Letters to the Editor 05-23-2000
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Gun Response - Safe Cycling - Gun Problem - Shocking Article - Bob Knight - Dog Ordeal
Gun Response
Editor, Times-Union:Since the Mother's Day March on D.C. there have been several pro Second Amendment letters in the paper. How or why Ms. Stapleton happened to single out mine I do not know but I guess it's up to me to respond.
I understand that it was not the purpose of the march to do away with the Second Amendment but by the same token what people such as Ms. Stapleton do not understand is how they are being used by the anti-gun forces to advance their agenda. People such as Charles Schumer, Sara Brady and Rosie O'Donnell know that it can't be done in one piece of legislation so they intend to nickel-dime it to death. A little law here and another little law there and next thing you know it's all gone. The battle has been raging for more than 30 years and it's not likely to end anytime soon.
People such as Ms. Stapleton like to compare firearms ownership with driving a car. Sorry but driving a car is a privilege not a RIGHT. The RIGHTS of the American people are spelled out in the Bill of Rights and our founding fathers considered "the right to keep and bear arms" the second most important of all.
Perhaps Ms. Stapleton should have put a little more thought in what she wrote. In her letter she refers to the First Amendment as giving her the right to "voice her opinion" and very right she is. I wonder how she would like needing to get a license or waiting five days to do that.
Harold Kitson
Warsaw
Safe Cycling
Editor, Times-Union:The summer months have brought many more cyclists to our streets and roads. It's great to see so many people using their bicycles for exercise or to make a trip to the library or grocery store.
I am concerned, however, with the number of cyclists I see riding against traffic, i.e., on the left side of the road. These cyclists are under the mistaken belief that riding toward traffic is safer because they can see what's coming. Statistics tell us, however, that real safety comes from traveling on the road in the same predictable manner as other road users. While wrong-way cyclists make up only 5 percent of bicycle traffic, they make up 21 percent of total car-bike collisions, according to the League of American Bicyclists.
Why should cyclists RIDE RIGHT¨? Here are several reasons.
1. It's the law. The vehicle codes of all 50 states require bicyclists
to ride on the right with the flow of traffic.
2. Riding on the left puts you in a place where motorists don't expect to see other vehicles when they scan the road. As a result, they may not see you, a situation that can be fatal if they drift onto the shoulder or make a right turn into a driveway, for example.
3. Wrong-way cyclists are in a head-on conflict with cyclists riding correctly. On which side should the correct-riding cyclist pass? Sometimes there's little time to decide. If a motor vehicle happens to be passing at the same time, leaving no room to swerve, the result could be a collision between cyclists with an impact speed of over 30 miles per hour.
4. The speed difference between a car and a wrong-way cyclist is much greater than for cyclists riding correctly. Any impact will, therefore, be much more serious. A motorist has more time to react to a cyclist riding with traffic and more time to plan to give the cyclist adequate room to share the road.
Let's make the summer months safe cycling months by remembering to RIDE RIGHT¨. ("RIDE RIGHT" is a trademark of the Des Moines Register. Used by permission.)
John D. Yoder
League of American Bicyclists
Effective Cycling Instructor #743
Goshen
Gun Problem
Editor, Times-Union:The next time someone talks about "gun control," I will not have to go check some unconfirmed e-mail letter sent out to scare people into thinking "gun control" means giving up all guns. I will simply go to my recycling bag and pull out any newspaper in the nation.Ê For instance today (May 20, 2000) an article caught my attention about two 12 year-olds in San Antonio, Texas, charged with plotting to kill a few classmates and "anyone who got in their way." When police thwarted their plans, one of the "boys" threatened the officer by pointing a gun at him. These boys were in possession of a .25 caliber semiautomatic pistol, a .22 caliber rifle, a crossbow, a knife and ammunition.Ê
Known defenseless children and adults are being rounded up and exterminated everyday in the U.S. Irresponsible gun owners are killing them, not "gun control" activists. We are trying to save them.Ê
The part I do not understand is: when will all citizens come together and acknowledge the problem?
Melissa Ryan
Warsaw
via e-mail
Shocking Article
Editor, Times-Union:I was shocked by the article printed in the Times-Union on May 6th titled "Teen Faces Charges In Bomb Incident." What made my jaw drop to the floor was the part of the article that reported: "Paul Crousore, principal of WCHS, said no decision has been made as to whether Stark will be allowed to return to school once he is medically able."
