Letters to the Editor 04-04-1997
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Lottery Winner - News Views - < 241 2400 2600 4800xhrr> - News Views - News Views - Egg Hunt - Haines Supporter - Divorce
Lottery Winner
Editor, Times-Union:Boy, it seems like I have been writing articles pretty often. I believe I need to write this for a meaningful purpose.
As some of you know, I was very lucky last week and believe me, I accomplished something I did not believe I could do.
Yes, I have played the "lottery" in our state from the beginning. I have always hoped and prayed I could be on the show one time. That for me has happened.
The people that put on the lottery drawing I found out are people just like the rest of us. I had decided on my numbers and what I would do if I got to the final drawing. I was very much afraid I would be very nervous and believe me, I was correct on that. That is something I will never forget.
I have been told by many people that I acted my normal way. I am not sure if that is good or bad, but it is over.
I want to thank my children for being there and they really helped me out. As they are my life and I think they owed me that (ha).
At church this morning a lot of people congratulated me and said they enjoyed the show. To the pretty "church women" who decided to "hug" me, I thank you and I will never forget it. To their husbands who may not have approved, all I can say is that in a way, is like basketball. You never expect some things.
To the people at Indianapolis who did adopt Joann and I, you did the best on everything and you know who you are and do know your job.
To the Internal Revenue Service, I hope you will use your share to the best interests of everyone (wishful thinking).
Des Bell North Webster
News Views
Editor, Times-Union:"Tag" Huffman's letter of the 24th states he is a retired military person. Obviously he was an enlisted man, that had no respect for his superior officers. In addition, the cartoon referencing Steve Haines and Gary Gerard, supports the claim of the Times-Union being a Republican newspaper. The cartoon in itself, was understandable and even humorous, but the little touch of "Plank is a ---," was uncalled for. In closing, Mr. Kitson (as I recall) asked why Mr. Haines' friends didn't "come to his rescue?" If Mr. Kitson spent more time with the thinking process and less with the writing process, he'd know there is nothing to 'rescue' (defend).
Dennis G. Lundgren Warsaw
< 241 2400 2600 4800xhrr>
Baby LoisEditor, Times-Union:
In reference to the reported comments by Greg Brown, Times-Union, the 28th about a change of venue for Kristina Crooks, the 'Baby Lois' case. I find it very hard to believe that in this county a fair jury could be seated. I have just completed being a seated juror in the first quarter of '97, in this county.
I'm here to tell you that everyone I have spoken with regarding this situation, has their minds completely set as to the guilt of the mother. How could you ever suggest that the county has not had enough read, or any knowledge of this case? This indicates to me that this reporter does not read the paper for which he reports. Those 500 bumper stickers (and lawn signs) have prejudiced the 63,000 residents. Also, how can the rights of the mother be violated when she is tried in the same state, just not the same county?
Cathy L. Lundgren Warsaw Editor's Note: Times-Union< 219> Reporter Greg Brown did not make any comments or suggest anything regarding the Baby Lois case. He simply reported the comments of attorneys in the case.
News Views
Editor, Times-Union:The beauty of American democracy is the two-party system. Just look at the other democracies of the world with all of their parties. The only way their governments work is through coalitions, but coalitions break up periodically and governments fall.
Our two parties pit one philosophy against the other. One wins and one loses and we have stability. Sometimes there are threats from a third party movement. They sometimes provide a good idea, like the progressive movement and the populist; but one of two major parties will incorporate those ideas in the next election and we continue with the two-party system.
We have diversity within our parties. The Democrats are really about five parties in any other country, moving all the way from liberal to conservative. The Republicans are a lot more homogeneous. I believe Ronald Reagan unified the Republican party.
The pendulum swings but the two-party system has stood the test of time.
We need to keep in mind the "news views" issue is the opinion of one man, our Editor. It is up to the readers to decide their opinion breaking it down philosophically.
To me this is the two-party system working at its best, but I also know you shouldn't get into a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel and their film by the case.
