Letters to the Editor 08-12-1997
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Fifth Amendment - Good Cops - UPS Strike - Library Says Thanks - Swim Team Thanks - Balloon Photo - Raffle Thanks - Bingo Thanks - Skating Donation
Fifth Amendment
Editor, Times-Union:`The Fifth Amendment in our Bill of Rights states: No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of the Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, withoutjust compensation.
What this last phrase means is individuals are to be safe and secure in the privacy of their own home, and the government cannot confiscate one's property without just compensation.
In other words, the government cannot take away one's property and home just because he or she has been convicted of a crime. If the government believes that the person's property is somehow valuable to the public - that is, in the best interests of the community - then it must compensate by offering an equal exchange.
Therefore, Mr. Kolbe's idea of seizing the vehicles of those committing traffic offenses is against the law of the land and infringing upon our Constitutional rights - unless, of course, he plans on giving these people something of equal value in return.
Likewise, when a drug bust is made and the authorities seize that person's money, property, vehicles, etc., without giving back anything in exchange, those in authority are operating outside of the law.
We should all be aware of what our rights are, so as to better exercise them and protect them. Our forefathers sacrificed their property, their wealth, their families, and some their very lives to give us this Constitution and Bill of Rights. It is our responsibility to make sure their sacrifices were not made in vain. It is up to us to keep and maintain these rights and to make sure that those who would are not allowed to infringe upon them.
I strongly recommend that everyone read The Bill of Rights (what it is, what it means and how it's been abused) by Shannon Leigh Fallon.
Deanna Newton
Warsaw
Good Cops
Editor, Times-Union:Nowadays you hear a lot of bad things in the media about what cops do.
Well, let me compliment Lieutenant Grubbs and the Warsaw Police Department on the good thing they did.
I had a problem (without going into details); sufficient to say, it had been ongoing and there seemed to be no solution. I finally went to the police department and was treated with concern, respect - and quickly.
Lieutenant Grubbs issued a memo to the entire night shift and came out to my house the next day to see if I was satisfied with the results. Well, a little extra effort "beyond the call of duty" and I have a big difference in my life and that of my family.
Richard M. Stroh
Warsaw
UPS Strike
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in response to the Saturday, Aug. 9, front page story, "Local Driver Says He's Been Abused," by Deb McAuliffe. I've been a driver for 7-1/2 years. I'm proud to be a UPS driver and proud to be a Teamster.
To my knowledge, Bourbon Center does not have a driver named "Tom" that lives in Warsaw or Kosciusko County. The part of the story about Local 710 not being on strike is true and the part about drivers being abused by other motorists who believe that they are scabs or supervisors replacing drivers is true. However, I'm puzzled about the rest of the story. Did you just make up "Tom" and these "facts" to have a story, or did you talk to someone that did not know any facts himself?
Fact number one: Local 710 out of Chicago has not finished negotiations. We are working without a contract. Fact number two: Bourbon Center has at least 45-plus drivers, not 25.
I have prepared myself mentally and financially for a very long strike. Hopefully, most other drivers have done the same. A long international strike has resulted in most of 710 being laid off. Ask the unemployment office in Fort Wayne.
It is apparent to me from what I've gathered in the media that UPS wants to commit suicide. If they fail as a business, they will be allowed to restructure, starting and selling to smaller companies with no obligation to labor, paying workers $5 to $8 per hour, with no benefits. UPS has made enormous profits in the last few years. Those profits came from the sweat and long work days of their Teamster members.
Thank God for unions such as Teamsters that help keep big profit business in check, allowing the worker a decent wage and benefits.
Amy Harding
Warsaw
Library Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:We would like to express our appreciation to all the businesses and individuals who have contributed prizes, coupons and other support to our summer reading program this year. The children, teens and adults who won the prizes enjoyed getting them and were truly encouraged to read.
Not only does our summer reading program improve reading skills and keep them fresh for the new school year, but also the books that are read are informative and fascinating. Sometimes reading a specific book leads to lifetime enjoyment of a new hobby or interest.
