Letters to the Editor 05-02-2003
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- School Observations - Censorship - Candidate's Biography Inadvertently Omitted - Teacher Day - Supports Mayor - Mayor's Race
School Observations
Editor, Times-Union:It usually takes a snort from a flask or a pull from a reefer to get lightheaded, but around election time a number of people get this way with the thought of securing some political office. It just seems to start the sap running - make that plural.
Alan Abelson, feature writer for Barron's Publications, says he is never sure whether these decisions are based on a desire to serve the public, or to be in the limelight, or in some cases an aversion to honest work.
I was mostly interested in school boards over the years. For a good many years these boards were appointed by various groups. During these years the late William Mollenhour of the Times-Union always maintained that a rather vague commodity known as "the successful business men" should run the schools. Considering this criteria it seemed logical that an even more elusive commodity known as "the successful teachers" should run the railroads. I guess Amtrak tried that.
I used to attend quite a few school board meetings where I observed some strange things. I saw the board vote to ban books they had never read. I was amazed when they built a total electric school; this seemed to be an attempt to outsmart the Arabs. When they got the first NIPSCO bill they went into shock. This was before the days of having Prozac to soften such blows. Now a board member suggested that the windows be boarded up and the art department paint scenes on them. The attitude seemed to be, "If it ain't broke, why not bust it?"
I sought the input of a former social studies don at the old junior high school. No one ever made any major decisions without consulting this great sage. I'll merely refer to him as C.R. (name withheld to protect the guilty).
C.R. suggested before I attend any more board meetings of any kind I read Jimmy Breslin's novel, "The Gang that Couldn't Shoot Straight." This sure seemed to help.
Although retired, I occasionally attend board meetings as the circus doesn't get to Warsaw too often.
Having been nipped in the market by the likes of Enron and Global Crossing, I was becoming worried about the financial condition of our schools. Gary Winnick, CEP of Global Crossing, was able to conjure up millions in earnings that weren't there.
I doubt if such a thing is possible to fund this Madison Square Garden Complex that is being considered.
I again checked in with C.R. for a solution. He advised having the mayor travel to Washington and persuade the government to declare Warsaw a Third World country, thus making it eligible for millions in foreign aid. "Put them ribbon cuttin' scissors away, Ernie, and get busy!"
C.R. further suggested that I contact Vladimir Putin, premier of Russia, and find out if by any chance the name of the Russian Secretary of State, who bartered away Alaska to the USA for around $7 million, was Davidov McGuiresky?
Will B. Fundless
alias George Plew
Warsaw
Censorship
Editor, Times-Union:To Mrs. Smith,
I strongly agree with you about that anyone has a right to say what they want about any administration. However, where I disagree with you is when you say that radio stations not playing a song or the Baseball Hall of Fame not playing a movie is censorship, this is not. The fact of the matter is, it is just plain economics. Both the radio stations and the Baseball Hall of Fame are for-profit businesses and thus require listeners who patronize the advertisers or visitors to the museum for a profit to be made. If I disagree with the Dixie Chicks and their comment, I have the right to call the radio station and protest the radio station playing their song, as do you have the right to call in support of them. Again, I say that this is not censorship. I have never said that the Dixie Chicks could not make their comment, but I do hold them responsible for what they say. The same is true for any celebrity, politician or anyone else.
By the way, my son is in the military defending the right of everyone to say what they think or want about the government. However, when we do speak, we must take responsibility for what we have said. By taking responsibility, that means accepting what ever good or bad comes with what we say.
By the way, why was it when people criticized Bill Clinton it was a vast right wing conspiracy? It seems that there is a double standard.
Oh by the way, I am proud of living in Republicanville. The only thing that I can thank Bill Clinton for was being the second president ever impeached and the largest tax increase ever (1993). The balanced budget did not come about until the Republicans took office.
God bless America. God bless all Americans. God bless our troops.
