Letters to the Editor 08-09-2001
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Meth Epidemic - Treaties - Child Support - Style Show Thanks - Lasting Legacy - Yard Sale
Meth Epidemic
Editor, Times-Union:There is a new drug epidemic sweeping across America. It is not limited to big cities. It is not limited to the coasts. It is in small towns, on farms and in our schools. The drug is methamphetamine.
It is easy to think of the latest drug trends as belonging solely to America's largest cities. Meth, however, is right here, in Indiana. It is as addictive as cocaine or heroin, can cause erratic and violent behavior, and more of it is being produced and used every day.
In testimony before the House Government Reform Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources in Washington, D.C., Noble County Chief Deputy Sheriff Doug Harp explained that 80 percent of the drug cases he has investigated since joining the department in 1995 have involved the sale or manufacture of meth. The very first meth-related arrest in Noble County was in 1996, but use of it has risen so dramatically that in 2000 authorities confiscated more than 150 ounces of the drug, worth $500,000.
Meth-related crime is on the rise as well. Meth addicts frequently steal in order to support their habits. They may rob stores or individuals or even walk down the street stealing checks out of mailboxes. Noble County Sheriff Doug Dukes testified that even children become addicted and can turn to crime to buy more drugs; his department broke up a burglary ring of 20 juveniles who were stealing in order to purchase meth. Worse yet, meth crime can easily turn violent. Deputy Sheriff Harp described incidents in which meth addicts and dealers have been found with extensive arsenals of illegal weapons, have shot at police and even have burned their own houses down to avoid arrest.
This is a new kind of drug and a new kind of problem for much of Indiana. Meth does not have to be imported like so many other illegal drugs. It is a synthetic substance that can be concocted from common, easily-purchased products. Meth "labs," where the drug is made, can be found in abandoned buildings, hotel rooms, barns, even vans or trucks. These labs could be anywhere and their numbers are growing. In Indiana in 1994, police located and raided four meth labs. By 1999, the number had jumped to 246, and as fast as our police can shut them down, more appear.
It is clear that the methods we use to fight cocaine and heroin may very well not apply to meth. It is equally clear from testimony to my subcommittee that the solution is not to simply spend more money. We need new ideas and a fresh approach. That is why I am calling for further study of the development of new methods of law enforcement and prevention to specifically address the problem of rapidly spreading methamphetamine use.
The law enforcement community in Indiana has already started to move in this direction. The first step is to educate police officers about precisely what they are facing and why it is different than anything they might have dealt with before. This summer, around 100 Kosciusko County law enforcement officers participated in a meth training session with members of the Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Team. They learned about the drug, its effects on users, how to identify users and how it is produced.
That is a good first step, but it is only the start. I fully intend to take further steps to vigorously pursue this matter. Our drug policy hearing was an educational experience for all involved. It is through this kind of study - of both the spread of methamphetamine use and new methods of combating it - that we will discover new approaches to turning the tide on the spread of meth in Indiana and elsewhere. Local law enforcement professionals are on the front line. We will depend on them to continue to share their views and expertise.
We cannot hide from this epidemic. We must continue to work together to combat the newest challenge in the drug war.
Mark Souder
U.S. Representative (R-Ind., District 4)
Treaties
Editor, Times-Union:This past weekend, the "talking heads" on almost all the news channels had, as guests, some of the most rabid, big government loving, tax and spend liberals that ever were!
The whining, sobbing and moaning about how POTUS stole the election; how the Supreme Court gave George W. Bush the presidency (POTUS).
Then the real "W" bashing began. How terrible W is for not signing all those treaties, protocols, etc., and how he's upset all our friends in Europe.
The facts: What friends in Europe? Every major power in Europe today owes its very existence to the United States and the WWII veterans who fought and died so that Germany, France, England, Italy, and all points between, would not today be speaking Russian.
The facts: Had POTUS signed off on all those restrictive (to the U.S.) treaties, etc., even more jobs would have been lost in the U.S. Remember NAFTA (and Clinton)?
If the United Nations ever gains control of the member nations, as it wants, we can kiss many of our constitutionally guaranteed rights away.
