Letters to the Editor 06-13-2000
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Change Of Faith - Solving Problems - Enforce Gun Laws - Erosion Of Rights - Miss Mentone Says Thanks - Wonderful Community - Wheels For Life
Change Of Faith
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in response to the one written by Justin Butts, unlike many other people who have responded I very much agree with Justin, and I say this having been on both sides of the fence. I was raised in a Christian home and for 15 years of my life blindly believing what I was taught. I had most of the Christian Bible memorized, but had never really questioned what it had said until someone came into my life that challenged my way of thinking, but as I was questioning my faith, I had a Christian ask me what I believed in. I told her I had been briefly studying satanism, which is highly misunderstood by most Christians, and briefly went into why I no longer believed in Christianity, thinking nothing more of it. A few days later I was in the restroom at the high school when I overheard two girls mention my name and proceed to talk about me. I was astonished when I heard them say that I had been involved with black magic and other ritualistic sacrifices, since I have never been involved in anything of the sort. I later learned that the person I had shared with later went to a high school oriented prayer meeting and had told people there that I was a satanist and I needed "prayer." Thus was the start of a rumor that has people questioning me to this day. Don't talk to me about how much Christians are oppressed. I have been the victim of Christian oppression. Ever since I have stopped believing in Christianity, I have lost many friends. I find this sad, but a necessary part of life. This is not the main reason I have stopped believing in Christianity, but it did tell me a lot about Christians. Like Justin said, it is not my right to tell people what they should belive, if Christianity works for them, that's great, I just don't understand why they feel the need to force their beliefs on us and then turn around and say they're being persecuted. As for Ms. Gaisford, you sound much like how I used to be, all that love and joy and peace sounds great, but perhaps you would like to read more about "God's love" in scripture, such as Joshua 6:21 or Romans 9:11-12, I sincerely do not mean to be rude, I'm just trying to open your mind like someone did for me. ... Finally, I would like to applaud Justin for standing up for what he believes. Although there are some, there are very few people who are willing to go against the crowd because they aren't willing to see. I hope some day this may be put to an end.
Lori Cobb
Winona Lake
via e-mail
Solving Problems
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in reference to the response of Justin Butts. Mr. Butts, you wrote that Christianity will not solve our problems. Then what will? We're certainly not doing a very good job without it.
Yes, people are regularly killed in Christianity, that is what the whole thing is about. Man (you and I) killed Jesus. But he loves us so much that HE allowed this to happen so that you and I might get to heaven and spend eternity with him. Are you shunned by Christians or is your conscience just working on you? What you wear, what you watch, what you listen to, who you hang out with is most certainly who you are. Why do you think satanism is more peaceful that a relationship with Christ? Have you lived both sides?
Apparently you haven't read the Bible, it is full of morals, I will point out just one of many - "The Ten Commandments."
Is the only religion unoppressed at the Warsaw High School, Christianity? I don't know, maybe you are right - it certainly wasn't at Columbine High School.
In closing, Justin, let me share with you a little about myself. Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship with Jesus Christ the Almighty. Who came to earth as man, but yet still God, he died on the cross, rose on the third day so that you and I would have a path (the only path) to heaven. He is my comforter, my hope, my peace, my friend. He has changed me, which has changed my family and my life. Yes, he has solved a lot of my problems, not with a snap of his fingers, but with temptations and trials. He has given me life more abundantly. I will be praying for you, Justin Butts, that you might know one ounce of peace that he has to offer. May God bless you!
Steve Stayer
Warsaw
via e-mail
Enforce Gun Laws
Editor, Times-Union:The Clinton White House said that "Background checks stopped 204,000 gun purchases in 1999." And "In 1999, 73 percent of rejections were because would-be buyers had been convicted of or indicted on felony charges." That means they would have to have given false information on their background check application, which I believe is a federal offense.
So before the Justice Department and all the anti-gun advocates who want more gun control laws enacted start patting themselves on the back, I'd like to know how many of the 73 percent are being prosecuted?
Mark Vanderberg
South Bend
via e-mail
Erosion Of Rights
Editor, Times-Union:Thank you for your open policy on printing letters.
It is fitting that I should write this letter now, just after Memorial Day and before Independence Day. These holidays are set aside to remember sacrifices of the past that set in motion this Grand Experiment. The very notion that all people, not just the elite, should be able to make decisions for themselves and not be slaves to the elite was indeed unique. What is happening is contrary to this premise. Bureaucracies by definition are elite.
Bureaucrats have power over the common man. In Warsaw, if you try to build or improve on your private property, you will run into this bureaucrat.
That the government should be involved in property rights is not a new concept. What is different is the level of involvement. I have no problem with common sense restrictions on things such as property setbacks or septic systems. What has evolved is a far cry from this common sense level.
It is amazing to me that generations have lived and raised families in houses not approved by a building inspector. Our nation's character is evolving from that of celebrating the independent spirit to that of embracing the nanny.
