Letters to the Editor 04-15-2003
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Abuse And Neglect - Yellow Ribbons - Grave Decorations - Teacher Salaries - Defender And Hero - Proud Of Teachers - Teacher Dedication - Embracing Fears - Man To Be Proud Of - Museum Volunteers - Safer Bicycling - Teachers Deserve Respect - Caring Teachers
Abuse And Neglect
Editor, Times-Union:Nationally, four children die each day due to maltreatment! Last year in Indiana, more than 63,000 children were reported as being abused or neglected, and over one-third of those were substantiated. Seventy children died in Indiana as a result of being abused or neglected, most often at the hands of a family member or friend. Over the last five years in Indiana, on average, one child died per week due to maltreatment!
Here in Kosciusko County, 323 children were reported as being abused or neglected in 2001. Over 50 percent of these reports were substantiated.
While it is important to take note of these statistics and to learn from them, it is perhaps even more important to prevent abuse and neglect from happening in the first place. That's why April has been designated Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Awareness Month. Prevention is possible and we encourage everyone in Kosciusko County to join us in the effort to stop the pain before it starts.
Here are a few simple ways each of us can help prevent child abuse and neglect:
1. Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Being a parent isn't easy. Someone you know may be struggling with his or her parenting responsibilities. Offer a helping hand.
2. Help yourself. When the big and little problems of everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control, take time out. Know where you can turn for help when you need it.
3. Learn how to calm a crying baby. It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry, especially when nothing you do seems to work. Learn what to do if your baby won't stop crying. But never shake a baby!
4. Get involved. Advocate for services to help families. Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of children and families.
5. Spend time with your children. Playing with your children, reading to them or just being with them helps them feel loved. Make time every day for quality time.
6. Report suspected abuse or neglect. Keeping children safe is the responsibility of every adult in our community. If you have reason to believe that a child has been or may be harmed, call 267-8108. Remember - it's the law in Indiana to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
For more information about how to prevent child abuse and neglect, call Prevent Child Abuse Indiana at 800-CHILDREN, 800-244-5373.
Sariah Coons Morgan
President, Child Abuse Prevention Council
Kosciusko County
Yellow Ribbons
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to thank the people responsible for all the yellow ribbons in our town. They are on both sides of the street on Ind. 15 and 14. I have taken pictures of them and the ones at the fire station. I will send them to one of our own who is over there protecting our freedom. Thanks again.
Sue Clark
Silver Lake
Grave Decorations
Editor, Times-Union:Town of Claypool:
Tonight, April 8th, marks the third time I have gone to Graceland Cemetery to remove flowers from my family's gravesites, only to find them already gone. This makes me extremely angry!
I don't know if you people have priced artificial flowers, but they are not cheap. I'm guessing you don't have to pay for yours, as you always have a ready supply for your picking at the cemetery. If the arrangements were on the ground and in the way, I could understand why you've removed them - but they aren't. My grandparents' flowers hang from a shepherd's hook in a flower pot and my dad's are in large containers up on the cement next to his headstone.
I have noticed, in the past few weeks, other local cemeteries have placed notices in the Times-Union. These notices announce a deadline for removing flowers from the graves for spring cleaning. How considerate! I have yet to see a notice for Graceland. I went to the cemetery tonight after seeing one such announcement, thinking (hoping) I'd beat the flower thieves this time. I mean, it is only the eighth day in April. No such luck.
Please, town of Claypool, if you cannot place notices in the paper in consideration of your "customers," find some other way of notifying us.
Chris Williams
Claypool
via e-mail
Teacher Salaries
Editor, Times-Union:A teacher deserves a lot more than $44,800. What some people don't realize is that sure, teachers get summers, weekends and holidays off, but many teacher work a lot more than just an eight-hour day. Many teachers spend lots of their own time outside of the school grading tests, homework and projects. Teaching also takes hour upon hour of planning lessons and activities for the school days. What you are forgetting also is that most teachers spend money out of their pocket to buy activities and supplies for their classrooms.
