Letters to the Editor 03-24-1998
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Animal Welfare - Political Parties - Kolbe Bashers - Philharmonic Thanks - Sheriff's Race - Judging Kolbe
Animal Welfare
Editor, Times-Union:I've read quite a few letters recently regarding the Animal Welfare League. Their goal is to open a no-kill shelter for all of the "beautiful and innocent animals that are put to sleep every year."
I enjoy animals, but I would like to see you spend your time, money and energy on a no-kill shelter for all of the beautiful and innocent babies that are murdered during abortion every year. Unless it is to save the mother, abortion is a selfish form of torture and murder. Babies are killed for reasons as trivial as "we're too young," and "it would affect my career goals." Today's world will accept those reasons, but God will not.
As Christians we must not be afraid to do what the Lord asks of us. We are told to confront the wicked, try to show them their sins, and lead them to the Lord. That can't always be done with love and smiles, you must be graphic with what abortion and homosexuality will bring you without repenting, eternal damnation in hell.
Today's churches are filled with pastors and Christians who don't understand the basic fundamentals of the Bible. One misconception is that we are not allowed to judge. They often defend their position with a verse in the Bible that says he who is without sin cast the first stone, or judge not least ye be judged. But if they read on it will tell them to not judge like a hypocrite, and there are many verses telling us how to judge.
I've heard things as ridiculous as homosexuals can't help the way they are because they were born that way. Also that you can hate the sin but not the sinner. You can't separate the sin from the sinner unless he repents. God doesn't expect you to love the likes of a child molester. There are also many verses to back up that position.
I also had a paster say that he and all other Christians should forgive Timothy McVeigh for the Oklahoma bombings. We can't forgive anyone unless they have personally wronged us and personally asked us for forgiveness.
We must all remember that our time on earth is very small, that we have a choice to burn in hell or everlasting peace in heaven. Our ultimate goal is to stand before our Lord and have our name appear in the book of life so we can hear those glorious words Well done thy good and faithful servant.
Matthew Trier
Political Parties
Editor, Times-Union:Until recently I felt I held an opinion on politics that wasn't held by anyone else. Most of the 40 years that I have been voting I have tried to vote for the candidate I felt was for reducing the size of government. During all those years of voting conservative I've watched government get bigger and bigger. A few years ago I thought I was starting to be heard because I heard politicians actually say while campaigning that they wanted to reduce the size of government. It didn't take long to realize that if they were serious about reducing the size of government then something must have gone wrong after they were elected because government kept getting bigger. A few short years ago a group of freshmen congressmen actually formed a pact to turn government around. I haven't heard much about them lately. The plea for term limits has been ignored along with campaign finance reform and the line item veto. It should be obvious to even the most casual observer that neither the Democratic nor the Republican party has the desire or courage to turn government around. Persons born in the last 35 years or so may not see anything wrong with things the way they are. They can't remember when you could go for days, even weeks, without thinking about government. Try it today. These are the people that should be worried, though. If you aren't being threatened by government, then without realizing it you have probably already passed on. May you finally rest in peace. I'm reading my personal property tax form from the township trustee and there are so many threats on it I can't count them. For example, if you lie about the number or kinds of dogs you own you could be convicted of perjury. Look at your state and federal tax forms. There are even threats on your license plate application forms. They are taking your hard earned money and they even have the nerve to threaten you in the process. If this doesn't make you angry then your lobotomy probably hasn't completely healed yet. I'm not writing this letter to depress anyone. Actually I'm writing it to give those who really care some hope. I think the Libertarian Party is that hope and if you are finally willing to admit that the Republicans and Democrats couldn't change things if they wanted to, then give me a call and I'll give you a number to call for information.
Charles Carnes
Warsaw
Kolbe Bashers
Editor, Times-Union:First of all, anyone running for office I have allowed to put a sign on my property. One election I must have had 20 signs on my property. When someone comes to me and says "why don't you have so and so's sign," I say "put one up." I don't care.