Ed Waldschmidt
Warsaw
via e-mail
Candidate's Biography Inadvertently Omitted
Editor, Times-Union:I wanted the patrons of the Times-Union to know that the omission of my biography from the Candidates Preview this past Monday was not the error of the newspaper. I submitted, via e-mail, the information well in advance of the publication date. Unfortunately, due to an e-mail address error on my part, the information was neither delivered nor returned.
I have updated my biography on the Warsaw City Web site (www.warsawcity.net) with the information I submitted to the Times-Union. I hope this information is helpful for the citizens in making an informed choice for the primary election next Tuesday.
Dr. Joe Thallemer
Candidate
Warsaw City Council At-Large
via e-mail
Teacher Day
Editor, Times-Union:Of all the ingredients for good schools, a sufficient quantity of talented teaches is the most basic. As Americans, we are considered to be among the best-educated citizens in the world. And for that, we have our teachers to thank. There are many outstanding educators in our schools whose work deserves applause.
May 6 is National Teacher Day. This day is set aside to recognize the significant role teachers play in our children's lives and in the well-being of our community. Teachers help set the direction of our children's futures through their academic growth and achievement. Through this learning process, major decisions are made regarding their future lives. We must recognize that all of us know of exceptional teachers and that there is a great deal of good work being done in our schools.
By example, we can show our children how much we value and respect their teachers' contributions. Whether a small spoken word or a personal note, let's take time to say thanks to the teachers in our community.
Edgewood Middle School teachers - thank you for your time, patience, diligence and understanding. You are truly appreciated each and every day.
Sharlene Miclot
Co-president, Parents as Partners in Education
Edgewood Middle School
Warsaw
Supports Mayor
Editor, Times-Union:I picked up the paper last week and read trash being said about Ernie Wiggins. I was totally dismayed. I happen to know a little about some of the things being said. I'm just astonished people, no matter what their agenda is, write stuff that is so far from the truth. Now it would take about the whole newspaper to write all the things that Mayor Wiggins has done and is working on for this community. If any of you have a doubt or question about anything Mayor Wiggins has done or is doing, pick up the phone and call him at his office. I'm sure he would love your input. I'm also sure that Mayor Wiggins could educate and enlighten you on any issue. Every decision he makes usually makes someone happy and someone not. It is such a subjective job. I have learned it is a totally different picture on the other side of the fence. Many things that appear black and white to us are much more complex for a mayor or sheriff, for example. Talk to him on any issue and see if he has not done his job.
I am not writing this letter to put down all the things Mayor Wiggins' opponent has done, because I don't think it's right and because I know Mayor Wiggins would not respect me for that. I will say that it seems everything he says he wants to do in his campaign, Mayor Wiggins is already doing. I have known Mayor Wiggins most of my life. He has more intelligence, integrity, honor, love for his family, faith and love for this community than anyone I have ever known. People that know Mayor Wiggins know exactly what I'm saying. He would rather be called Ernie than Mayor. Drive around the community. We have one of the most beautiful and prosperous communities anywhere. I know it's easy to kick someone's dog, and I'm guilty of it sometimes too. But the mayor of Warsaw is as intelligent and as fine a mayor as there is. And it's a pleasure to know a man the quality of Mayor Wiggins.
Jeff Johnson
Warsaw
Mayor's Race
Editor, Times-Union:May 6 is fast approaching and we have to choose a mayor. Which one will do a good job for our city? When Mr. Plank was mayor we noticed a lot of changes in our city, i.e., CCAC, Central Park, the widening of North Detroit Street, etc. With Mr. Wiggins as our mayor, what changes have we seen? He has taken the Warsaw Police Department dispatchers and put them in the basement of the Sheriff's Deppartment. So now if you are being followed, stalked or have an emergency after 4 p.m. and go to the police station (like we are taught) you will find it empty, no one there. You can pick up a phone and talk to the dispatcher (who is clear across town) and state your problem, and hope there is a cop nearby. When Mr. Allebach was chief of police you could read in the paper where he received numerous grants to help the police officers better serve the community without it coming from the taxpayers. Take a look at what he has done for the town of Winona Lake. Wonder what kind of grants Mr. Allebach could get for our city? I think it is worth a shot to find out.
