Letters to the Editor 05-10-1999
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Violence - Juvenile Detention - Rezoning - Prayerwalk
Violence
Editor, Times-Union:Can one imagine how many letters have been sent to newspapers, along with the calls to the talk shows, that deal with violence of school children? Since this is a Christian nation, it would be right to assume that most such "problem solvers" are of the Christian faith. Since this is a Christian nation with Christian "problem solvers," couldn't the problem be solved by what the Christian's "Guide Book" (Bible) reveals about solving such problems? Scripture clearly reveals that "problem kids" (along with some "problem adults") at the time when some Scripture was given, were to be stoned to death! How many more human beings would be living today if the teen killers would have been stoned to death before they could have killed? If it is right to kill unborn human beings, even before they qualify to be stoned to death, why shouldn't it be right to kill those who qualify, before they can do their evil acts? (Even after they kill they are not dealt with properly!)
How do the kids qualify for "stoning" according to the Bible? Rebellious kids are to be stoned to death! According to the dictionary, kids who defy or resist some established authority or tradition are rebellious. Not only do rebellious kids murder, but they do anything that the "established authority" is against. Any child that deliberately disobeys a parent is rebellious.
But today's "established authority"" rejects the ultimate authority that could solve the violence problem. The problem could be solved by stoning rebellious kids to death before they can do their evil acts! (Other rebellious kids would see and might be afraid to even think about killing).
But isn't there another better way to solve the problems? Why not have parents (who have solved their own "rebellion problem") teach their kids to not be rebellious? If parents taught their kids to have "peace in the family" the kids wouldn't have the "war" that can be seen so easily. True, most parents do teach what is wrong or what is right. But how many teach their kids so the wrong isn't done, and the right is done? (How could parents teach their kids to be doing right when they, themselves, aren't doing right according to the "established authority?" Can dirty water clean dirty hands?)
The "kid problem" can not be solved until the "parent problem" is solved. Try to imagine this: The day before the Colorado killers were going to do their thing, the police learn about it and all the kids' guns and bombs are taken away from them. Police watch their every move to make sure the kids don't ever kill. The kids find nice girls to marry. They have children. What chance would children of such human beings have to ever do this world any good? If parents don't know how to have "peace," their kids will not have it either. (Dirty water can not clean dirty hands!) Few parents even come close to being able to solve the "rebellious kid" problem, just as government (that mostly consists of rebellious adults?) can't solve it. The violence will surely continue.
Robert Stichter, Milford
Juvenile Detention
Editor, Times-Union:While going through a lot of my papers today, I came across a newspaper article that "our" David Kolbe wrote in News Notes - Study Proposed For Juvenile Detention.
Look over the following paragraph.
Basics and vocabulary in: All phases of woodwork, including wood-turning lathe work; all phases of metal work, bench metals, sheet metals; welding, including electric - arc - oxy - acet. gas welding and mig welding; concrete work and carpentry, photography and dark room training (Prof. Josif had me to teach his 2nd semester photography at BSU upon his request. I was his student in the first semester and his substitute instructor in his second semester. He had another obligation and had asked me this favor); basic automotive mechanics; basic small engine repair (Briggs); micrometer reading; all and every phase of drafting; and a course in blueprint reading; spray painting on trucks and cars (3 years).
What are the above subjects?
These are industrial arts education courses that I have taught in my 23 years of junior and high school teaching experiences.
I am not a "fan" of anything that has the name of "sports." The over-emphasis of the sports programs has basically jeopardized most, if not all, of my programs. In my 23rd year, my final year, I had spent over $850 out of my own family budget, in order to start two new courses at WHS in basic electricity and basic electronics, yes, over $850. This school had allotted me $45 for the two semesters. I did not want to take on a study hall.
I am now retired, and if I were 20 years younger, I would never take on teaching my subjects again in any of our Indiana high schools.
What I want to do for the next ten years? I want to be a Mentor-Instructor for any boy or girl juvenile, anyone who has been expelled, did time in a detention center or jail. Kids who need a parent to help guide them towards a good future in life.
