Letters to the Editor 08-25-1998
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Sorry About Clinton - Honor Of The Office - Critical Of Cops - Good Samaritan - Confessing - Global Warming - No More Suckers - Did He Exhale?
Sorry About Clinton
Editor, Times-Union:Before Bill Clinton was elected President I was sure that the American people would not elect a draft dodger over a veteran who served with honor like George Bush. I was wrong. After the election in 1992 when I had a chance to visit my friend's grave in Iowa I shed tears as I told him, "I'm sorry." My buddy, Eagle Scout Darwin Judge, was one of the last men killed in Vietnam and died with honor as a Marine guarding the U.S. Embassy in Saigon during the evacuation of 1975. Bill Clinton decided to visit "The Wall" in Washington, D.C., during his first term to "heal" the nation. Later when I visited "The Wall" I put my hand on Darwin's name engraved on the black stone and again said, "I'm sorry." We all know that in 1996 Bob Dole ran against Clinton. Again I thought that Americans would support Mr. Dole, who carries the scars of battle from World War II honorably serving and being injured in Italy. After that election when I got back to Iowa I visited Darwin again and shed more tears. I also visited my father's grave remembering that he served honorably in the 88th Division in Italy during World War II and almost lost his life to a mortar blast. I knelt at my dad's grave as well as Darwin's and told both of them, "I'm sorry."
I sat staring at my television in disbelief after Clinton's speech on Aug. 17. No one was surprised that he had committed adultery. No one was surprised that he had lied. He cares only for himself and his "place in history." We as Americans deserve this type of leadership if we cannot use the power of the Constitution to remove him from office. Bill Clinton is not just a draft dodger, he is a man without honor. When I go back to Iowa the next time I will tell Darwin and my father "I'm sorry" once more. It is two words dishonorable men like Clinton do not have in their vocabulary.
Ken Locke, Warsaw
Honor Of The Office
Editor, Times-Union:It's utterly amazing to me. All around me, I've been dealing with the blind allegiance to our so-called president for years. As time goes on, it gets worse as each sordid detail of Bill Clinton's lack of judgment and integrity becomes public. It's almost as if these people would defend this man even if it was found out he had a hand in Vince Foster's (so-called) suicide.
These twisted people keep thinking that my biggest issue with this failed leader is his sexual problems. This couldn't be further from the truth. Sure, I would love to have a leader running this country like Charlton Heston, who has never stood for anything less than honor and integrity while also maintaining a long-lasting marriage.
But reality is reality. While in the Marine Corps, I served under several officers and staff non-commissioned officers who had a weakness for the ladies. This flaw aside, they were great leaders who inspired those serving under them and who achieved great results. Probably the best example of this is our late president, John F. Kennedy. His infidelities are well-known, but he proved his leadership in World War II and during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Read up on what that man did after his vessel, PT 109, was shot out from under him in the South Pacific. Kennedy then swam to another island to search for food for his men.
That, Mr. President, is leadership. You've never given me any indication you have such qualities. You seem to think that William Jefferson Clinton is more important than the office he holds. That is wrong. The office of the President of the United States is a sacred part of our country. No man, not even George Washington himself, was bigger than the presidency. If you recall, they wanted to make him king and he refused. I suppose your response to this would have been, "Will my kingdom include chicks?"
Do us all a favor, Mr. Clinton, resign so we can begin to bring a little of the honor back to this sacred office.
Phil Smith, Warsaw
Critical Of Cops
Editor, Times-Union:My granddaughter's stepdad was pulled over on the evening of the 18th and given a warning ticket for speeding. The officer then noted that his eyes were a little red and asked why, to which the reply was probably because he was tired. Which he was because he has been putting in long hours and traveling to Fort Wayne for on-the-job training. The officer then proceeded to search his person and his car. The personal search was very rough, in which the officer grabbed his private parts more than once. This young man does not do drugs and is an excellent stepdad to my granddaughter. I couldn't ask for someone better. The officer was quite obnoxious and exceedingly harassed the young man over a paper clip which he found in the vehicle which was a rental car from the young man's place of employment. We have far too many police officers for this community. They are far too bored. A good example of this is when at least half a dozen police cars show up at every minor fender bender. I can't count how many times I have come up on what I expected to be a major traffic accident by the amount of police cars only to find a one or two car minor fender bender.