You need to also consider that a teacher's education never ends. After they have completed their four years of school, which can cost $40,000+, they still are required to go back for more education. Plus, the role of a teacher continues to grow. With the elimination of elementary counselors in Warsaw Community Schools, who do you think will fill the role of listening to the children and helping them with problems? You guessed it, the classroom teacher.
I respect Mr. Parks' opinion, if teachers want to get paid more, then maybe they should get another job. What you need to realize, though, is that most teachers are in the teaching profession to help the kids, not their pocket. Most teachers are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to help their students. What you are basically saying is that these teachers should change professions because they don't make enough money. What you are saying is that you want a bunch of teachers who are just there for the summers off and to get a fair amount of money. I know that I would be willing to pay a teacher any amount if they were willing to help my children in the ways that some teachers do. Who wouldn't?
And really, I would like to know where that dollar figure comes from because I know when I enter the teaching field in the next couple years, I will not be making $44,800?
Kyle Carter
Warsaw
via e-mail
Editor's Note: The Indiana Department of Education's Web site lists average teacher salaries by school corporation. Warsaw Community Schools' average teacher salary is $44,800.
Defender And Hero
Editor, Times-Union:I have a story about a hero. My hero. A defender of our country, our people and our freedom. His name is Sgt. First Class David M. Hampton, an American soldier, and my brother. He has served our great nation for 15 years and counting. David began his military career with the 82nd Airborne stationed at Fort Bragg. During his time with the 82nd Airborne, he was involved in combat two times. He fought in operation Just Cause in Panama and on the front lines during operation Desert Storm. After leaving the special forces, he directly entered the Indiana Army National Guard. Now, for the third time in his life, David is in harm's way. Never once has he complained. He is a trained soldier, with a duty to protect the nation he loves. I could not be more proud to have such an amazing man defending me and my country. He is my hero. My brother. Sgt. First Class David M. Hampton.
SFC David M. Hampton; 1988 graduate of Warsaw Community High School; father of three: Cassandra, Kacie and David James Hampton, Warsaw; son of Linda Campbell and Ron Hampton of Warsaw; grandson of Betty and the late Keith Coldren, Warsaw; brother of Mark Hampton, Ronda Neumann and Vicki Jordon; friend and hero to many.
God bless the men and women of the United States military.
Ronda Neumann
Algonquin, Ill.
via e-mail
Proud Of Teachers
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to inform the city of Warsaw that your teachers are very intelligent and often put in more than eight hours a day. They may spend that much time at the school, but that does not count the hours a week they spend at home working on lesson plans, grading students' assignments and preparing for the next few days or even up to one week in advance.
Despite popular belief, teachers are more than babysitters for your children. Frankly, I think that they deserve more than they are paid presently. Since the school cooperation has cut the counselors, teachers will now have to take this job under their wings.
Teachers, I am very proud to know that you are out there and want to and are willing to teach the children of our community, and you are greatly appreciated, even if you are often taken advantage as a babysitting service.
Parents, you should be thankful for the teachers who are giving you child or children an education that they may prosper and have a wonderful life. Shame on those of you who see it as a babysitting service, I challenge you to get involved with your child's or children's school. Take a close look at what the teachers are doing for your children and don't be afraid to join in and help teach your child or children; help them with homework, volunteer to help out at school events and field trips, who knows you, yes, you, a grown adult, may learn something new and exciting.
Katherine Stoneburner
Warsaw
via e-mail
Teacher Dedication
Editor, Times-Union:While reading the paper this morning I noticed the letter written regarding teachers and their pay. Mr. Parks' way of figuring their hourly wages was not really fair. There are many factors that should be taken into consideration when looking at their wages. One thing to look at is the schooling these teachers had to go through to get where they are. Each teacher has a college degree and must go through a lot of schooling in order to be licensed by the state, and many will continue schooling in order to update their practices and to keep their license. The other thing to look at is the fact that an eight-hour day is not necessarily accurate when looking at all a teacher does during a school year. Mr. Parks did not consider the hours spent at home grading papers and tests. As well as the time spent preparing lesson plans and working with students after hours that require extra help. You will find many teachers at school well before it starts and long after it is over. It takes this dedication to provide students with the kind of education that is needed to prepare them for life outside of school. If I were Mr. Parks, I would be more concerned with making sure that the children are receiving the best possible education they can receive rather than worrying if teachers are being paid more than their worth or not. Without the dedication of our teachers, what life do we have to hope for our children?
