Letters to the Editor 09-22-1998
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Role Model - Leave Bill Alone - Outraged At President - Habitual Liar - Wasting Time - 'Liberty' Performance - Cafeteria Workers - Who Are They Polling? - Drug War
Role Model
Editor, Times-Union:Pat Reilly a senior at Warsaw High School attended a teenage party several weeks ago - alcohol was being served - and even though I've been told Pat was not drinking - he was arrested and as is the policy at our high school he was kicked off the football and baseball teams for the year. Pat knew better. He was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Most other kids (many on sports teams at the high school) ran when the police got there, and got away. Pat will pay big-time for making this bad choice. When I read about his arrest in the Times-Union, I couldn't believe it. Pat in my opinion always seemed like a true role model, not only was he a great asset to our sports teams, he worked a part-time job, did well in school, and is friendly and outgoing with everyone.
Then my eighth grade son (who is on the Edgewood football team) came home and told me Pat had come by to talk to the eighth grade team about what happened to him. And how even just attending a party where alcohol is available - can really mess up your life. Pat, thank you for reaching out to others, when you are dealing with your own personal adversity. You really made an impact on those eighth grade boys. Don't look back, look forward, to a wonderful future! You made a mistake, admitted it, and now you're being that role model again!
Karin Hamilton, Warsaw
Leave Bill Alone
Editor, Times-Union:Why doesn't everyone just lay off Bill Clinton? He hasn't done anything more than any other man would have done if any other man were married to Hillary. She strikes me as being a very cold woman.
By the way, if any of you perfect people out there are without sin, you can cast the first stone.
I think the only reason you're coming down so hard on Clinton, is because he's from the south. The northern people still have a problem with us southern people, when we're up north. But they sure like to come down south and enjoy our nice warm winters.
Think about what I said the next time you're lying on the beach in my home state, with sunshine and 75 degrees. When it's 25 degrees below zero and three feet of snow in Indiana.
Bud Holland, Spring Lake, Fla.
Outraged At President
Editor, Times-Union:I'm outraged with Slick Willy. I'm more outraged when I hear people on TV say - He made a mistake, he's sorry, let's get over it, the economy is fine.
This man did more than make one mistake. Did we overlook his past drug experimentations, dodging the draft, and lying about these things. We had to accept his cheating campaign fund raising, and the Whitewater deals. How much more do we have to swallow. This man is an actor performing for the TV camera on a daily basis, saying what his public wants to hear. He uses his handsome face, sweet soft speech, and gentle southern demeanor to fool us. He always shows up taking credit for anything good that happens. He uses the people around him to promote his public image. Remember - after the Gennifer Flowers disclosure, the next day he and Hillary appeared arm in arm outside the White House doors announcing that they wanted another child and were considering adoption. What a diversion tactic! He even uses his daughter for the TV camera; When he's in trouble, they are shown walking around the White House grounds arm in arm, he appearing to be the wonderful, loving father, stopping for the camera while he kisses her on the forehead. Hillary has coached her daughter well on image and deception.
Perjury is the mistake that bothers me most. If it's no big deal to lie under oath to a federal judge and a grand jury then we should release from our jails and prisons all those who have perjured themselves during their testimony. Probably their excuse was the same as Clinton's, telling truth would have been embarrassing and incriminating for them. We seem to have a double standard and expect less of our Chief Executive than the ordinary man on the street.
We've become so cynical. Let's pull our heads out from under our pillows and impeach this man. Clinton's past behavior shows him to be an arrogant, self serving liar. He will not resign so let's not hold our breath and wait for that unlikely blessing to happen.
Alice Metzger, Warsaw
Habitual Liar
Editor, Times-Union:As a thief caught in the act of stealing is "sorry" for what they have done, so is Bill Clinton "sorry" for the things he has been caught doing. Surely it seems obvious, even to the casual observer, that our President is a habitual liar. The media manipulators keep insisting that there is a distinction to be made from one's personal life and public life. How is this so? How can you separate what a man is from what a man does? Will not a man's character affect every aspect of his life, both public and private? It just seems ridiculous to try and defend Mr. Clinton in this way. The case in point: Bill Clinton cannot be trusted. He has betrayed the American people. He should resign his position of leadership. The Clinton administration has sunk irreparably into the quagmire of scandalous behavior.