If you police officers are so anxious to fight major crime, then get a job in one of the major cities. Because you are not going to find that rate of crime here. You are looking for trouble where there is none, and consequently are making trouble. Resulting in instances such as shooting out the tires on a little elderly lady's car, illegal entry and searches of homes and the outrageous harassments of the occupants held at gunpoint and police brutality inflicting bodily injury. You are all quite aware of the incidents I have mentioned, and the threats you have made to the victims of this brutality. Need I say more.
Clean up your act or get out of town. Your job is to serve and protect, not harass and bully. I know we have a few good officers out there, but you hot shots are making the whole force look bad.
And as for your so-called SWAT team, it is unnecessary, totally inefficient and a waste of taxpayers funds. We need a serious housecleaning down at headquarters starting with the chief of police.
Deanna Newton, Warsaw
Good Samaritan
Editor, Times-Union:Attention: Unknown Person
To the good man who found my red wallet Monday morning by Wolford Cleaners and turned it into the police department without leaving his name, but leaving behind my money, my ID, my credit cards and my family pictures.
Whoever you are, wherever you're at, I hope this "Thank You" I'm sending out to you will reach you.
I also want to thank the kind woman that was on duty that day at the police department. My sincere thanks.
I'm sure the Lord will be watching over both of you too.
Call it what you will, but this feels better than "Luck."
Deborah Withers
Confessing
Editor, Times-Union:Your editorial on Aug. 18 in the Times-Union reflected the thoughts in many of our minds and very hearts, I'm sure. Thanks. Reminded me of the tremendous words in Proverbs 28:12-18. Here is one verse of it:
"He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."
Prov. 28:13
The "Fine Art of Confessing" is almost a "lost art" in enlightened America today. We need to recover it, and fast!
First, one must be sincere. How is sincerity determined? Ask: Did he/she confess when first confronted, or wait until cornered? The proud and arrogant wait until necessity forces a reluctant confession.
Second, it must be personal and humble. Blaming others, or trying to, is not confessing my sin. The proud defends "self" while the humble cry, "woe is me, for I have sinned."
Third, the changed attitude is followed by changed action. That includes righting the things we are able, and trusting for mercy in the things we cannot alter.
Fourth, honesty, humility and kindness keep one from confessing more than one is guilty of to try to "impress" someone. Pride is a "slick" thing, and will slip right into a perfectly good confession if allowed. Kindness will prompt you to: Confess private sins privately. Untold and unnecessary damage has been done to other people in many confessions. If one sins against a group, or a nation, public confession is necessary and a private one will never do the job. All of Proverbs 28 is excellent instruction, but especially verses 12-18. Also the classic ones: Isaiah 6 and Psalm 51.
Wouldn't it be great to turn our present troubles into a time of deep, TRUE confession in every family, community and city in our nation? Followed, of course, by a change of attitude and right living.
Robert Boggs, Winona Lake
Global Warming
Editor, Times-Union:Your editorial, "Gore - A Few Hot Words," (August 13) was right on target. One of our grandchildren just returned from a missions trip to western Australia, where he reported they had the coldest July on record. How can it be "global" warming if it affects only the United States?
Justin Long, Monroe, Ga.
No More Suckers
Editor, Times-Union:I've been an loyal patron of the Owens east store since moving to Warsaw five years ago. I've two sons ages five and three who, obviously, have frequented the store with me. Kids being kids, their favorite part of the shopping trip is when we check out because there was always a sucker waiting for them. We're disappointed to see on our last three visits that these are no longer available. I guess Kroger doesn't wish to continue the tradition that Owens established. It's too bad they can't spend those few extra dollars to help make parents' shopping a little easier.
Laura Wagner, Warsaw
Did He Exhale?
Editor, Times-Union:Gary Gerard's "News Views" in Saturdays Times-Union about Bill Clinton hit the nail on the head.
Very well written, Gary.
But now I'm left with some confusion. Slick Willy said he did not inhale, truth of that is, I think he forgot to EXHALE!
