Letters to the Editor 09-25-2001
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Football's OK - Seconds Of Infamy - Back To Normal - Claypool Fest Thanks - Terror Attack - Reeves Rubbish - Sad And Emotional - Syracuse Train Whistles
Football's OK
Editor, Times-Union:Sept. 14 was a national day of prayer and remembrance, not a day of mourning. For that reason among many others I applauded the decision on the part of the Warsaw and Northridge schools to play their football game as scheduled. Canceling or postponing the game would have sent the wrong message to the teams and to the communities. If we had canceled the game, it would have implied that the terrorists had won and that they could control us and our society. If we had postponed the game until Saturday, the message would have been much the same, a meaningless concession to the uncivilized acts of madmen.
The fans in attendance at Northridge and the players showed their respect for those who lost their lives in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon through an appropriate moment of silence prior to the national anthem and the game. The fans held lighted candles. I'm absolutely certain that there were hundreds of silent prayers offered for the souls of the dead and for the comfort of the living. The Warsaw team had affixed the Stars and Stripes to their helmets as a symbol both of their patriotism and their resolve.
These flags will stay on their helmets for the rest of the season and will serve as a continuing reminder to these men of the events of Sept. 11. All of this made the game special, unique, one that I'm sure will never be forgotten by the fans and players alike.
Some of those who died on Sept. 11 did so in a way that exemplified some of the core values of our society. I'm thinking now of New York's firemen and police. To me the sacrifice of their lives stood for honor, duty and courage. What better way to celebrate the lives of these heroes than to let our own young men demonstrate their own commitment to these values in the game we call football?
These games are not played for the adults. These games are for the young men who have committed themselves to their coaches and each other to be the best that they can be. We may enjoy them, but they are really for the young men out on the field.
My final point, these young men will only be here once. Their time on the Warsaw and Northridge football teams will be over all too soon. In the near future some of these men may be called on to represent the United States in a battle against the terrorists responsible for Sept. 11. Let's let them enjoy their youth while they can. The realities of the world will come soon enough.
As I said above, I applaud the decision of the Warsaw and Northridge schools.
Monte Moore
Warsaw
via e-mail
Seconds Of Infamy
Editor, Times-Union:I am addressing this to all American people. What is the matter with you people? Definitely not all Americans, but enough who must really crave 15 seconds of infamy that allows them to make the headlines.
I was in Kokomo, Ind., for the 19th Annual Vietnam Veteran's Reunion when the terrorists struck our nation in NYC and Washington, D.C. My heart immediately went out to the victims and their families while a rage built deep inside that such a thing could happen. While that rage burns brightly, another has started to build, this second one making me ashamed that I share this great country with such people.
Gas station operators and/or owners who raised their prices with no reason other than greed; people reverting to near animal state in the gas lines that formed, no courtesy, no manners; grocery stores that raised the prices of milk, water and other important items, again only for profit. For every story of heroism, I hear or read of three of despicable behavior.
Americans harassing, shooting, beating INNOCENT people of a religion that differs from ours; starting phone scams trying to solicit money, not for a just cause, but to line their own pockets; and the latest, the airlines and their insurance companies bracing for what?... A massive onslaught of lawsuits in the names of those unfortunate victims that were on board the planes the terrorists used to destroy buildings and lives.
What is next? Sue the people who built the twin towers because they could not stand up to the impact of the attack against them?
I find it hard to deal with the thought of so many people who see the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, as nothing more than to make money.
All I can say to these people who I view as no better than the terrorists who attacked our great nation, sleep well tonight, but wonder if it will be your last, as I feel that just as the United States will extract justice from the terrorists, complete and without mercy, may the good Lord do the same to you when you stand before him in that final day of judgment.
A PROUD AMERICAN whose heart aches for those who lost their lives and the families who lost loved ones ...
David Bouse (U.S. Army, retired)
South Whitley
via e-mail
Back To Normal
Editor, Times-Union:I am an African American female living here in Warsaw. I read the article in the Sept. 12 issue of the Times-Union, "A Con Job is Behind Reparations for Slavery," by Charley Reese, which you chose to print. The article was about black demagogues wanting money from white people for slavery. Is this really the time we need to be talking about this?