Dave Alberti, Etna Green
Wasting Time
Editor, Times-Union:I think it's more of a travesty the way every little sexual intimacy between the President and Monica was published, for millions to read, than the actual affair which had ended and would have been a secret shared by only two people.
I am so upset with our government for wasting so much time and money so they could let us know which body part Monica and President Clinton touched on one another and exactly how. Why did Monica have to say every sexual detail? Why was she asked to tell? That was so unnecessary!
And bottom line, how can they impeach him for lying when he actually never had sexual relations with her (so didn't lie) as she could have walked away a virgin!
According to a survey today on teen sex, the prerequisite had to be "sexual intercourse," not heavy petting or foreplay.
C'mon, all stone throwers. Sex happens inside marriage and sometimes outside.
President Clinton was unfaithful to Hillary. It's up to her only to forgive him.
She seems to be the only woman he can trust.
Victoria Fulton, Wanatah
'Liberty' Performance
Editor, Times-Union:To Mr. Guard and the Wawasee/Kosciusko Community:
I am honored and humbled by the kind words of commendation written about me and the annual production of "Liberty" (staged each year at Wawasee Middle School over the Independence Day holiday) in the August 18th edition of the Times-Union. I know many citizens, including Donald Guard, have looked forward to this annual event for a number of years.
I do wish to correct a misunderstanding, however. The annual "Liberty" presentation was produced by the community-based, not-for-profit organization Liberty Productions, not by me. While I did serve as the musical producer/director for Liberty Productions the previous six years, the responsibility for producing "Liberty" presentation belongs to them. It is my understanding that the production committee diligently searched for a replacement after I tendered my resignation in the summer of 1997 but, unfortunately, they were unsuccessful in securing anyone who would serve as their producer/director. Thus, "Liberty" was not staged this year.
My decision to resign as "Liberty's" producer/director was not made easily; it was a difficult choice. My life's circumstances changed dramatically during my tenure as director/producer. Chief among the circumstances was that "Liberty" became a significant time obligation while my personal ministry and family responsibilities increased simultaneously. For these reasons, I felt it was necessary to eliminate some obligations from my schedule for the well-being of my family and myself. Perhaps I will be able to resume my role for "Liberty" at some point in the future, but for now I am unable to continue.
I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to serve God and our community through the annual presentation of "Liberty." I extend my thanks and appreciation to all who patronized this seasonal production, and to all those who offered words of appreciation to me for my efforts.
Rev. Ray Moss, North Webster
Cafeteria Workers
Editor, Times-Union:Why are the ladies that work in the cafeteria at Lakeview Middle School so rude to the children as they come through the lunch line? They remove food from their plates and toss it in the garbage.
Several kids have had their feelings hurt when they've been removed from the lunch line for spilling a little food. Some have been humiliated in front of others by being made to stand against the wall, while the other kids proceed to get their lunches. One male custodian is cruel to the kids. I understand kids being made to behave, but this is too much. I hope the principal will stop this type of behavior from these ladies.
Janie Smith, Warsaw
Who Are They Polling?
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in response to your views expressed in the Times-Union on Saturday, September 19, 1998. I HATE those polls! No one has ever polled me ... (or anyone I know, for that matter). I don't get it either. Why do the American people continue to be fooled by this guy? This is not about sex! It's about deceit and manipulation. It's about trust, integrity and respect. How can we believe anything our President ever says to us again? How can we trust him to make strong and wise decisions when he has proven himself to be weak and selfish? I am ashamed and embarrassed to call Bill Clinton the President of my country. Wake up, people! We deserve better than this!
Karen M. Funkhouser, Warsaw
Drug War
Editor, Times-Union:Legal drugs kill 20 times more Americans than illegal drugs. Doctors kill far more people than drug pushers do.
106,000 people die every year in this country from prescribed medications. 5,212 Americans die per year from illegal drugs such as heroin and cocaine according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration.
So why are we spending 17 billion a year on the war on drugs, arresting millions of people and restricting civil liberties all to try to solve a problem that is far less dangerous than modern medicine?
Last year aspirin killed twice as many people as PCP and LSD combined. Maybe we should start a war on aspirin. But the war on drugs is not about saving lives, it's about protecting the jobs of government bureaucrats and law enforcement personnel who are on the drug prohibition payroll.
For example, marijuana has caused no deaths, yet 641,642 Americans were arrested last year on marijuana-related offenses.