Aubrey Rife
Warsaw
via e-mail
Embracing Fears
Editor, Times-Union:The war in Iraq, and any war for that matter, tends to create in people a sense of fear. As the potential for war began to develop and then as the actual war unfolded, I found myself fearful. Others with whom I talked had similar feelings. There is, of course, much to fear with war, especially for those whose loved ones serve our country. Certainly, no one enjoys feeling afraid. Those with small children are quite aware of the power fear has on the human heart. As a teenager and even as a young man, I never saw myself as fearful. The older I get, however, the more I realize how much fear controls my life and the world in which I live. It is difficult to admit this, because fear is often equated with weakness.
But what if fear really isn't weakness? What if fear is not the enemy we assume it to be? As we read the news or watch it on TV, we are confronted by images of demonstrations not only in our country but around the world, whether in opposition to the war or in support of our troops. Watching this, I have sometimes wondered whether these demonstrations are unknowingly motivated by fear. Perhaps our support for the war grows out of a fear for our national security. Opposition on the other hand, might arise out of our fears about the leadership of our country and their personal or political agendas. Of course, there may be other reasons that cause us to polarize toward either support for or rejection of the war. But because fear is not a welcome emotion, I wonder if we even see it lurking behind the reasons for why we do what we do or believe what we believe.
Fear leaves us vulnerable. To combat this, we may take the road of moral superiority, convincing ourselves that we are indeed right, regardless of which side we tend to take. In part, the issue is one of control because we do not want to wrestle with the uncertainty of our position and its possible weaknesses and ramifications. I suspect that while our leaders communicate a sense of confidence in public (something we like), behind closed doors they have battled through a great deal of uncertainty. I, for one, hope this is true. Interestingly enough, President Abraham Lincoln, while leading the nation in the middle of another war, the Civil War, admitted this uncertainty. In a document perhaps not intended for the public, Lincoln was unwilling to declare that he and the North were in the right. By facing this possibility, President Lincoln was able to consider another option. He considered that perhaps there was a greater purpose transpiring that neither side could see or understand and that the "human instrumentalities, working just as they do, are the best adaptation to affect this purpose."
This is where fear can be a friend to us if embraced. Fear is meant to generate a response of humility within the human heart because it can help us acknowledge the truth about ourselves - namely, that we are incapable of controlling the things that matter most to us. By embracing our fears, we can discover that in our smallness we are dependent on someone bigger, someone whose purposes are being accomplished in ways far beyond our understanding and who is never caught off guard by the events of our world. Our dependency should not be in our military might or our unprecedented wealth. That would be misplaced trust. Even with our military superiority, even with a convincing victory in Iraq, our national security, whether physical or economic, is not guaranteed. It is my hope that this war will cause many of us, in an act of humility, to turn our hearts toward the One who has granted us the freedom we so enjoy and to hold our positions about war and other matters with a greater degree of openness.
Kent Denlinger
Winona Lake
via e-mail
Man To Be Proud Of
Editor, Times-Union:My tears flowed freely again tonight while I watched the funeral procession for David Fribley. They have flowed several times since I first heard about his death. I didn't know David or his family, but my heart goes out to them. I still vividly remember the day in March 1945, when I was 10 years old, that my family received the telegram telling us my brother, Maurice Lee Plant, had died in the South Pacific.
I would say to the Fribley family, you will come to terms with his death, but you will never forget the anniversaries associated with it or, even 50 years from now, forget when his birthday comes around. He will live in your hearts and minds every day as long as you live. He was clearly a young man to be proud of. I pray for God's blessing on all of you.
Leafy Hudson
Mentone
Museum Volunteers
Editor, Times-Union:They come from Atwood, Claypool, Clunette, Dewart Lake, Leesburg and Milford. And from North Webster, Pierceton, Syracuse, Warsaw and Winona Lake.