ÊCan there be any decision to make other than bar the return of the student? Consider that death threats have "allegedly" been made that "reportedly" the teen has admitted to. Don't forget that this individual has demonstrated he has the ability to make a weapon capable of carrying out the threats. Simply, there appears to be a motive and a means. In light of the Columbine tragedy along with the growing string of other school tragedies there should be no question. The rights and safety of each student, teacher and staff member outweigh, by far, a lone individual who has threatened each individual at the school either directly or indirectly. Mr. Crousore, I trust you will come to see this and protect our future: our children.
Parents please don't let this matter slip by lightly. The topic of school violence is no longer a national news headline happening in some distant location. It is here, today. It is in Warsaw. It is in your "backyard"! If there was ever a time for a group of "NIMBYs" it is now. Stand up and proclaim: Not in my backyard! It must be clear to all, students, staff and administrators, that violence is not an acceptable part of the school curriculum. As parents we must send this message through our own actions and our words.
As I close this letter I want to say to Patrick Stark that in no way do I bear hate toward you. I do feel sorry that your life's circumstances have led you to the point you are at today. I will keep you in my prayers with the hope that the Lord will guide you through this dark period of your life. And I have every confidence that our community is filled with others offering the same prayers and hope for you. Please don't turn your back on the hope and help that these prayers bring forth.
May God bless and guide us all.
Jeff Sweatland
Warsaw
via e-mailÊ
Bob Knight
Editor, Times-Union:Bobby Knight's ill temper came to my attention years ago. It was in the 1980s when I resided in Ann Arbor, Mich., and attended years of U of M basketball games.
In 1998, I became a resident of Indiana and was chagrined with all the miscellaneous taxes, but that's another subject. Bobby Knight was an additional source of consternation. His behavior has been unconscionable through the years. And the ultimate insult was the realization that my taxes were helping to pay his salary.
Being a newcomer to Indiana I have been reluctant to speak out. I regret that.
At last Knight has been de-knighted. The school and media have admonished him. But all these temperamental displays and outbursts went on for years without reprimand.
If they were addressed by the university or the media - I missed it. Finally, a student had the courage to press charges and was subjected to criticism and ridicule until the tape revealed his truth.
And now everyone is speaking out, including me, and writing about Knight.
My impression was that the university tolerated his misconduct because his team was successful.
I did appreciate your editorial. If you have critiqued Bobby Knight in the past - I missed it. Bill Koch's article also said what needed to be said.
My personal opinion is that Bobby Knight is a disgrace to the University and to the state. But more egregious is his shameful example of sportsmanship.
Patricia Stangis Hepburn
Warsaw
Dog Ordeal
Editor, Times-Union:This ordeal about this dog obituary thing is unbelieveable! All the people that have responded to this, have been "Oh Poor Doggie" or "Dog murdered." You people need to wake up and realize that you were not there that day. And not to judge things until both sides are heard. Even the owners did not want to hear what happened, because their precious dog was dead due to the lack of responsibility and neglect. If this dog was home where he belonged and not running with other dogs, this whole ordeal would not have happened. So excuse me, but the blame should be in poor Polo's home. You people say there should be a law, well wake up there is a law called a Leash Law. Stupidity is 9/10th of the law. Also it was said to have action against my father. Well, there is another statement of ignorance. My father should have taken action years ago, for all the trespassers and dog problems. He would just say "People have no respect."
I think he should send all of you trespassers a bill for fixing the fence that you mashed down and climbed on when you are looking for your $1 ball. Also a bill to the dog owners for the food and care that he has provided over the years. Keep your dogs at home! Have some respect for others, you have no idea or control of what your pet is capable of when you are not there, or they are running with other dogs.
My father did print what happened that day in the Times-Union around May 3rd. It's really odd that everyone read the poor doggie obituary, but everyone neglected to recognize the truth. You might have noticed throughout the letter, I mentioned my father quite often. I'm very proud of the fact that he is my father, and thanking God every day that I have a father that I can be proud of and respect. So you people are the ones that are losing by not know him at all!