J.S. White
Warsaw
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- School Observations - Censorship - Candidate's Biography Inadvertently Omitted - Teacher Day - Supports Mayor - Mayor's Race
School Observations
Editor, Times-Union:It usually takes a snort from a flask or a pull from a reefer to get lightheaded, but around election time a number of people get this way with the thought of securing some political office. It just seems to start the sap running - make that plural.
Alan Abelson, feature writer for Barron's Publications, says he is never sure whether these decisions are based on a desire to serve the public, or to be in the limelight, or in some cases an aversion to honest work.
I was mostly interested in school boards over the years. For a good many years these boards were appointed by various groups. During these years the late William Mollenhour of the Times-Union always maintained that a rather vague commodity known as "the successful business men" should run the schools. Considering this criteria it seemed logical that an even more elusive commodity known as "the successful teachers" should run the railroads. I guess Amtrak tried that.
I used to attend quite a few school board meetings where I observed some strange things. I saw the board vote to ban books they had never read. I was amazed when they built a total electric school; this seemed to be an attempt to outsmart the Arabs. When they got the first NIPSCO bill they went into shock. This was before the days of having Prozac to soften such blows. Now a board member suggested that the windows be boarded up and the art department paint scenes on them. The attitude seemed to be, "If it ain't broke, why not bust it?"
I sought the input of a former social studies don at the old junior high school. No one ever made any major decisions without consulting this great sage. I'll merely refer to him as C.R. (name withheld to protect the guilty).
C.R. suggested before I attend any more board meetings of any kind I read Jimmy Breslin's novel, "The Gang that Couldn't Shoot Straight." This sure seemed to help.
Although retired, I occasionally attend board meetings as the circus doesn't get to Warsaw too often.
Having been nipped in the market by the likes of Enron and Global Crossing, I was becoming worried about the financial condition of our schools. Gary Winnick, CEP of Global Crossing, was able to conjure up millions in earnings that weren't there.
I doubt if such a thing is possible to fund this Madison Square Garden Complex that is being considered.
I again checked in with C.R. for a solution. He advised having the mayor travel to Washington and persuade the government to declare Warsaw a Third World country, thus making it eligible for millions in foreign aid. "Put them ribbon cuttin' scissors away, Ernie, and get busy!"
C.R. further suggested that I contact Vladimir Putin, premier of Russia, and find out if by any chance the name of the Russian Secretary of State, who bartered away Alaska to the USA for around $7 million, was Davidov McGuiresky?
Will B. Fundless
alias George Plew
Warsaw
Censorship
Editor, Times-Union:To Mrs. Smith,
I strongly agree with you about that anyone has a right to say what they want about any administration. However, where I disagree with you is when you say that radio stations not playing a song or the Baseball Hall of Fame not playing a movie is censorship, this is not. The fact of the matter is, it is just plain economics. Both the radio stations and the Baseball Hall of Fame are for-profit businesses and thus require listeners who patronize the advertisers or visitors to the museum for a profit to be made. If I disagree with the Dixie Chicks and their comment, I have the right to call the radio station and protest the radio station playing their song, as do you have the right to call in support of them. Again, I say that this is not censorship. I have never said that the Dixie Chicks could not make their comment, but I do hold them responsible for what they say. The same is true for any celebrity, politician or anyone else.
By the way, my son is in the military defending the right of everyone to say what they think or want about the government. However, when we do speak, we must take responsibility for what we have said. By taking responsibility, that means accepting what ever good or bad comes with what we say.
By the way, why was it when people criticized Bill Clinton it was a vast right wing conspiracy? It seems that there is a double standard.
Oh by the way, I am proud of living in Republicanville. The only thing that I can thank Bill Clinton for was being the second president ever impeached and the largest tax increase ever (1993). The balanced budget did not come about until the Republicans took office.
God bless America. God bless all Americans. God bless our troops.
Ed Waldschmidt
Warsaw
via e-mail
Candidate's Biography Inadvertently Omitted
Editor, Times-Union:I wanted the patrons of the Times-Union to know that the omission of my biography from the Candidates Preview this past Monday was not the error of the newspaper. I submitted, via e-mail, the information well in advance of the publication date. Unfortunately, due to an e-mail address error on my part, the information was neither delivered nor returned.