Who are they? They are the dear folks who faithfully serve as docents at the Old Jail Museum, and whom we gratefully acknowledge during this National Volunteer Recognition time.
They come, too, with a smile, a story and sometimes a special treat, but always with a desire to share in the rich history of Kosciusko County. And so once again, we salute them, each and every one!
Jeanne E. Jones, Director
Audra Rhoades, Volunteer Coordinator
Old Jail Museum
Safer Bicycling
Editor, Times-Union:Spring is upon us, and I would like to see bicycling made safer.
We need to educate all road users of their respective rights and responsibilities when using public roads. The signs we put up read "SHARE THE ROAD." A bicycle is a vehicle, bicycle drivers should know the rules of the road and be expected to obey them just as they would in an automobile. Automobile drivers should be aware of the use of bikes on the road, and realize that they have every right to be there and should be respected. A bicycle is the first vehicle your child will ever drive. Teach them the correct way and the safe way to drive. If taught correctly, driving a bicycle can be safe. If taught correctly, when a bicycle driver does drive a car, they will be more courteous, and thus a safer driver. When cycling on roads, one should use standard rules of the road and basic principles of traffic safety and to cooperate with other drivers in creating as much safety as possible for themselves and other road users.
A bicycle is a very efficient way to travel. It is not just a toy or a recreational vehicle. It is a means of transportation. The shared multi-use path that we are proposing would be supplemental to the roadway. We cannot rely entirely on multi-use paths as a transportation solution as we know they cannot serve adequately and would be much too costly. Every existing street is already a bicycle facility, they just need to be made safer and more convenient for both motorists and cyclists sharing them. Share the road and drive safely.
Thank you, and best wishes on the Warsaw Greenway.
Carole Gilbert
North Webster
via e-mail
Teachers Deserve Respect
Editor, Times-Union:This is in response to Mr. Parks' letter to the editor. I am a freshman at Anderson University and I am studying to earn my degree in elementary education. Every day I read the Times-Union online, which I must say is very nice for college students away from home, but not once have I heard a teacher complain about their salary in regard to any of the financial problems Warsaw Community Schools have had. The only reason any of them are putting up a fight is because they are losing the chance to teach the children in the community. Although I might be a little biased, I feel the teachers in our community deserve more than $30 an hour because they are teaching children to get the jobs that do pay more. I am not becoming a teacher because of the salary, I am doing it because it is my dream, which I imagine is the same reason many teachers in the school system became teachers in the first place. Also, I think you need to get your stats correct because the only way teachers would make $44,800 is if they have taught for many years. A starting teacher in the state of Indiana only makes $24,700 a year! I know this is "$16" an hour, but teachers are not paid for more than 182 days and you are probably paid for what-350 days out of the year?! Just thought I would give a little insight on the subject.
Jenna Spangle
Anderson University
via e-mail
Caring Teachers
Editor, Times-Union:As the proud mom of two elementary school teachers and the mother-in-law of two more, I would like to respond to Kenny Park's letter of April 9 concerning teacher pay.
It is grossly unfair and misleading to base assumptions on a salary figure that does not apply to all teachers. For his information, the top pay for a teacher with a bachelor's degree is $34,768.00 in The Wasaw Community School Corp. It is also grossly unfair and misleading to assume teachers work an eight-hour day. All teachers carry work home with them; papers to grade, lesson plans to write and special projects. This is in addition to the extra paperwork and extra meetings as a result of Public Law 221 and The No Child Left Behind Act. Teachers are in school long before the students arrive and are often the last to leave. Also, every teacher I know spends money out of their own pocket every school year for supplies not provided by the school corporation.
Teachers are college-educated professionals and should be respected as such. Many of our teachers work in mediocre environments. Visit one of the classrooms or staff lunchrooms in one of the older buildings. Better yet, visit an average classroom of 20-25 students. Here you will find students at various stages of learning and development, students of different temperament and backgrounds, students with disabilities or medical or behavior problems. At the head of this classroom will be a wonderful, caring human being whose goal is to educate ALL these students and instill a love of learning. These wonderful, caring teachers are worth every penny they are paid and then some.