President Bush stands between our freedoms and the U.N. Al Gore would have caved in, like Clinton, and you'd turn in your rifles, shotguns, and all other weapons. (This is a U.N. goal!)
I voted for President Bush and I'm going to do so again and will also refer to him as my president again in 2004.
For those who can't, and won't, accept George W. Bush as their president, why not? Did you vote?
It's easy to criticize someone you don't like just because he or she belongs to a different political party. But I also voted for Tim Roemer, and will do so again; I won't vote for Lugar.
Vote for the issues and the person, Republican or Democrat, that you think will do the job. Don't let the media relations, friends, etc., make up your mind - use it yourself.
Don Guard
Leesburg
Child Support
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing once again about our child support enforcement in Kosciusko County. Several months ago I wrote on how my twin boys' father can't be found, by our courts, therefore he can't be in contempt. My problem I wrote about before was, what are our taxes paying for, these people won't even answer their phones anymore. So, about three months ago, I missed work one day and went into the office in person, thinking maybe now I can get some answers. The lady at the desk said you cannot speak with a caseworker, but to fill out this form and someone would get back with me. So I did. I left my name and address, the absent parent's name and information that I knew, and what my question was, WHAT'S GOING ON WITH MY CASE? Like I said, they told me I would hear something in the mail in a couple of weeks. I know it has been over three months ago. Obviously they are not even going to humor me any longer by lying. They are not even going to waste that 35-cent stamp. Maybe we can all work together to help each other find people, since our elected officials are just too darn busy. Thanks again for any help you might be able to give.
Charlotte Allen
Warsaw
via e-mail
Style Show Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:On behalf of the Salvation Army Auxiliary, I would like to thank the Times-Union for assisting in promoting the Lucy Locket Children's Style Show and luncheon held recently at the Center Lake Park Pavilion. As the result of the participation, dedication and hard work of many interested people, the Salvation Army Worxs program, an Army project which provides clothing and school supplies for back-to-school children in need, was a significant benefactor of the proceeds of the event. Owners of the new children's store located in the former restored Warsaw railway depot provided clothing and shoes for over 20 children who modeled back-to-school apparel. Special thanks both to the parents and children who participated in the style show and those who attended the luncheon.
Joy Carlson, President
Salvation Army Auxiliary
Lasting Legacy
Editor, Times-Union:Can you believe our president has the nerve to take a month-long vacation? How out of touch and insensitive he is to waste time on his own ranch in Crawford, Texas, and not some loyal party donor's place or government-subsidized quarters. He just doesn't get it. Wouldn't you think he would understand to have any kind of positive national exposure he must first become involved in some type of personal scandal that needs a diversion, ask an enormous group of individuals to accompany him to some exotic setting, such as Africa, and spend millions of taxpayers' dollars on what he could then call work, not a vacation.
In addition, someone needs to speak to him regarding the gathering of his Cabinet at the White House the other day. Explaining to the nation what has actually been accomplished during the past six months, pointing the direction he hopes our country will take and giving credit to deserving individuals, is just plain a waste of good ink. Doesn't he remember that you only bring your Cabinet to the forefront when you need cover? He should recognize that it is during times such as impeachment that he and his cabinet really will get the fluff royal treatment.
President Bush needs to take U.S. Presidency and National Reporting 101 to understand that how you are perceived by our national voice has little to do with substance and much to do with symbol and ideology. To make my point, I am sure that he, as well as the nation, must now understand that it isn't what you accomplish in office that matters, what really matters and will bring lasting legacy to oneself is the story you can write about once you get out. It's worth a million bucks, or in some cases 10 million.
Shelley Aamodt
Menomonie Wis.
via e-mail
Yard Sale
Editor, Times-Union:To my brother's neighbors who complained about him having his yard sale every other weekend.
What would you do if you were out of work and needed some way to support your family? Wouldn't you do the same thing, especially when there is only one income coming in to your home? Please give him a break. He is only trying to do what he can, so stop whining about it. Have a little compassion, will you?
Deborah Clark
Warsaw
P.S. If you don't like it, why don't you give him a job?
