Letters to the Editor 08-05-1998
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Following The Leader - Off-Duty Cops - Dangerous Intersection - Cheers For Wal-Mart - Hates Traffic Lights - Roads Need To Be Fixed - Silver Lake Thanks
Following The Leader
Editor, Times-Union:For thousands of years we have been playing follow-the-leader as a survival mechanism. Being watchful of the virulent, cunning and the confident, giving those chosen total control of the group. For quite some time that practice served us well, keeping us warm, fed, protected and sheltered, exchanging these necessities for individual liberty. But as yet we haven't grown past those ancient forfeitures. One-third of all our wages, starting with your first job and not stopping till your last social retirement check, is excessive homage in support of the king and his court in Washington.
Perhaps a distant genetic link deep within us still demands the adoration of the emperor and gladiators of yore, just as presidents and sports stars are today. Both genders and to varying degrees all age groups are afflicted, yet with skeptical observation, the puppet master's strings grow less transparent. When that happens, the need to devalue an elder's wisdom, and simultaneously lower the minimum voting age limit, becomes a requirement of the manipulative few. Perhaps in the not too distant, an upper voting age limit will yoke rational thought more effectively than ever.
What responsible broadcasting station or any member of the media, knowing of this built-in condition of ours, would prostitute the hard-won wisdom of the secret ballot, make public our secret thoughts, and annuli our composite reactions, pivoting all on the opinions of a select few. If poll takers craft their questions well to fit the statistics required, or select strategic locations to yield the needed results, of what use are poll reports to those who prefer to think autonomously?
Publication of poll statistics before elections becomes a propaganda device designed only to mislead enough of the electorate controlling the outcome of the political contest. Sometimes, it seems the statistics are used to gag the justified outrage of national disgraces. But mostly perhaps, to convince the common patriot their opinions are in the most modest minority, and as such are undeserving the attention of your "public servants." They of late appear more interested in chasing each other around, and around, in the Oval Office. It is painfully difficult to reconcile that's what the architects of that office had in mind, let alone the many who would sell their individual conscience for a whisper of the entire populous.
R.E. Snizek
Warsaw
Off-Duty Cops
Editor, Times-Union:In reference to the extra large title on page 1-A, July 31st.
Is An Off-Duty Cop Still A Cop?
It was never a question for me, as since I attended their first police academy training, I found that they are not only cops 24 hours a day, and that you have a friend forever. Yes, a cop is always a cop.
Is a teacher always a teacher? I was once one. My job was sometimes a 12-16 hour a day teacher. Making out lesson plans, tests and grading papers at home. Still trying to be a 150 percent daily teacher. In my last year at Whitko High School, I offered to teach two new courses, basic electricity and basic electronics instead of taking on a study hall. My quick decision to Mr. R.V. Reed cost me out of my own family budget $600-plus.
It paid off, one young man is now making over $100,000 a year in two jobs. So my $600 really paid off. Yes, I was a teacher more than eight hours a day.
So you can't just be a cop, a teacher or any other dedicated person, and do your job in eight hours.
My retirement is another sad story, if you want to see and read it.
Al Smith
Warsaw
Dangerous Intersection
Editor, Times-Union:About two-three months ago there was a fatal accident at Armstrong Road and State Road 13 due to a motorcycle passing on the right side of a vehicle that was waiting to turn left. The highway is double lane at that point, but it is not marked as to whether it is for turning, go straight or what you are suppose to do. We do not live too far from this intersection and we are very careful when we go through it. My question is, how many lives have to be lost before the state highway marks this intersection? The highway was repaved a few years back and it was widened then, but never marked. Thank you.
Robert Henderson
Barbee Lake chain
Cheers For Wal-Mart
Editor, Times-Union:Wal-Mart! Wal-Mart! Wal-Mart! I would give you three cheers, but there's no one to echo the Hooray's after the Hip-Hip's. (Feel free to hooray at your own homes.)
I highly doubt my letter in July 10 Times-Union had a lot to do with your moving the store's closing hour to an hour later, but it sure is fun to think so. My lovely and fond-of-Wal-Mart-mother, Miriam, called and told me the good news after she heard it while shopping in your fine store. Judging from her enthusiasm, I thought she had written the letter instead of me.