STOP! Cut your TV on and pay attention to what is going on. What do you see? What do you hear? Is it a cry from blacks for money for slavery? Or is it a cry for help to uncover our dead and figure out what went wrong, because something obviously did. Your article should have been about how four of our biggest planes were taken so easily and used against us, and how they let one get so close to the Pentagon. We have been attacked and by whom only God knows right now. Not just whites or just blacks, but all AMERICANS. I think that if you look at your TV screen or read the newspaper, you will see the people standing together, side-by-side, helping in any way they can. You won't see us standing there holding a can or cup for money for white people to repay us for the injustices of slavery. You will see arms stretched out for comfort, blood being given to help save the lives of the sick, injured and dying people. Thank God that the whole country doesn't think like you and Mr. Reese. I was wondering how long it would take everybody to get back to normal around here.
Theresa Clark
Warsaw
Claypool Fest Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Claypool Festival says thanks to the many people that supported the festival in numerous ways:
¥ The organizations that served food and organized the parade.
¥ The merchants and residents of Main Street for their inconvenience.
¥ Area merchants that donated prizes for the car show.
¥ Car show, tractor pull and parade participants.
Plans are under way for Aug. 16 and 17, 2002.
Ginger Dwyer, Paula Gall, Shelly Thomas, Donna Morris
Committee Members
Terror Attack
Editor, Times-Union:We are all saddened and angered by the recent terrorist attacks against the United States. Never before has such a violent and extensive act been committed against us, within our borders. So many people have died and the lives of so many will never again be the same.
We look to our leaders to identify and take action against those responsible so that a tragedy such as this can never happen again. As individuals, we feel that we must do something to respond to this. So many Americans have already given donations of money, time and blood. They are willing do whatever is necessary to support the fight against terrorism.
Please remember, however, that the despicable acts of a few should not be used as an excuse to commit acts of hatred and violence against certain groups of people who live in the United States simply because they are perceived to be of a similar ethnic background or religion as those who may be responsible for these acts.
It is most likely that your readers or their ancestors came to the United States as immigrants. The United States has been made strong and is looked up to because we have historically opened up our borders to those who wish to make better lives for themselves by coming here. Millions of people who live in the United States now are of diverse ethnic backgrounds and religions. They have contributed to their communities and to their country - the United States.
It is despicable to me - a U.S.-born citizen with ancestors from Europe - that the United States has witnessed violence committed by Americans against others because of their ethnicity or religion. Reports continue to come in of fights, shootings and arsons committed against those of Middle-Eastern descent. This must stop immediately.
Please do not let the evil acts of an isolated group of terrorists push your readers to commit equally despicable acts of hatred and violence against their innocent neighbors. Your readers should open their arms and hearts to say a kind word to their neighbors of different ethnic backgrounds or religions next time they see them. They should intervene when they see others engaging in this type of hateful activity.
We can all get through this together so long as we do not let what has happened drive us to act against our neighbors within our communities.
William J. Elicson
Milpitas, Calif.
via e-mail
Reeves Rubbish
Editor, Times-Union:In the Monday, Sept. 17, 2001, edition of the Times-Union newspaper, on the Opinion page, was an editorial by Richard Reeves titled "No More Excuses, We Want Bush." In my opinion, the article was pure rubbish and not worth printing in your fine newspaper.
Mr. Reeves stated he saw "hundreds" of flags go up, but none were at half-staff. Nearly all of the flags that were appearing were flags that were stuck in the rubble, pasted on windows and carried by mourners, they have no half-staff on them. He should have come to Grace Village, our flag was at half-staff for the entire one week mourning period. He also said "the old men" on the benches were saying "enlist--enlist," we have 20 or 25 WWII and Korean vets here at Grace Village and I did not hear one say "enlist."
Mr. Reeves also wrote "Louisiana? What's he doing hiding out in Louisiana?" and "Who the h____ is Karen Hughes?" If he did not know the answers to these questions, he is stupid. If he knew the answers to these questions, he was rude and disrespectful to high officials of government.
Some others, including the ABC News network, wondered why Mr. Bush did not immediately return to Washington or go to New York Tuesday. That decision is not his to make. In an emergency the Secret Service and the FBI are in charge of the president's safety. Being aboard Air Force One is probably the safest place the president can be. And I doubt that he ever landed in Louisiana, I'm certain that the Secret Service did not announce his true location at any time.