Alan E. Earl Warsaw
News Views
Editor, Times-Union:The beauty of American democracy is the two-party system. Just look at the other democracies of the world with all of their parties. The only way their governments work is through coalitions, but coalitions break up periodically and governments fall.
Our two parties pit one philosophy against the other. One wins and one loses and we have stability. Sometimes there are threats from a third party movement. They sometimes provide a good idea, like the progressive movement and the populist; but one of two major parties will incorporate those ideas in the next election and we continue with the two-party system.
We have diversity within our parties. The Democrats are really about five parties in any other country, moving all the way from liberal to conservative. The Republicans are a lot more homogeneous. I believe Ronald Reagan unified the Republican party.
The pendulum swings but the two-party system has stood the test of time.
We need to keep in mind the "news views" issue is the opinion of one man, our Editor. It is up to the readers to decide their opinion breaking it down philosophically.
To me this is the two-party system working at its best, but I also know you shouldn't get into a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel and their film by the case.
Alan E. Earl Warsaw
Egg Hunt
Editor, Times-Union:On Saturday, March 29, the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department sponsored the 12th annual Community Wide Easter Egg Hunt at Center Lake in Warsaw. Approximately 500 people were in attendance for this traditional activity, despite the unfavorable weather conditions.
This is the third year that the park department has hosted this event, and probably the last. In my four years of programming recreation for this community, I have never seen a more selfish crowd of children and parents. Parents pushed and shoved other adults and children; did the hunting for their children; were verbally abusive to my volunteers when they were asked to stay behind the lines and let the children do the hunting; children pushed down other children; childen complained about the prizes they received and so on.
This past weekend is one of the most holy of Christian holidays, yet the ugliest of humanity was what was represented at the egg hunt. I was appalled at the lack of respect demonstrated Saturday. I realize that the majority of people participating were pleasant, kind, and played by the rules, but as the old adage goes "a few rotten apples can spoil the whole bunch."
We take pride in presenting 'quality' programs to the public. Although this activity is traditionally a fun, family event, this year it was a torment. So due to the overwhelming lack of humanity, the annual Easter Egg Hunt has been cancelled for 1998.
Denise Beno Activities director Parks and Recreation Department
Haines Supporter
Editor, Times-Union:In response to Harold Kitson and Deanna Newton. Both of you must be working at the Times-Union office. How can you get letters to the editors printed the next day after Mr. Haines letter to the editor? Both of you must think that everybody should share your views. Deanna Newton must have talked to the wrong people if you have not found a single person who thinks President Clinton is doing a good job.
Let me say that I am proud to have voted in the last election because that is my right. President Clinton was re-elected because he received more electoral votes than Senator Dole. Perhaps you don't understand how the election system works.
I support Mr. Haines on his letter to Gary's News Views. Sometimes Gary's views are slanted to one side. On March 6, 1997, the Times-Union had a heading in one article, "First Lady Received $50,000 Check." That was not the truth. Farther down in the same article it stated that Mrs. Clinton's top aide Margaret Williams received the check. Looking at the headline, Mrs. Clinton got it. Isn't this mis-stating the fact?
As far as the fund raising, I do not agree with all of it. Both parties share the blame. This will not stop until both parties make a real honest effort to pass finance reform and live by it. Our news media can be blamed for some of our problems. We have problems locally which does not appear in the Times-Union.
You and others may disagree with my views but all of us have a right to our opinions.