I just want to say thank you for moving back to 11 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. However, we are still in the process right? I mean, don't get me wrong, 11 p.m. is great. We can't stop there, though. We must forge ahead! It's only one more hurdle until midnight. (Unless we should choose to take a water break at 11:30.)
You may have noticed that I've used the word "we" quite often in the previous paragraph. Aside from being a kickin' pronoun, I think it explains how Wal-Mart views its relationship to the community ... am I right? It's a team effort. No community - no Wal-Mart.
Take, for instance, that no-business-getting restaurant across your parking lot (FYI - that was sarcasm, I'm very fond of the arches and it appears every mealtime that everyone else in this town is, too.) They are a very selfish people ..."My McDonald's"? That's a manager monopoly if you ask me. Also, a red-haired clown, a big fat purple ... something with a painful sounding name, and the striped bandit that teaches our kids the humor in stealing burgers. This is not community! (FYI - sarcastic paragraph)
Wal-Mart, however, greets me when I enter. Walt says "Hi" and he gives me a cart and puts colorful stickers on any merchandise I carry in with me. Thanks, Walt. That's community.
Thanks for your willingness to move back to 11 p.m., Wal-Mart. But for the sake of the community, especially the kids, please stay open until midnight. (11:30?)
Dave Pacheco
Winona Lake
Hates Traffic Lights
Editor, Times-Union:Ever since I heard that there were plans to install traffic lights on State Road 15N, I wondered whose stupid idea that was. Well now I know. Hey "Leake," did all your brains "leak" out of your head? I've traveled that stretch of highway for over 30 years twice a day, every day and haven't had any trouble getting onto 15 from 30, until somebody stuck a stupid light up at 250N at the Pancake House/Rice Ford. Now it's a race for the narrow end of the funnel (north bound) to see who is going to end up in the guard rail. With the added Leake Lights it means that the line will only be longer for the race. Do you realize that if one car approaches the intersection from U.S. 30 that you will be stopping a flow of traffic on 15 that will just back up for the race to the next light? Why don't you just disconnect the existing lights, and watch the flow of traffic improve. You do not improve traffic flow by stopping traffic every few feet. Don't put a light at 350N. It's on a curve, and I use that intersection every day. I don't have much trouble getting onto 15, and I'm not a very patient person. Try it, otherwise I think all you will see is road rage and wrecks. Look at the wrecks that we have on 30 east and west with the lights. Keep 15 traffic flowing, get rid of the lights.
R.D. Krebs
Warsaw
P.S. I hope you are NOT planning on putting one at Da-Lite Screen too.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The writer is undoubtedly referring to Kim Leake, Warsaw Superintendent of Public Works, and most readers probably agree with your concern about all the new stop lights. However, in his capacity with the city, Leake has no authority or influence regarding the placement of traffic lights on state highways. Those decisions are all made by officials in the Fort Wayne District office of the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Roads Need To Be Fixed
Editor, Times-Union:I keep reading and hearing about a surplus in our state government. There is no such thing. The money is not being utilized where it is needed. A case in point. The streets and roads in our state are terrible. Our vehicles cost a bundle of money and the damage being caused to them from our roads is a disgrace.
I am writing to our legislators and governor to address this problem head-on in the 1999 legislative session, and I urge everyone to do the same thing. The problem has occurred during the Bayh and O'Bannon administrations. I don't like paying taxes any better than anyone else, but if it takes an increase in the gas tax of a cent or two to get the job done I will buy it. It is a users' tax so we users of our streets and roads should bear the tariff.
Write to the governor:
Frank O'Bannon, Governor
206 State House
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Fred R. Yohey
Atwood
Silver Lake Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:I know this is long overdue, but back in June of 1998 I was crowned Miss Silver Lake Days Queen. I would like to take the time now to thank all the wonderful people who made that possible. I would like to thank my parents who put in long hours of work doing car washes, bake sales and other fund-raisers. I want to say good luck to all the girls who run next year.