However, what concerns me is the Warsaw cops writing articles in the paper. Assassinating the current prosecutor and promoting their boy. I ask myself, is this proper that they do this? Do I want a prosecutor that certain cops want? Is it proper when these cops' boy writes in and says the cops want me and we're going to be a team? That scares me. Maybe it's my life experience. Maybe I've seen bad vindictive cops and a prosecutor work as a team. Maybe I'm just a little afraid of certain cops working so hard for a prosecutor they can control. Maybe that's it. Maybe I think if certain Warsaw cops can write articles bashing Kolbe, let's let Kolbe write articles about certain cops. I'll bet Kolbe could tell us some horror stories. Just maybe he could tell us some horror stories about some of the cops that have been bashing him. Let's be fair. Wow, would this county get woke up in a hurry. Maybe that would be good. We could really know about certain judges, cops, etc. I don't know about this cops and prosecutor team thing. I always thought their were three branches of law enforcement. Judicial, prosecutional and enforcement. I would like to see them separate. The cops make the arrest. Then the prosecutor says "I'll take if from here. If I need you I'll call you." Then prosecute the case as they see fit. Then the jury and/or judge make the verdict and sentencing. All checks and balance, separate from each other. Not a team. This for one is to keep the cops from having too much power.
I didn't know the prosecutor was a teammate of the cops. I thought he was a servant of all the people. It's a no-win job. His decisions will almost always make someone mad. Cops, victim's family, etc.
I am not a cop hater, There are good cops, Quillen, Hodges, Grubbs and Mike Hobbs to name a few of many. And some of these have given me a ticket or two. But I feel they're good cops from my experience. I've been a guest in the county jail. And thought the county cops were a class act. But unfortunately there are some bad cops and judges. And I could tell you my own horror stories about cops and/or judges, prosecutors working as a team.
Not every cop or lawyer I know feels the way these articles are portraying. I know I'm not going to make my decision on who to vote for off these hate and bash articles. But I am going to listen to the debate to make my decision. If anyone disagrees with what I say, I won't hate you. I hope my opinion doesn't make anyone hate me. And I sure hope me and mine don't start getting a bunch of tickets and stuff.
Jeff Johnson
Warsaw
Philharmonic Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Cheers to the Warsaw companies who with partial support from the Indiana Arts Commission/National Endowment for the Arts made possible the two educational concerts for approximately 2,500 Warsaw Community School students. Fort Wayne Philharmonic says Thank you very much!
Colleen Benninghoff
Sheriff's Race
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to address the letter from James Holderman concerning the sheriff's race. Mr. Holderman's statement that the voters should not take the sheriff's race lightly is the only statement in the letter that makes sense. Mr. Holderman's sources obviously do not have a clue as to what is happening at the sheriff's office. A swat team comprised of officers from the Warsaw Police Dept. and the sheriff's office has already been trained. These dedicated men have trained and continue to train on personal time, without extra pay. You quoted several of the candidates reasons for a swat team. All except one of these reasons have some degree of merit. Getting a swat team from Fort Wayne or South Bend is ludicrous. It would take at least two hours to get a team here from that far away. Most swat situations are most likely resolved in less than two hours.
What makes Lt. Knispel any more qualified than the other candidates? He spends less time on the street than any of the other candidates. What makes him any more qualified to make swat decisions than the other candidates? What makes you think he would not be sitting behind a desk if and when a swat situation would arise? I understand that is where he spends most of his time as Lieutenant.
Mr. Holderman quotes Sergeant Whitaker as saying that patrol officers spend only three percent of their time patrolling. If Sgt. Whitaker made this ludicrous statement he also needs to wake up and smell the coffee. As three percent of eight hours is only 14.4 minutes. I am sure the patrol officers are offended by this statement. Anyone with a scanner knows that this is just not true, all you have to do is listen on most any given day or evening.
If we get the total picture on this one voters, as Mr. Holderman suggests, this picture will clearly show the only candidate with the education, personal integrity, current street experience and dedication is candidate Rovenstine.
John Young
Warsaw
Judging Kolbe
Editor, Times-Union:Please allow me this opportunity to express my concerns about recent published comments concerning "teamwork" and David Kolbe's performance as our prosecuting attorney.
A mark of any public servant's worthiness is his or her own willingness to seek truth and justice within the framework of the law. No public servant can afford to fall into the trap of favoring a select and elite few whatever "team." Public officials serve the people. They don't simply "play ball." Each and every one of us are to be equally accountable to one another.
It is important to secure the safety of the streets. But it is very dangerous to do so at the expense of our freedom. The vast majority of our local justice system from street patrol to courtroom have dedicated and risked their lives to protect this truth.
So why do a small handful complain? I do not know as they speak in only shadowy and often vicious terms?
I am glad David Kolbe is our prosecuting attorney. Yes, he is my friend and I do support his candidacy for this office. But what is truly important is that David and the other two candidates (both of whom I respect) will be judged on their ability to uphold our freedom and safety.
This is not 1962 Chicago. The people of Kosciusko County have been very kind to my family and me. We wish them well.