Tiffany Galloway Adams
Akron
via e-mail
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- Gun Response - Safe Cycling - Gun Problem - Shocking Article - Bob Knight - Dog Ordeal
Gun Response
Editor, Times-Union:Since the Mother's Day March on D.C. there have been several pro Second Amendment letters in the paper. How or why Ms. Stapleton happened to single out mine I do not know but I guess it's up to me to respond.
I understand that it was not the purpose of the march to do away with the Second Amendment but by the same token what people such as Ms. Stapleton do not understand is how they are being used by the anti-gun forces to advance their agenda. People such as Charles Schumer, Sara Brady and Rosie O'Donnell know that it can't be done in one piece of legislation so they intend to nickel-dime it to death. A little law here and another little law there and next thing you know it's all gone. The battle has been raging for more than 30 years and it's not likely to end anytime soon.
People such as Ms. Stapleton like to compare firearms ownership with driving a car. Sorry but driving a car is a privilege not a RIGHT. The RIGHTS of the American people are spelled out in the Bill of Rights and our founding fathers considered "the right to keep and bear arms" the second most important of all.
Perhaps Ms. Stapleton should have put a little more thought in what she wrote. In her letter she refers to the First Amendment as giving her the right to "voice her opinion" and very right she is. I wonder how she would like needing to get a license or waiting five days to do that.
Harold Kitson
Warsaw
Safe Cycling
Editor, Times-Union:The summer months have brought many more cyclists to our streets and roads. It's great to see so many people using their bicycles for exercise or to make a trip to the library or grocery store.
I am concerned, however, with the number of cyclists I see riding against traffic, i.e., on the left side of the road. These cyclists are under the mistaken belief that riding toward traffic is safer because they can see what's coming. Statistics tell us, however, that real safety comes from traveling on the road in the same predictable manner as other road users. While wrong-way cyclists make up only 5 percent of bicycle traffic, they make up 21 percent of total car-bike collisions, according to the League of American Bicyclists.
Why should cyclists RIDE RIGHT¨? Here are several reasons.
1. It's the law. The vehicle codes of all 50 states require bicyclists
to ride on the right with the flow of traffic.
2. Riding on the left puts you in a place where motorists don't expect to see other vehicles when they scan the road. As a result, they may not see you, a situation that can be fatal if they drift onto the shoulder or make a right turn into a driveway, for example.
3. Wrong-way cyclists are in a head-on conflict with cyclists riding correctly. On which side should the correct-riding cyclist pass? Sometimes there's little time to decide. If a motor vehicle happens to be passing at the same time, leaving no room to swerve, the result could be a collision between cyclists with an impact speed of over 30 miles per hour.
4. The speed difference between a car and a wrong-way cyclist is much greater than for cyclists riding correctly. Any impact will, therefore, be much more serious. A motorist has more time to react to a cyclist riding with traffic and more time to plan to give the cyclist adequate room to share the road.
Let's make the summer months safe cycling months by remembering to RIDE RIGHT¨. ("RIDE RIGHT" is a trademark of the Des Moines Register. Used by permission.)
John D. Yoder
League of American Bicyclists
Effective Cycling Instructor #743
Goshen
Gun Problem
Editor, Times-Union:The next time someone talks about "gun control," I will not have to go check some unconfirmed e-mail letter sent out to scare people into thinking "gun control" means giving up all guns. I will simply go to my recycling bag and pull out any newspaper in the nation.Ê For instance today (May 20, 2000) an article caught my attention about two 12 year-olds in San Antonio, Texas, charged with plotting to kill a few classmates and "anyone who got in their way." When police thwarted their plans, one of the "boys" threatened the officer by pointing a gun at him. These boys were in possession of a .25 caliber semiautomatic pistol, a .22 caliber rifle, a crossbow, a knife and ammunition.Ê
Known defenseless children and adults are being rounded up and exterminated everyday in the U.S. Irresponsible gun owners are killing them, not "gun control" activists. We are trying to save them.Ê
The part I do not understand is: when will all citizens come together and acknowledge the problem?
Melissa Ryan
Warsaw
via e-mail
Shocking Article
Editor, Times-Union:I was shocked by the article printed in the Times-Union on May 6th titled "Teen Faces Charges In Bomb Incident." What made my jaw drop to the floor was the part of the article that reported: "Paul Crousore, principal of WCHS, said no decision has been made as to whether Stark will be allowed to return to school once he is medically able."
