Letters to the Editor 07-09-1999
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Llama Lovers - Seeks Employment - Lottery Response - Gun Control - Salon Scam - Use Your Siren, Please - Winona Park Says Thanks
Llama Lovers
Editor, Times-Union:Hi! I would like to tell Kosciusko County about a great group of kids I've had the pleasure of being a part of. This group is a county 4-H club with an emphasis on an exotic animal - llamas! The Hoosier Llama Lovers have been a club for seven years now and are growing strong. I would like to invite you to come to the Kosciusko County 4-H & Community Fair to see this impressive group of kids and their fine exhibits! On Tuesday July 13 the llama show will start at noon. The llamas will be put through their paces by being shown in obstacle, packing, showmanship and everybody's favorite, costume classes. Or you could come watch us have a blast as we put on our annual fun show Wednesday July 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Come learn more about these exciting animals and kids! Hope to see you there!
Naomi Cole, Reporter for Hoosier Llama Lovers
Seeks Employment
Editor, Times-Union:This is probably the most unusual letter you have ever received but I feel it's something I must write.
My name is David Byerly. I am 30 years old and am currently unemployed. Since May 15, I have worked two weeks. I hear people saying how there are jobs out there. I am just having trouble finding one because I don't seem to know where to look. I also have another significant strike against me. You see, I am mentally ill and my illness is hampering my efforts to find a job.
My illness is major chronic depression. I was diagnosed nine years ago and to say life has been hard would be an understatement. It has taken about eight years to find a suitable medication. I now feel I'm finally on something that works well.
However, because of my illness my job history has been poor. I can't count how many jobs I've had. I have lost all [of them] due to attendance. You see, one of the problems I had to deal with was fatigue and exhaustion. Many employers knew this but still were unsympathetic.
Job applications state that statements must be truthful and falsification is grounds for non-consideration. I probably stretch the truth but how many employers would hire someone who on the surface seems unreliable?
This is an open letter to employers in Warsaw. I am in desperate need of a job. I am a good worker, punctual, obedient and a fast learner. With my symptoms under control, which at this point is the case, I can work and no one would know I even have a problem. I am asking for a chance to prove myself. I don't want any special treatment. Just a chance.
I have no specialized training. 98 percent of the jobs I have had have been in factories. However, I'm not partial to just factory work. I will try anything I feel I can do well. I need a suitable wage to live on too. I think seven dollars per hour would be the minimum I could accept.
I will continue to job search on my own but hope someone out there will take my sincere plea to heart. It's July 1 and I'm unable to pay my rent. I will have other bills due shortly so I don't have much time.
I live at 503 Clinic St. in the Eastgate Apartments and my phone number is 268-4242. My life can be much less stressful if someone will help me. I don't want to be evicted or go on public assistance. Please help.
David Byerly, Warsaw
Lottery Response
Editor Times-Union:Having faithfully read your paper for several years now, I am finally compelled to pen a response to a letter in the Opinion column. The letter, titled "Lottery Winnings" (July 6), was at first insulting in its implication that the uninformed reader would be somehow enlightened by the revelation that lottery winnings are not tax-free.Ê Personally, I give your subscribers a bit more credit (save, perhaps, one). The premise of the letter was that a young woman from Minnesota, who recently won a $150 million lottery prize, was not the real winner. Rather, it was the government. The letter suggested that, since the young woman received $50 million, the government received $100 million. To briefly quote: "... What happened to the $100 million dollars that the 21-year-old woman from Minnesota didn't win? ... for every dollar that ... woman from Minnesota spends out of her $50 million left after taxes ... our government will take out sales tax, property tax, federal income tax, state tax, local county tax, social security tax, EDIT tax, gasoline tax, excise tax."
First, the woman elected to take the cash option, which meant the before-tax prize was only $78.8 million. The alternative was to take annual payments over an extended period of time, paid for by interest earned by the lottery administration on the principal they retain.Ê The cash option is generally considered a sound strategy, as it puts the interest-earning power of the principal in the hands of the winner.