I am a military minded person, having served in a war as an infantry bazookaman. I have served both in wartime and with the U.S. Army Reserves for 16 years. After my combat duty, I have been a clerk, a heavy truck driver (2-1/2 ton), a chief clerk in 7th Army HQs, in the Reserves, I have been a sergeant major in two different hQs.
I have been wounded by German artillery fire and I was awarded a Purple Heart Medal. I have also been awarded a Bronze Star Medal for Valor. I was only 19 years old when I got these combat medals.
Now, can Mr. David Kolbe get a lease on the vacant Owen's building, and with help, permit me to provide love, attention and to teach these "forgotten" kids? To get them more and better attention and training that is now afforded in most of our high schools.
Albert G. Smith, Warsaw
Rezoning
Editor, Times-Union:Wait a minute. I'm confused. IHD's request has so far been denied for the rezoning east of Chapman Lake Drive, but the Barth rezoning next to Lake Forest was approved. The IHD remonstrators have 11 points for the opposition. If I'm not mistaken we (the remonstrators for the Barth rezoning) had almost the exact same reasons but Barth was OK'd by the commissioners. What's the deal?
Mr. Virgil doesn't want to compare IHD to the Barth situation because it should be a case by case basis. Hello! What's different? The only difference I see is the number of lots. Mr. Virgil states that the property for IHD has drainage, soil and traffic problems. We won't have traffic or drainage problems with the Barth land? How much drainage do you suppose will run into Chapman Lake? As far as soil problems, they say the Barth land has soil not great for farming, yet year after year someone takes the time and money to farm the land. If it weren't fit to farm, why would someone continuously do so year after year?
Something tells me though, that if they don't win this time, they will the next time. And, by the way, the county will have to hire more deputies to work all the accidents on CR 450N from increased traffic. If that happens, who will be penalized with increased taxes to help pay for all this increased expense. It won't just be me, it will be all county residents.
I'm really hoping I win the lottery, just so I can purchase those 69 acres and let my brother farm the bad soil. He loves a challenge.
Kimberly Zartman, Warsaw
Prayerwalk
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing to invite everyone in the Warsaw area to a community prayer event. My church is sponsoring a prayerwalk at Warsaw Community High School on Wednesday, May 12, at 6 p.m.
With the recent events in Littleton, Colo., fear and uncertainty have become rampant at the high school. Every year it seems like more and more students are killed in car accidents, or involved with alcohol and drug abuse. Sexual permissiveness is rampant. The KKK has targeted our city for a demonstration. It seems that everyone has his or her own theories as to why all of this moral degradation has suddenly seemed overwhelming at the high school level. I believe a major factor is that prayer has been lost at our schools, not only inside the building, but also community wide. Many times we have forgotten to specifically pray for our children and our schools.
But all of these are negatives - there are also a lot of positives. We have some wonderful Christian examples in the high school student body, fighting daily against all of these factors. We are blessed with many Christian teachers. We have some strong programs for youth with Campus Life, Brighter Days and individual church youth programs. They all need our prayer support.
Prom is May 15th, and 390 students will be graduating in early June. These will bring a lot of temptations and a lot of challenges to our high school students and teachers.
I believe all of these factors emphasize the fact that it is time for our community to unite together in prayer for our schools and our city. Jesus can change all circumstances. Would you join us in this community Prayerwalk on May 12, at 6 p.m. at the high school? We will meet in the pool parking area, and walk around the outside of the building, praying together for our high school.
If you are unable to attend, please keep the event, and the high school, in your prayers at that time.
Cindy Gackenheimer, Prayerwalking Coordinator, Walnut Creek UMC
1end
Election Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:
I would like to say "Thank You" to all the people who voted for me and to all the people who let me place signs in their yard. I am looking forward to being on the ballot with all the Republican candidates in the general election and, if elected, to serving the City of Warsaw. Thank you to all those people who gave me their advice and moral support, and to my wife, who spent many hours working and putting up with me!