Consider this: While folks are claiming to want a drug-free community they are putting their children on Ritalin so they can be more easily controlled. You are giving your children Ritalin when it is not yet known what the long term effects are and by the Medical Society's description, long time use is anything over 10 days.
The picture that comes to mind is all the patients in a mental institution lined up for their daily medication to keep them under control and zombie-like.
The message being conveyed by the parents and teachers is this; Don't take any drugs except the ones we give you to make our lives as teachers and parents easier.
Drug Free, who are we trying to kid?
Deanna Newton, Warsaw
Victim's Impact
Editor, Times-Union:
The Victim's Impact Panel has now been in operation for about nine months. We are averaging about 25-30 attendees per month from our local court system. The individuals who are ordered to this panel are those who have been found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol. Each panel consists of individual speakers who have lost a loved one in their family due to the actions of a drunk driver.
I believe the operation of the panel is paramount in helping to reduce the number of repeat drunk drivers in Kosciusko County.
Our panel is currently in need of additional speakers. I know this is not an easy subject to approach, as it is heavily laden with strong emotional ties both to the loved one who died and to the family members who have survived. However, even in the midst of tremendous suffering the message that is carried by the survivors can, and does, have a tremendous impression upon others. This is the entire purpose of the panel. With it, we hope to stop any more unnecessary deaths due to drinking and driving.
Therefore, I am requesting additional support for each month in the form of other volunteers who can help us to carry out this important task. I do not believe those who have been killed in a drunk driving tragedy need to have died without purpose. It is not the intention of the panel to shame or humiliate anyone. However, without the action of the family members, the message may indeed go unheeded.
There are only two basic requirements for participation in the panel. 1. You must be a direct blood relative of the person who was killed, and 2. You must be willing to tell your story, and the victim's story, in front of a group with special emphasis on the continuing impact of the loss of your loved one. I hope to have enough speakers so no one person bears the entire burden of speaking each month.
I currently have two speakers who have graciously gone beyond the six month commitment which I asked for when the panel began in February of 1998.
I may be contacted at 372-7875. Call and leave a message, and I will contact you for an interview.
Frank Choate, Kosciusko County, Victim's Impact Panel Coordinator
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- Role Model - Leave Bill Alone - Outraged At President - Habitual Liar - Wasting Time - 'Liberty' Performance - Cafeteria Workers - Who Are They Polling? - Drug War
Role Model
Editor, Times-Union:Pat Reilly a senior at Warsaw High School attended a teenage party several weeks ago - alcohol was being served - and even though I've been told Pat was not drinking - he was arrested and as is the policy at our high school he was kicked off the football and baseball teams for the year. Pat knew better. He was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Most other kids (many on sports teams at the high school) ran when the police got there, and got away. Pat will pay big-time for making this bad choice. When I read about his arrest in the Times-Union, I couldn't believe it. Pat in my opinion always seemed like a true role model, not only was he a great asset to our sports teams, he worked a part-time job, did well in school, and is friendly and outgoing with everyone.
Then my eighth grade son (who is on the Edgewood football team) came home and told me Pat had come by to talk to the eighth grade team about what happened to him. And how even just attending a party where alcohol is available - can really mess up your life. Pat, thank you for reaching out to others, when you are dealing with your own personal adversity. You really made an impact on those eighth grade boys. Don't look back, look forward, to a wonderful future! You made a mistake, admitted it, and now you're being that role model again!
Karin Hamilton, Warsaw
Leave Bill Alone
Editor, Times-Union:Why doesn't everyone just lay off Bill Clinton? He hasn't done anything more than any other man would have done if any other man were married to Hillary. She strikes me as being a very cold woman.
By the way, if any of you perfect people out there are without sin, you can cast the first stone.
I think the only reason you're coming down so hard on Clinton, is because he's from the south. The northern people still have a problem with us southern people, when we're up north. But they sure like to come down south and enjoy our nice warm winters.
Think about what I said the next time you're lying on the beach in my home state, with sunshine and 75 degrees. When it's 25 degrees below zero and three feet of snow in Indiana.
Bud Holland, Spring Lake, Fla.
Outraged At President
Editor, Times-Union:I'm outraged with Slick Willy. I'm more outraged when I hear people on TV say - He made a mistake, he's sorry, let's get over it, the economy is fine.
