, just once ... or once again ... see, touch or kiss the flag that stands for our nation, the United States of America ...
Go ahead. Ask. I dare you!
Robert L. Reed
U.S. Army Ret.
Vietnam 1968-69
Warsaw
via e-mail
'Class' Basketball
Editor, Times-Union:A lot has been written and said about class basketball in the state of Indiana; I would just like to share what I see as true class in basketball.
True class is the Tippecanoe Valley 8th grade girls, who went 49-0, saying a prayer before each game to get "psyched up." True class is these same girls dedicating their tournament win to the late grandfather, and big fan, of one of their teammates. Such character in ones so young is remarkable. True class is the administrators of West Lafayette High School who graciously allowed the visiting and victorious Tippecanoe Valley fans to have a short pep session in their gym. This allowed the players and fans to revel in their win and get ticket information for semi-state. True class is the West Lafayette players (9 of them seniors who had just played in their last high school game) coming back out during the pep session to pay tribute to the Valley players and large fan following and wish them the best of luck. True class is the Tippecanoe Valley fans giving this fine young man a standing ovation. True class is Brandon Eaton going on camera and giving a very composed interview just minutes after Valley's loss to Pendelton Heights in the semi-state. True class is assistant coach, Chad Patrick, patiently waiting for Brandon so he would not have to make the long walk across the gym floor to the locker room, the last of his high school career, alone. True class is the fans of Tippecanoe Valley who, after their loss in the morning, went to cheer for Triton in the Championship game of the 2A semi-state.
These are just some of the examples of character and sportsmanship that have demonstrated this year. This is what I like to think Indiana High School is really all about. These young ladies and men stand as a shining example to all of us.
Thank you to the parents and coaches for instilling values and character in these fine young people. We are all very proud of all of them. Thank you players, coaches, cheerleaders and fans for a great year!
Aimee Anglin
via e-mail
Congratulations Tigers
Editor, Times-Union:Congratulations Warsaw Tigers on your 20-5 season! You have nothing to be ashamed about. You made it all the way to Semistate. All of you played a hard fought game. I've enjoyed watching you guys play together as a talented basketball team.
To the coaching staff who takes the time to scout, do stats and everything else you do, you guys are awesome! Thanks, Tigers, for a great season. A true No.1 Tiger Fan.
Janet Price
Warsaw
Census Intrusion
Editor, Times-Union:Were you unfortunate enough to receive the long form Census 2000? I was!
This is a most intrusive questionnaire. "How do you get to work?" "Do you have any disabilities?" "How many cars do you own?" "What is your income and who do you work for?" "How much of your income is from wages, self-employment, farm, dividends, rentals, trusts, Social Security and on and on and on?" "What time did you leave the house to go to work last week?" "How many minutes did it take you to get to work?" "What did you do when you got there?"
The Constitution of the United States grants the government authority to count the population. You know, like "how many live in this house." Period. However, this long form being sent to one out of six homes asks 53 questions that are very personal and private.
U.S. Code, Title 13, Section 221 states citizens must fully comply with the census or face a $100 fine. This must be part of the "re-inventing government" we hear about. Well, they can bill me!
The Drudge Report on Wednesday, March 15, 2000 is titled: "Census Breakdown: Citizens Tell Sam To Shove It Over Probing Questions; Will Pay Fine."
A cover letter accompanying the long form states that no one will have access to the information other than the Census Bureau. Really? This comment from an administration that "borrowed" more than 1,000 Republican files from the FBI? Yes sir, I really believe that.
On Tuesday, census officials received more than 600,000 phone calls from irate citizens. When I called 800-471-9424, I got a multiple choice recording, no live person. Therefore, I have faxed and called my congressmen and senators complaining about the form. If this intrusive type of census bothers you, please do the same.
Greg Smith
North Webster
Relay For Life
Editor, Times-Union:I wish to express my pleasure with the results of Kosciusko County's first Relay for Life Kick-Off Breakfast held Saturday, March. 4. An all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast was served to the public at the Center Lake Pavilion, the price of admission being merely a donation and willingness to learn more about Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society. As expected this county stepped up and gave and volunteered generously.
Relay for Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society and is growing by leaps and bounds. Bolstered by the efforts of Wawasee 103 (WAWC 103.5 FM), Video and Sound Productions, KC Online and White Wolf Designs, our dedicated volunteers are doing their level best to educate our community about this exciting benefit.
