Letters to the Editor 04-01-1998
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Clinton Witch Hunt - Experienced Candidates - Humane - Prosecutor's Race - Sheriff's Race - Thank You Reggie White - Shock In Jonesboro
Clinton Witch Hunt
Editor, Times-Union:I, for one, am sick of the Clinton "witch hunt." I am sick of the way they are exposing Bill Clinton as being the only president who sets a bad example for leaders of this country. I think it's lousy of certain individuals to look upon President Clinton as though he were some kind of sex-starved stud, who will bed down anybody at the slightest provocation, when so many of our former presidents in the past have engaged in just as many peccadillos as Clinton is alleged to have committed.
Take Thomas Jefferson, that great figure in history, who, it has been revealed, took a slave for a mistress and sired children by her. Then, in more modern times, that is, in the '20s, a certain president became father to an illegitimate child, and later on, in the '30s, one of the greatest and most spectacular rulers of the United States had a special "girl friend" on the side; and after that, in the '50s, another great leader in our midst enjoyed the acquaintance of a "lady friend" in Europe; and still, later, there was a charming, handsome chief executive who kept company with a "girl friend" who was of the entertainment world.
Yes, all of these great gentlemen were alleged to have indulged in "hanky panky," but not many individuals put up a stink about it; in fact, in spite of their dubious reputations, after their demise, most of the aforementioned leaders of the USA were honored and praised to the skies for all of the great deeds that they had accomplished during administration.
As I have previously stated, Bill Clinton shouldn't be pointed out as the only president with "bad moral values." I won't say that President Clinton is a perfect symbol of holy virtue, neither is he the only president who ever committed an indiscretion.
Another thing that gripes me as regards the Clinton situation, is when parents ask the over-pious question: "Well, what shall we tell our children?" Now, just what can one tell kids about the birds and the bees, when most of them are quite informed on the subject already?
Some time ago, I wrote President Clinton and Hillary, gazing upon them not as political figures to malign or tear to pieces, but as sensitive, vulnerable human beings. I let them know how much I admire them, and I asked them how they managed to withstand all of the nasty barbs and insults that they must endure. So, President Clinton responded with a warm, personal letter, thanking me profusely for my support. (I kept the letter and framed it, and it now hangs on the wall in my hallway.)
Here, in the vicinity of Warsaw, whenever I mention that I received a letter from President Clinton, I usually get the cold treatment, plus a few snide remarks. Of course, that's not surprising, because everyone should be aware of the fact that most of Warsaw, (including the Times-Union,) is anti-Democrat, hard-shelled Republican. (I often wonder: if President Clinton were a member of the Republican regime, would hatred for Clinton in this area run quite so high?)
In closing, I must declare that I fully realize that the article I have just presented will win me no popularity contests; but then I have never had the reputation for being the most popular kid on the block.
Don Kaiser
Warsaw
Experienced Candidates
Editor, Times-Union:In response to the letter from John Young, I find it hard to believe that out of the long list of candidates that Mr. Rovenstine is the only one to have the "education, personal integrity, current street experience and dedication." Personally I think Mr. Rovenstine comes across as though he has no vision for the office and he feels entitled to the job by virtue of family history. I quote the Nov. 19, 1997, Times-Union: "During a brief speech, Rovenstine said he is leery of making campaign promises because 'most of them are out of your control and are foolishly made.'"
Does this sound like a man with any real ambition for the office? To me it sounds like someone who has given up before the battle. Campaign promises give us a tool to judge what direction a candidate wants to take an office. Sometimes they cannot be completely fulfilled, but a candidate with ambition will at least have moved the argument along so that down the road the promise can become reality. What if Ronald Reagan had thrown up his hands concerning the Soviet Union? George Bush would have never seen the end of "the evil empire." Can you think of a promise more out of your control than that?
Secondly, do we really want to participate in creating a dynasty? Sheriff Rovenstine has served us well but I believe we should bring in some new blood. Let's give young Rovenstine some time to grow up and mature.