Merlin E. Yoder Nappanee
Divorce
Editor, Times-Union:Children of divorce in Indiana are being robbed of a very important factor in their lives ] their fathers. Due to the "state guideline" visitation standard, rarely are children allowed sufficient time with their fathers to maintain a true father/child relationship. Dad can try to get more time with his children, but it is an expensive uphill battle, and is usually not recommended by his attorneys. Fathers should not have to "fight" for more time to spend with their children. They are 50 percent of the parents, and deserve to be treated as more than just a source of child support. The courts, and the media are quick to disparage fathers for being "dead-beats," yet they won't try to avoid these problems by helping the fathers be more involved with their children. When fathers are allowed to be active in their children's lives, the result will be positve for all. The children will be less likely to be depressed over "losing" a parent, and the fathers will be more likely to want to support their children financially, and emotionally. The term "joint custody" does not mean equal visitation for both parents. It will be difficult to reach a fair visitation schedule while going through a divorce considering communication is virtually shut down between parents in lieu of attorneys. Since the issue of raising children together has nothing to do with the actual divorce, I feel the courts would do well to insist that parents see a professional, unbiased, mediator whose main concern will be establishing a workable, equitable visitation schedule for that for both parents. It will be difficult to reach a fair visitation schedule while going through a divorce considering communication is virtually shut down between parents in lieu of attorneys. Since the issue of raising children together has nothing to do with the actual divorce, I feel the courts would do well to insist that parents see a professional, unbiased, mediator whose main concern will be establishing a workable, equitable visitation schedule for that individual family. Both parents can then have a say in what the visitation will be. Each situation should be treated individually as, work/vacation schedules, distance between parents, child care, and not least of all these, the desires of the children, should be considered and discussed on a level high above the mudslinging that typically occurs in divorce. Children should have frequent and regular scheduled times with the parent they are not living with, such as Christmas, and spring breaks, and eight to 10 weeks each summer. When parents litigate through attorneys for child visitation/custody issues the message automatically takes on a combative tone. This type of strategy may be effective in property settlements, but is of no benefit when discussing the future, and emotional security of the common children. When one parent "wins" setlements this can only bring on resentment, and continued conflict from the other parent, which only results in more problems for the children. It is detrimental for children to have embattled parents at any time. Remember ] they still love both of their parents, and it is terribly upsetting to them to be caught in the middle of this behavior.
I realize that there are some fathers, who cannot, or will not, for whatever reason, be a part of their childrens' lives, but there are many fathers who are simply not getting the chance.
Children need both of their parents. It is as painful for a father as it is for a mother, to be separated from your children. Divorce should not take away a mans right and responsibility to be a father. It is time for the courts re-evaluate their "guidelines," and for parents to come together unselfishly if only for the sake of their children.
Pamela Knowles Silver Lake
[[In-content Ad]]
- Lottery Winner - News Views - < 241 2400 2600 4800xhrr> - News Views - News Views - Egg Hunt - Haines Supporter - Divorce
Lottery Winner
Editor, Times-Union:Boy, it seems like I have been writing articles pretty often. I believe I need to write this for a meaningful purpose.
As some of you know, I was very lucky last week and believe me, I accomplished something I did not believe I could do.
Yes, I have played the "lottery" in our state from the beginning. I have always hoped and prayed I could be on the show one time. That for me has happened.
The people that put on the lottery drawing I found out are people just like the rest of us. I had decided on my numbers and what I would do if I got to the final drawing. I was very much afraid I would be very nervous and believe me, I was correct on that. That is something I will never forget.
I have been told by many people that I acted my normal way. I am not sure if that is good or bad, but it is over.
I want to thank my children for being there and they really helped me out. As they are my life and I think they owed me that (ha).
At church this morning a lot of people congratulated me and said they enjoyed the show. To the pretty "church women" who decided to "hug" me, I thank you and I will never forget it. To their husbands who may not have approved, all I can say is that in a way, is like basketball. You never expect some things.
To the people at Indianapolis who did adopt Joann and I, you did the best on everything and you know who you are and do know your job.
To the Internal Revenue Service, I hope you will use your share to the best interests of everyone (wishful thinking).
Des Bell North Webster
News Views
Editor, Times-Union:"Tag" Huffman's letter of the 24th states he is a retired military person. Obviously he was an enlisted man, that had no respect for his superior officers. In addition, the cartoon referencing Steve Haines and Gary Gerard, supports the claim of the Times-Union being a Republican newspaper. The cartoon in itself, was understandable and even humorous, but the little touch of "Plank is a ---," was uncalled for. In closing, Mr. Kitson (as I recall) asked why Mr. Haines' friends didn't "come to his rescue?" If Mr. Kitson spent more time with the thinking process and less with the writing process, he'd know there is nothing to 'rescue' (defend).