I have updated my biography on the Warsaw City Web site (www.warsawcity.net) with the information I submitted to the Times-Union. I hope this information is helpful for the citizens in making an informed choice for the primary election next Tuesday.
Dr. Joe Thallemer
Candidate
Warsaw City Council At-Large
via e-mail
Teacher Day
Editor, Times-Union:Of all the ingredients for good schools, a sufficient quantity of talented teaches is the most basic. As Americans, we are considered to be among the best-educated citizens in the world. And for that, we have our teachers to thank. There are many outstanding educators in our schools whose work deserves applause.
May 6 is National Teacher Day. This day is set aside to recognize the significant role teachers play in our children's lives and in the well-being of our community. Teachers help set the direction of our children's futures through their academic growth and achievement. Through this learning process, major decisions are made regarding their future lives. We must recognize that all of us know of exceptional teachers and that there is a great deal of good work being done in our schools.
By example, we can show our children how much we value and respect their teachers' contributions. Whether a small spoken word or a personal note, let's take time to say thanks to the teachers in our community.
Edgewood Middle School teachers - thank you for your time, patience, diligence and understanding. You are truly appreciated each and every day.
Sharlene Miclot
Co-president, Parents as Partners in Education
Edgewood Middle School
Warsaw
Supports Mayor
Editor, Times-Union:I picked up the paper last week and read trash being said about Ernie Wiggins. I was totally dismayed. I happen to know a little about some of the things being said. I'm just astonished people, no matter what their agenda is, write stuff that is so far from the truth. Now it would take about the whole newspaper to write all the things that Mayor Wiggins has done and is working on for this community. If any of you have a doubt or question about anything Mayor Wiggins has done or is doing, pick up the phone and call him at his office. I'm sure he would love your input. I'm also sure that Mayor Wiggins could educate and enlighten you on any issue. Every decision he makes usually makes someone happy and someone not. It is such a subjective job. I have learned it is a totally different picture on the other side of the fence. Many things that appear black and white to us are much more complex for a mayor or sheriff, for example. Talk to him on any issue and see if he has not done his job.
I am not writing this letter to put down all the things Mayor Wiggins' opponent has done, because I don't think it's right and because I know Mayor Wiggins would not respect me for that. I will say that it seems everything he says he wants to do in his campaign, Mayor Wiggins is already doing. I have known Mayor Wiggins most of my life. He has more intelligence, integrity, honor, love for his family, faith and love for this community than anyone I have ever known. People that know Mayor Wiggins know exactly what I'm saying. He would rather be called Ernie than Mayor. Drive around the community. We have one of the most beautiful and prosperous communities anywhere. I know it's easy to kick someone's dog, and I'm guilty of it sometimes too. But the mayor of Warsaw is as intelligent and as fine a mayor as there is. And it's a pleasure to know a man the quality of Mayor Wiggins.
Jeff Johnson
Warsaw
Mayor's Race
Editor, Times-Union:May 6 is fast approaching and we have to choose a mayor. Which one will do a good job for our city? When Mr. Plank was mayor we noticed a lot of changes in our city, i.e., CCAC, Central Park, the widening of North Detroit Street, etc. With Mr. Wiggins as our mayor, what changes have we seen? He has taken the Warsaw Police Department dispatchers and put them in the basement of the Sheriff's Deppartment. So now if you are being followed, stalked or have an emergency after 4 p.m. and go to the police station (like we are taught) you will find it empty, no one there. You can pick up a phone and talk to the dispatcher (who is clear across town) and state your problem, and hope there is a cop nearby. When Mr. Allebach was chief of police you could read in the paper where he received numerous grants to help the police officers better serve the community without it coming from the taxpayers. Take a look at what he has done for the town of Winona Lake. Wonder what kind of grants Mr. Allebach could get for our city? I think it is worth a shot to find out.
J.S. White
Warsaw
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