Letters to the Editor 04-11-2000
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Victims Rights - Taxation - Protect The Constitution - Crime And Government
Victims Rights
Editor, Times-Union:Sunday, April 9th, began the first day of recognizing the 20th Annual National Crime Victims' Rights Week. Several people gathered for a tree planting ceremony in honor of victims of violence in our community, and with special remembrance of Detective Sgt. Phil Hochstetler, who lost his life trying to protect ours. We want to thank all those who attended and participated in this very special event.
As we celebrate the achievements we have made in our community this week, in regard to the issues of violent crime victims, we would like to say a special thanks to the police officers. "Thank you" to the police officers who have spoken to the rape victims, battered women and abused children with kindness and concern. Most of us could not even imagine the harsh realities of life you face day-to-day. It has been your openness, support and willingness that has enabled us to pursue better treatment and services to victims of violence. We want to thank you for making a difference in our community and for helping us achieve new levels of awareness and responsibility. We want to thank you for putting your own lives on the line to protect ours. Thank you!
We would like to thank members of the Domestic Violence Task Force, who have given so much and worked so hard. Your efforts have clearly made a difference in our community and have touched many lives in a powerful way. To the volunteer victim advocates, who, out of pure compassion for people, respond at all hours to the hurting woman, child or man in need of help ... thank you for your unselfish and devoted service!
We want to thank the businesses in our community who have supported our efforts. You have made many special events and projects possible in addition to sending a message of hope to victims who have felt very alone. Thank you!
We want to thank the judges who listen to the victims and take their needs seriously. You play a vital role in our system of justice and we thank you for the positive impact you have had on many precious lives.
To the prosecutors who see each victim as an individual, with basic human rights that have been violated, and treat him/her with respect and sincere concern ... thank you! To those who approach each case with the seriousness and sensitivity you would have if the victim were someone close to your own hearts ... a very special thank you.
To the probation officers who communicate with the victims and listen as they define the harm caused by the crime and tell the court about the devastating impact the offense had on the victim's family, thank you ... we appreciate your diligence.
We want to thank the community for your continued support and encouragement. These are issues that affect us all and literally threaten our quality of life. Thank you for refusing to accept the violence and for striving toward a community of hope and safety for everyone.
Many innocent lives are tragically and painfully touched by violent crime. This is a fact that cannot be dismissed. Please join us this week as we celebrate how far we've come and commit ourselves to doing more. Please join us this week as we recognize the suffering around us and those who have given so much to help.
Becky Moreno,
Victim Assistance,
Warsaw Police Dept.
Deb Pennington,
Victim Assistance,
Kosciusko County Prosecutor's Office
Taxation
Editor, Times-Union:A few random thoughts I need to get off my chest... If old King George III of England hadn't been so bull-headed over a lousy tea tax, England might be getting half our paychecks today instead of our various governments here in the states.
It's hard to believe that some of our ancestors risked and gave their lives to overthrow a government that exceeded its authority and today we can't even find the ambition to call or write our representatives about current excesses.
It's interesting to note, if a popular vote had been taken in 1776, we would probably still be a part of the British Empire. Only 1/3 of the populace were Patriots willing to risk everything for freedom from government oppression. The other 2/3 were evenly divided between Loyalists and those who were indifferent.
If we voted today on whether the 1/3 who stood up and fought did the right thing or not how do you think the vote would come out? I believe the vote would be unanimous in support of those who fought. Why then can't we stop this government oppression today?
Charles Carnes
Warsaw
Protect The Constitution
Editor, Times-Union:To Senator Richard Lugar, Senator Evan Bayh and Representative Tim Roemer... With all due respect, I demand that you do the job you were elected to do which is to: Preserve and Protect the Constitution.
No more gun laws are necessary. Enforce the ones we have and start a program of gun education. This will do the most to reduce crime and accidents with firearms.
Please, explain to me why people in the current administration, who claim to be Americans, want to initiate the fall of the United States and why this is not treason?
Robert S. Cord
Winona Lake
Crime And Government
Editor, Times-Union:Much has been said about the new jail. I wonder how soon they will have to build a bigger jail. The people in our government and courts make it so easy for people to want to go to jail or prison as, for some, it's nicer than in their own homes: TV, play cards, shoot baskets, three good meals a day, washing done, they can sit around and socialize with each other or complain, they don't have to work. For me that would be pretty dull and lonely. Our courts, government and attorneys are going to have to do something about this. They murder someone and admit it right away and instead of being electrocuted like they used to, they are sent to prison for years and want to bring in a psychiatrist for a mental problem. So the people in our courts and attorneys make a lot of money and we pay. On the radio the other day a man was sentenced for 198 years in prison. I didn't know anyone lived that long. I think they should bring in a psychiatrist to check these people in our government systems, as crime is getting worse.