Jon M. Cupp
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- Animal Welfare - Political Parties - Kolbe Bashers - Philharmonic Thanks - Sheriff's Race - Judging Kolbe
Animal Welfare
Editor, Times-Union:I've read quite a few letters recently regarding the Animal Welfare League. Their goal is to open a no-kill shelter for all of the "beautiful and innocent animals that are put to sleep every year."
I enjoy animals, but I would like to see you spend your time, money and energy on a no-kill shelter for all of the beautiful and innocent babies that are murdered during abortion every year. Unless it is to save the mother, abortion is a selfish form of torture and murder. Babies are killed for reasons as trivial as "we're too young," and "it would affect my career goals." Today's world will accept those reasons, but God will not.
As Christians we must not be afraid to do what the Lord asks of us. We are told to confront the wicked, try to show them their sins, and lead them to the Lord. That can't always be done with love and smiles, you must be graphic with what abortion and homosexuality will bring you without repenting, eternal damnation in hell.
Today's churches are filled with pastors and Christians who don't understand the basic fundamentals of the Bible. One misconception is that we are not allowed to judge. They often defend their position with a verse in the Bible that says he who is without sin cast the first stone, or judge not least ye be judged. But if they read on it will tell them to not judge like a hypocrite, and there are many verses telling us how to judge.
I've heard things as ridiculous as homosexuals can't help the way they are because they were born that way. Also that you can hate the sin but not the sinner. You can't separate the sin from the sinner unless he repents. God doesn't expect you to love the likes of a child molester. There are also many verses to back up that position.
I also had a paster say that he and all other Christians should forgive Timothy McVeigh for the Oklahoma bombings. We can't forgive anyone unless they have personally wronged us and personally asked us for forgiveness.
We must all remember that our time on earth is very small, that we have a choice to burn in hell or everlasting peace in heaven. Our ultimate goal is to stand before our Lord and have our name appear in the book of life so we can hear those glorious words Well done thy good and faithful servant.
Matthew Trier
Political Parties
Editor, Times-Union:Until recently I felt I held an opinion on politics that wasn't held by anyone else. Most of the 40 years that I have been voting I have tried to vote for the candidate I felt was for reducing the size of government. During all those years of voting conservative I've watched government get bigger and bigger. A few years ago I thought I was starting to be heard because I heard politicians actually say while campaigning that they wanted to reduce the size of government. It didn't take long to realize that if they were serious about reducing the size of government then something must have gone wrong after they were elected because government kept getting bigger. A few short years ago a group of freshmen congressmen actually formed a pact to turn government around. I haven't heard much about them lately. The plea for term limits has been ignored along with campaign finance reform and the line item veto. It should be obvious to even the most casual observer that neither the Democratic nor the Republican party has the desire or courage to turn government around. Persons born in the last 35 years or so may not see anything wrong with things the way they are. They can't remember when you could go for days, even weeks, without thinking about government. Try it today. These are the people that should be worried, though. If you aren't being threatened by government, then without realizing it you have probably already passed on. May you finally rest in peace. I'm reading my personal property tax form from the township trustee and there are so many threats on it I can't count them. For example, if you lie about the number or kinds of dogs you own you could be convicted of perjury. Look at your state and federal tax forms. There are even threats on your license plate application forms. They are taking your hard earned money and they even have the nerve to threaten you in the process. If this doesn't make you angry then your lobotomy probably hasn't completely healed yet. I'm not writing this letter to depress anyone. Actually I'm writing it to give those who really care some hope. I think the Libertarian Party is that hope and if you are finally willing to admit that the Republicans and Democrats couldn't change things if they wanted to, then give me a call and I'll give you a number to call for information.
Charles Carnes
Warsaw
Kolbe Bashers
Editor, Times-Union:First of all, anyone running for office I have allowed to put a sign on my property. One election I must have had 20 signs on my property. When someone comes to me and says "why don't you have so and so's sign," I say "put one up." I don't care.