Mike Wood, Warsaw
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- Sorry About Clinton - Honor Of The Office - Critical Of Cops - Good Samaritan - Confessing - Global Warming - No More Suckers - Did He Exhale?
Sorry About Clinton
Editor, Times-Union:Before Bill Clinton was elected President I was sure that the American people would not elect a draft dodger over a veteran who served with honor like George Bush. I was wrong. After the election in 1992 when I had a chance to visit my friend's grave in Iowa I shed tears as I told him, "I'm sorry." My buddy, Eagle Scout Darwin Judge, was one of the last men killed in Vietnam and died with honor as a Marine guarding the U.S. Embassy in Saigon during the evacuation of 1975. Bill Clinton decided to visit "The Wall" in Washington, D.C., during his first term to "heal" the nation. Later when I visited "The Wall" I put my hand on Darwin's name engraved on the black stone and again said, "I'm sorry." We all know that in 1996 Bob Dole ran against Clinton. Again I thought that Americans would support Mr. Dole, who carries the scars of battle from World War II honorably serving and being injured in Italy. After that election when I got back to Iowa I visited Darwin again and shed more tears. I also visited my father's grave remembering that he served honorably in the 88th Division in Italy during World War II and almost lost his life to a mortar blast. I knelt at my dad's grave as well as Darwin's and told both of them, "I'm sorry."
I sat staring at my television in disbelief after Clinton's speech on Aug. 17. No one was surprised that he had committed adultery. No one was surprised that he had lied. He cares only for himself and his "place in history." We as Americans deserve this type of leadership if we cannot use the power of the Constitution to remove him from office. Bill Clinton is not just a draft dodger, he is a man without honor. When I go back to Iowa the next time I will tell Darwin and my father "I'm sorry" once more. It is two words dishonorable men like Clinton do not have in their vocabulary.
Ken Locke, Warsaw
Honor Of The Office
Editor, Times-Union:It's utterly amazing to me. All around me, I've been dealing with the blind allegiance to our so-called president for years. As time goes on, it gets worse as each sordid detail of Bill Clinton's lack of judgment and integrity becomes public. It's almost as if these people would defend this man even if it was found out he had a hand in Vince Foster's (so-called) suicide.
These twisted people keep thinking that my biggest issue with this failed leader is his sexual problems. This couldn't be further from the truth. Sure, I would love to have a leader running this country like Charlton Heston, who has never stood for anything less than honor and integrity while also maintaining a long-lasting marriage.
But reality is reality. While in the Marine Corps, I served under several officers and staff non-commissioned officers who had a weakness for the ladies. This flaw aside, they were great leaders who inspired those serving under them and who achieved great results. Probably the best example of this is our late president, John F. Kennedy. His infidelities are well-known, but he proved his leadership in World War II and during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Read up on what that man did after his vessel, PT 109, was shot out from under him in the South Pacific. Kennedy then swam to another island to search for food for his men.
That, Mr. President, is leadership. You've never given me any indication you have such qualities. You seem to think that William Jefferson Clinton is more important than the office he holds. That is wrong. The office of the President of the United States is a sacred part of our country. No man, not even George Washington himself, was bigger than the presidency. If you recall, they wanted to make him king and he refused. I suppose your response to this would have been, "Will my kingdom include chicks?"
Do us all a favor, Mr. Clinton, resign so we can begin to bring a little of the honor back to this sacred office.
Phil Smith, Warsaw
Critical Of Cops
Editor, Times-Union:My granddaughter's stepdad was pulled over on the evening of the 18th and given a warning ticket for speeding. The officer then noted that his eyes were a little red and asked why, to which the reply was probably because he was tired. Which he was because he has been putting in long hours and traveling to Fort Wayne for on-the-job training. The officer then proceeded to search his person and his car. The personal search was very rough, in which the officer grabbed his private parts more than once. This young man does not do drugs and is an excellent stepdad to my granddaughter. I couldn't ask for someone better. The officer was quite obnoxious and exceedingly harassed the young man over a paper clip which he found in the vehicle which was a rental car from the young man's place of employment. We have far too many police officers for this community. They are far too bored. A good example of this is when at least half a dozen police cars show up at every minor fender bender. I can't count how many times I have come up on what I expected to be a major traffic accident by the amount of police cars only to find a one or two car minor fender bender.