Look at these 6-year-olds shooting people. It's not safe for police, sheriff, teachers or parents. Just before our former mayor, Jeff Plank, resigned, I was in Owens East Grocery Store and a little boy around 3 to 4 years old had a toy gun waving it all around in his hand, shouting "Shoot Plank, Shoot Plank" up and down the aisles. I didn't see any parent around. Toy guns are bad for kids.
Parents, teachers can't do anything about it or they're fined. If they went back to the old jail, which is now the Kosciusko County Historical Society Jail Museum, 121 N. Indiana St., we wouldn't have all these people wanting to go to jail. This only makes us hire more police, sheriff, buy more cars, hire more people in our courts.
Then there are people suing the tobacco companies for millions of dollars because of a health problem from smoking. No one told them to smoke. The tobacco companies are like anyone else in business to make money. I don't smoke, never did and never will.
Years ago the welfare contacted us to adopt a 6-year-old girl, originally from Chicago. At 2 years old, they were trying to find her a home for four years. They said she was in a different home every two to three days. I was working 14-18 hours a day at the business and then do home and work. They brought her and she walked into the kitchen and said, "This is the most beautiful home I've ever seen, but I won't be here long because nobody wants me." I took her to the store and put her to work addressing envelopes for invoices and statements and stamping them, pricing the merchandise. I had to take her to swimming lessons and tap dancing lessons to relax her from worrying if we were going to adopt her. At 8 years old, she was operating the cash register, etc. So we had to make up our minds to adopt her, so we did. She never brought any books home but was an honor student. If there was a problem, I would sit with her on a chair and told her the right way and told her to sit there for 20 minutes and think about it and not get up or I would have to do something about it. She watched the clock and didn't move for 20 minutes and asked if she could get up. She never talked back and always asked what she could do next. Today they tell parents to make them sit for one to two minutes, which is wrong.
When you apply for a job, someone has to tell you how to do it, so with a child you have to tell them to get what you want done. I sent her to Goshen to a Christian School for a while but she called later on and wanted to come home and go back to high school here, but she did graduate here. I think she was 16, not more than 17.
Kathern Wolford
Warsaw
[[In-content Ad]]
Latest News
E-Editions
- Victims Rights - Taxation - Protect The Constitution - Crime And Government
Victims Rights
Editor, Times-Union:Sunday, April 9th, began the first day of recognizing the 20th Annual National Crime Victims' Rights Week. Several people gathered for a tree planting ceremony in honor of victims of violence in our community, and with special remembrance of Detective Sgt. Phil Hochstetler, who lost his life trying to protect ours. We want to thank all those who attended and participated in this very special event.
As we celebrate the achievements we have made in our community this week, in regard to the issues of violent crime victims, we would like to say a special thanks to the police officers. "Thank you" to the police officers who have spoken to the rape victims, battered women and abused children with kindness and concern. Most of us could not even imagine the harsh realities of life you face day-to-day. It has been your openness, support and willingness that has enabled us to pursue better treatment and services to victims of violence. We want to thank you for making a difference in our community and for helping us achieve new levels of awareness and responsibility. We want to thank you for putting your own lives on the line to protect ours. Thank you!
We would like to thank members of the Domestic Violence Task Force, who have given so much and worked so hard. Your efforts have clearly made a difference in our community and have touched many lives in a powerful way. To the volunteer victim advocates, who, out of pure compassion for people, respond at all hours to the hurting woman, child or man in need of help ... thank you for your unselfish and devoted service!
We want to thank the businesses in our community who have supported our efforts. You have made many special events and projects possible in addition to sending a message of hope to victims who have felt very alone. Thank you!
We want to thank the judges who listen to the victims and take their needs seriously. You play a vital role in our system of justice and we thank you for the positive impact you have had on many precious lives.
To the prosecutors who see each victim as an individual, with basic human rights that have been violated, and treat him/her with respect and sincere concern ... thank you! To those who approach each case with the seriousness and sensitivity you would have if the victim were someone close to your own hearts ... a very special thank you.
To the probation officers who communicate with the victims and listen as they define the harm caused by the crime and tell the court about the devastating impact the offense had on the victim's family, thank you ... we appreciate your diligence.
We want to thank the community for your continued support and encouragement. These are issues that affect us all and literally threaten our quality of life. Thank you for refusing to accept the violence and for striving toward a community of hope and safety for everyone.