This man did more than make one mistake. Did we overlook his past drug experimentations, dodging the draft, and lying about these things. We had to accept his cheating campaign fund raising, and the Whitewater deals. How much more do we have to swallow. This man is an actor performing for the TV camera on a daily basis, saying what his public wants to hear. He uses his handsome face, sweet soft speech, and gentle southern demeanor to fool us. He always shows up taking credit for anything good that happens. He uses the people around him to promote his public image. Remember - after the Gennifer Flowers disclosure, the next day he and Hillary appeared arm in arm outside the White House doors announcing that they wanted another child and were considering adoption. What a diversion tactic! He even uses his daughter for the TV camera; When he's in trouble, they are shown walking around the White House grounds arm in arm, he appearing to be the wonderful, loving father, stopping for the camera while he kisses her on the forehead. Hillary has coached her daughter well on image and deception.
Perjury is the mistake that bothers me most. If it's no big deal to lie under oath to a federal judge and a grand jury then we should release from our jails and prisons all those who have perjured themselves during their testimony. Probably their excuse was the same as Clinton's, telling truth would have been embarrassing and incriminating for them. We seem to have a double standard and expect less of our Chief Executive than the ordinary man on the street.
We've become so cynical. Let's pull our heads out from under our pillows and impeach this man. Clinton's past behavior shows him to be an arrogant, self serving liar. He will not resign so let's not hold our breath and wait for that unlikely blessing to happen.
Alice Metzger, Warsaw
Habitual Liar
Editor, Times-Union:As a thief caught in the act of stealing is "sorry" for what they have done, so is Bill Clinton "sorry" for the things he has been caught doing. Surely it seems obvious, even to the casual observer, that our President is a habitual liar. The media manipulators keep insisting that there is a distinction to be made from one's personal life and public life. How is this so? How can you separate what a man is from what a man does? Will not a man's character affect every aspect of his life, both public and private? It just seems ridiculous to try and defend Mr. Clinton in this way. The case in point: Bill Clinton cannot be trusted. He has betrayed the American people. He should resign his position of leadership. The Clinton administration has sunk irreparably into the quagmire of scandalous behavior.
Dave Alberti, Etna Green
Wasting Time
Editor, Times-Union:I think it's more of a travesty the way every little sexual intimacy between the President and Monica was published, for millions to read, than the actual affair which had ended and would have been a secret shared by only two people.
I am so upset with our government for wasting so much time and money so they could let us know which body part Monica and President Clinton touched on one another and exactly how. Why did Monica have to say every sexual detail? Why was she asked to tell? That was so unnecessary!
And bottom line, how can they impeach him for lying when he actually never had sexual relations with her (so didn't lie) as she could have walked away a virgin!
According to a survey today on teen sex, the prerequisite had to be "sexual intercourse," not heavy petting or foreplay.
C'mon, all stone throwers. Sex happens inside marriage and sometimes outside.
President Clinton was unfaithful to Hillary. It's up to her only to forgive him.
She seems to be the only woman he can trust.
Victoria Fulton, Wanatah
'Liberty' Performance
Editor, Times-Union:To Mr. Guard and the Wawasee/Kosciusko Community:
I am honored and humbled by the kind words of commendation written about me and the annual production of "Liberty" (staged each year at Wawasee Middle School over the Independence Day holiday) in the August 18th edition of the Times-Union. I know many citizens, including Donald Guard, have looked forward to this annual event for a number of years.
I do wish to correct a misunderstanding, however. The annual "Liberty" presentation was produced by the community-based, not-for-profit organization Liberty Productions, not by me. While I did serve as the musical producer/director for Liberty Productions the previous six years, the responsibility for producing "Liberty" presentation belongs to them. It is my understanding that the production committee diligently searched for a replacement after I tendered my resignation in the summer of 1997 but, unfortunately, they were unsuccessful in securing anyone who would serve as their producer/director. Thus, "Liberty" was not staged this year.
My decision to resign as "Liberty's" producer/director was not made easily; it was a difficult choice. My life's circumstances changed dramatically during my tenure as director/producer. Chief among the circumstances was that "Liberty" became a significant time obligation while my personal ministry and family responsibilities increased simultaneously. For these reasons, I felt it was necessary to eliminate some obligations from my schedule for the well-being of my family and myself. Perhaps I will be able to resume my role for "Liberty" at some point in the future, but for now I am unable to continue.
