Letters to the Editor 04-11-2006
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Immigration Controversy - Child Care - Claypool Communism - Where Is The Law? - Jesus - Bush's Rating
Immigration Controversy
Editor, Times-Union:The deadline for American citizens to pay their income tax is days away. Our taxes pay for services such as roadways, police, schools, social services, medical aid and more. Too often, our money is used for projects which we do not approve. Still, we have to pay our taxes. The monies raised through this system keep our country functioning and enable us to live peaceful lives.
What would happen to citizens of the United States if they refused to pay their income tax? Tax evasion is considered a felony and can result in significant fines and jail time. Tax paying citizens are being told there are an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants currently residing in our nation. Is it a safe assumption that illegal immigrants don't pay taxes?
The Atlanta police reported an estimated 40,000 people participated in a march through the city. One purpose of the march was to protest a bill being considered requiring adults applying for state-administered benefits to prove they are in this country legally. Why should anyone, whether they live in Georgia or anywhere else in the USA, believe they should be entitled to state or national benefits of any kind, if they are in this country illegally and have not contributed to our national treasury?
Our lawmakers are currently debating ways to forgive these illegal immigrants for their past crimes and allow them to obtain citizenship without making amends for their actions. Frankly, though I am in favor of legal immigration, I am not in favor of rewarding those who have flouted our laws in the past.
I'm beginning to wonder who is really being represented in Washington. Is it the law-abiding, tax-paying American citizen? Or, is it the non-English-speaking populace that has captured their ears?
Michael C. Mahan, via e-mail
Warsaw
Child Care
Editor, Times-Union:This is just a comment to the letter about unlicensed child care in Wednesday's paper.
I would like to say that I have a 4-year-old son that is the love of my life and I would never do anything to put him in harm's way, that includes the babysitter that I take him to.
See, my babysitter is unlicensed and she is wonderful! My son has planned meals for breakfast, lunch and snack just like a licensed care facility. My sitter is also CPR certified and she lets us claim the child care deduction on our taxes. The children take walks to the park and the post office on a regular basis. She also teaches preschool activities to the children, and the kids have there own sleeping cots for naptime.
So, not everyone falls under your typical stereotype of a unlicensed child care provider. I'm sure that most parents aren't even CPR certified and that includes myself, so does that mean we shouldn't be able to take care of our own children?
As for the whole comment on background checks and fingerprinting, what does that have to do with quality child care? There is nothing saying that because you had a background check on your babysitter, that babysitter won't abuse your child.
I am a strong believer on wanting to take all the child abuse away forever. These children all deserve the best life. So before you go talking down all the unlicensed child care providers, you should know that there are very good people in this world despite all the bad. I should know that because I trust one of those people to watch my son everyday.
Andrea Pfister, via e-mail
Warsaw
Claypool Communism
Editor, Times-Union:To all of Claypool because this does concern you:
Do you all realize that you are only allowed three bags of garbage a week to be taken off? Three bags ... anyone with more than one person is going to have more than three bags of garbage in a week.
And for the poor people who are considering moving to this town, think carefully! The town has decided that if there is a water bill owed at the residence, whoever moves there next is responsible for it. And the most disgusting part? The town board is completely within their rights to do this. To charge you for some stranger's bill. And as incredibly high as these water and septic bills are, it can easily be hundreds of dollars. I used to go to a few board meetings, but found out that what the people wanted didn't make any difference. The board did as it pleased. Making completely unfair decisions that affected all of us. So before you move there, think carefully! It's almost communistic here. Anyone want to buy a house?
Shelli Bartley
Claypool
Where Is The Law?
Editor, Times-Union:With all the tragedies caused by drunk drivers, one would think our law enforcement agencies would be a bit more diligent in trying to control the problem. We are told we should report impaired drivers, but too often, when we do, nothing is done about it.
I understand that the law officers have certain restrictions and laws to follow, but surely some way can be found to stop these tragedies.
Last week, I observed an acquaintance leaving a local bar, quite obviously intoxicated. This person has only a restricted driver's license because of a DWI charge last fall, but he was driving his car. The friend with him has also been arrested more than once and has no valid license. But they got in the car and drove towards town. I called the Sheriff's Department and reported this car and driver. Shortly after, I again saw this same car in front of another bar in the main part of town. I called the Sheriff's Department again and reported it. This time I waited to see if anything happened. Nothing!
I went to the Sheriff's Department in person and explained the situation. I was told an officer checked but the car was gone. Not true! I went back to the bar and the car was still there. I left then, but later learned this person was seen in a local convenience store buying cigarettes and still very obviously drunk. Where was the law when this accident was waiting to happen? It is only by the grace of God that there was no accident this time.