Jim Martin
North Webster
Humane
Editor, Times-Union:In the dictionary, "humane" is an adjective meaning "characterized by kindness, mercy or compassion." Just how does this relate to the Humane Society of Kosciusko County? Sounds more like it fits the Animal Welfare League. I'm so moved by what the AWL is trying to accomplish, I joined their organization. Giving them $10 is nothing compared to the over $208,000 left by the Putts to the Humane Society, but at least I know that my $10 is going to help spay or neuter a cat or dog.
Marie Fawley
Leesburg
Prosecutor's Race
Editor, Times-Union:I have been contemplating whether to write a letter about the prosecutor's race or just stay away from the situation. Mr. Zolman, who is also listed as treasurer on the committee to re-elect David Kolbe, helped me make that decision.
First off, how full would the jail be if law enforcement didn't do their job correctly? It takes a combined effort to put criminals behind bars, not one person. Can anyone recall out of the last several (HIGH PROFILE) cases Mr. Kolbe complimenting a job well done to any law enforcement agency, coroner's office, or fire investigators? No, normally it's Kolbe, Kolbe, Kolbe, I did this or I did that, I wonder how effective the prosecutor's office would be without the countless hours put in by the agencies named above and their expert testimony.
I don't consider myself an expert on felony statistics but I believe that felony convictions are up because more felony crimes are being committed resulting in more arrests. I don't believe it's because one prosecutor did his job and one didn't. Again, who is turning these solid cases over to the prosecutor's office? You guessed it, police and fire agencies.
Mr. Zolman asked you to compare records, while you compare records remember one thing, if my memory is correct Mr. Hampton was a deputy prosecutor under Mr. Girod, not the head prosecutor. The statistics Mr. Zolman states as being much lower were under the leadership of Mr. Girod, not Mr. Hampton. Mr. Girod was the policy maker and he also was the one saying what and how cases would be handled, not Mr. Hampton. Don't blame Mr. Hampton for a record compiled under Mr. Girod's administration.
I'm very familiar with the letter writers Mr. Zolman considers to be "whiners" and "rule breakers." They are dedicated and highly qualified members of law enforcement. These officers are respected by the community and by fellow officers, for you, Mr. Zolman, to imply that these men don't believe in the rules as you call them, or to suggest these men consider themselves above the law is Totally Absurd. I can't think of anyone better qualified to let the public know about the problems with our current prosecutor than law enforcement and fire investigators who have to try and deal with the prosecutor on a regular basis.
You can call it whining it you want, I consider this an all-out effort to let the public know that there are problems and concerns with the way Mr. Kolbe is handling the prosecutor's office. Just to set the record straight, I'm a firefighter and investigator, not a police officer. I, too, have submitted a letter in the past disapproving of Mr. Kolbe's handling of a case, so I guess I'm a whiner who thinks the rules don't apply to me. Wrong!
I urge the voters of Kosciusko County to talk to your public servants to find out about the problems with the prosecutor's office. It's time to take the one-man-pat-yourself-on-the-back show out of office and put teamwork back into the prosecutor's office. I support Dan Hampton.
Mark Howard
Warsaw
Sheriff's Race
Editor, Times-Union:In response from the letter concerning the sheriff race addressed by John Young. Sir, what makes you think Rovenstine is qualified? What are his qualifications? Rovenstine has less experience than any other candidates, he's riding on the coattails of his father. But does that mean he's qualified to be sheriff? So what he grew up in a police station, does that qualify him? My father is a minister, does that qualify me to be a minister? I've spent a lot of time in church, does that qualify me to be a pastor?
Det. Sgt. Sam Whitaker is dedicated, experienced and qualified. He's been with the Kosciusko County Sheriff Department for more then 17 years, 11 of those years as a detective sergeant. He graduated first in his class at Asrgenbrite International Institute (polygraph), he graduated first in his class at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Drug School and he graduated eighth in his class at Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. He started the Kosciusko County Special Operation Drug Task Force Team in 1987 and was responsible for a budget of more than $300,000.
If you want dedicated, experienced and qualified, Whitaker is the man you want.
Arnetta Miller
Winona Lake
Thank You Reggie White
Editor, Times-Union:Thank you Reggie White!