You all have made it easier for the library to fulfill its goal of promoting reading. Thank you very much.
Virginia Colburn
Community Services staff,
Warsaw Community Public Library
Swim Team Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:We would like to thank everyone for their support of the fish tent during Downtown Days. It was great to see so many people enjoying the events planned. We appreciated the opportunity to host the fish tent, thanks to the Original Jonah Fish Fry Club and hope to be back again next year. Thanks again.
Warsaw YMCA
Shark Swim Team
Balloon Photo
Editor, Times-Union:In Wednesday's edition (July 30) of the Times-Union, you ran a picture on the front page that brought back memories for several local residents. This Associated Press color photo shot of a hot air balloonfest show in France.
This location is in Chambley, France, where many Americans served at this air base during World War II. I, along with many others from this area, served at this Air Force base that was reactivated in October 1961 during the Berlin Crisis. Our group was the 122 Tactical Fighter group of the Indiana Air Guard of Fort Wayne.
The last time you ran this balloonfest in Chambley, France, was on Aug. 2, 1993. It's good to see photos of good news on the front page of the Warsaw Times-Union.
A golden anniversary open house on Oct. 4 and 5 will commemorate 50 years of service by the 122nd Fighter Wing during its storied 50-year history, which started in Fort Wayne's Baer Field in November 1947. It is estimated that over 5,000 Indiana residents have served with the 122nd. If you know of someone who has served with this group, they should call 800-841-3104 for more information.
Jerry L. Badskey
North Manchester
Raffle Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Whitko Dollars For Scholars earned over $1200 for scholarships from their Pierceton Days Raffle. The organization wishes to thank everyone who purchased tickets and the many sponsors.
Winners of the prize packages were, Weed Eater, Marge Nichols, Larwill; Blue Lion package, Bill Stevens, Warsaw; bicycle package, Judy Garwood, Larwill; Wagon Wheel/Ramada package, Robert Martin, Warsaw; and wooden swing, C. Hayes, Collamer.
Chris Vandewalle
Warsaw
Bingo Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The Larwill Lions and Whitko Dollars For Scholars held their annual Squawbuck Bingo on Aug. 1. Both organizations thank the many area businesses who donated items to be given as bingo prizes and the participants in the games. The event was a huge success, earning over $540 to be used for scholarships for this school year's graduating seniors.
Chris Vandewalle
Warsaw
Skating Donation
Editor, Times-Union:The Northern Lakes Skating Association is pleased to announce that we have received a donation from Glenbrook Mall in Fort Wayne to further our efforts toward a better ice skating facility. Glenbrook decided last winter to close their ice rink and donate all of the equipment to a not-for-profit organization. NLSA applied for the donation and found out a couple of weeks ago that we would receive everything available, incliding a chiller system, Zamboni, rental skates (over 400 pairs), boards and everything needed to sustain an ice skating surface year round. We are in the process of trying to get all of the equipment to Warsaw at this time; however, due to the complexity of this we are in need of the community's support. We are going to need a storage facility to keep the equipment; some of it is large enough that we will need semi trucks just to get it here. We are also asking that anyone who can volunteer their time please contact Brian Smith at 267-4859. It will take at least four days of round-the-clock work just to drain the system to prepare it to be transported. Martin Construction out of Fort Wayne will use their cranes to remove some of the equipment but we will need assistance once we get the items to Warsaw.
Now for the major obstacle. As many of you are aware, we lost our lease with the Winona Parks Department, so at this time we have no place for a skating facility. It's ironic that we start four years ago with nothing but a building and now we have all the equipment we could possibly use but no building. We are desperately looking for a permanent location but since we are a not-for-profit operation we only have the revenue which the skating brings in each winter. Please, if anyone knows of an available building, permanent or temporary, contact us as soon as possible.
Warsaw and the surrounding area have been given a wonderful opportunity to have a first-class skating facility, but it won't happen without the support of the community. Any type of support is greatly appreciated, whether it be monetary or donating your time to help us in this huge endeavor. Please help us; we can't do this alone.