Relay is a team event to fight cancer, and our fund-raising efforts benefit people battling this insidious disease right here in Kosciusko County. This year's event is June 10 and 11 at the Kosciusko County 4-H Fairgrounds. Relay is a great way to involve your entire family, business, organization or church in a fun and worthwhile event.
Watch and listen for us on VSP-TV and WAWC 103.5 FM, or check out our Web site at www.kconline.com/relayforlife. If you prefer you can contact my office in Syracuse at 528-6319 or toll-free 877-632-5999. Please help us help the American Cancer Society.
Chris D. Cotton, co-chair
Kosciusko County Relay for Life
Gas Prices
Editor, Times-Union:Here's a thought about the high price of gas, and how to bring the price down quickly:
Day 1: Bring home one oil-guzzling aircraft carrier from the Persian Gulf.
Day 2: Stop our jet-fuel-consuming planes' patrols over Iraq.
Day 3: Tell Sadam it's his turn to patrol over the southern Arab palaces.
Day 4: Boot our worthless president and Congress out of office (by election). In a working government, they would have seen the skyrocketing oil prices and would have taken pre-emptive measures.
Day 5: Reshuffle the deck! Elect a good president and legislators who are not "on the take" and who would really serve the American taxpayers.
Day 6: Pump our own oil.
Day 7: Take a Sabbath to sit back and rest, don't drive.
If needed, repeat until we get results.
Alvon Abbott
Warsaw
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- Respect The Flag - 'Class' Basketball - Congratulations Tigers - Census Intrusion - Relay For Life - Gas Prices
Respect The Flag
Editor, Times-Union:For those who want to light Old Glory on fire, stomp all over it or spit on it to make some sort of "statement," I say let them do it. But under one condition: they MUST get permission from three sponsors.
First, you need permission of a war veteran.
Second, you need a signature from an immigrant.
Third, you should get the signature of a mother.
Not just any mother. You need a mother of someone who gave their life for America. It doesn't even have to be from a war. It could be a cop. Or a fireman. Maybe a Secret Service or NSA agent. Then again, it could be a common foot soldier as well. When that son or daughter is laid to rest, their family is given one gift by the American people; an American flag. Go on. I dare you. Ask that mother if you can spit on her flag. Away from family, away from the precious shores of home, in the face of overwhelming odds and often in the face of death, the American flag inspires those who believe in the American dream, the American promise, the American vision. ...
Americans who don't appreciate the flag don't appreciate this nation. And those who appreciate this nation appreciate the American flag. So if you want to desecrate the American flag, before you spit on it or before you burn it, I have a simple request. Just ask permission. Not from the Constitution. Not from some obscure law. Not from the politicians or the pundits. Instead, ask those who have defended our nation so that we may be free today. Ask those who struggled to reach our shores so that they may join us in the American dream. And ask those who clutch a flag in place of their sacrificed sons and daughters, given to this nation so that others may be free. For we cannot ask permission from those who died wishing they could, just once ... or once again ... see, touch or kiss the flag that stands for our nation, the United States of America ...
Go ahead. Ask. I dare you!
Robert L. Reed
U.S. Army Ret.
Vietnam 1968-69
Warsaw
via e-mail
'Class' Basketball
Editor, Times-Union:A lot has been written and said about class basketball in the state of Indiana; I would just like to share what I see as true class in basketball.
True class is the Tippecanoe Valley 8th grade girls, who went 49-0, saying a prayer before each game to get "psyched up." True class is these same girls dedicating their tournament win to the late grandfather, and big fan, of one of their teammates. Such character in ones so young is remarkable. True class is the administrators of West Lafayette High School who graciously allowed the visiting and victorious Tippecanoe Valley fans to have a short pep session in their gym. This allowed the players and fans to revel in their win and get ticket information for semi-state. True class is the West Lafayette players (9 of them seniors who had just played in their last high school game) coming back out during the pep session to pay tribute to the Valley players and large fan following and wish them the best of luck. True class is the Tippecanoe Valley fans giving this fine young man a standing ovation. True class is Brandon Eaton going on camera and giving a very composed interview just minutes after Valley's loss to Pendelton Heights in the semi-state. True class is assistant coach, Chad Patrick, patiently waiting for Brandon so he would not have to make the long walk across the gym floor to the locker room, the last of his high school career, alone. True class is the fans of Tippecanoe Valley who, after their loss in the morning, went to cheer for Triton in the Championship game of the 2A semi-state.
