Letters to the Editor 09-14-1998
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Leaders - Apples And Oranges - No More Voting - Son Splash - Owen's Changes - Public Vs. Private - Oath Of Office
Leaders
Editor Times-Union:Wrong is wrong no matter how you split the hairs. It does not depend on how you define sexual relations or justify a decision by saying this is less wrong for one group or the other. The American people have let things get to where they are now. We always want more, more, more. While giving less, less, less. We want someone to take care of us so that we don't have to deal with the responsibility. We have justified the degradation in our leadership by saying, "Well, that was only a little wrong. It could be worse." All the time we have been doing that, things have continually gotten worse. If you give someone else (the government/politicians) responsibility for your life then it is no longer your life and you only get what THEY want to give you. As long as we tolerate people like Clinton we get what we deserve. We also are setting the stage to give our children less. How can we say that we want things to be better for our children when we are giving away our rights to life to corrupt politicians? The only thing we can do is to take back our government and make it the way it is supposed to be "For the people and by the people." We do it one step at a time, by voting. If a "leader" (term used loosely) screws up then we get him out of office. We keep doing that until they get the message. We can not give up our responsibility to our children and their children by allowing politicians to continually downgrade the standard for morals and ethics. Or to continue to make STUPID decisions about education, taxes, etc. that will affect the standard of living for generations to come.
The people we put in positions of leadership MUST know that they are being watched and judged and what the consequences are if they don't meet the standard that WE set. They must live in glass houses and we must make them understand that. If we don't then our children or their children or their children will no longer have an "America the Free."
Steve McKinley
Apples And Oranges
Editor, Times-Union:Mr. Gerard, have you ever heard the expression "you shouldn't mix apples with oranges?"
In your column you outlined a story in which psychiatrist Barbara Battalino, while working at the V.A., had sex with a patient under her care, lied about it under oath and tried to persuade her patient to do the same. You compared this situation with the Clinton -Lewinsky fiasco. While the stories appear similar, there are several major discrepancies! For instance, while Clinton and Lewinsky may have "played doctor" in the White House they did not have a doctor- patient legally binding responsibility not to have sex. Nor has Lewinsky sued Clinton for sex abuse. On the other hand, psychiatrist Battalino had sex with her patient who had employed her to console him emotionally only. This would never be considered consentual! Also, her testimony about this situation was consequential and had a direct bearing on her case. In reports to Paula Jones vs. Clinton, a federal judge has ruled that Clinton's testimony about his relationship with Lewinsky was not consequential or relevant to Jones' case. The judge's ruling reiterated the legal notion that in order to prove a pattern of criminality exists, a crime must first be proven to be committed. The judge ruled that Paula Jones' testimony and evidence, even if true, was not enough to even go to trial. (As a side note, in regards to Bob Packwood, there were approximately 27 women who individually gave testimony against Packwood. Some of these women had physical evidence and there was corroborating testimony from eyewitnesses.)
And lastly and most importantly, we the people elected Bill Clinton to be President of the United States of America and the Republic for which it stands. (Contrary to Charlie Reese, we are still a Republic and the phrase "E. Pluribus Unum" still applies.) We elected Bill Clinton to do a particular job, the most important aspect of which is the protection of the U.S. Constitution from which all of the equal rights of all of the individual people come. If he is to be impeached it should be because he was derelict in his duties, not because he personified the human in human being. After all, we are all human beings, products of simple biology as it were, some choosing to be more pious than others but no less mortal because of it.
Charles Zimmerman, Leesburg
No More Voting
Editor, Times-Union:Alright already. I get the point. You're morally perfect, I'm not. I can forgive, you can't. You resort to name calling some with four letter words, I won't. One of you even suggested I say I'm sorry. I am sorry, but not for my opinion. I'm sorry it took almost 15 years for the majority of Americans to admit they were morally wrong for condemning Vietnam veterans. I'm sorry that Jane Fonda went to Hanoi and embraced the Viet Cong and called American soldiers war criminals and she was never tried as a traitor. I'm sorry that she is now a millionaire because Americans have bought millions of her work-out videos. I'm sorry President Bush lied about Iran Contra and got away with it. The list goes on and on.
But not to worry folks. After events of the last couple of days you won't have to worry about my one lousy vote. You can vote whoever you want into office because I'm just not interested. I won't vote for republicans like Dan Burton who say we have to invade President Clinton's private life but his is off limits. And I'm not about to vote for democrats like Tim Roemer who won't support President Clinton because of their own self interests. I'm sick to death of politics, hypocrites and the so called morally perfect.
The dictionary should list the definition of politics as "The Skillful Art of Lying." Someone sent a question to me. They asked how I'd feel if Monica Lewinsky were my daughter or granddaughter? To be honest I wouldn't have to worry because I wouldn't let either within arms distance of a politician.
Look! Somebody has to be President and since the Pope already has a job who ever we pick will have flaws, that's a given. But when we viciously attack a President over a sex lie, a President who has done a pretty good job with this country, there's no hope as far as I'm concerned. I'm through voting. Have at.