Judith Nehls
Warsaw
via e-mail
[[In-content Ad]]
Latest News
E-Editions
- Abuse And Neglect - Yellow Ribbons - Grave Decorations - Teacher Salaries - Defender And Hero - Proud Of Teachers - Teacher Dedication - Embracing Fears - Man To Be Proud Of - Museum Volunteers - Safer Bicycling - Teachers Deserve Respect - Caring Teachers
Abuse And Neglect
Editor, Times-Union:Nationally, four children die each day due to maltreatment! Last year in Indiana, more than 63,000 children were reported as being abused or neglected, and over one-third of those were substantiated. Seventy children died in Indiana as a result of being abused or neglected, most often at the hands of a family member or friend. Over the last five years in Indiana, on average, one child died per week due to maltreatment!
Here in Kosciusko County, 323 children were reported as being abused or neglected in 2001. Over 50 percent of these reports were substantiated.
While it is important to take note of these statistics and to learn from them, it is perhaps even more important to prevent abuse and neglect from happening in the first place. That's why April has been designated Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Awareness Month. Prevention is possible and we encourage everyone in Kosciusko County to join us in the effort to stop the pain before it starts.
Here are a few simple ways each of us can help prevent child abuse and neglect:
1. Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Being a parent isn't easy. Someone you know may be struggling with his or her parenting responsibilities. Offer a helping hand.
2. Help yourself. When the big and little problems of everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control, take time out. Know where you can turn for help when you need it.
3. Learn how to calm a crying baby. It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry, especially when nothing you do seems to work. Learn what to do if your baby won't stop crying. But never shake a baby!
4. Get involved. Advocate for services to help families. Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of children and families.
5. Spend time with your children. Playing with your children, reading to them or just being with them helps them feel loved. Make time every day for quality time.
6. Report suspected abuse or neglect. Keeping children safe is the responsibility of every adult in our community. If you have reason to believe that a child has been or may be harmed, call 267-8108. Remember - it's the law in Indiana to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
For more information about how to prevent child abuse and neglect, call Prevent Child Abuse Indiana at 800-CHILDREN, 800-244-5373.
Sariah Coons Morgan
President, Child Abuse Prevention Council
Kosciusko County
Yellow Ribbons
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to thank the people responsible for all the yellow ribbons in our town. They are on both sides of the street on Ind. 15 and 14. I have taken pictures of them and the ones at the fire station. I will send them to one of our own who is over there protecting our freedom. Thanks again.
Sue Clark
Silver Lake
Grave Decorations
Editor, Times-Union:Town of Claypool:
Tonight, April 8th, marks the third time I have gone to Graceland Cemetery to remove flowers from my family's gravesites, only to find them already gone. This makes me extremely angry!
I don't know if you people have priced artificial flowers, but they are not cheap. I'm guessing you don't have to pay for yours, as you always have a ready supply for your picking at the cemetery. If the arrangements were on the ground and in the way, I could understand why you've removed them - but they aren't. My grandparents' flowers hang from a shepherd's hook in a flower pot and my dad's are in large containers up on the cement next to his headstone.
I have noticed, in the past few weeks, other local cemeteries have placed notices in the Times-Union. These notices announce a deadline for removing flowers from the graves for spring cleaning. How considerate! I have yet to see a notice for Graceland. I went to the cemetery tonight after seeing one such announcement, thinking (hoping) I'd beat the flower thieves this time. I mean, it is only the eighth day in April. No such luck.
Please, town of Claypool, if you cannot place notices in the paper in consideration of your "customers," find some other way of notifying us.
Chris Williams
Claypool
via e-mail
Teacher Salaries
Editor, Times-Union:A teacher deserves a lot more than $44,800. What some people don't realize is that sure, teachers get summers, weekends and holidays off, but many teacher work a lot more than just an eight-hour day. Many teachers spend lots of their own time outside of the school grading tests, homework and projects. Teaching also takes hour upon hour of planning lessons and activities for the school days. What you are forgetting also is that most teachers spend money out of their pocket to buy activities and supplies for their classrooms.