Dennis G. Lundgren Warsaw
< 241 2400 2600 4800xhrr>
Baby LoisEditor, Times-Union:
In reference to the reported comments by Greg Brown, Times-Union, the 28th about a change of venue for Kristina Crooks, the 'Baby Lois' case. I find it very hard to believe that in this county a fair jury could be seated. I have just completed being a seated juror in the first quarter of '97, in this county.
I'm here to tell you that everyone I have spoken with regarding this situation, has their minds completely set as to the guilt of the mother. How could you ever suggest that the county has not had enough read, or any knowledge of this case? This indicates to me that this reporter does not read the paper for which he reports. Those 500 bumper stickers (and lawn signs) have prejudiced the 63,000 residents. Also, how can the rights of the mother be violated when she is tried in the same state, just not the same county?
Cathy L. Lundgren Warsaw Editor's Note: Times-Union< 219> Reporter Greg Brown did not make any comments or suggest anything regarding the Baby Lois case. He simply reported the comments of attorneys in the case.
News Views
Editor, Times-Union:The beauty of American democracy is the two-party system. Just look at the other democracies of the world with all of their parties. The only way their governments work is through coalitions, but coalitions break up periodically and governments fall.
Our two parties pit one philosophy against the other. One wins and one loses and we have stability. Sometimes there are threats from a third party movement. They sometimes provide a good idea, like the progressive movement and the populist; but one of two major parties will incorporate those ideas in the next election and we continue with the two-party system.
We have diversity within our parties. The Democrats are really about five parties in any other country, moving all the way from liberal to conservative. The Republicans are a lot more homogeneous. I believe Ronald Reagan unified the Republican party.
The pendulum swings but the two-party system has stood the test of time.
We need to keep in mind the "news views" issue is the opinion of one man, our Editor. It is up to the readers to decide their opinion breaking it down philosophically.
To me this is the two-party system working at its best, but I also know you shouldn't get into a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel and their film by the case.
Alan E. Earl Warsaw
News Views
Editor, Times-Union:The beauty of American democracy is the two-party system. Just look at the other democracies of the world with all of their parties. The only way their governments work is through coalitions, but coalitions break up periodically and governments fall.
Our two parties pit one philosophy against the other. One wins and one loses and we have stability. Sometimes there are threats from a third party movement. They sometimes provide a good idea, like the progressive movement and the populist; but one of two major parties will incorporate those ideas in the next election and we continue with the two-party system.
We have diversity within our parties. The Democrats are really about five parties in any other country, moving all the way from liberal to conservative. The Republicans are a lot more homogeneous. I believe Ronald Reagan unified the Republican party.
The pendulum swings but the two-party system has stood the test of time.
We need to keep in mind the "news views" issue is the opinion of one man, our Editor. It is up to the readers to decide their opinion breaking it down philosophically.
To me this is the two-party system working at its best, but I also know you shouldn't get into a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel and their film by the case.
Alan E. Earl Warsaw
Egg Hunt
Editor, Times-Union:On Saturday, March 29, the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department sponsored the 12th annual Community Wide Easter Egg Hunt at Center Lake in Warsaw. Approximately 500 people were in attendance for this traditional activity, despite the unfavorable weather conditions.
This is the third year that the park department has hosted this event, and probably the last. In my four years of programming recreation for this community, I have never seen a more selfish crowd of children and parents. Parents pushed and shoved other adults and children; did the hunting for their children; were verbally abusive to my volunteers when they were asked to stay behind the lines and let the children do the hunting; children pushed down other children; childen complained about the prizes they received and so on.
This past weekend is one of the most holy of Christian holidays, yet the ugliest of humanity was what was represented at the egg hunt. I was appalled at the lack of respect demonstrated Saturday. I realize that the majority of people participating were pleasant, kind, and played by the rules, but as the old adage goes "a few rotten apples can spoil the whole bunch."
We take pride in presenting 'quality' programs to the public. Although this activity is traditionally a fun, family event, this year it was a torment. So due to the overwhelming lack of humanity, the annual Easter Egg Hunt has been cancelled for 1998.