The government will indeed take 36 percent, leaving the "poor" young woman with only $50.4 million. This accounts for federal, state, and local income taxes, as well as Social Security tax. She will not incur these taxes again, as the letter suggested. (Hence, the term "after-tax.") Granted, she will pay sales tax on the items she buys, gasoline tax on the fuel she consumes, and property tax on the property she owns. I'm not sure there are EDIT and excise taxes where she lives. These are taxes we all pay, and are not unique to lottery winners.
Now, we can all complain about the amount of taxes we pay, and how that money is used. But if the quality of education was commensurate with what each family could pay, the unfortunate would remain forever unfortunate. And it is a far-fetched notion, at best, that we could muster an adequate defense of this country with the voluntary contributions of its citizenship. Despite its flaws, I still believe ours is a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people." As such, the government's lottery "profits" are profits to the people. I've never been an avid player of the lottery. Perhaps I'll start.
Steve Dowell, North Webster
via e-mail
Gun Control
Editor, Times-Union:I don't own a gun. The only time I have fired a gun is in World War II. I do feel there should be some restrictions of people who buy guns. However, I was glad when Congress rejected the latest attempt on the part of the Clinton administration to further curtail the opportunity of gun proponents to buy guns. I felt it is another attempt by the current federal administration to limit the activities of the American Populace.
It's like the cook who plans on serving frog legs for dinner and he doesn't want to throw a live frog in a pan of boiling water. Instead he puts the frog in a pan filled with tepid water. Then the cook slowly increases the temperature of the water so before the frog realizes it the water is boiling and the cook has accomplished his goal of being prepared to have frog legs for dinner. I am concerned this is what the Clinton administration is doing to us.
Bernard Moore, Leesburg
Salon Scam
Editor, Times-Union:It has recently come to the attention of the National Cosmetology Association of Indiana that a letter is being sent to salon owners all over the state, from a company posing as OSHA. The letter states that this first aid kit must be purchased to be OSHA compliant, and that it comes with a certificate of compliance. To all licensed cosmetologists and salon owners, please be aware that this is NOT from Indiana OSHA. It is a scam stemming out of Bloomington and the state police are taking action and are considering it fraud.
As a state-certified educator for continuing education for cosmetologists, I have researched and studied the OSHA regulations and regularly teach OSHA to National Cosmetology Affiliates. I know for a fact that this is not an OSHA regulation. It is true that salons need to have a first aid kit, but that is not the only requirement for OSHA compliance in Indiana. Warsaw is fortunate that they have an active NCA affiliate who offers the continuing education classes. All cosmetologists and barbers need to be aware of the laws of our industry. A good place to start that education is with the affiliate. We have access to up-to-the-minute laws and regulations that affect our livelihoods. I encourage any cosmetologist or barber to get more information about the Association so that they may stay informed and not fall prey to these types of scams. For more information on classes being offered, please call WCA secretary, Wendy Fairchild, at 269-7788.
Kelly Golden, director, NCA of Indiana
Use Your Siren, Please
Editor, Times-Union:EMT-Fire Department or whomever...
At 4:15 p.m. today (7-2-99) we all heard a loud horn honking by our new CVS Drug Store. Why did he not use his siren, or was he just going on his coffee break?
I respect sirens but not an unnecessary blast of a horn.
Albert G. Smith, Warsaw
Winona Park Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Winona Lake Park would like to thank all of the businesses who donated door prizes for the 5k walk/run. You [the businesses] are a major reason our event continues to grow and we look forward to working with you next year. We would also like to thank the many people who helped with the race and with the activities during the day. We hope everyone enjoyed the activities and that we will see you at the Fourth of July festivities for the year 2000.
Jim LeMasters, supervisor
Peggy Lesley, activity dir.