You need to also consider that a teacher's education never ends. After they have completed their four years of school, which can cost $40,000+, they still are required to go back for more education. Plus, the role of a teacher continues to grow. With the elimination of elementary counselors in Warsaw Community Schools, who do you think will fill the role of listening to the children and helping them with problems? You guessed it, the classroom teacher.
I respect Mr. Parks' opinion, if teachers want to get paid more, then maybe they should get another job. What you need to realize, though, is that most teachers are in the teaching profession to help the kids, not their pocket. Most teachers are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to help their students. What you are basically saying is that these teachers should change professions because they don't make enough money. What you are saying is that you want a bunch of teachers who are just there for the summers off and to get a fair amount of money. I know that I would be willing to pay a teacher any amount if they were willing to help my children in the ways that some teachers do. Who wouldn't?
And really, I would like to know where that dollar figure comes from because I know when I enter the teaching field in the next couple years, I will not be making $44,800?
Kyle Carter
Warsaw
via e-mail
Editor's Note: The Indiana Department of Education's Web site lists average teacher salaries by school corporation. Warsaw Community Schools' average teacher salary is $44,800.
Defender And Hero
Editor, Times-Union:I have a story about a hero. My hero. A defender of our country, our people and our freedom. His name is Sgt. First Class David M. Hampton, an American soldier, and my brother. He has served our great nation for 15 years and counting. David began his military career with the 82nd Airborne stationed at Fort Bragg. During his time with the 82nd Airborne, he was involved in combat two times. He fought in operation Just Cause in Panama and on the front lines during operation Desert Storm. After leaving the special forces, he directly entered the Indiana Army National Guard. Now, for the third time in his life, David is in harm's way. Never once has he complained. He is a trained soldier, with a duty to protect the nation he loves. I could not be more proud to have such an amazing man defending me and my country. He is my hero. My brother. Sgt. First Class David M. Hampton.
SFC David M. Hampton; 1988 graduate of Warsaw Community High School; father of three: Cassandra, Kacie and David James Hampton, Warsaw; son of Linda Campbell and Ron Hampton of Warsaw; grandson of Betty and the late Keith Coldren, Warsaw; brother of Mark Hampton, Ronda Neumann and Vicki Jordon; friend and hero to many.
God bless the men and women of the United States military.
Ronda Neumann
Algonquin, Ill.
via e-mail
Proud Of Teachers
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to inform the city of Warsaw that your teachers are very intelligent and often put in more than eight hours a day. They may spend that much time at the school, but that does not count the hours a week they spend at home working on lesson plans, grading students' assignments and preparing for the next few days or even up to one week in advance.
Despite popular belief, teachers are more than babysitters for your children. Frankly, I think that they deserve more than they are paid presently. Since the school cooperation has cut the counselors, teachers will now have to take this job under their wings.
Teachers, I am very proud to know that you are out there and want to and are willing to teach the children of our community, and you are greatly appreciated, even if you are often taken advantage as a babysitting service.
Parents, you should be thankful for the teachers who are giving you child or children an education that they may prosper and have a wonderful life. Shame on those of you who see it as a babysitting service, I challenge you to get involved with your child's or children's school. Take a close look at what the teachers are doing for your children and don't be afraid to join in and help teach your child or children; help them with homework, volunteer to help out at school events and field trips, who knows you, yes, you, a grown adult, may learn something new and exciting.
Katherine Stoneburner
Warsaw
via e-mail
Teacher Dedication
Editor, Times-Union:While reading the paper this morning I noticed the letter written regarding teachers and their pay. Mr. Parks' way of figuring their hourly wages was not really fair. There are many factors that should be taken into consideration when looking at their wages. One thing to look at is the schooling these teachers had to go through to get where they are. Each teacher has a college degree and must go through a lot of schooling in order to be licensed by the state, and many will continue schooling in order to update their practices and to keep their license. The other thing to look at is the fact that an eight-hour day is not necessarily accurate when looking at all a teacher does during a school year. Mr. Parks did not consider the hours spent at home grading papers and tests. As well as the time spent preparing lesson plans and working with students after hours that require extra help. You will find many teachers at school well before it starts and long after it is over. It takes this dedication to provide students with the kind of education that is needed to prepare them for life outside of school. If I were Mr. Parks, I would be more concerned with making sure that the children are receiving the best possible education they can receive rather than worrying if teachers are being paid more than their worth or not. Without the dedication of our teachers, what life do we have to hope for our children?