Warsaw, like many cities, has its building police. Fort Wayne has its smoking police. It is now the state's job to make sure you buckle your seat belt. Over Memorial Day you were encouraged in a TV ad to call the state police and turn your neighbor in for not buckling his child up. Perhaps you want a society like Russia's that erects statues honoring snitches. I do not. I am thankful every day for having been born in this great country. It is because I believe private property rights and individual freedoms are quintessential in creating this bounty that I will continue to speak out against the erosion of these rights. If you are offended by this increase in government control, you must take every opportunity to speak against it. You must vote every chance against it. If you do not, more bureaucracy is inevitable.
Chas Creekmore
Pierceton
via e-mail
Miss Mentone Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Thank you everyone who voted for me. The town of Mentone and I appreciate it very much and the new town signs will look good. A special thanks to all my family and friends for all their help and support. I had a lot of fun at all my fund-raisers. I will represent the town of Mentone to the best of my ability. Thank you again.
Cari J. McFarren
Miss Mentone 2000
via e-mail
Wonderful Community
Editor, Times-Union:Thursday evening, May 25, 170 Warsaw Community High School students from the Class of 2000 were honored through various awards and many, many community-based scholarships; more are added each year.
We have a wonderful community that cares about young people and excellence. This evening is a special time that we, as a community, come together and recognize students who have worked very hard to achieve in academics, extracurricular activities, volunteer efforts and other areas.
Each year I write this thank you to the community and continue to be amazed at the outpouring of support and encouragement to our young people. Every reader is encouraged to consider establishing a scholarship fund as a memorial to a loved one to perpetuate this Kosciusko tradition of investing in the future of our area. Simply contact Suzie Light, Kosciusko County Foundation, at 267-1901. Thanks again from Warsaw Community High School.
Rick Swaim, coordinator
WCHS Awards Night
Wheels For Life
Editor, Times-Union:We want to thank you, your newspaper, your reporters who covered this event, the town of North Webster, the businesses and especially the general public who came out and participated in this event.
We want to thank all of the generous citizens who sponsored a participant in our Wheels for Life event (bike, roller blade, walk, jog-a-thon). I don't know all of you, but I want you to know that with your help, 20 people participated raising over $1,200.
These funds will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, America's leading center for the study and treatment of childhood cancer. If through this program we save one child, your support will be rewarded in full.
Thank you very much.
Gary Dant
Richard Brungardt, D.V.M.
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- Change Of Faith - Solving Problems - Enforce Gun Laws - Erosion Of Rights - Miss Mentone Says Thanks - Wonderful Community - Wheels For Life
Change Of Faith
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in response to the one written by Justin Butts, unlike many other people who have responded I very much agree with Justin, and I say this having been on both sides of the fence. I was raised in a Christian home and for 15 years of my life blindly believing what I was taught. I had most of the Christian Bible memorized, but had never really questioned what it had said until someone came into my life that challenged my way of thinking, but as I was questioning my faith, I had a Christian ask me what I believed in. I told her I had been briefly studying satanism, which is highly misunderstood by most Christians, and briefly went into why I no longer believed in Christianity, thinking nothing more of it. A few days later I was in the restroom at the high school when I overheard two girls mention my name and proceed to talk about me. I was astonished when I heard them say that I had been involved with black magic and other ritualistic sacrifices, since I have never been involved in anything of the sort. I later learned that the person I had shared with later went to a high school oriented prayer meeting and had told people there that I was a satanist and I needed "prayer." Thus was the start of a rumor that has people questioning me to this day. Don't talk to me about how much Christians are oppressed. I have been the victim of Christian oppression. Ever since I have stopped believing in Christianity, I have lost many friends. I find this sad, but a necessary part of life. This is not the main reason I have stopped believing in Christianity, but it did tell me a lot about Christians. Like Justin said, it is not my right to tell people what they should belive, if Christianity works for them, that's great, I just don't understand why they feel the need to force their beliefs on us and then turn around and say they're being persecuted. As for Ms. Gaisford, you sound much like how I used to be, all that love and joy and peace sounds great, but perhaps you would like to read more about "God's love" in scripture, such as Joshua 6:21 or Romans 9:11-12, I sincerely do not mean to be rude, I'm just trying to open your mind like someone did for me. ... Finally, I would like to applaud Justin for standing up for what he believes. Although there are some, there are very few people who are willing to go against the crowd because they aren't willing to see. I hope some day this may be put to an end.
Lori Cobb
Winona Lake
via e-mail
Solving Problems
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in reference to the response of Justin Butts. Mr. Butts, you wrote that Christianity will not solve our problems. Then what will? We're certainly not doing a very good job without it.