Denise Beno Activities director Parks and Recreation Department
Haines Supporter
Editor, Times-Union:In response to Harold Kitson and Deanna Newton. Both of you must be working at the Times-Union office. How can you get letters to the editors printed the next day after Mr. Haines letter to the editor? Both of you must think that everybody should share your views. Deanna Newton must have talked to the wrong people if you have not found a single person who thinks President Clinton is doing a good job.
Let me say that I am proud to have voted in the last election because that is my right. President Clinton was re-elected because he received more electoral votes than Senator Dole. Perhaps you don't understand how the election system works.
I support Mr. Haines on his letter to Gary's News Views. Sometimes Gary's views are slanted to one side. On March 6, 1997, the Times-Union had a heading in one article, "First Lady Received $50,000 Check." That was not the truth. Farther down in the same article it stated that Mrs. Clinton's top aide Margaret Williams received the check. Looking at the headline, Mrs. Clinton got it. Isn't this mis-stating the fact?
As far as the fund raising, I do not agree with all of it. Both parties share the blame. This will not stop until both parties make a real honest effort to pass finance reform and live by it. Our news media can be blamed for some of our problems. We have problems locally which does not appear in the Times-Union.
You and others may disagree with my views but all of us have a right to our opinions.
Merlin E. Yoder Nappanee
Divorce
Editor, Times-Union:Children of divorce in Indiana are being robbed of a very important factor in their lives ] their fathers. Due to the "state guideline" visitation standard, rarely are children allowed sufficient time with their fathers to maintain a true father/child relationship. Dad can try to get more time with his children, but it is an expensive uphill battle, and is usually not recommended by his attorneys. Fathers should not have to "fight" for more time to spend with their children. They are 50 percent of the parents, and deserve to be treated as more than just a source of child support. The courts, and the media are quick to disparage fathers for being "dead-beats," yet they won't try to avoid these problems by helping the fathers be more involved with their children. When fathers are allowed to be active in their children's lives, the result will be positve for all. The children will be less likely to be depressed over "losing" a parent, and the fathers will be more likely to want to support their children financially, and emotionally. The term "joint custody" does not mean equal visitation for both parents. It will be difficult to reach a fair visitation schedule while going through a divorce considering communication is virtually shut down between parents in lieu of attorneys. Since the issue of raising children together has nothing to do with the actual divorce, I feel the courts would do well to insist that parents see a professional, unbiased, mediator whose main concern will be establishing a workable, equitable visitation schedule for that for both parents. It will be difficult to reach a fair visitation schedule while going through a divorce considering communication is virtually shut down between parents in lieu of attorneys. Since the issue of raising children together has nothing to do with the actual divorce, I feel the courts would do well to insist that parents see a professional, unbiased, mediator whose main concern will be establishing a workable, equitable visitation schedule for that individual family. Both parents can then have a say in what the visitation will be. Each situation should be treated individually as, work/vacation schedules, distance between parents, child care, and not least of all these, the desires of the children, should be considered and discussed on a level high above the mudslinging that typically occurs in divorce. Children should have frequent and regular scheduled times with the parent they are not living with, such as Christmas, and spring breaks, and eight to 10 weeks each summer. When parents litigate through attorneys for child visitation/custody issues the message automatically takes on a combative tone. This type of strategy may be effective in property settlements, but is of no benefit when discussing the future, and emotional security of the common children. When one parent "wins" setlements this can only bring on resentment, and continued conflict from the other parent, which only results in more problems for the children. It is detrimental for children to have embattled parents at any time. Remember ] they still love both of their parents, and it is terribly upsetting to them to be caught in the middle of this behavior.
I realize that there are some fathers, who cannot, or will not, for whatever reason, be a part of their childrens' lives, but there are many fathers who are simply not getting the chance.
Children need both of their parents. It is as painful for a father as it is for a mother, to be separated from your children. Divorce should not take away a mans right and responsibility to be a father. It is time for the courts re-evaluate their "guidelines," and for parents to come together unselfishly if only for the sake of their children.
Pamela Knowles Silver Lake
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