Jenna M. Spangle
Miss Silver Lake Days Queen 1998
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- Following The Leader - Off-Duty Cops - Dangerous Intersection - Cheers For Wal-Mart - Hates Traffic Lights - Roads Need To Be Fixed - Silver Lake Thanks
Following The Leader
Editor, Times-Union:For thousands of years we have been playing follow-the-leader as a survival mechanism. Being watchful of the virulent, cunning and the confident, giving those chosen total control of the group. For quite some time that practice served us well, keeping us warm, fed, protected and sheltered, exchanging these necessities for individual liberty. But as yet we haven't grown past those ancient forfeitures. One-third of all our wages, starting with your first job and not stopping till your last social retirement check, is excessive homage in support of the king and his court in Washington.
Perhaps a distant genetic link deep within us still demands the adoration of the emperor and gladiators of yore, just as presidents and sports stars are today. Both genders and to varying degrees all age groups are afflicted, yet with skeptical observation, the puppet master's strings grow less transparent. When that happens, the need to devalue an elder's wisdom, and simultaneously lower the minimum voting age limit, becomes a requirement of the manipulative few. Perhaps in the not too distant, an upper voting age limit will yoke rational thought more effectively than ever.
What responsible broadcasting station or any member of the media, knowing of this built-in condition of ours, would prostitute the hard-won wisdom of the secret ballot, make public our secret thoughts, and annuli our composite reactions, pivoting all on the opinions of a select few. If poll takers craft their questions well to fit the statistics required, or select strategic locations to yield the needed results, of what use are poll reports to those who prefer to think autonomously?
Publication of poll statistics before elections becomes a propaganda device designed only to mislead enough of the electorate controlling the outcome of the political contest. Sometimes, it seems the statistics are used to gag the justified outrage of national disgraces. But mostly perhaps, to convince the common patriot their opinions are in the most modest minority, and as such are undeserving the attention of your "public servants." They of late appear more interested in chasing each other around, and around, in the Oval Office. It is painfully difficult to reconcile that's what the architects of that office had in mind, let alone the many who would sell their individual conscience for a whisper of the entire populous.
R.E. Snizek
Warsaw
Off-Duty Cops
Editor, Times-Union:In reference to the extra large title on page 1-A, July 31st.
Is An Off-Duty Cop Still A Cop?
It was never a question for me, as since I attended their first police academy training, I found that they are not only cops 24 hours a day, and that you have a friend forever. Yes, a cop is always a cop.
Is a teacher always a teacher? I was once one. My job was sometimes a 12-16 hour a day teacher. Making out lesson plans, tests and grading papers at home. Still trying to be a 150 percent daily teacher. In my last year at Whitko High School, I offered to teach two new courses, basic electricity and basic electronics instead of taking on a study hall. My quick decision to Mr. R.V. Reed cost me out of my own family budget $600-plus.
It paid off, one young man is now making over $100,000 a year in two jobs. So my $600 really paid off. Yes, I was a teacher more than eight hours a day.
So you can't just be a cop, a teacher or any other dedicated person, and do your job in eight hours.
My retirement is another sad story, if you want to see and read it.
Al Smith
Warsaw
Dangerous Intersection
Editor, Times-Union:About two-three months ago there was a fatal accident at Armstrong Road and State Road 13 due to a motorcycle passing on the right side of a vehicle that was waiting to turn left. The highway is double lane at that point, but it is not marked as to whether it is for turning, go straight or what you are suppose to do. We do not live too far from this intersection and we are very careful when we go through it. My question is, how many lives have to be lost before the state highway marks this intersection? The highway was repaved a few years back and it was widened then, but never marked. Thank you.
Robert Henderson
Barbee Lake chain
Cheers For Wal-Mart
Editor, Times-Union:Wal-Mart! Wal-Mart! Wal-Mart! I would give you three cheers, but there's no one to echo the Hooray's after the Hip-Hip's. (Feel free to hooray at your own homes.)
I highly doubt my letter in July 10 Times-Union had a lot to do with your moving the store's closing hour to an hour later, but it sure is fun to think so. My lovely and fond-of-Wal-Mart-mother, Miriam, called and told me the good news after she heard it while shopping in your fine store. Judging from her enthusiasm, I thought she had written the letter instead of me.