If you police officers are so anxious to fight major crime, then get a job in one of the major cities. Because you are not going to find that rate of crime here. You are looking for trouble where there is none, and consequently are making trouble. Resulting in instances such as shooting out the tires on a little elderly lady's car, illegal entry and searches of homes and the outrageous harassments of the occupants held at gunpoint and police brutality inflicting bodily injury. You are all quite aware of the incidents I have mentioned, and the threats you have made to the victims of this brutality. Need I say more.
Clean up your act or get out of town. Your job is to serve and protect, not harass and bully. I know we have a few good officers out there, but you hot shots are making the whole force look bad.
And as for your so-called SWAT team, it is unnecessary, totally inefficient and a waste of taxpayers funds. We need a serious housecleaning down at headquarters starting with the chief of police.
Deanna Newton, Warsaw
Good Samaritan
Editor, Times-Union:Attention: Unknown Person
To the good man who found my red wallet Monday morning by Wolford Cleaners and turned it into the police department without leaving his name, but leaving behind my money, my ID, my credit cards and my family pictures.
Whoever you are, wherever you're at, I hope this "Thank You" I'm sending out to you will reach you.
I also want to thank the kind woman that was on duty that day at the police department. My sincere thanks.
I'm sure the Lord will be watching over both of you too.
Call it what you will, but this feels better than "Luck."
Deborah Withers
Confessing
Editor, Times-Union:Your editorial on Aug. 18 in the Times-Union reflected the thoughts in many of our minds and very hearts, I'm sure. Thanks. Reminded me of the tremendous words in Proverbs 28:12-18. Here is one verse of it:
"He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."
Prov. 28:13
The "Fine Art of Confessing" is almost a "lost art" in enlightened America today. We need to recover it, and fast!
First, one must be sincere. How is sincerity determined? Ask: Did he/she confess when first confronted, or wait until cornered? The proud and arrogant wait until necessity forces a reluctant confession.
Second, it must be personal and humble. Blaming others, or trying to, is not confessing my sin. The proud defends "self" while the humble cry, "woe is me, for I have sinned."
Third, the changed attitude is followed by changed action. That includes righting the things we are able, and trusting for mercy in the things we cannot alter.
Fourth, honesty, humility and kindness keep one from confessing more than one is guilty of to try to "impress" someone. Pride is a "slick" thing, and will slip right into a perfectly good confession if allowed. Kindness will prompt you to: Confess private sins privately. Untold and unnecessary damage has been done to other people in many confessions. If one sins against a group, or a nation, public confession is necessary and a private one will never do the job. All of Proverbs 28 is excellent instruction, but especially verses 12-18. Also the classic ones: Isaiah 6 and Psalm 51.
Wouldn't it be great to turn our present troubles into a time of deep, TRUE confession in every family, community and city in our nation? Followed, of course, by a change of attitude and right living.
Robert Boggs, Winona Lake
Global Warming
Editor, Times-Union:Your editorial, "Gore - A Few Hot Words," (August 13) was right on target. One of our grandchildren just returned from a missions trip to western Australia, where he reported they had the coldest July on record. How can it be "global" warming if it affects only the United States?
Justin Long, Monroe, Ga.
No More Suckers
Editor, Times-Union:I've been an loyal patron of the Owens east store since moving to Warsaw five years ago. I've two sons ages five and three who, obviously, have frequented the store with me. Kids being kids, their favorite part of the shopping trip is when we check out because there was always a sucker waiting for them. We're disappointed to see on our last three visits that these are no longer available. I guess Kroger doesn't wish to continue the tradition that Owens established. It's too bad they can't spend those few extra dollars to help make parents' shopping a little easier.
Laura Wagner, Warsaw
Did He Exhale?
Editor, Times-Union:Gary Gerard's "News Views" in Saturdays Times-Union about Bill Clinton hit the nail on the head.
Very well written, Gary.
But now I'm left with some confusion. Slick Willy said he did not inhale, truth of that is, I think he forgot to EXHALE!
Mike Wood, Warsaw
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