Aubrey Rife
Warsaw
via e-mail
Embracing Fears
Editor, Times-Union:The war in Iraq, and any war for that matter, tends to create in people a sense of fear. As the potential for war began to develop and then as the actual war unfolded, I found myself fearful. Others with whom I talked had similar feelings. There is, of course, much to fear with war, especially for those whose loved ones serve our country. Certainly, no one enjoys feeling afraid. Those with small children are quite aware of the power fear has on the human heart. As a teenager and even as a young man, I never saw myself as fearful. The older I get, however, the more I realize how much fear controls my life and the world in which I live. It is difficult to admit this, because fear is often equated with weakness.
But what if fear really isn't weakness? What if fear is not the enemy we assume it to be? As we read the news or watch it on TV, we are confronted by images of demonstrations not only in our country but around the world, whether in opposition to the war or in support of our troops. Watching this, I have sometimes wondered whether these demonstrations are unknowingly motivated by fear. Perhaps our support for the war grows out of a fear for our national security. Opposition on the other hand, might arise out of our fears about the leadership of our country and their personal or political agendas. Of course, there may be other reasons that cause us to polarize toward either support for or rejection of the war. But because fear is not a welcome emotion, I wonder if we even see it lurking behind the reasons for why we do what we do or believe what we believe.
Fear leaves us vulnerable. To combat this, we may take the road of moral superiority, convincing ourselves that we are indeed right, regardless of which side we tend to take. In part, the issue is one of control because we do not want to wrestle with the uncertainty of our position and its possible weaknesses and ramifications. I suspect that while our leaders communicate a sense of confidence in public (something we like), behind closed doors they have battled through a great deal of uncertainty. I, for one, hope this is true. Interestingly enough, President Abraham Lincoln, while leading the nation in the middle of another war, the Civil War, admitted this uncertainty. In a document perhaps not intended for the public, Lincoln was unwilling to declare that he and the North were in the right. By facing this possibility, President Lincoln was able to consider another option. He considered that perhaps there was a greater purpose transpiring that neither side could see or understand and that the "human instrumentalities, working just as they do, are the best adaptation to affect this purpose."
This is where fear can be a friend to us if embraced. Fear is meant to generate a response of humility within the human heart because it can help us acknowledge the truth about ourselves - namely, that we are incapable of controlling the things that matter most to us. By embracing our fears, we can discover that in our smallness we are dependent on someone bigger, someone whose purposes are being accomplished in ways far beyond our understanding and who is never caught off guard by the events of our world. Our dependency should not be in our military might or our unprecedented wealth. That would be misplaced trust. Even with our military superiority, even with a convincing victory in Iraq, our national security, whether physical or economic, is not guaranteed. It is my hope that this war will cause many of us, in an act of humility, to turn our hearts toward the One who has granted us the freedom we so enjoy and to hold our positions about war and other matters with a greater degree of openness.
Kent Denlinger
Winona Lake
via e-mail
Man To Be Proud Of
Editor, Times-Union:My tears flowed freely again tonight while I watched the funeral procession for David Fribley. They have flowed several times since I first heard about his death. I didn't know David or his family, but my heart goes out to them. I still vividly remember the day in March 1945, when I was 10 years old, that my family received the telegram telling us my brother, Maurice Lee Plant, had died in the South Pacific.
I would say to the Fribley family, you will come to terms with his death, but you will never forget the anniversaries associated with it or, even 50 years from now, forget when his birthday comes around. He will live in your hearts and minds every day as long as you live. He was clearly a young man to be proud of. I pray for God's blessing on all of you.
Leafy Hudson
Mentone
Museum Volunteers
Editor, Times-Union:They come from Atwood, Claypool, Clunette, Dewart Lake, Leesburg and Milford. And from North Webster, Pierceton, Syracuse, Warsaw and Winona Lake.