David M. Morgan, Warsaw
Son Splash
Editor, Times-Union:I am amazed at the city of Warsaw. I grew up here and was born here. To be able to openly praise God at Central Park and have church service there and have people baptized in the lake was a blessing. To have people care so much as to give up their money and time to feed the city of Warsaw and maybe bring those hurting some hope, is a precious thing. To have a pastor and his wife care so much that they make things happen is a miracle of God and the people of that church reflect the pastor and Jesus Christ. I am proud to be a Christian American and be a part of the church and live in Warsaw.
It's funny how people come from all over to be at an event like Son Splash and others in our own town live here and don't take advantage of all the good things that happen there.
I used to be angry because they could of built an outside public pool there but using it for winning souls for Jesus Christ is a better thing.
We should be able to play in the fountain though. That is unfair. Maybe someone could work on that.
Debbie Helmuth, Warsaw
Owen's Changes
Editor, Times-Union:I've worked for Owen's for six years and I know that changes are hard to do. I've enjoyed working with Joe Prout, and Larry McDonald is a great boss to work for. Owen's customers, I know that change is hard to accept, especially when we have been Owen's for so long. But they always say change is good. We know that we stopped carrying certain products and you folks know that too. Just bear with us and it will get better.
Plus a good reminder, we the employees are dealing with a bigger change. We have to look at the question, do we still have our jobs?
We all care about our customers and the employees there will continue to do so. We are still trying to get some of our products in so our customers can be happy with the new change over to Krogers. One thing we did get back are the lollipop treats for our future customers.
Amie Earl, Warsaw
Public Vs. Private
Editor, Times-Union:Much has been recently said on this subject that confuses me: I believe in an old-fashioned idea that what one does in one's own home and with one's own property and money is the personal affair of each adult person.
But what a person does with other people's money and/or does as a public official who is paid with public money, is and should be available for public scrutiny and evaluations.
Using this yardstick, William Jefferson Clinton would be able to say that it is none of the public's business if he had sexual relations with a consenting intern in the family quarters of the White House! But he didn't do that there did he?
If he lies to his wife and daughter, in his home it is a lot different from lying to the public about public affairs and banking shenanigans.
"Twisting Truth" is better known as lying. Public deception should be the foundation upon which impeachments are built.
Rex Bradt, Warsaw
Oath Of Office
Editor, Times-Union:Regardless of how the Clinton/Lewinsky affair plays out, I would like to suggest that as part of the oath of office for each elected official, including each congressperson, each governor and each mayor, include language somewhat like this: I promise to always conduct myself in an ethical, moral and exemplary manner.
Milton A. Braun, Dallas, Texas
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- Leaders - Apples And Oranges - No More Voting - Son Splash - Owen's Changes - Public Vs. Private - Oath Of Office
Leaders
Editor Times-Union:Wrong is wrong no matter how you split the hairs. It does not depend on how you define sexual relations or justify a decision by saying this is less wrong for one group or the other. The American people have let things get to where they are now. We always want more, more, more. While giving less, less, less. We want someone to take care of us so that we don't have to deal with the responsibility. We have justified the degradation in our leadership by saying, "Well, that was only a little wrong. It could be worse." All the time we have been doing that, things have continually gotten worse. If you give someone else (the government/politicians) responsibility for your life then it is no longer your life and you only get what THEY want to give you. As long as we tolerate people like Clinton we get what we deserve. We also are setting the stage to give our children less. How can we say that we want things to be better for our children when we are giving away our rights to life to corrupt politicians? The only thing we can do is to take back our government and make it the way it is supposed to be "For the people and by the people." We do it one step at a time, by voting. If a "leader" (term used loosely) screws up then we get him out of office. We keep doing that until they get the message. We can not give up our responsibility to our children and their children by allowing politicians to continually downgrade the standard for morals and ethics. Or to continue to make STUPID decisions about education, taxes, etc. that will affect the standard of living for generations to come.
The people we put in positions of leadership MUST know that they are being watched and judged and what the consequences are if they don't meet the standard that WE set. They must live in glass houses and we must make them understand that. If we don't then our children or their children or their children will no longer have an "America the Free."
Steve McKinley
Apples And Oranges
Editor, Times-Union:Mr. Gerard, have you ever heard the expression "you shouldn't mix apples with oranges?"
In your column you outlined a story in which psychiatrist Barbara Battalino, while working at the V.A., had sex with a patient under her care, lied about it under oath and tried to persuade her patient to do the same. You compared this situation with the Clinton -Lewinsky fiasco. While the stories appear similar, there are several major discrepancies! For instance, while Clinton and Lewinsky may have "played doctor" in the White House they did not have a doctor- patient legally binding responsibility not to have sex. Nor has Lewinsky sued Clinton for sex abuse. On the other hand, psychiatrist Battalino had sex with her patient who had employed her to console him emotionally only. This would never be considered consentual! Also, her testimony about this situation was consequential and had a direct bearing on her case. In reports to Paula Jones vs. Clinton, a federal judge has ruled that Clinton's testimony about his relationship with Lewinsky was not consequential or relevant to Jones' case. The judge's ruling reiterated the legal notion that in order to prove a pattern of criminality exists, a crime must first be proven to be committed. The judge ruled that Paula Jones' testimony and evidence, even if true, was not enough to even go to trial. (As a side note, in regards to Bob Packwood, there were approximately 27 women who individually gave testimony against Packwood. Some of these women had physical evidence and there was corroborating testimony from eyewitnesses.)