This isn't an isolated incident either that this person has been driving while impaired. In fact, it is a regular occurrence. It's only a matter of time until another tragedy occurs. Again, my question is, "Where is law enforcement?"
I sincerely hope the next victim isn't one of my friends or family members.
Jude Allen, via e-mail
Warsaw
Jesus
Editor, Times-Union:Several famous men of yesteryear made statements on Jesus.
Napoleon said, "I know men, and I tell you; Jesus is more than a man ... because He was the Son of God."
Ralph Waldo Emerson was asked why he didn't include Jesus among a list in his book, "Representative Men." He responded, "Jesus was not just a man."
Arnold Toynbee, famous historian, declared that the one hope of survival of Western civilization lies in the rebirth of the Christian spirit, and also declared, "As stanad and gaze with our eyes fixed upon the farthest shore, a simple figure rises from the flood and straightway fills the whole horizon of history. There is the Savior, Jesus."
This week, called Holy Week by Christians, we hold in mind and heart what happened and why Jesus is our Savior and Lord. Following His exemplary life, Jesus was crucified. The Romans had crucified many hundreds before Jesus, but if Jesus hadn't risen from the dead on Easter there never would have been the Christian Church.
Something so hideous and repulsive as a cross stained with blood would never have been glorified. A dead Christ could not be our Savior. A body in a grave could never have started the Christian Church.
By rising from the dead, and from the tomb, Jesus fulfilled God, the heavenly Father's purpose. Jesus proved Himself to all ages the conqueror of death and sin, yours and mine, if we accept Him as Savior. He paid for the sin we could not pay for.
Only the Christian faith claims that Jesus lived, died, and is alive again, now. The only One, Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord. Hallelujah! Accept Him, serve Him, and be blessed!
C.L. Hendrix, via e-mail
Winona Lake
Bush's Rating
Editor, Times-Union:Ref: To President Poll
Let's assume President Bush's rating is presently 46.
When asking someone how would you rate our President, the individual thinks of the war. I don't think that is a true rating.
I feel when asking someone, he or she should ask concerning two fronts: A -ÊThe home front and B -ÊThe war.
It is my opinion the rating on the home front would and should be 100. War front 46. Add the two and divide by two and you get the better rating, 73. I think 73 is a much more fairer and accurate rating.
What do you think?
Leslie E. Swanson
Winona Lake
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- Immigration Controversy - Child Care - Claypool Communism - Where Is The Law? - Jesus - Bush's Rating
Immigration Controversy
Editor, Times-Union:The deadline for American citizens to pay their income tax is days away. Our taxes pay for services such as roadways, police, schools, social services, medical aid and more. Too often, our money is used for projects which we do not approve. Still, we have to pay our taxes. The monies raised through this system keep our country functioning and enable us to live peaceful lives.
What would happen to citizens of the United States if they refused to pay their income tax? Tax evasion is considered a felony and can result in significant fines and jail time. Tax paying citizens are being told there are an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants currently residing in our nation. Is it a safe assumption that illegal immigrants don't pay taxes?
The Atlanta police reported an estimated 40,000 people participated in a march through the city. One purpose of the march was to protest a bill being considered requiring adults applying for state-administered benefits to prove they are in this country legally. Why should anyone, whether they live in Georgia or anywhere else in the USA, believe they should be entitled to state or national benefits of any kind, if they are in this country illegally and have not contributed to our national treasury?
Our lawmakers are currently debating ways to forgive these illegal immigrants for their past crimes and allow them to obtain citizenship without making amends for their actions. Frankly, though I am in favor of legal immigration, I am not in favor of rewarding those who have flouted our laws in the past.
I'm beginning to wonder who is really being represented in Washington. Is it the law-abiding, tax-paying American citizen? Or, is it the non-English-speaking populace that has captured their ears?
Michael C. Mahan, via e-mail
Warsaw
Child Care
Editor, Times-Union:This is just a comment to the letter about unlicensed child care in Wednesday's paper.
I would like to say that I have a 4-year-old son that is the love of my life and I would never do anything to put him in harm's way, that includes the babysitter that I take him to.
See, my babysitter is unlicensed and she is wonderful! My son has planned meals for breakfast, lunch and snack just like a licensed care facility. My sitter is also CPR certified and she lets us claim the child care deduction on our taxes. The children take walks to the park and the post office on a regular basis. She also teaches preschool activities to the children, and the kids have there own sleeping cots for naptime.
So, not everyone falls under your typical stereotype of a unlicensed child care provider. I'm sure that most parents aren't even CPR certified and that includes myself, so does that mean we shouldn't be able to take care of our own children?