William Rhoades, Warsaw
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- Violence - Juvenile Detention - Rezoning - Prayerwalk
Violence
Editor, Times-Union:Can one imagine how many letters have been sent to newspapers, along with the calls to the talk shows, that deal with violence of school children? Since this is a Christian nation, it would be right to assume that most such "problem solvers" are of the Christian faith. Since this is a Christian nation with Christian "problem solvers," couldn't the problem be solved by what the Christian's "Guide Book" (Bible) reveals about solving such problems? Scripture clearly reveals that "problem kids" (along with some "problem adults") at the time when some Scripture was given, were to be stoned to death! How many more human beings would be living today if the teen killers would have been stoned to death before they could have killed? If it is right to kill unborn human beings, even before they qualify to be stoned to death, why shouldn't it be right to kill those who qualify, before they can do their evil acts? (Even after they kill they are not dealt with properly!)
How do the kids qualify for "stoning" according to the Bible? Rebellious kids are to be stoned to death! According to the dictionary, kids who defy or resist some established authority or tradition are rebellious. Not only do rebellious kids murder, but they do anything that the "established authority" is against. Any child that deliberately disobeys a parent is rebellious.
But today's "established authority"" rejects the ultimate authority that could solve the violence problem. The problem could be solved by stoning rebellious kids to death before they can do their evil acts! (Other rebellious kids would see and might be afraid to even think about killing).
But isn't there another better way to solve the problems? Why not have parents (who have solved their own "rebellion problem") teach their kids to not be rebellious? If parents taught their kids to have "peace in the family" the kids wouldn't have the "war" that can be seen so easily. True, most parents do teach what is wrong or what is right. But how many teach their kids so the wrong isn't done, and the right is done? (How could parents teach their kids to be doing right when they, themselves, aren't doing right according to the "established authority?" Can dirty water clean dirty hands?)
The "kid problem" can not be solved until the "parent problem" is solved. Try to imagine this: The day before the Colorado killers were going to do their thing, the police learn about it and all the kids' guns and bombs are taken away from them. Police watch their every move to make sure the kids don't ever kill. The kids find nice girls to marry. They have children. What chance would children of such human beings have to ever do this world any good? If parents don't know how to have "peace," their kids will not have it either. (Dirty water can not clean dirty hands!) Few parents even come close to being able to solve the "rebellious kid" problem, just as government (that mostly consists of rebellious adults?) can't solve it. The violence will surely continue.
Robert Stichter, Milford
Juvenile Detention
Editor, Times-Union:While going through a lot of my papers today, I came across a newspaper article that "our" David Kolbe wrote in News Notes - Study Proposed For Juvenile Detention.
Look over the following paragraph.
Basics and vocabulary in: All phases of woodwork, including wood-turning lathe work; all phases of metal work, bench metals, sheet metals; welding, including electric - arc - oxy - acet. gas welding and mig welding; concrete work and carpentry, photography and dark room training (Prof. Josif had me to teach his 2nd semester photography at BSU upon his request. I was his student in the first semester and his substitute instructor in his second semester. He had another obligation and had asked me this favor); basic automotive mechanics; basic small engine repair (Briggs); micrometer reading; all and every phase of drafting; and a course in blueprint reading; spray painting on trucks and cars (3 years).
What are the above subjects?
These are industrial arts education courses that I have taught in my 23 years of junior and high school teaching experiences.
I am not a "fan" of anything that has the name of "sports." The over-emphasis of the sports programs has basically jeopardized most, if not all, of my programs. In my 23rd year, my final year, I had spent over $850 out of my own family budget, in order to start two new courses at WHS in basic electricity and basic electronics, yes, over $850. This school had allotted me $45 for the two semesters. I did not want to take on a study hall.
I am now retired, and if I were 20 years younger, I would never take on teaching my subjects again in any of our Indiana high schools.
What I want to do for the next ten years? I want to be a Mentor-Instructor for any boy or girl juvenile, anyone who has been expelled, did time in a detention center or jail. Kids who need a parent to help guide them towards a good future in life.