Winona Lake Park
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- Llama Lovers - Seeks Employment - Lottery Response - Gun Control - Salon Scam - Use Your Siren, Please - Winona Park Says Thanks
Llama Lovers
Editor, Times-Union:Hi! I would like to tell Kosciusko County about a great group of kids I've had the pleasure of being a part of. This group is a county 4-H club with an emphasis on an exotic animal - llamas! The Hoosier Llama Lovers have been a club for seven years now and are growing strong. I would like to invite you to come to the Kosciusko County 4-H & Community Fair to see this impressive group of kids and their fine exhibits! On Tuesday July 13 the llama show will start at noon. The llamas will be put through their paces by being shown in obstacle, packing, showmanship and everybody's favorite, costume classes. Or you could come watch us have a blast as we put on our annual fun show Wednesday July 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Come learn more about these exciting animals and kids! Hope to see you there!
Naomi Cole, Reporter for Hoosier Llama Lovers
Seeks Employment
Editor, Times-Union:This is probably the most unusual letter you have ever received but I feel it's something I must write.
My name is David Byerly. I am 30 years old and am currently unemployed. Since May 15, I have worked two weeks. I hear people saying how there are jobs out there. I am just having trouble finding one because I don't seem to know where to look. I also have another significant strike against me. You see, I am mentally ill and my illness is hampering my efforts to find a job.
My illness is major chronic depression. I was diagnosed nine years ago and to say life has been hard would be an understatement. It has taken about eight years to find a suitable medication. I now feel I'm finally on something that works well.
However, because of my illness my job history has been poor. I can't count how many jobs I've had. I have lost all [of them] due to attendance. You see, one of the problems I had to deal with was fatigue and exhaustion. Many employers knew this but still were unsympathetic.
Job applications state that statements must be truthful and falsification is grounds for non-consideration. I probably stretch the truth but how many employers would hire someone who on the surface seems unreliable?
This is an open letter to employers in Warsaw. I am in desperate need of a job. I am a good worker, punctual, obedient and a fast learner. With my symptoms under control, which at this point is the case, I can work and no one would know I even have a problem. I am asking for a chance to prove myself. I don't want any special treatment. Just a chance.
I have no specialized training. 98 percent of the jobs I have had have been in factories. However, I'm not partial to just factory work. I will try anything I feel I can do well. I need a suitable wage to live on too. I think seven dollars per hour would be the minimum I could accept.
I will continue to job search on my own but hope someone out there will take my sincere plea to heart. It's July 1 and I'm unable to pay my rent. I will have other bills due shortly so I don't have much time.
I live at 503 Clinic St. in the Eastgate Apartments and my phone number is 268-4242. My life can be much less stressful if someone will help me. I don't want to be evicted or go on public assistance. Please help.
David Byerly, Warsaw
Lottery Response
Editor Times-Union:Having faithfully read your paper for several years now, I am finally compelled to pen a response to a letter in the Opinion column. The letter, titled "Lottery Winnings" (July 6), was at first insulting in its implication that the uninformed reader would be somehow enlightened by the revelation that lottery winnings are not tax-free.Ê Personally, I give your subscribers a bit more credit (save, perhaps, one). The premise of the letter was that a young woman from Minnesota, who recently won a $150 million lottery prize, was not the real winner. Rather, it was the government. The letter suggested that, since the young woman received $50 million, the government received $100 million. To briefly quote: "... What happened to the $100 million dollars that the 21-year-old woman from Minnesota didn't win? ... for every dollar that ... woman from Minnesota spends out of her $50 million left after taxes ... our government will take out sales tax, property tax, federal income tax, state tax, local county tax, social security tax, EDIT tax, gasoline tax, excise tax."
First, the woman elected to take the cash option, which meant the before-tax prize was only $78.8 million. The alternative was to take annual payments over an extended period of time, paid for by interest earned by the lottery administration on the principal they retain.Ê The cash option is generally considered a sound strategy, as it puts the interest-earning power of the principal in the hands of the winner.