As for the whole comment on background checks and fingerprinting, what does that have to do with quality child care? There is nothing saying that because you had a background check on your babysitter, that babysitter won't abuse your child.
I am a strong believer on wanting to take all the child abuse away forever. These children all deserve the best life. So before you go talking down all the unlicensed child care providers, you should know that there are very good people in this world despite all the bad. I should know that because I trust one of those people to watch my son everyday.
Andrea Pfister, via e-mail
Warsaw
Claypool Communism
Editor, Times-Union:To all of Claypool because this does concern you:
Do you all realize that you are only allowed three bags of garbage a week to be taken off? Three bags ... anyone with more than one person is going to have more than three bags of garbage in a week.
And for the poor people who are considering moving to this town, think carefully! The town has decided that if there is a water bill owed at the residence, whoever moves there next is responsible for it. And the most disgusting part? The town board is completely within their rights to do this. To charge you for some stranger's bill. And as incredibly high as these water and septic bills are, it can easily be hundreds of dollars. I used to go to a few board meetings, but found out that what the people wanted didn't make any difference. The board did as it pleased. Making completely unfair decisions that affected all of us. So before you move there, think carefully! It's almost communistic here. Anyone want to buy a house?
Shelli Bartley
Claypool
Where Is The Law?
Editor, Times-Union:With all the tragedies caused by drunk drivers, one would think our law enforcement agencies would be a bit more diligent in trying to control the problem. We are told we should report impaired drivers, but too often, when we do, nothing is done about it.
I understand that the law officers have certain restrictions and laws to follow, but surely some way can be found to stop these tragedies.
Last week, I observed an acquaintance leaving a local bar, quite obviously intoxicated. This person has only a restricted driver's license because of a DWI charge last fall, but he was driving his car. The friend with him has also been arrested more than once and has no valid license. But they got in the car and drove towards town. I called the Sheriff's Department and reported this car and driver. Shortly after, I again saw this same car in front of another bar in the main part of town. I called the Sheriff's Department again and reported it. This time I waited to see if anything happened. Nothing!
I went to the Sheriff's Department in person and explained the situation. I was told an officer checked but the car was gone. Not true! I went back to the bar and the car was still there. I left then, but later learned this person was seen in a local convenience store buying cigarettes and still very obviously drunk. Where was the law when this accident was waiting to happen? It is only by the grace of God that there was no accident this time.
This isn't an isolated incident either that this person has been driving while impaired. In fact, it is a regular occurrence. It's only a matter of time until another tragedy occurs. Again, my question is, "Where is law enforcement?"
I sincerely hope the next victim isn't one of my friends or family members.
Jude Allen, via e-mail
Warsaw
Jesus
Editor, Times-Union:Several famous men of yesteryear made statements on Jesus.
Napoleon said, "I know men, and I tell you; Jesus is more than a man ... because He was the Son of God."
Ralph Waldo Emerson was asked why he didn't include Jesus among a list in his book, "Representative Men." He responded, "Jesus was not just a man."
Arnold Toynbee, famous historian, declared that the one hope of survival of Western civilization lies in the rebirth of the Christian spirit, and also declared, "As stanad and gaze with our eyes fixed upon the farthest shore, a simple figure rises from the flood and straightway fills the whole horizon of history. There is the Savior, Jesus."
This week, called Holy Week by Christians, we hold in mind and heart what happened and why Jesus is our Savior and Lord. Following His exemplary life, Jesus was crucified. The Romans had crucified many hundreds before Jesus, but if Jesus hadn't risen from the dead on Easter there never would have been the Christian Church.
Something so hideous and repulsive as a cross stained with blood would never have been glorified. A dead Christ could not be our Savior. A body in a grave could never have started the Christian Church.
By rising from the dead, and from the tomb, Jesus fulfilled God, the heavenly Father's purpose. Jesus proved Himself to all ages the conqueror of death and sin, yours and mine, if we accept Him as Savior. He paid for the sin we could not pay for.
Only the Christian faith claims that Jesus lived, died, and is alive again, now. The only One, Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord. Hallelujah! Accept Him, serve Him, and be blessed!
C.L. Hendrix, via e-mail
Winona Lake
Bush's Rating
Editor, Times-Union:Ref: To President Poll
Let's assume President Bush's rating is presently 46.
When asking someone how would you rate our President, the individual thinks of the war. I don't think that is a true rating.
I feel when asking someone, he or she should ask concerning two fronts: A -ÊThe home front and B -ÊThe war.
It is my opinion the rating on the home front would and should be 100. War front 46. Add the two and divide by two and you get the better rating, 73. I think 73 is a much more fairer and accurate rating.
What do you think?
Leslie E. Swanson
Winona Lake
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