I am a military minded person, having served in a war as an infantry bazookaman. I have served both in wartime and with the U.S. Army Reserves for 16 years. After my combat duty, I have been a clerk, a heavy truck driver (2-1/2 ton), a chief clerk in 7th Army HQs, in the Reserves, I have been a sergeant major in two different hQs.
I have been wounded by German artillery fire and I was awarded a Purple Heart Medal. I have also been awarded a Bronze Star Medal for Valor. I was only 19 years old when I got these combat medals.
Now, can Mr. David Kolbe get a lease on the vacant Owen's building, and with help, permit me to provide love, attention and to teach these "forgotten" kids? To get them more and better attention and training that is now afforded in most of our high schools.
Albert G. Smith, Warsaw
Rezoning
Editor, Times-Union:Wait a minute. I'm confused. IHD's request has so far been denied for the rezoning east of Chapman Lake Drive, but the Barth rezoning next to Lake Forest was approved. The IHD remonstrators have 11 points for the opposition. If I'm not mistaken we (the remonstrators for the Barth rezoning) had almost the exact same reasons but Barth was OK'd by the commissioners. What's the deal?
Mr. Virgil doesn't want to compare IHD to the Barth situation because it should be a case by case basis. Hello! What's different? The only difference I see is the number of lots. Mr. Virgil states that the property for IHD has drainage, soil and traffic problems. We won't have traffic or drainage problems with the Barth land? How much drainage do you suppose will run into Chapman Lake? As far as soil problems, they say the Barth land has soil not great for farming, yet year after year someone takes the time and money to farm the land. If it weren't fit to farm, why would someone continuously do so year after year?
Something tells me though, that if they don't win this time, they will the next time. And, by the way, the county will have to hire more deputies to work all the accidents on CR 450N from increased traffic. If that happens, who will be penalized with increased taxes to help pay for all this increased expense. It won't just be me, it will be all county residents.
I'm really hoping I win the lottery, just so I can purchase those 69 acres and let my brother farm the bad soil. He loves a challenge.
Kimberly Zartman, Warsaw
Prayerwalk
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing to invite everyone in the Warsaw area to a community prayer event. My church is sponsoring a prayerwalk at Warsaw Community High School on Wednesday, May 12, at 6 p.m.
With the recent events in Littleton, Colo., fear and uncertainty have become rampant at the high school. Every year it seems like more and more students are killed in car accidents, or involved with alcohol and drug abuse. Sexual permissiveness is rampant. The KKK has targeted our city for a demonstration. It seems that everyone has his or her own theories as to why all of this moral degradation has suddenly seemed overwhelming at the high school level. I believe a major factor is that prayer has been lost at our schools, not only inside the building, but also community wide. Many times we have forgotten to specifically pray for our children and our schools.
But all of these are negatives - there are also a lot of positives. We have some wonderful Christian examples in the high school student body, fighting daily against all of these factors. We are blessed with many Christian teachers. We have some strong programs for youth with Campus Life, Brighter Days and individual church youth programs. They all need our prayer support.
Prom is May 15th, and 390 students will be graduating in early June. These will bring a lot of temptations and a lot of challenges to our high school students and teachers.
I believe all of these factors emphasize the fact that it is time for our community to unite together in prayer for our schools and our city. Jesus can change all circumstances. Would you join us in this community Prayerwalk on May 12, at 6 p.m. at the high school? We will meet in the pool parking area, and walk around the outside of the building, praying together for our high school.
If you are unable to attend, please keep the event, and the high school, in your prayers at that time.
Cindy Gackenheimer, Prayerwalking Coordinator, Walnut Creek UMC
1end
Election Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:
I would like to say "Thank You" to all the people who voted for me and to all the people who let me place signs in their yard. I am looking forward to being on the ballot with all the Republican candidates in the general election and, if elected, to serving the City of Warsaw. Thank you to all those people who gave me their advice and moral support, and to my wife, who spent many hours working and putting up with me!
William Rhoades, Warsaw
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