When does a Chicago Bear fan applaud a Green Bay Packer? When they speak before the Wisconsin legislature and proclaim a truth that has been a long time in coming. Reggie told the stunned cheese heads that the United States has gotten away from God, in part by allowing homosexuality to "run rampant." He also told the lawmakers that homosexuality is a sin, and the plight of gays and lesbians should not be compared to that of blacks. "Homosexuality is a decision, it's not a race," White said. "People from all different ethnic backgrounds live in this lifestyle. But people from all different ethnic backgrounds also are liars and cheaters and malicious and back-stabbing."
Oh the applause that must have sounded in heaven as the silence and stares of the Wisconsin House marked their disbelief in actual truth being spoken in the halls of cheesedom. Yes, Reggie, America has strayed away. You are a modern day Billy Sunday challenging America with the truth of God's Word to change our ways before it is too late.
Homosexuality is not a race. It is a choice no different then stealing, adultery or killing someone. Finally, somebody said it. This defensive end has given sin the hardest hit it has had in a long time. Most of the news missed the other side of his talk. Reggie said he would be a friend to anyone who was homosexual to show them there is a better way.
This Bears fan of many years salutes you, Reggie, for standing for truth.
Ken Locke
Warsaw
Shock In Jonesboro
Editor, Times-Union:Our nation is shocked once again as children kill children in Jonesboro, Ark.
We try to understand why? How can kids kill kids?
We allow our government to take prayer out of the classroom to be replaced by liberal teachings.
Do we as parents spend as much quality time "every day" with our kids as we should? Kids need love, hope, direction, understanding, discipline and encouragement. They watch our behavior. Do we walk our talk?
Or are we as an adult society just too busy chasing the almighty dollar and careers to spend real quality time with our kids?
Our children are exposed to different degrees of violence every day on TV, kids can be curious. If we don't fill their lives with positive things, this leaves them time to look in to drugs, cults and violence, for the thrill of the moment.
Without returning to the values of our grandparents and spiritual renewal what does the future of our nation's children hold for them? For us?
Without spending quality time with our kids every day and teaching them right from wrong, how can we expect them to understand the precious sanctity of human life?
Mike Wood
Warsaw
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- Clinton Witch Hunt - Experienced Candidates - Humane - Prosecutor's Race - Sheriff's Race - Thank You Reggie White - Shock In Jonesboro
Clinton Witch Hunt
Editor, Times-Union:I, for one, am sick of the Clinton "witch hunt." I am sick of the way they are exposing Bill Clinton as being the only president who sets a bad example for leaders of this country. I think it's lousy of certain individuals to look upon President Clinton as though he were some kind of sex-starved stud, who will bed down anybody at the slightest provocation, when so many of our former presidents in the past have engaged in just as many peccadillos as Clinton is alleged to have committed.
Take Thomas Jefferson, that great figure in history, who, it has been revealed, took a slave for a mistress and sired children by her. Then, in more modern times, that is, in the '20s, a certain president became father to an illegitimate child, and later on, in the '30s, one of the greatest and most spectacular rulers of the United States had a special "girl friend" on the side; and after that, in the '50s, another great leader in our midst enjoyed the acquaintance of a "lady friend" in Europe; and still, later, there was a charming, handsome chief executive who kept company with a "girl friend" who was of the entertainment world.
Yes, all of these great gentlemen were alleged to have indulged in "hanky panky," but not many individuals put up a stink about it; in fact, in spite of their dubious reputations, after their demise, most of the aforementioned leaders of the USA were honored and praised to the skies for all of the great deeds that they had accomplished during administration.
As I have previously stated, Bill Clinton shouldn't be pointed out as the only president with "bad moral values." I won't say that President Clinton is a perfect symbol of holy virtue, neither is he the only president who ever committed an indiscretion.
Another thing that gripes me as regards the Clinton situation, is when parents ask the over-pious question: "Well, what shall we tell our children?" Now, just what can one tell kids about the birds and the bees, when most of them are quite informed on the subject already?
Some time ago, I wrote President Clinton and Hillary, gazing upon them not as political figures to malign or tear to pieces, but as sensitive, vulnerable human beings. I let them know how much I admire them, and I asked them how they managed to withstand all of the nasty barbs and insults that they must endure. So, President Clinton responded with a warm, personal letter, thanking me profusely for my support. (I kept the letter and framed it, and it now hangs on the wall in my hallway.)