And lastly and most importantly, we the people elected Bill Clinton to be President of the United States of America and the Republic for which it stands. (Contrary to Charlie Reese, we are still a Republic and the phrase "E. Pluribus Unum" still applies.) We elected Bill Clinton to do a particular job, the most important aspect of which is the protection of the U.S. Constitution from which all of the equal rights of all of the individual people come. If he is to be impeached it should be because he was derelict in his duties, not because he personified the human in human being. After all, we are all human beings, products of simple biology as it were, some choosing to be more pious than others but no less mortal because of it.
Charles Zimmerman, Leesburg
No More Voting
Editor, Times-Union:Alright already. I get the point. You're morally perfect, I'm not. I can forgive, you can't. You resort to name calling some with four letter words, I won't. One of you even suggested I say I'm sorry. I am sorry, but not for my opinion. I'm sorry it took almost 15 years for the majority of Americans to admit they were morally wrong for condemning Vietnam veterans. I'm sorry that Jane Fonda went to Hanoi and embraced the Viet Cong and called American soldiers war criminals and she was never tried as a traitor. I'm sorry that she is now a millionaire because Americans have bought millions of her work-out videos. I'm sorry President Bush lied about Iran Contra and got away with it. The list goes on and on.
But not to worry folks. After events of the last couple of days you won't have to worry about my one lousy vote. You can vote whoever you want into office because I'm just not interested. I won't vote for republicans like Dan Burton who say we have to invade President Clinton's private life but his is off limits. And I'm not about to vote for democrats like Tim Roemer who won't support President Clinton because of their own self interests. I'm sick to death of politics, hypocrites and the so called morally perfect.
The dictionary should list the definition of politics as "The Skillful Art of Lying." Someone sent a question to me. They asked how I'd feel if Monica Lewinsky were my daughter or granddaughter? To be honest I wouldn't have to worry because I wouldn't let either within arms distance of a politician.
Look! Somebody has to be President and since the Pope already has a job who ever we pick will have flaws, that's a given. But when we viciously attack a President over a sex lie, a President who has done a pretty good job with this country, there's no hope as far as I'm concerned. I'm through voting. Have at.
David M. Morgan, Warsaw
Son Splash
Editor, Times-Union:I am amazed at the city of Warsaw. I grew up here and was born here. To be able to openly praise God at Central Park and have church service there and have people baptized in the lake was a blessing. To have people care so much as to give up their money and time to feed the city of Warsaw and maybe bring those hurting some hope, is a precious thing. To have a pastor and his wife care so much that they make things happen is a miracle of God and the people of that church reflect the pastor and Jesus Christ. I am proud to be a Christian American and be a part of the church and live in Warsaw.
It's funny how people come from all over to be at an event like Son Splash and others in our own town live here and don't take advantage of all the good things that happen there.
I used to be angry because they could of built an outside public pool there but using it for winning souls for Jesus Christ is a better thing.
We should be able to play in the fountain though. That is unfair. Maybe someone could work on that.
Debbie Helmuth, Warsaw
Owen's Changes
Editor, Times-Union:I've worked for Owen's for six years and I know that changes are hard to do. I've enjoyed working with Joe Prout, and Larry McDonald is a great boss to work for. Owen's customers, I know that change is hard to accept, especially when we have been Owen's for so long. But they always say change is good. We know that we stopped carrying certain products and you folks know that too. Just bear with us and it will get better.
Plus a good reminder, we the employees are dealing with a bigger change. We have to look at the question, do we still have our jobs?
We all care about our customers and the employees there will continue to do so. We are still trying to get some of our products in so our customers can be happy with the new change over to Krogers. One thing we did get back are the lollipop treats for our future customers.
Amie Earl, Warsaw
Public Vs. Private
Editor, Times-Union:Much has been recently said on this subject that confuses me: I believe in an old-fashioned idea that what one does in one's own home and with one's own property and money is the personal affair of each adult person.
But what a person does with other people's money and/or does as a public official who is paid with public money, is and should be available for public scrutiny and evaluations.
Using this yardstick, William Jefferson Clinton would be able to say that it is none of the public's business if he had sexual relations with a consenting intern in the family quarters of the White House! But he didn't do that there did he?
If he lies to his wife and daughter, in his home it is a lot different from lying to the public about public affairs and banking shenanigans.
"Twisting Truth" is better known as lying. Public deception should be the foundation upon which impeachments are built.
Rex Bradt, Warsaw
Oath Of Office
Editor, Times-Union:Regardless of how the Clinton/Lewinsky affair plays out, I would like to suggest that as part of the oath of office for each elected official, including each congressperson, each governor and each mayor, include language somewhat like this: I promise to always conduct myself in an ethical, moral and exemplary manner.
Milton A. Braun, Dallas, Texas
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