Letters to the Editor 06-12-1997
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Racing Thanks - Property Rights - Fair Queen - Disarmed - Militias - McVeigh - Warsaw Schools
Racing Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:McCleary Racing would like to thank our sponsors for helping in our first win of 1997 at Bunker Hill Dragstrip.
Thank you for your support.
Garry and Jackie McCleary
Property Rights
Editor, Times-Union:There are some unanswered questions about the problems between the North Webster American Legion and the Covered Bridge Retreat.
How did the North Webster Legion justify building a deck on someone else's property?
Why did the owners of the Covered Bridge Retreat have to go to court to get an illegally built structure removed from their property?
Did any of the North Webster veterans fight for a right to encroach on someone else's property?
Most of us who served in the military were protecting the property rights of people like the Scotts and Millers. Some of the Legion members seem to be overlooking the fact that the Legion started all this by building a deck on someone else's property. Now they are upset because they have been forced by a court to adhere to the very laws and principles they fought so hard to protect.
Richard Jaynes Warsaw
Fair Queen
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to encourage all girls between the ages of 16 and 20 to vie for the title of Fair Queen 1997. Unlike years past, the contest concentrates on the abilities of young women to be poised, have future academic goals as well as community goals, and to be able to interview well.
What I can promise for the queen is a fun-filled summer working with a group of wonderful people. Of course the scholarship money going toward the college of her choice is always most welcome.
I can tell you from experience that the rewards are many. After winning my title, I was able to use the money toward much-needed books for college. These rewards may be enjoyed by many of the young ladies in the county.
Hope to see you at the pageant!
Janae Oler 1996 Kosciusko County Fair Queen Warsaw
Disarmed
Editor, Times-Union:Deanna Newton's letter of June 6 has prompted me to write a letter I have been thinking about for quite some time. What Deanna says about America being disarmed in order to install a One World Government is quite true. Not only would an armed America resist such a move, but the rest of the world would never accept America with the Second Amendment in place. (I'll pass on her theory concerning Oklahoma City) When Bill Clinton was elected in 1992 the anti-gunners were licking their chops. They now had the most anti-gun president in the history of America. Coupled with an anti-gun Congress they were sure the Second Amendment was dead in the water. But let's take a hard look at just what they have actually accomplished.
Early in 1994 we got the Brady Law, which affects nothing but handguns. This mandates a waiting period and a background check. The background check is before the Supreme Court at this time and is very likely to be struck down. The whole thing goes by the way-side once the instant background check is in place sometime in 1998.
In September of 1994, we got the Assault Weapon Ban and the 10-round magazine limit. But only on weapons manufactured or imported after the signing date. Any weapon made or imported prior to that date is quite legal to possess, buy or sell. Also, most of the weapons on that list have been modified to the point that they are quite legal.
In 1996, we got the Domestic Violence Law and the 1,000-foot school ban. The 1,000-foot school ban has already been struck down by the Supreme Court the first time it was passed. I'm not sure passing it a second time is of any value. Congress is at this time attempting to modify or repeal the Domestic Violence Law due to all the police and military people they trapped with it (tells you how much thought went into that one).
And all the while the states have been loosening their restrictions. In 1995 and 1996, 11 more states passed some form of concealed carry permit, bringing the current total to 33. Many are working on reciprocal laws and pre-emption laws. Indiana is even considering dropping their 10-day waiting period once the instant background check is in place.
So take heart, folks. The news is not as black as the media would like to make us think. They would like us to give up and go away, but it ain't gonna happen. We must keep up the fight, but within the law and system. Incidents such as Ruby Ridge and Waco are counter-productive, to say the least.
Harold Kitson Warsaw
Militias
Editor, Times-Union:As a rule the comments by Charles Reese, King Features Syndicate, are informing and thought-provoking even when I don't totally agree with his views. The May 30 column, however, brought the hair up on the back of my neck, because of its blatant disinformation ] and I quote: "The language of the Second Amendment is quite clear. It says, 'The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.' It doesn't say 'the right of the states' or the right of the militias.' It says 'the right of the people.'"
Now he uses phrases like "lacking in integrity" and "anti-democratic in intent" to open his volley against the "gun control nuts." Whoa! What could be more lacking in integrity and anti-democratic in intent than a purposeful (to make his point stronger) disquote of the people's Second Amendment?! The Second Amendment does not start with "The right of the people" that he so elaborates on by furthering phrases such as "the right of militias," "the right of the states" not being used in it. He's right there, but he is dead wrong to (1) give only half of the words of the one sentence Amendment, (2) capitalize a word (The) as if it were the first word of that short sentence and, (3) to imply that Militia is plural and not capitalized. Read it! It actually says ] and I don't believe the writers of the Constitution were ignorant of the proper use of our language, nor were they careless in their choice of punctuations ] " A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." Period. End Quote.