I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to serve God and our community through the annual presentation of "Liberty." I extend my thanks and appreciation to all who patronized this seasonal production, and to all those who offered words of appreciation to me for my efforts.
Rev. Ray Moss, North Webster
Cafeteria Workers
Editor, Times-Union:Why are the ladies that work in the cafeteria at Lakeview Middle School so rude to the children as they come through the lunch line? They remove food from their plates and toss it in the garbage.
Several kids have had their feelings hurt when they've been removed from the lunch line for spilling a little food. Some have been humiliated in front of others by being made to stand against the wall, while the other kids proceed to get their lunches. One male custodian is cruel to the kids. I understand kids being made to behave, but this is too much. I hope the principal will stop this type of behavior from these ladies.
Janie Smith, Warsaw
Who Are They Polling?
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in response to your views expressed in the Times-Union on Saturday, September 19, 1998. I HATE those polls! No one has ever polled me ... (or anyone I know, for that matter). I don't get it either. Why do the American people continue to be fooled by this guy? This is not about sex! It's about deceit and manipulation. It's about trust, integrity and respect. How can we believe anything our President ever says to us again? How can we trust him to make strong and wise decisions when he has proven himself to be weak and selfish? I am ashamed and embarrassed to call Bill Clinton the President of my country. Wake up, people! We deserve better than this!
Karen M. Funkhouser, Warsaw
Drug War
Editor, Times-Union:Legal drugs kill 20 times more Americans than illegal drugs. Doctors kill far more people than drug pushers do.
106,000 people die every year in this country from prescribed medications. 5,212 Americans die per year from illegal drugs such as heroin and cocaine according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration.
So why are we spending 17 billion a year on the war on drugs, arresting millions of people and restricting civil liberties all to try to solve a problem that is far less dangerous than modern medicine?
Last year aspirin killed twice as many people as PCP and LSD combined. Maybe we should start a war on aspirin. But the war on drugs is not about saving lives, it's about protecting the jobs of government bureaucrats and law enforcement personnel who are on the drug prohibition payroll.
For example, marijuana has caused no deaths, yet 641,642 Americans were arrested last year on marijuana-related offenses.
Consider this: While folks are claiming to want a drug-free community they are putting their children on Ritalin so they can be more easily controlled. You are giving your children Ritalin when it is not yet known what the long term effects are and by the Medical Society's description, long time use is anything over 10 days.
The picture that comes to mind is all the patients in a mental institution lined up for their daily medication to keep them under control and zombie-like.
The message being conveyed by the parents and teachers is this; Don't take any drugs except the ones we give you to make our lives as teachers and parents easier.
Drug Free, who are we trying to kid?
Deanna Newton, Warsaw
Victim's Impact
Editor, Times-Union:
The Victim's Impact Panel has now been in operation for about nine months. We are averaging about 25-30 attendees per month from our local court system. The individuals who are ordered to this panel are those who have been found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol. Each panel consists of individual speakers who have lost a loved one in their family due to the actions of a drunk driver.
I believe the operation of the panel is paramount in helping to reduce the number of repeat drunk drivers in Kosciusko County.
Our panel is currently in need of additional speakers. I know this is not an easy subject to approach, as it is heavily laden with strong emotional ties both to the loved one who died and to the family members who have survived. However, even in the midst of tremendous suffering the message that is carried by the survivors can, and does, have a tremendous impression upon others. This is the entire purpose of the panel. With it, we hope to stop any more unnecessary deaths due to drinking and driving.
Therefore, I am requesting additional support for each month in the form of other volunteers who can help us to carry out this important task. I do not believe those who have been killed in a drunk driving tragedy need to have died without purpose. It is not the intention of the panel to shame or humiliate anyone. However, without the action of the family members, the message may indeed go unheeded.
There are only two basic requirements for participation in the panel. 1. You must be a direct blood relative of the person who was killed, and 2. You must be willing to tell your story, and the victim's story, in front of a group with special emphasis on the continuing impact of the loss of your loved one. I hope to have enough speakers so no one person bears the entire burden of speaking each month.
I currently have two speakers who have graciously gone beyond the six month commitment which I asked for when the panel began in February of 1998.
I may be contacted at 372-7875. Call and leave a message, and I will contact you for an interview.
Frank Choate, Kosciusko County, Victim's Impact Panel Coordinator
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