The government will indeed take 36 percent, leaving the "poor" young woman with only $50.4 million. This accounts for federal, state, and local income taxes, as well as Social Security tax. She will not incur these taxes again, as the letter suggested. (Hence, the term "after-tax.") Granted, she will pay sales tax on the items she buys, gasoline tax on the fuel she consumes, and property tax on the property she owns. I'm not sure there are EDIT and excise taxes where she lives. These are taxes we all pay, and are not unique to lottery winners.
Now, we can all complain about the amount of taxes we pay, and how that money is used. But if the quality of education was commensurate with what each family could pay, the unfortunate would remain forever unfortunate. And it is a far-fetched notion, at best, that we could muster an adequate defense of this country with the voluntary contributions of its citizenship. Despite its flaws, I still believe ours is a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people." As such, the government's lottery "profits" are profits to the people. I've never been an avid player of the lottery. Perhaps I'll start.
Steve Dowell, North Webster
via e-mail
Gun Control
Editor, Times-Union:I don't own a gun. The only time I have fired a gun is in World War II. I do feel there should be some restrictions of people who buy guns. However, I was glad when Congress rejected the latest attempt on the part of the Clinton administration to further curtail the opportunity of gun proponents to buy guns. I felt it is another attempt by the current federal administration to limit the activities of the American Populace.
It's like the cook who plans on serving frog legs for dinner and he doesn't want to throw a live frog in a pan of boiling water. Instead he puts the frog in a pan filled with tepid water. Then the cook slowly increases the temperature of the water so before the frog realizes it the water is boiling and the cook has accomplished his goal of being prepared to have frog legs for dinner. I am concerned this is what the Clinton administration is doing to us.
Bernard Moore, Leesburg
Salon Scam
Editor, Times-Union:It has recently come to the attention of the National Cosmetology Association of Indiana that a letter is being sent to salon owners all over the state, from a company posing as OSHA. The letter states that this first aid kit must be purchased to be OSHA compliant, and that it comes with a certificate of compliance. To all licensed cosmetologists and salon owners, please be aware that this is NOT from Indiana OSHA. It is a scam stemming out of Bloomington and the state police are taking action and are considering it fraud.
As a state-certified educator for continuing education for cosmetologists, I have researched and studied the OSHA regulations and regularly teach OSHA to National Cosmetology Affiliates. I know for a fact that this is not an OSHA regulation. It is true that salons need to have a first aid kit, but that is not the only requirement for OSHA compliance in Indiana. Warsaw is fortunate that they have an active NCA affiliate who offers the continuing education classes. All cosmetologists and barbers need to be aware of the laws of our industry. A good place to start that education is with the affiliate. We have access to up-to-the-minute laws and regulations that affect our livelihoods. I encourage any cosmetologist or barber to get more information about the Association so that they may stay informed and not fall prey to these types of scams. For more information on classes being offered, please call WCA secretary, Wendy Fairchild, at 269-7788.
Kelly Golden, director, NCA of Indiana
Use Your Siren, Please
Editor, Times-Union:EMT-Fire Department or whomever...
At 4:15 p.m. today (7-2-99) we all heard a loud horn honking by our new CVS Drug Store. Why did he not use his siren, or was he just going on his coffee break?
I respect sirens but not an unnecessary blast of a horn.
Albert G. Smith, Warsaw
Winona Park Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Winona Lake Park would like to thank all of the businesses who donated door prizes for the 5k walk/run. You [the businesses] are a major reason our event continues to grow and we look forward to working with you next year. We would also like to thank the many people who helped with the race and with the activities during the day. We hope everyone enjoyed the activities and that we will see you at the Fourth of July festivities for the year 2000.
Jim LeMasters, supervisor
Peggy Lesley, activity dir.
Winona Lake Park
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