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- Meth Epidemic - Treaties - Child Support - Style Show Thanks - Lasting Legacy - Yard Sale
Meth Epidemic
Editor, Times-Union:There is a new drug epidemic sweeping across America. It is not limited to big cities. It is not limited to the coasts. It is in small towns, on farms and in our schools. The drug is methamphetamine.
It is easy to think of the latest drug trends as belonging solely to America's largest cities. Meth, however, is right here, in Indiana. It is as addictive as cocaine or heroin, can cause erratic and violent behavior, and more of it is being produced and used every day.
In testimony before the House Government Reform Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources in Washington, D.C., Noble County Chief Deputy Sheriff Doug Harp explained that 80 percent of the drug cases he has investigated since joining the department in 1995 have involved the sale or manufacture of meth. The very first meth-related arrest in Noble County was in 1996, but use of it has risen so dramatically that in 2000 authorities confiscated more than 150 ounces of the drug, worth $500,000.
Meth-related crime is on the rise as well. Meth addicts frequently steal in order to support their habits. They may rob stores or individuals or even walk down the street stealing checks out of mailboxes. Noble County Sheriff Doug Dukes testified that even children become addicted and can turn to crime to buy more drugs; his department broke up a burglary ring of 20 juveniles who were stealing in order to purchase meth. Worse yet, meth crime can easily turn violent. Deputy Sheriff Harp described incidents in which meth addicts and dealers have been found with extensive arsenals of illegal weapons, have shot at police and even have burned their own houses down to avoid arrest.
This is a new kind of drug and a new kind of problem for much of Indiana. Meth does not have to be imported like so many other illegal drugs. It is a synthetic substance that can be concocted from common, easily-purchased products. Meth "labs," where the drug is made, can be found in abandoned buildings, hotel rooms, barns, even vans or trucks. These labs could be anywhere and their numbers are growing. In Indiana in 1994, police located and raided four meth labs. By 1999, the number had jumped to 246, and as fast as our police can shut them down, more appear.
It is clear that the methods we use to fight cocaine and heroin may very well not apply to meth. It is equally clear from testimony to my subcommittee that the solution is not to simply spend more money. We need new ideas and a fresh approach. That is why I am calling for further study of the development of new methods of law enforcement and prevention to specifically address the problem of rapidly spreading methamphetamine use.
The law enforcement community in Indiana has already started to move in this direction. The first step is to educate police officers about precisely what they are facing and why it is different than anything they might have dealt with before. This summer, around 100 Kosciusko County law enforcement officers participated in a meth training session with members of the Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Team. They learned about the drug, its effects on users, how to identify users and how it is produced.
That is a good first step, but it is only the start. I fully intend to take further steps to vigorously pursue this matter. Our drug policy hearing was an educational experience for all involved. It is through this kind of study - of both the spread of methamphetamine use and new methods of combating it - that we will discover new approaches to turning the tide on the spread of meth in Indiana and elsewhere. Local law enforcement professionals are on the front line. We will depend on them to continue to share their views and expertise.
We cannot hide from this epidemic. We must continue to work together to combat the newest challenge in the drug war.
Mark Souder
U.S. Representative (R-Ind., District 4)
Treaties
Editor, Times-Union:This past weekend, the "talking heads" on almost all the news channels had, as guests, some of the most rabid, big government loving, tax and spend liberals that ever were!
The whining, sobbing and moaning about how POTUS stole the election; how the Supreme Court gave George W. Bush the presidency (POTUS).
Then the real "W" bashing began. How terrible W is for not signing all those treaties, protocols, etc., and how he's upset all our friends in Europe.
The facts: What friends in Europe? Every major power in Europe today owes its very existence to the United States and the WWII veterans who fought and died so that Germany, France, England, Italy, and all points between, would not today be speaking Russian.
The facts: Had POTUS signed off on all those restrictive (to the U.S.) treaties, etc., even more jobs would have been lost in the U.S. Remember NAFTA (and Clinton)?
If the United Nations ever gains control of the member nations, as it wants, we can kiss many of our constitutionally guaranteed rights away.