Brian Smith
Northern Lakes Skating Association
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- Fifth Amendment - Good Cops - UPS Strike - Library Says Thanks - Swim Team Thanks - Balloon Photo - Raffle Thanks - Bingo Thanks - Skating Donation
Fifth Amendment
Editor, Times-Union:`The Fifth Amendment in our Bill of Rights states: No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of the Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, withoutjust compensation.
What this last phrase means is individuals are to be safe and secure in the privacy of their own home, and the government cannot confiscate one's property without just compensation.
In other words, the government cannot take away one's property and home just because he or she has been convicted of a crime. If the government believes that the person's property is somehow valuable to the public - that is, in the best interests of the community - then it must compensate by offering an equal exchange.
Therefore, Mr. Kolbe's idea of seizing the vehicles of those committing traffic offenses is against the law of the land and infringing upon our Constitutional rights - unless, of course, he plans on giving these people something of equal value in return.
Likewise, when a drug bust is made and the authorities seize that person's money, property, vehicles, etc., without giving back anything in exchange, those in authority are operating outside of the law.
We should all be aware of what our rights are, so as to better exercise them and protect them. Our forefathers sacrificed their property, their wealth, their families, and some their very lives to give us this Constitution and Bill of Rights. It is our responsibility to make sure their sacrifices were not made in vain. It is up to us to keep and maintain these rights and to make sure that those who would are not allowed to infringe upon them.
I strongly recommend that everyone read The Bill of Rights (what it is, what it means and how it's been abused) by Shannon Leigh Fallon.
Deanna Newton
Warsaw
Good Cops
Editor, Times-Union:Nowadays you hear a lot of bad things in the media about what cops do.
Well, let me compliment Lieutenant Grubbs and the Warsaw Police Department on the good thing they did.
I had a problem (without going into details); sufficient to say, it had been ongoing and there seemed to be no solution. I finally went to the police department and was treated with concern, respect - and quickly.
Lieutenant Grubbs issued a memo to the entire night shift and came out to my house the next day to see if I was satisfied with the results. Well, a little extra effort "beyond the call of duty" and I have a big difference in my life and that of my family.
Richard M. Stroh
Warsaw
UPS Strike
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is in response to the Saturday, Aug. 9, front page story, "Local Driver Says He's Been Abused," by Deb McAuliffe. I've been a driver for 7-1/2 years. I'm proud to be a UPS driver and proud to be a Teamster.
To my knowledge, Bourbon Center does not have a driver named "Tom" that lives in Warsaw or Kosciusko County. The part of the story about Local 710 not being on strike is true and the part about drivers being abused by other motorists who believe that they are scabs or supervisors replacing drivers is true. However, I'm puzzled about the rest of the story. Did you just make up "Tom" and these "facts" to have a story, or did you talk to someone that did not know any facts himself?
Fact number one: Local 710 out of Chicago has not finished negotiations. We are working without a contract. Fact number two: Bourbon Center has at least 45-plus drivers, not 25.
I have prepared myself mentally and financially for a very long strike. Hopefully, most other drivers have done the same. A long international strike has resulted in most of 710 being laid off. Ask the unemployment office in Fort Wayne.
It is apparent to me from what I've gathered in the media that UPS wants to commit suicide. If they fail as a business, they will be allowed to restructure, starting and selling to smaller companies with no obligation to labor, paying workers $5 to $8 per hour, with no benefits. UPS has made enormous profits in the last few years. Those profits came from the sweat and long work days of their Teamster members.
Thank God for unions such as Teamsters that help keep big profit business in check, allowing the worker a decent wage and benefits.
Amy Harding
Warsaw
Library Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:We would like to express our appreciation to all the businesses and individuals who have contributed prizes, coupons and other support to our summer reading program this year. The children, teens and adults who won the prizes enjoyed getting them and were truly encouraged to read.
Not only does our summer reading program improve reading skills and keep them fresh for the new school year, but also the books that are read are informative and fascinating. Sometimes reading a specific book leads to lifetime enjoyment of a new hobby or interest.
