Letters to the Editor 03-31-2006
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Take A Stand - Biofuel Plant
Take A Stand
Editor, Times-Union:In response to the previous letter titled Local Terror:
I agree that the local and federal laws which are designed to protect the law-abiding citizens are definitely a good thing. However, they actually do little to reduce crime or victimization. Unfortunately, for such laws to be effective, a crime must already have taken place. For example, the "Castle Doctrine" may allow Hoosiers to use deadly force to protect themselves or others from imminent danger; it only comes into play after Hoosiers find themselves facing such a threat. The question becomes, what has happened in the situation up to that point? How many family members will be severely injured or killed before an intruder is appropriately dealt with? In reality, how many of these Hoosiers are actually prepared or trained to engage an intruder using deadly force? How many of these people could potentially have their firearms taken away and used against them by the perpetrator because they lacked the proper training and mental preparation to shoot another human being?
Make no mistake; I am not speaking against firearm ownership here. I am pointing out the fact that just owning a firearm and having a "Castle Doctrine" will do nothing to reduce crime. These things only provide for a false sense of security. In fact, deadly force should be thought of as a last-ditch option when all other options have failed.
Why would anyone want to wait for an intruder to enter their home and possibly harm their family members before they take steps to deal with such a threat? Wouldn't it just be easier for Hoosiers to take necessary steps to avoid being forced into such a situation in the first place? Why not take a stand against criminal activity by forming neighborhood watch groups to keep an eye out for each other? Hoosiers should consider taking a crime prevention class in an effort to improve their knowledge about criminal activities. Investing a few dollars in appropriate locks, lights and an alarm system for the home can greatly reduce the chances of becoming a victim of burglary or home invasions.
If a Hoosier should choose to carry any type of personal protection device, they need to seek out appropriate training. Just owning the device is no guarantee that a person will be able to effectively use it under the stress of a life-threatening situation. This is especially true for firearms. Training should include force-on-force scenario replication, not just shooting paper targets.
The reality is it's not the laws that will reduce crime or victimization. Crime can only be reduced by the law-abiding citizen's willingness and determination to take a stand against criminal behavior.
Steve Zorn, via e-mail
Warsaw
Biofuel Plant
Editor, Times-Union:To the supporters of the Louis-Dreyfus Biofuel Plant, Claypool:
If this plant is so safe and clean, why doesn't Louis-Dreyfus build their office on site or buy adjoining property? My understanding is that their office will be eight miles away, in Warsaw, where the air will be clean. No pollutants from their biofuel plant there. Are they afraid to breath their own air?
I'm tired of hearing from people that do not have adjoining property and are not directly affected by this "economic development." I have three and a half acres adjoining, corner lot, would be prime real estate. Bought as a retirement investment and a place to raise my children and grandchildren when needed.
Those of you that are so sure that the surrounding "land value will sky rocket," why don't you make an investment? Put up or shut up!
Matt Richey, via e-mail
Claypool
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- Take A Stand - Biofuel Plant
Take A Stand
Editor, Times-Union:In response to the previous letter titled Local Terror:
I agree that the local and federal laws which are designed to protect the law-abiding citizens are definitely a good thing. However, they actually do little to reduce crime or victimization. Unfortunately, for such laws to be effective, a crime must already have taken place. For example, the "Castle Doctrine" may allow Hoosiers to use deadly force to protect themselves or others from imminent danger; it only comes into play after Hoosiers find themselves facing such a threat. The question becomes, what has happened in the situation up to that point? How many family members will be severely injured or killed before an intruder is appropriately dealt with? In reality, how many of these Hoosiers are actually prepared or trained to engage an intruder using deadly force? How many of these people could potentially have their firearms taken away and used against them by the perpetrator because they lacked the proper training and mental preparation to shoot another human being?
Make no mistake; I am not speaking against firearm ownership here. I am pointing out the fact that just owning a firearm and having a "Castle Doctrine" will do nothing to reduce crime. These things only provide for a false sense of security. In fact, deadly force should be thought of as a last-ditch option when all other options have failed.
Why would anyone want to wait for an intruder to enter their home and possibly harm their family members before they take steps to deal with such a threat? Wouldn't it just be easier for Hoosiers to take necessary steps to avoid being forced into such a situation in the first place? Why not take a stand against criminal activity by forming neighborhood watch groups to keep an eye out for each other? Hoosiers should consider taking a crime prevention class in an effort to improve their knowledge about criminal activities. Investing a few dollars in appropriate locks, lights and an alarm system for the home can greatly reduce the chances of becoming a victim of burglary or home invasions.
If a Hoosier should choose to carry any type of personal protection device, they need to seek out appropriate training. Just owning the device is no guarantee that a person will be able to effectively use it under the stress of a life-threatening situation. This is especially true for firearms. Training should include force-on-force scenario replication, not just shooting paper targets.
The reality is it's not the laws that will reduce crime or victimization. Crime can only be reduced by the law-abiding citizen's willingness and determination to take a stand against criminal behavior.
Steve Zorn, via e-mail
Warsaw
Biofuel Plant
Editor, Times-Union:To the supporters of the Louis-Dreyfus Biofuel Plant, Claypool:
If this plant is so safe and clean, why doesn't Louis-Dreyfus build their office on site or buy adjoining property? My understanding is that their office will be eight miles away, in Warsaw, where the air will be clean. No pollutants from their biofuel plant there. Are they afraid to breath their own air?
I'm tired of hearing from people that do not have adjoining property and are not directly affected by this "economic development." I have three and a half acres adjoining, corner lot, would be prime real estate. Bought as a retirement investment and a place to raise my children and grandchildren when needed.
Those of you that are so sure that the surrounding "land value will sky rocket," why don't you make an investment? Put up or shut up!
Matt Richey, via e-mail
Claypool
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