These are just some of the examples of character and sportsmanship that have demonstrated this year. This is what I like to think Indiana High School is really all about. These young ladies and men stand as a shining example to all of us.
Thank you to the parents and coaches for instilling values and character in these fine young people. We are all very proud of all of them. Thank you players, coaches, cheerleaders and fans for a great year!
Aimee Anglin
via e-mail
Congratulations Tigers
Editor, Times-Union:Congratulations Warsaw Tigers on your 20-5 season! You have nothing to be ashamed about. You made it all the way to Semistate. All of you played a hard fought game. I've enjoyed watching you guys play together as a talented basketball team.
To the coaching staff who takes the time to scout, do stats and everything else you do, you guys are awesome! Thanks, Tigers, for a great season. A true No.1 Tiger Fan.
Janet Price
Warsaw
Census Intrusion
Editor, Times-Union:Were you unfortunate enough to receive the long form Census 2000? I was!
This is a most intrusive questionnaire. "How do you get to work?" "Do you have any disabilities?" "How many cars do you own?" "What is your income and who do you work for?" "How much of your income is from wages, self-employment, farm, dividends, rentals, trusts, Social Security and on and on and on?" "What time did you leave the house to go to work last week?" "How many minutes did it take you to get to work?" "What did you do when you got there?"
The Constitution of the United States grants the government authority to count the population. You know, like "how many live in this house." Period. However, this long form being sent to one out of six homes asks 53 questions that are very personal and private.
U.S. Code, Title 13, Section 221 states citizens must fully comply with the census or face a $100 fine. This must be part of the "re-inventing government" we hear about. Well, they can bill me!
The Drudge Report on Wednesday, March 15, 2000 is titled: "Census Breakdown: Citizens Tell Sam To Shove It Over Probing Questions; Will Pay Fine."
A cover letter accompanying the long form states that no one will have access to the information other than the Census Bureau. Really? This comment from an administration that "borrowed" more than 1,000 Republican files from the FBI? Yes sir, I really believe that.
On Tuesday, census officials received more than 600,000 phone calls from irate citizens. When I called 800-471-9424, I got a multiple choice recording, no live person. Therefore, I have faxed and called my congressmen and senators complaining about the form. If this intrusive type of census bothers you, please do the same.
Greg Smith
North Webster
Relay For Life
Editor, Times-Union:I wish to express my pleasure with the results of Kosciusko County's first Relay for Life Kick-Off Breakfast held Saturday, March. 4. An all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast was served to the public at the Center Lake Pavilion, the price of admission being merely a donation and willingness to learn more about Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society. As expected this county stepped up and gave and volunteered generously.
Relay for Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society and is growing by leaps and bounds. Bolstered by the efforts of Wawasee 103 (WAWC 103.5 FM), Video and Sound Productions, KC Online and White Wolf Designs, our dedicated volunteers are doing their level best to educate our community about this exciting benefit.
Relay is a team event to fight cancer, and our fund-raising efforts benefit people battling this insidious disease right here in Kosciusko County. This year's event is June 10 and 11 at the Kosciusko County 4-H Fairgrounds. Relay is a great way to involve your entire family, business, organization or church in a fun and worthwhile event.
Watch and listen for us on VSP-TV and WAWC 103.5 FM, or check out our Web site at www.kconline.com/relayforlife. If you prefer you can contact my office in Syracuse at 528-6319 or toll-free 877-632-5999. Please help us help the American Cancer Society.
Chris D. Cotton, co-chair
Kosciusko County Relay for Life
Gas Prices
Editor, Times-Union:Here's a thought about the high price of gas, and how to bring the price down quickly:
Day 1: Bring home one oil-guzzling aircraft carrier from the Persian Gulf.
Day 2: Stop our jet-fuel-consuming planes' patrols over Iraq.
Day 3: Tell Sadam it's his turn to patrol over the southern Arab palaces.
Day 4: Boot our worthless president and Congress out of office (by election). In a working government, they would have seen the skyrocketing oil prices and would have taken pre-emptive measures.
Day 5: Reshuffle the deck! Elect a good president and legislators who are not "on the take" and who would really serve the American taxpayers.
Day 6: Pump our own oil.
Day 7: Take a Sabbath to sit back and rest, don't drive.
If needed, repeat until we get results.
Alvon Abbott
Warsaw
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