You all have made it easier for the library to fulfill its goal of promoting reading. Thank you very much.
Virginia Colburn
Community Services staff,
Warsaw Community Public Library
Swim Team Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:We would like to thank everyone for their support of the fish tent during Downtown Days. It was great to see so many people enjoying the events planned. We appreciated the opportunity to host the fish tent, thanks to the Original Jonah Fish Fry Club and hope to be back again next year. Thanks again.
Warsaw YMCA
Shark Swim Team
Balloon Photo
Editor, Times-Union:In Wednesday's edition (July 30) of the Times-Union, you ran a picture on the front page that brought back memories for several local residents. This Associated Press color photo shot of a hot air balloonfest show in France.
This location is in Chambley, France, where many Americans served at this air base during World War II. I, along with many others from this area, served at this Air Force base that was reactivated in October 1961 during the Berlin Crisis. Our group was the 122 Tactical Fighter group of the Indiana Air Guard of Fort Wayne.
The last time you ran this balloonfest in Chambley, France, was on Aug. 2, 1993. It's good to see photos of good news on the front page of the Warsaw Times-Union.
A golden anniversary open house on Oct. 4 and 5 will commemorate 50 years of service by the 122nd Fighter Wing during its storied 50-year history, which started in Fort Wayne's Baer Field in November 1947. It is estimated that over 5,000 Indiana residents have served with the 122nd. If you know of someone who has served with this group, they should call 800-841-3104 for more information.
Jerry L. Badskey
North Manchester
Raffle Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Whitko Dollars For Scholars earned over $1200 for scholarships from their Pierceton Days Raffle. The organization wishes to thank everyone who purchased tickets and the many sponsors.
Winners of the prize packages were, Weed Eater, Marge Nichols, Larwill; Blue Lion package, Bill Stevens, Warsaw; bicycle package, Judy Garwood, Larwill; Wagon Wheel/Ramada package, Robert Martin, Warsaw; and wooden swing, C. Hayes, Collamer.
Chris Vandewalle
Warsaw
Bingo Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The Larwill Lions and Whitko Dollars For Scholars held their annual Squawbuck Bingo on Aug. 1. Both organizations thank the many area businesses who donated items to be given as bingo prizes and the participants in the games. The event was a huge success, earning over $540 to be used for scholarships for this school year's graduating seniors.
Chris Vandewalle
Warsaw
Skating Donation
Editor, Times-Union:The Northern Lakes Skating Association is pleased to announce that we have received a donation from Glenbrook Mall in Fort Wayne to further our efforts toward a better ice skating facility. Glenbrook decided last winter to close their ice rink and donate all of the equipment to a not-for-profit organization. NLSA applied for the donation and found out a couple of weeks ago that we would receive everything available, incliding a chiller system, Zamboni, rental skates (over 400 pairs), boards and everything needed to sustain an ice skating surface year round. We are in the process of trying to get all of the equipment to Warsaw at this time; however, due to the complexity of this we are in need of the community's support. We are going to need a storage facility to keep the equipment; some of it is large enough that we will need semi trucks just to get it here. We are also asking that anyone who can volunteer their time please contact Brian Smith at 267-4859. It will take at least four days of round-the-clock work just to drain the system to prepare it to be transported. Martin Construction out of Fort Wayne will use their cranes to remove some of the equipment but we will need assistance once we get the items to Warsaw.
Now for the major obstacle. As many of you are aware, we lost our lease with the Winona Parks Department, so at this time we have no place for a skating facility. It's ironic that we start four years ago with nothing but a building and now we have all the equipment we could possibly use but no building. We are desperately looking for a permanent location but since we are a not-for-profit operation we only have the revenue which the skating brings in each winter. Please, if anyone knows of an available building, permanent or temporary, contact us as soon as possible.
Warsaw and the surrounding area have been given a wonderful opportunity to have a first-class skating facility, but it won't happen without the support of the community. Any type of support is greatly appreciated, whether it be monetary or donating your time to help us in this huge endeavor. Please help us; we can't do this alone.
Brian Smith
Northern Lakes Skating Association
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