ÊCan there be any decision to make other than bar the return of the student? Consider that death threats have "allegedly" been made that "reportedly" the teen has admitted to. Don't forget that this individual has demonstrated he has the ability to make a weapon capable of carrying out the threats. Simply, there appears to be a motive and a means. In light of the Columbine tragedy along with the growing string of other school tragedies there should be no question. The rights and safety of each student, teacher and staff member outweigh, by far, a lone individual who has threatened each individual at the school either directly or indirectly. Mr. Crousore, I trust you will come to see this and protect our future: our children.
Parents please don't let this matter slip by lightly. The topic of school violence is no longer a national news headline happening in some distant location. It is here, today. It is in Warsaw. It is in your "backyard"! If there was ever a time for a group of "NIMBYs" it is now. Stand up and proclaim: Not in my backyard! It must be clear to all, students, staff and administrators, that violence is not an acceptable part of the school curriculum. As parents we must send this message through our own actions and our words.
As I close this letter I want to say to Patrick Stark that in no way do I bear hate toward you. I do feel sorry that your life's circumstances have led you to the point you are at today. I will keep you in my prayers with the hope that the Lord will guide you through this dark period of your life. And I have every confidence that our community is filled with others offering the same prayers and hope for you. Please don't turn your back on the hope and help that these prayers bring forth.
May God bless and guide us all.
Jeff Sweatland
Warsaw
via e-mailÊ
Bob Knight
Editor, Times-Union:Bobby Knight's ill temper came to my attention years ago. It was in the 1980s when I resided in Ann Arbor, Mich., and attended years of U of M basketball games.
In 1998, I became a resident of Indiana and was chagrined with all the miscellaneous taxes, but that's another subject. Bobby Knight was an additional source of consternation. His behavior has been unconscionable through the years. And the ultimate insult was the realization that my taxes were helping to pay his salary.
Being a newcomer to Indiana I have been reluctant to speak out. I regret that.
At last Knight has been de-knighted. The school and media have admonished him. But all these temperamental displays and outbursts went on for years without reprimand.
If they were addressed by the university or the media - I missed it. Finally, a student had the courage to press charges and was subjected to criticism and ridicule until the tape revealed his truth.
And now everyone is speaking out, including me, and writing about Knight.
My impression was that the university tolerated his misconduct because his team was successful.
I did appreciate your editorial. If you have critiqued Bobby Knight in the past - I missed it. Bill Koch's article also said what needed to be said.
My personal opinion is that Bobby Knight is a disgrace to the University and to the state. But more egregious is his shameful example of sportsmanship.
Patricia Stangis Hepburn
Warsaw
Dog Ordeal
Editor, Times-Union:This ordeal about this dog obituary thing is unbelieveable! All the people that have responded to this, have been "Oh Poor Doggie" or "Dog murdered." You people need to wake up and realize that you were not there that day. And not to judge things until both sides are heard. Even the owners did not want to hear what happened, because their precious dog was dead due to the lack of responsibility and neglect. If this dog was home where he belonged and not running with other dogs, this whole ordeal would not have happened. So excuse me, but the blame should be in poor Polo's home. You people say there should be a law, well wake up there is a law called a Leash Law. Stupidity is 9/10th of the law. Also it was said to have action against my father. Well, there is another statement of ignorance. My father should have taken action years ago, for all the trespassers and dog problems. He would just say "People have no respect."
I think he should send all of you trespassers a bill for fixing the fence that you mashed down and climbed on when you are looking for your $1 ball. Also a bill to the dog owners for the food and care that he has provided over the years. Keep your dogs at home! Have some respect for others, you have no idea or control of what your pet is capable of when you are not there, or they are running with other dogs.
My father did print what happened that day in the Times-Union around May 3rd. It's really odd that everyone read the poor doggie obituary, but everyone neglected to recognize the truth. You might have noticed throughout the letter, I mentioned my father quite often. I'm very proud of the fact that he is my father, and thanking God every day that I have a father that I can be proud of and respect. So you people are the ones that are losing by not know him at all!
Tiffany Galloway Adams
Akron
via e-mail
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