Here, in the vicinity of Warsaw, whenever I mention that I received a letter from President Clinton, I usually get the cold treatment, plus a few snide remarks. Of course, that's not surprising, because everyone should be aware of the fact that most of Warsaw, (including the Times-Union,) is anti-Democrat, hard-shelled Republican. (I often wonder: if President Clinton were a member of the Republican regime, would hatred for Clinton in this area run quite so high?)
In closing, I must declare that I fully realize that the article I have just presented will win me no popularity contests; but then I have never had the reputation for being the most popular kid on the block.
Don Kaiser
Warsaw
Experienced Candidates
Editor, Times-Union:In response to the letter from John Young, I find it hard to believe that out of the long list of candidates that Mr. Rovenstine is the only one to have the "education, personal integrity, current street experience and dedication." Personally I think Mr. Rovenstine comes across as though he has no vision for the office and he feels entitled to the job by virtue of family history. I quote the Nov. 19, 1997, Times-Union: "During a brief speech, Rovenstine said he is leery of making campaign promises because 'most of them are out of your control and are foolishly made.'"
Does this sound like a man with any real ambition for the office? To me it sounds like someone who has given up before the battle. Campaign promises give us a tool to judge what direction a candidate wants to take an office. Sometimes they cannot be completely fulfilled, but a candidate with ambition will at least have moved the argument along so that down the road the promise can become reality. What if Ronald Reagan had thrown up his hands concerning the Soviet Union? George Bush would have never seen the end of "the evil empire." Can you think of a promise more out of your control than that?
Secondly, do we really want to participate in creating a dynasty? Sheriff Rovenstine has served us well but I believe we should bring in some new blood. Let's give young Rovenstine some time to grow up and mature.
Jim Martin
North Webster
Humane
Editor, Times-Union:In the dictionary, "humane" is an adjective meaning "characterized by kindness, mercy or compassion." Just how does this relate to the Humane Society of Kosciusko County? Sounds more like it fits the Animal Welfare League. I'm so moved by what the AWL is trying to accomplish, I joined their organization. Giving them $10 is nothing compared to the over $208,000 left by the Putts to the Humane Society, but at least I know that my $10 is going to help spay or neuter a cat or dog.
Marie Fawley
Leesburg
Prosecutor's Race
Editor, Times-Union:I have been contemplating whether to write a letter about the prosecutor's race or just stay away from the situation. Mr. Zolman, who is also listed as treasurer on the committee to re-elect David Kolbe, helped me make that decision.
First off, how full would the jail be if law enforcement didn't do their job correctly? It takes a combined effort to put criminals behind bars, not one person. Can anyone recall out of the last several (HIGH PROFILE) cases Mr. Kolbe complimenting a job well done to any law enforcement agency, coroner's office, or fire investigators? No, normally it's Kolbe, Kolbe, Kolbe, I did this or I did that, I wonder how effective the prosecutor's office would be without the countless hours put in by the agencies named above and their expert testimony.
I don't consider myself an expert on felony statistics but I believe that felony convictions are up because more felony crimes are being committed resulting in more arrests. I don't believe it's because one prosecutor did his job and one didn't. Again, who is turning these solid cases over to the prosecutor's office? You guessed it, police and fire agencies.
Mr. Zolman asked you to compare records, while you compare records remember one thing, if my memory is correct Mr. Hampton was a deputy prosecutor under Mr. Girod, not the head prosecutor. The statistics Mr. Zolman states as being much lower were under the leadership of Mr. Girod, not Mr. Hampton. Mr. Girod was the policy maker and he also was the one saying what and how cases would be handled, not Mr. Hampton. Don't blame Mr. Hampton for a record compiled under Mr. Girod's administration.
I'm very familiar with the letter writers Mr. Zolman considers to be "whiners" and "rule breakers." They are dedicated and highly qualified members of law enforcement. These officers are respected by the community and by fellow officers, for you, Mr. Zolman, to imply that these men don't believe in the rules as you call them, or to suggest these men consider themselves above the law is Totally Absurd. I can't think of anyone better qualified to let the public know about the problems with our current prosecutor than law enforcement and fire investigators who have to try and deal with the prosecutor on a regular basis.