Make of it what you will, but thoughts that come to mind are: What exactly is a "well regulated Militia?" How would I describe a "free state"? Why is Militia capitalized ] and singular? Does a neighborhood gang armed to the teeth qualify? Do the recent crop of disgruntled militias count? What exactly does "well regulated" mean?, etc. Add your own thoughts to it and answer them however you will, but don't be prey to those who misquote our great gift of the Constitution in forming your opinions. I have no quarrel with folks who find it necessary to bear arms. (Does "bear arms" properly describe what the hunter is doing as he heads out for a day's shoot? ] or is there another intent to the whole amendment having nothing to do with recreational/leisure use of firearms? If "well regulated" were not words used to describe "Militia" would they even have been used? What is "well regulated" and by whom?) It gives lots of room for thought on what cannot be denied is a monumental problem in our country, but expecting folks to form informed opinions is not served by columnists, or others, who display a lack of integrity by deforming the truth. In fact they might even be called "anti-democratic," eh?
When the paper uses a syndicated columnist, is it obligated to print all of their offerings or only those it chooses? I don't know. But if there is a choice, it might serve readers better to just skip those that are so blatantly misleading.
There's another amendment (or two) that are about as short as this one ] is it the 14th? "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." Perhaps like the right to feel safe on our streets? We have a problem. Here's to all who are dedicated to solving it democratically.
J. Nieter South Bend
McVeigh
Editor, Times-Union:Timothy McVeigh committed a violent act of terrorism against the American people. Innocent men, women and children died.
Putting him to death would be too easy on him. Locking him up in a room with those who lost a loved one ] now that would be justice.
Mike Wood Warsaw
Warsaw Schools
Editor, Times-Union:After reading Chuck Orlando's letter concerning the condition of Warsaw Community Schools, I felt compelled to respond. I am very appreciative of Mr. Orlando's kind words, and I agree wholeheartedly with him that the schools our children attend here in the Warsaw area are very well cared for, especially when compared to our nation's schools as a whole. The credit for this noteworthy accomplishment belongs to the dozens of dedicated maintenance and custodial professionals who work in the 13 schools that comprise our district.
Our energy conservation efforts, led by Dan Wray, have been successful because of the cooperation of all faculty and staff throughout the entire school corporation.
The community certainly has reason to take pride in its school facilities and in the abilities of the teaching and support professionals who make it their goal to provide quality education to all students. I'm proud to be a part of this dedicated team.
Greg Schroeder Director of buildings and grounds
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- Racing Thanks - Property Rights - Fair Queen - Disarmed - Militias - McVeigh - Warsaw Schools
Racing Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:McCleary Racing would like to thank our sponsors for helping in our first win of 1997 at Bunker Hill Dragstrip.
Thank you for your support.
Garry and Jackie McCleary
Property Rights
Editor, Times-Union:There are some unanswered questions about the problems between the North Webster American Legion and the Covered Bridge Retreat.
How did the North Webster Legion justify building a deck on someone else's property?
Why did the owners of the Covered Bridge Retreat have to go to court to get an illegally built structure removed from their property?
Did any of the North Webster veterans fight for a right to encroach on someone else's property?
Most of us who served in the military were protecting the property rights of people like the Scotts and Millers. Some of the Legion members seem to be overlooking the fact that the Legion started all this by building a deck on someone else's property. Now they are upset because they have been forced by a court to adhere to the very laws and principles they fought so hard to protect.
Richard Jaynes Warsaw
Fair Queen
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to encourage all girls between the ages of 16 and 20 to vie for the title of Fair Queen 1997. Unlike years past, the contest concentrates on the abilities of young women to be poised, have future academic goals as well as community goals, and to be able to interview well.
What I can promise for the queen is a fun-filled summer working with a group of wonderful people. Of course the scholarship money going toward the college of her choice is always most welcome.
I can tell you from experience that the rewards are many. After winning my title, I was able to use the money toward much-needed books for college. These rewards may be enjoyed by many of the young ladies in the county.
Hope to see you at the pageant!
Janae Oler 1996 Kosciusko County Fair Queen Warsaw
Disarmed
Editor, Times-Union:Deanna Newton's letter of June 6 has prompted me to write a letter I have been thinking about for quite some time. What Deanna says about America being disarmed in order to install a One World Government is quite true. Not only would an armed America resist such a move, but the rest of the world would never accept America with the Second Amendment in place. (I'll pass on her theory concerning Oklahoma City) When Bill Clinton was elected in 1992 the anti-gunners were licking their chops. They now had the most anti-gun president in the history of America. Coupled with an anti-gun Congress they were sure the Second Amendment was dead in the water. But let's take a hard look at just what they have actually accomplished.
Early in 1994 we got the Brady Law, which affects nothing but handguns. This mandates a waiting period and a background check. The background check is before the Supreme Court at this time and is very likely to be struck down. The whole thing goes by the way-side once the instant background check is in place sometime in 1998.