Who are they? They are the dear folks who faithfully serve as docents at the Old Jail Museum, and whom we gratefully acknowledge during this National Volunteer Recognition time.
They come, too, with a smile, a story and sometimes a special treat, but always with a desire to share in the rich history of Kosciusko County. And so once again, we salute them, each and every one!
Jeanne E. Jones, Director
Audra Rhoades, Volunteer Coordinator
Old Jail Museum
Safer Bicycling
Editor, Times-Union:Spring is upon us, and I would like to see bicycling made safer.
We need to educate all road users of their respective rights and responsibilities when using public roads. The signs we put up read "SHARE THE ROAD." A bicycle is a vehicle, bicycle drivers should know the rules of the road and be expected to obey them just as they would in an automobile. Automobile drivers should be aware of the use of bikes on the road, and realize that they have every right to be there and should be respected. A bicycle is the first vehicle your child will ever drive. Teach them the correct way and the safe way to drive. If taught correctly, driving a bicycle can be safe. If taught correctly, when a bicycle driver does drive a car, they will be more courteous, and thus a safer driver. When cycling on roads, one should use standard rules of the road and basic principles of traffic safety and to cooperate with other drivers in creating as much safety as possible for themselves and other road users.
A bicycle is a very efficient way to travel. It is not just a toy or a recreational vehicle. It is a means of transportation. The shared multi-use path that we are proposing would be supplemental to the roadway. We cannot rely entirely on multi-use paths as a transportation solution as we know they cannot serve adequately and would be much too costly. Every existing street is already a bicycle facility, they just need to be made safer and more convenient for both motorists and cyclists sharing them. Share the road and drive safely.
Thank you, and best wishes on the Warsaw Greenway.
Carole Gilbert
North Webster
via e-mail
Teachers Deserve Respect
Editor, Times-Union:This is in response to Mr. Parks' letter to the editor. I am a freshman at Anderson University and I am studying to earn my degree in elementary education. Every day I read the Times-Union online, which I must say is very nice for college students away from home, but not once have I heard a teacher complain about their salary in regard to any of the financial problems Warsaw Community Schools have had. The only reason any of them are putting up a fight is because they are losing the chance to teach the children in the community. Although I might be a little biased, I feel the teachers in our community deserve more than $30 an hour because they are teaching children to get the jobs that do pay more. I am not becoming a teacher because of the salary, I am doing it because it is my dream, which I imagine is the same reason many teachers in the school system became teachers in the first place. Also, I think you need to get your stats correct because the only way teachers would make $44,800 is if they have taught for many years. A starting teacher in the state of Indiana only makes $24,700 a year! I know this is "$16" an hour, but teachers are not paid for more than 182 days and you are probably paid for what-350 days out of the year?! Just thought I would give a little insight on the subject.
Jenna Spangle
Anderson University
via e-mail
Caring Teachers
Editor, Times-Union:As the proud mom of two elementary school teachers and the mother-in-law of two more, I would like to respond to Kenny Park's letter of April 9 concerning teacher pay.
It is grossly unfair and misleading to base assumptions on a salary figure that does not apply to all teachers. For his information, the top pay for a teacher with a bachelor's degree is $34,768.00 in The Wasaw Community School Corp. It is also grossly unfair and misleading to assume teachers work an eight-hour day. All teachers carry work home with them; papers to grade, lesson plans to write and special projects. This is in addition to the extra paperwork and extra meetings as a result of Public Law 221 and The No Child Left Behind Act. Teachers are in school long before the students arrive and are often the last to leave. Also, every teacher I know spends money out of their own pocket every school year for supplies not provided by the school corporation.
Teachers are college-educated professionals and should be respected as such. Many of our teachers work in mediocre environments. Visit one of the classrooms or staff lunchrooms in one of the older buildings. Better yet, visit an average classroom of 20-25 students. Here you will find students at various stages of learning and development, students of different temperament and backgrounds, students with disabilities or medical or behavior problems. At the head of this classroom will be a wonderful, caring human being whose goal is to educate ALL these students and instill a love of learning. These wonderful, caring teachers are worth every penny they are paid and then some.
Judith Nehls
Warsaw
via e-mail
[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092