I just want to say thank you for moving back to 11 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. However, we are still in the process right? I mean, don't get me wrong, 11 p.m. is great. We can't stop there, though. We must forge ahead! It's only one more hurdle until midnight. (Unless we should choose to take a water break at 11:30.)
You may have noticed that I've used the word "we" quite often in the previous paragraph. Aside from being a kickin' pronoun, I think it explains how Wal-Mart views its relationship to the community ... am I right? It's a team effort. No community - no Wal-Mart.
Take, for instance, that no-business-getting restaurant across your parking lot (FYI - that was sarcasm, I'm very fond of the arches and it appears every mealtime that everyone else in this town is, too.) They are a very selfish people ..."My McDonald's"? That's a manager monopoly if you ask me. Also, a red-haired clown, a big fat purple ... something with a painful sounding name, and the striped bandit that teaches our kids the humor in stealing burgers. This is not community! (FYI - sarcastic paragraph)
Wal-Mart, however, greets me when I enter. Walt says "Hi" and he gives me a cart and puts colorful stickers on any merchandise I carry in with me. Thanks, Walt. That's community.
Thanks for your willingness to move back to 11 p.m., Wal-Mart. But for the sake of the community, especially the kids, please stay open until midnight. (11:30?)
Dave Pacheco
Winona Lake
Hates Traffic Lights
Editor, Times-Union:Ever since I heard that there were plans to install traffic lights on State Road 15N, I wondered whose stupid idea that was. Well now I know. Hey "Leake," did all your brains "leak" out of your head? I've traveled that stretch of highway for over 30 years twice a day, every day and haven't had any trouble getting onto 15 from 30, until somebody stuck a stupid light up at 250N at the Pancake House/Rice Ford. Now it's a race for the narrow end of the funnel (north bound) to see who is going to end up in the guard rail. With the added Leake Lights it means that the line will only be longer for the race. Do you realize that if one car approaches the intersection from U.S. 30 that you will be stopping a flow of traffic on 15 that will just back up for the race to the next light? Why don't you just disconnect the existing lights, and watch the flow of traffic improve. You do not improve traffic flow by stopping traffic every few feet. Don't put a light at 350N. It's on a curve, and I use that intersection every day. I don't have much trouble getting onto 15, and I'm not a very patient person. Try it, otherwise I think all you will see is road rage and wrecks. Look at the wrecks that we have on 30 east and west with the lights. Keep 15 traffic flowing, get rid of the lights.
R.D. Krebs
Warsaw
P.S. I hope you are NOT planning on putting one at Da-Lite Screen too.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The writer is undoubtedly referring to Kim Leake, Warsaw Superintendent of Public Works, and most readers probably agree with your concern about all the new stop lights. However, in his capacity with the city, Leake has no authority or influence regarding the placement of traffic lights on state highways. Those decisions are all made by officials in the Fort Wayne District office of the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Roads Need To Be Fixed
Editor, Times-Union:I keep reading and hearing about a surplus in our state government. There is no such thing. The money is not being utilized where it is needed. A case in point. The streets and roads in our state are terrible. Our vehicles cost a bundle of money and the damage being caused to them from our roads is a disgrace.
I am writing to our legislators and governor to address this problem head-on in the 1999 legislative session, and I urge everyone to do the same thing. The problem has occurred during the Bayh and O'Bannon administrations. I don't like paying taxes any better than anyone else, but if it takes an increase in the gas tax of a cent or two to get the job done I will buy it. It is a users' tax so we users of our streets and roads should bear the tariff.
Write to the governor:
Frank O'Bannon, Governor
206 State House
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Fred R. Yohey
Atwood
Silver Lake Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:I know this is long overdue, but back in June of 1998 I was crowned Miss Silver Lake Days Queen. I would like to take the time now to thank all the wonderful people who made that possible. I would like to thank my parents who put in long hours of work doing car washes, bake sales and other fund-raisers. I want to say good luck to all the girls who run next year.
Jenna M. Spangle
Miss Silver Lake Days Queen 1998
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