In September of 1994, we got the Assault Weapon Ban and the 10-round magazine limit. But only on weapons manufactured or imported after the signing date. Any weapon made or imported prior to that date is quite legal to possess, buy or sell. Also, most of the weapons on that list have been modified to the point that they are quite legal.
In 1996, we got the Domestic Violence Law and the 1,000-foot school ban. The 1,000-foot school ban has already been struck down by the Supreme Court the first time it was passed. I'm not sure passing it a second time is of any value. Congress is at this time attempting to modify or repeal the Domestic Violence Law due to all the police and military people they trapped with it (tells you how much thought went into that one).
And all the while the states have been loosening their restrictions. In 1995 and 1996, 11 more states passed some form of concealed carry permit, bringing the current total to 33. Many are working on reciprocal laws and pre-emption laws. Indiana is even considering dropping their 10-day waiting period once the instant background check is in place.
So take heart, folks. The news is not as black as the media would like to make us think. They would like us to give up and go away, but it ain't gonna happen. We must keep up the fight, but within the law and system. Incidents such as Ruby Ridge and Waco are counter-productive, to say the least.
Harold Kitson Warsaw
Militias
Editor, Times-Union:As a rule the comments by Charles Reese, King Features Syndicate, are informing and thought-provoking even when I don't totally agree with his views. The May 30 column, however, brought the hair up on the back of my neck, because of its blatant disinformation ] and I quote: "The language of the Second Amendment is quite clear. It says, 'The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.' It doesn't say 'the right of the states' or the right of the militias.' It says 'the right of the people.'"
Now he uses phrases like "lacking in integrity" and "anti-democratic in intent" to open his volley against the "gun control nuts." Whoa! What could be more lacking in integrity and anti-democratic in intent than a purposeful (to make his point stronger) disquote of the people's Second Amendment?! The Second Amendment does not start with "The right of the people" that he so elaborates on by furthering phrases such as "the right of militias," "the right of the states" not being used in it. He's right there, but he is dead wrong to (1) give only half of the words of the one sentence Amendment, (2) capitalize a word (The) as if it were the first word of that short sentence and, (3) to imply that Militia is plural and not capitalized. Read it! It actually says ] and I don't believe the writers of the Constitution were ignorant of the proper use of our language, nor were they careless in their choice of punctuations ] " A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." Period. End Quote.
Make of it what you will, but thoughts that come to mind are: What exactly is a "well regulated Militia?" How would I describe a "free state"? Why is Militia capitalized ] and singular? Does a neighborhood gang armed to the teeth qualify? Do the recent crop of disgruntled militias count? What exactly does "well regulated" mean?, etc. Add your own thoughts to it and answer them however you will, but don't be prey to those who misquote our great gift of the Constitution in forming your opinions. I have no quarrel with folks who find it necessary to bear arms. (Does "bear arms" properly describe what the hunter is doing as he heads out for a day's shoot? ] or is there another intent to the whole amendment having nothing to do with recreational/leisure use of firearms? If "well regulated" were not words used to describe "Militia" would they even have been used? What is "well regulated" and by whom?) It gives lots of room for thought on what cannot be denied is a monumental problem in our country, but expecting folks to form informed opinions is not served by columnists, or others, who display a lack of integrity by deforming the truth. In fact they might even be called "anti-democratic," eh?
When the paper uses a syndicated columnist, is it obligated to print all of their offerings or only those it chooses? I don't know. But if there is a choice, it might serve readers better to just skip those that are so blatantly misleading.
There's another amendment (or two) that are about as short as this one ] is it the 14th? "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." Perhaps like the right to feel safe on our streets? We have a problem. Here's to all who are dedicated to solving it democratically.
J. Nieter South Bend
McVeigh
Editor, Times-Union:Timothy McVeigh committed a violent act of terrorism against the American people. Innocent men, women and children died.
Putting him to death would be too easy on him. Locking him up in a room with those who lost a loved one ] now that would be justice.
Mike Wood Warsaw
Warsaw Schools
Editor, Times-Union:After reading Chuck Orlando's letter concerning the condition of Warsaw Community Schools, I felt compelled to respond. I am very appreciative of Mr. Orlando's kind words, and I agree wholeheartedly with him that the schools our children attend here in the Warsaw area are very well cared for, especially when compared to our nation's schools as a whole. The credit for this noteworthy accomplishment belongs to the dozens of dedicated maintenance and custodial professionals who work in the 13 schools that comprise our district.
Our energy conservation efforts, led by Dan Wray, have been successful because of the cooperation of all faculty and staff throughout the entire school corporation.
The community certainly has reason to take pride in its school facilities and in the abilities of the teaching and support professionals who make it their goal to provide quality education to all students. I'm proud to be a part of this dedicated team.
Greg Schroeder Director of buildings and grounds
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