President Bush stands between our freedoms and the U.N. Al Gore would have caved in, like Clinton, and you'd turn in your rifles, shotguns, and all other weapons. (This is a U.N. goal!)
I voted for President Bush and I'm going to do so again and will also refer to him as my president again in 2004.
For those who can't, and won't, accept George W. Bush as their president, why not? Did you vote?
It's easy to criticize someone you don't like just because he or she belongs to a different political party. But I also voted for Tim Roemer, and will do so again; I won't vote for Lugar.
Vote for the issues and the person, Republican or Democrat, that you think will do the job. Don't let the media relations, friends, etc., make up your mind - use it yourself.
Don Guard
Leesburg
Child Support
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing once again about our child support enforcement in Kosciusko County. Several months ago I wrote on how my twin boys' father can't be found, by our courts, therefore he can't be in contempt. My problem I wrote about before was, what are our taxes paying for, these people won't even answer their phones anymore. So, about three months ago, I missed work one day and went into the office in person, thinking maybe now I can get some answers. The lady at the desk said you cannot speak with a caseworker, but to fill out this form and someone would get back with me. So I did. I left my name and address, the absent parent's name and information that I knew, and what my question was, WHAT'S GOING ON WITH MY CASE? Like I said, they told me I would hear something in the mail in a couple of weeks. I know it has been over three months ago. Obviously they are not even going to humor me any longer by lying. They are not even going to waste that 35-cent stamp. Maybe we can all work together to help each other find people, since our elected officials are just too darn busy. Thanks again for any help you might be able to give.
Charlotte Allen
Warsaw
via e-mail
Style Show Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:On behalf of the Salvation Army Auxiliary, I would like to thank the Times-Union for assisting in promoting the Lucy Locket Children's Style Show and luncheon held recently at the Center Lake Park Pavilion. As the result of the participation, dedication and hard work of many interested people, the Salvation Army Worxs program, an Army project which provides clothing and school supplies for back-to-school children in need, was a significant benefactor of the proceeds of the event. Owners of the new children's store located in the former restored Warsaw railway depot provided clothing and shoes for over 20 children who modeled back-to-school apparel. Special thanks both to the parents and children who participated in the style show and those who attended the luncheon.
Joy Carlson, President
Salvation Army Auxiliary
Lasting Legacy
Editor, Times-Union:Can you believe our president has the nerve to take a month-long vacation? How out of touch and insensitive he is to waste time on his own ranch in Crawford, Texas, and not some loyal party donor's place or government-subsidized quarters. He just doesn't get it. Wouldn't you think he would understand to have any kind of positive national exposure he must first become involved in some type of personal scandal that needs a diversion, ask an enormous group of individuals to accompany him to some exotic setting, such as Africa, and spend millions of taxpayers' dollars on what he could then call work, not a vacation.
In addition, someone needs to speak to him regarding the gathering of his Cabinet at the White House the other day. Explaining to the nation what has actually been accomplished during the past six months, pointing the direction he hopes our country will take and giving credit to deserving individuals, is just plain a waste of good ink. Doesn't he remember that you only bring your Cabinet to the forefront when you need cover? He should recognize that it is during times such as impeachment that he and his cabinet really will get the fluff royal treatment.
President Bush needs to take U.S. Presidency and National Reporting 101 to understand that how you are perceived by our national voice has little to do with substance and much to do with symbol and ideology. To make my point, I am sure that he, as well as the nation, must now understand that it isn't what you accomplish in office that matters, what really matters and will bring lasting legacy to oneself is the story you can write about once you get out. It's worth a million bucks, or in some cases 10 million.
Shelley Aamodt
Menomonie Wis.
via e-mail
Yard Sale
Editor, Times-Union:To my brother's neighbors who complained about him having his yard sale every other weekend.
What would you do if you were out of work and needed some way to support your family? Wouldn't you do the same thing, especially when there is only one income coming in to your home? Please give him a break. He is only trying to do what he can, so stop whining about it. Have a little compassion, will you?
Deborah Clark
Warsaw
P.S. If you don't like it, why don't you give him a job?
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