Many innocent lives are tragically and painfully touched by violent crime. This is a fact that cannot be dismissed. Please join us this week as we celebrate how far we've come and commit ourselves to doing more. Please join us this week as we recognize the suffering around us and those who have given so much to help.
Becky Moreno,
Victim Assistance,
Warsaw Police Dept.
Deb Pennington,
Victim Assistance,
Kosciusko County Prosecutor's Office
Taxation
Editor, Times-Union:A few random thoughts I need to get off my chest... If old King George III of England hadn't been so bull-headed over a lousy tea tax, England might be getting half our paychecks today instead of our various governments here in the states.
It's hard to believe that some of our ancestors risked and gave their lives to overthrow a government that exceeded its authority and today we can't even find the ambition to call or write our representatives about current excesses.
It's interesting to note, if a popular vote had been taken in 1776, we would probably still be a part of the British Empire. Only 1/3 of the populace were Patriots willing to risk everything for freedom from government oppression. The other 2/3 were evenly divided between Loyalists and those who were indifferent.
If we voted today on whether the 1/3 who stood up and fought did the right thing or not how do you think the vote would come out? I believe the vote would be unanimous in support of those who fought. Why then can't we stop this government oppression today?
Charles Carnes
Warsaw
Protect The Constitution
Editor, Times-Union:To Senator Richard Lugar, Senator Evan Bayh and Representative Tim Roemer... With all due respect, I demand that you do the job you were elected to do which is to: Preserve and Protect the Constitution.
No more gun laws are necessary. Enforce the ones we have and start a program of gun education. This will do the most to reduce crime and accidents with firearms.
Please, explain to me why people in the current administration, who claim to be Americans, want to initiate the fall of the United States and why this is not treason?
Robert S. Cord
Winona Lake
Crime And Government
Editor, Times-Union:Much has been said about the new jail. I wonder how soon they will have to build a bigger jail. The people in our government and courts make it so easy for people to want to go to jail or prison as, for some, it's nicer than in their own homes: TV, play cards, shoot baskets, three good meals a day, washing done, they can sit around and socialize with each other or complain, they don't have to work. For me that would be pretty dull and lonely. Our courts, government and attorneys are going to have to do something about this. They murder someone and admit it right away and instead of being electrocuted like they used to, they are sent to prison for years and want to bring in a psychiatrist for a mental problem. So the people in our courts and attorneys make a lot of money and we pay. On the radio the other day a man was sentenced for 198 years in prison. I didn't know anyone lived that long. I think they should bring in a psychiatrist to check these people in our government systems, as crime is getting worse.
Look at these 6-year-olds shooting people. It's not safe for police, sheriff, teachers or parents. Just before our former mayor, Jeff Plank, resigned, I was in Owens East Grocery Store and a little boy around 3 to 4 years old had a toy gun waving it all around in his hand, shouting "Shoot Plank, Shoot Plank" up and down the aisles. I didn't see any parent around. Toy guns are bad for kids.
Parents, teachers can't do anything about it or they're fined. If they went back to the old jail, which is now the Kosciusko County Historical Society Jail Museum, 121 N. Indiana St., we wouldn't have all these people wanting to go to jail. This only makes us hire more police, sheriff, buy more cars, hire more people in our courts.
Then there are people suing the tobacco companies for millions of dollars because of a health problem from smoking. No one told them to smoke. The tobacco companies are like anyone else in business to make money. I don't smoke, never did and never will.
Years ago the welfare contacted us to adopt a 6-year-old girl, originally from Chicago. At 2 years old, they were trying to find her a home for four years. They said she was in a different home every two to three days. I was working 14-18 hours a day at the business and then do home and work. They brought her and she walked into the kitchen and said, "This is the most beautiful home I've ever seen, but I won't be here long because nobody wants me." I took her to the store and put her to work addressing envelopes for invoices and statements and stamping them, pricing the merchandise. I had to take her to swimming lessons and tap dancing lessons to relax her from worrying if we were going to adopt her. At 8 years old, she was operating the cash register, etc. So we had to make up our minds to adopt her, so we did. She never brought any books home but was an honor student. If there was a problem, I would sit with her on a chair and told her the right way and told her to sit there for 20 minutes and think about it and not get up or I would have to do something about it. She watched the clock and didn't move for 20 minutes and asked if she could get up. She never talked back and always asked what she could do next. Today they tell parents to make them sit for one to two minutes, which is wrong.
When you apply for a job, someone has to tell you how to do it, so with a child you have to tell them to get what you want done. I sent her to Goshen to a Christian School for a while but she called later on and wanted to come home and go back to high school here, but she did graduate here. I think she was 16, not more than 17.
Kathern Wolford
Warsaw
[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092