However, what concerns me is the Warsaw cops writing articles in the paper. Assassinating the current prosecutor and promoting their boy. I ask myself, is this proper that they do this? Do I want a prosecutor that certain cops want? Is it proper when these cops' boy writes in and says the cops want me and we're going to be a team? That scares me. Maybe it's my life experience. Maybe I've seen bad vindictive cops and a prosecutor work as a team. Maybe I'm just a little afraid of certain cops working so hard for a prosecutor they can control. Maybe that's it. Maybe I think if certain Warsaw cops can write articles bashing Kolbe, let's let Kolbe write articles about certain cops. I'll bet Kolbe could tell us some horror stories. Just maybe he could tell us some horror stories about some of the cops that have been bashing him. Let's be fair. Wow, would this county get woke up in a hurry. Maybe that would be good. We could really know about certain judges, cops, etc. I don't know about this cops and prosecutor team thing. I always thought their were three branches of law enforcement. Judicial, prosecutional and enforcement. I would like to see them separate. The cops make the arrest. Then the prosecutor says "I'll take if from here. If I need you I'll call you." Then prosecute the case as they see fit. Then the jury and/or judge make the verdict and sentencing. All checks and balance, separate from each other. Not a team. This for one is to keep the cops from having too much power.
I didn't know the prosecutor was a teammate of the cops. I thought he was a servant of all the people. It's a no-win job. His decisions will almost always make someone mad. Cops, victim's family, etc.
I am not a cop hater, There are good cops, Quillen, Hodges, Grubbs and Mike Hobbs to name a few of many. And some of these have given me a ticket or two. But I feel they're good cops from my experience. I've been a guest in the county jail. And thought the county cops were a class act. But unfortunately there are some bad cops and judges. And I could tell you my own horror stories about cops and/or judges, prosecutors working as a team.
Not every cop or lawyer I know feels the way these articles are portraying. I know I'm not going to make my decision on who to vote for off these hate and bash articles. But I am going to listen to the debate to make my decision. If anyone disagrees with what I say, I won't hate you. I hope my opinion doesn't make anyone hate me. And I sure hope me and mine don't start getting a bunch of tickets and stuff.
Jeff Johnson
Warsaw
Philharmonic Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Cheers to the Warsaw companies who with partial support from the Indiana Arts Commission/National Endowment for the Arts made possible the two educational concerts for approximately 2,500 Warsaw Community School students. Fort Wayne Philharmonic says Thank you very much!
Colleen Benninghoff
Sheriff's Race
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to address the letter from James Holderman concerning the sheriff's race. Mr. Holderman's statement that the voters should not take the sheriff's race lightly is the only statement in the letter that makes sense. Mr. Holderman's sources obviously do not have a clue as to what is happening at the sheriff's office. A swat team comprised of officers from the Warsaw Police Dept. and the sheriff's office has already been trained. These dedicated men have trained and continue to train on personal time, without extra pay. You quoted several of the candidates reasons for a swat team. All except one of these reasons have some degree of merit. Getting a swat team from Fort Wayne or South Bend is ludicrous. It would take at least two hours to get a team here from that far away. Most swat situations are most likely resolved in less than two hours.
What makes Lt. Knispel any more qualified than the other candidates? He spends less time on the street than any of the other candidates. What makes him any more qualified to make swat decisions than the other candidates? What makes you think he would not be sitting behind a desk if and when a swat situation would arise? I understand that is where he spends most of his time as Lieutenant.
Mr. Holderman quotes Sergeant Whitaker as saying that patrol officers spend only three percent of their time patrolling. If Sgt. Whitaker made this ludicrous statement he also needs to wake up and smell the coffee. As three percent of eight hours is only 14.4 minutes. I am sure the patrol officers are offended by this statement. Anyone with a scanner knows that this is just not true, all you have to do is listen on most any given day or evening.
If we get the total picture on this one voters, as Mr. Holderman suggests, this picture will clearly show the only candidate with the education, personal integrity, current street experience and dedication is candidate Rovenstine.
John Young
Warsaw
Judging Kolbe
Editor, Times-Union:Please allow me this opportunity to express my concerns about recent published comments concerning "teamwork" and David Kolbe's performance as our prosecuting attorney.
A mark of any public servant's worthiness is his or her own willingness to seek truth and justice within the framework of the law. No public servant can afford to fall into the trap of favoring a select and elite few whatever "team." Public officials serve the people. They don't simply "play ball." Each and every one of us are to be equally accountable to one another.
It is important to secure the safety of the streets. But it is very dangerous to do so at the expense of our freedom. The vast majority of our local justice system from street patrol to courtroom have dedicated and risked their lives to protect this truth.
So why do a small handful complain? I do not know as they speak in only shadowy and often vicious terms?
I am glad David Kolbe is our prosecuting attorney. Yes, he is my friend and I do support his candidacy for this office. But what is truly important is that David and the other two candidates (both of whom I respect) will be judged on their ability to uphold our freedom and safety.
This is not 1962 Chicago. The people of Kosciusko County have been very kind to my family and me. We wish them well.
Jon M. Cupp
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