Yes, people are regularly killed in Christianity, that is what the whole thing is about. Man (you and I) killed Jesus. But he loves us so much that HE allowed this to happen so that you and I might get to heaven and spend eternity with him. Are you shunned by Christians or is your conscience just working on you? What you wear, what you watch, what you listen to, who you hang out with is most certainly who you are. Why do you think satanism is more peaceful that a relationship with Christ? Have you lived both sides?
Apparently you haven't read the Bible, it is full of morals, I will point out just one of many - "The Ten Commandments."
Is the only religion unoppressed at the Warsaw High School, Christianity? I don't know, maybe you are right - it certainly wasn't at Columbine High School.
In closing, Justin, let me share with you a little about myself. Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship with Jesus Christ the Almighty. Who came to earth as man, but yet still God, he died on the cross, rose on the third day so that you and I would have a path (the only path) to heaven. He is my comforter, my hope, my peace, my friend. He has changed me, which has changed my family and my life. Yes, he has solved a lot of my problems, not with a snap of his fingers, but with temptations and trials. He has given me life more abundantly. I will be praying for you, Justin Butts, that you might know one ounce of peace that he has to offer. May God bless you!
Steve Stayer
Warsaw
via e-mail
Enforce Gun Laws
Editor, Times-Union:The Clinton White House said that "Background checks stopped 204,000 gun purchases in 1999." And "In 1999, 73 percent of rejections were because would-be buyers had been convicted of or indicted on felony charges." That means they would have to have given false information on their background check application, which I believe is a federal offense.
So before the Justice Department and all the anti-gun advocates who want more gun control laws enacted start patting themselves on the back, I'd like to know how many of the 73 percent are being prosecuted?
Mark Vanderberg
South Bend
via e-mail
Erosion Of Rights
Editor, Times-Union:Thank you for your open policy on printing letters.
It is fitting that I should write this letter now, just after Memorial Day and before Independence Day. These holidays are set aside to remember sacrifices of the past that set in motion this Grand Experiment. The very notion that all people, not just the elite, should be able to make decisions for themselves and not be slaves to the elite was indeed unique. What is happening is contrary to this premise. Bureaucracies by definition are elite.
Bureaucrats have power over the common man. In Warsaw, if you try to build or improve on your private property, you will run into this bureaucrat.
That the government should be involved in property rights is not a new concept. What is different is the level of involvement. I have no problem with common sense restrictions on things such as property setbacks or septic systems. What has evolved is a far cry from this common sense level.
It is amazing to me that generations have lived and raised families in houses not approved by a building inspector. Our nation's character is evolving from that of celebrating the independent spirit to that of embracing the nanny.
Warsaw, like many cities, has its building police. Fort Wayne has its smoking police. It is now the state's job to make sure you buckle your seat belt. Over Memorial Day you were encouraged in a TV ad to call the state police and turn your neighbor in for not buckling his child up. Perhaps you want a society like Russia's that erects statues honoring snitches. I do not. I am thankful every day for having been born in this great country. It is because I believe private property rights and individual freedoms are quintessential in creating this bounty that I will continue to speak out against the erosion of these rights. If you are offended by this increase in government control, you must take every opportunity to speak against it. You must vote every chance against it. If you do not, more bureaucracy is inevitable.
Chas Creekmore
Pierceton
via e-mail
Miss Mentone Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Thank you everyone who voted for me. The town of Mentone and I appreciate it very much and the new town signs will look good. A special thanks to all my family and friends for all their help and support. I had a lot of fun at all my fund-raisers. I will represent the town of Mentone to the best of my ability. Thank you again.
Cari J. McFarren
Miss Mentone 2000
via e-mail
Wonderful Community
Editor, Times-Union:Thursday evening, May 25, 170 Warsaw Community High School students from the Class of 2000 were honored through various awards and many, many community-based scholarships; more are added each year.
We have a wonderful community that cares about young people and excellence. This evening is a special time that we, as a community, come together and recognize students who have worked very hard to achieve in academics, extracurricular activities, volunteer efforts and other areas.
Each year I write this thank you to the community and continue to be amazed at the outpouring of support and encouragement to our young people. Every reader is encouraged to consider establishing a scholarship fund as a memorial to a loved one to perpetuate this Kosciusko tradition of investing in the future of our area. Simply contact Suzie Light, Kosciusko County Foundation, at 267-1901. Thanks again from Warsaw Community High School.
Rick Swaim, coordinator
WCHS Awards Night
Wheels For Life
Editor, Times-Union:We want to thank you, your newspaper, your reporters who covered this event, the town of North Webster, the businesses and especially the general public who came out and participated in this event.
We want to thank all of the generous citizens who sponsored a participant in our Wheels for Life event (bike, roller blade, walk, jog-a-thon). I don't know all of you, but I want you to know that with your help, 20 people participated raising over $1,200.
These funds will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, America's leading center for the study and treatment of childhood cancer. If through this program we save one child, your support will be rewarded in full.
Thank you very much.
Gary Dant
Richard Brungardt, D.V.M.
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