You can call it whining it you want, I consider this an all-out effort to let the public know that there are problems and concerns with the way Mr. Kolbe is handling the prosecutor's office. Just to set the record straight, I'm a firefighter and investigator, not a police officer. I, too, have submitted a letter in the past disapproving of Mr. Kolbe's handling of a case, so I guess I'm a whiner who thinks the rules don't apply to me. Wrong!
I urge the voters of Kosciusko County to talk to your public servants to find out about the problems with the prosecutor's office. It's time to take the one-man-pat-yourself-on-the-back show out of office and put teamwork back into the prosecutor's office. I support Dan Hampton.
Mark Howard
Warsaw
Sheriff's Race
Editor, Times-Union:In response from the letter concerning the sheriff race addressed by John Young. Sir, what makes you think Rovenstine is qualified? What are his qualifications? Rovenstine has less experience than any other candidates, he's riding on the coattails of his father. But does that mean he's qualified to be sheriff? So what he grew up in a police station, does that qualify him? My father is a minister, does that qualify me to be a minister? I've spent a lot of time in church, does that qualify me to be a pastor?
Det. Sgt. Sam Whitaker is dedicated, experienced and qualified. He's been with the Kosciusko County Sheriff Department for more then 17 years, 11 of those years as a detective sergeant. He graduated first in his class at Asrgenbrite International Institute (polygraph), he graduated first in his class at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Drug School and he graduated eighth in his class at Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. He started the Kosciusko County Special Operation Drug Task Force Team in 1987 and was responsible for a budget of more than $300,000.
If you want dedicated, experienced and qualified, Whitaker is the man you want.
Arnetta Miller
Winona Lake
Thank You Reggie White
Editor, Times-Union:Thank you Reggie White!
When does a Chicago Bear fan applaud a Green Bay Packer? When they speak before the Wisconsin legislature and proclaim a truth that has been a long time in coming. Reggie told the stunned cheese heads that the United States has gotten away from God, in part by allowing homosexuality to "run rampant." He also told the lawmakers that homosexuality is a sin, and the plight of gays and lesbians should not be compared to that of blacks. "Homosexuality is a decision, it's not a race," White said. "People from all different ethnic backgrounds live in this lifestyle. But people from all different ethnic backgrounds also are liars and cheaters and malicious and back-stabbing."
Oh the applause that must have sounded in heaven as the silence and stares of the Wisconsin House marked their disbelief in actual truth being spoken in the halls of cheesedom. Yes, Reggie, America has strayed away. You are a modern day Billy Sunday challenging America with the truth of God's Word to change our ways before it is too late.
Homosexuality is not a race. It is a choice no different then stealing, adultery or killing someone. Finally, somebody said it. This defensive end has given sin the hardest hit it has had in a long time. Most of the news missed the other side of his talk. Reggie said he would be a friend to anyone who was homosexual to show them there is a better way.
This Bears fan of many years salutes you, Reggie, for standing for truth.
Ken Locke
Warsaw
Shock In Jonesboro
Editor, Times-Union:Our nation is shocked once again as children kill children in Jonesboro, Ark.
We try to understand why? How can kids kill kids?
We allow our government to take prayer out of the classroom to be replaced by liberal teachings.
Do we as parents spend as much quality time "every day" with our kids as we should? Kids need love, hope, direction, understanding, discipline and encouragement. They watch our behavior. Do we walk our talk?
Or are we as an adult society just too busy chasing the almighty dollar and careers to spend real quality time with our kids?
Our children are exposed to different degrees of violence every day on TV, kids can be curious. If we don't fill their lives with positive things, this leaves them time to look in to drugs, cults and violence, for the thrill of the moment.
Without returning to the values of our grandparents and spiritual renewal what does the future of our nation's children hold for them? For us?
Without spending quality time with our kids every day and teaching them right from wrong, how can we expect them to understand the precious sanctity of human life?
Mike Wood
Warsaw
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