I lived and worked in Miami County all my life and that's the home of Grissom Air Force Base. Several years ago, during the cold war and the time when the threat of nuclear missile attacks was discussed, there was an "Air Force One" plane based at Grissom Air Force Base. We were told that there were three "Air Force One" planes, identical in every way, parked around the country. That in an emergency all three planes would fly to Washington, the president would get on one, other officials would board the other two planes and all would fly to secret locations. The communications on board each plane was equal to the communications in the White House. This is as it should be, the job of the Secret Service and the FBI is not to protect Mr. Bush, or Mr. Clinton, or Mr. Carter or Mr. Ronald Reagan, but to ensure the safety of the president.
I served 18 months in Europe during WWII, from the Battle of the Bulge to the meeting with the Russians at Torgau. We had Gen. Patton, Gen. Omar Bradley, Gen. Mark Clark and Gen. Eisenhower, but we never saw President Franklin D. Roosevelt or Harry Truman. The president's place is not on the front lines, that's what captains, colonels and generals are for, plus a lot of privates, corporals and sergeants.
No, Mr. Reeves, President Bush should not have returned to Washington, D.C., on "the first day" as you say. I stand with the 88 percent of the American people who think President Bush is handling this "very serious crisis" in the most correct way. Your editorial can only appeal to the 12 percent or less of the people who think like you. How long can you continue to be an editorial writer with only 12 percent support?
And to the Warsaw Times-Union, let's have no more of Richard Reeves!
Harold L. Smith
Winona Lake
Sad And Emotional
Editor, Times-Union:It has been a sad and very emotional week for the American people. Being retired I was able to watch TV all day on the attack of our nation. I don't think I've ever shed so many tears. I never thought I'd ever see this in my lifetime.
My husband and I went to the fish fry last Friday evening at the Moose Lodge. They had a very large crowd. I sat there and looked around. I wondered if any of these people were thinking about what happened to our nation on Tuesday. My thoughts were soon answered. Before the meal was served, the people stood for a silent prayer. After the meal they had karaoke. Some young girls sang "God Bless America." A lady then had the people stand and she sang "God Bless the USA." I looked around and people were holding hands and singing. It was very emotional and I'm sure the people had tears in their eyes. The American people are tough and fighters. We will come together and get through this emotional time.
God Bless America.
Shirley Newman
Warsaw
Syracuse Train Whistles
Editor, Times-Union:I retired last year from the CSX Railroad after 30 years of service.Ê I worked as a conductor out of Garrett, Ind., traveling thru Syracuse many times a week. For the last year I have listened to the Whistle Ban Campaign and it's been very disturbing to say the least. Yes, the whistles are loud but that seems to be what it takes to get the attention of some people.
My first question is what seems to me to be the most obvious: "What sound did you think a train made as it passed through? Was that at all considered when you purchased your existing property or building materials for your new home?"
Those whistles save lives every day; fortunately, I have witnessed it for myself, I have also witnessed the other not so fortunate side of the coin. Unless you have traveled in an engine you have no idea what the operators of that locomotive endure on a daily basis.Ê Today's road travelers are not the same as even 10 years past. We have made cars soundproof, stereos louder, cell phones for everyone and not to mention the daily schedule of events that are spinning in our minds. Sometimes you need that audible device to wake you up.
Yes, you can improve gates and crossings BUT they are still a mechanical device which means at some point they WILL malfunction. Do you know when the engineer on that train is aware of the crossing gates malfunctioning? Usually it's when a vehicle pops up on the tracks and freezes when they see the train coming. That whistle is the only device the engineer has of avoiding that accident.
Now let's discuss liability, accountability and responsibility. Let's start with liability. Are the people that signed the petition aware of what will happen to their tax dollars when the town of Syracuse gets the whistle ban in place? It is my understanding that the town assumes all liabilities for their crossings (if I am wrong please forgive me). What do you think the insurance would skyrocket to and who would pick up the bill? When an accident occurs the town would now be liable for that bill also. The railroad always gets sued for millions, even though it's usually the fault of the person who chose to cross in front of the train, the railroad picks up the bill.Ê Now if the town is considering the least costly option, as quoted in last week's article, that tells me two things. Safety isn't No. 1 and one accident would seriously hurt our town financially.
With all of the recent sorrow our nation has endured, all of the lives so unfairly taken, how would banning the train whistles (which I know saves lives) be much different? If a crossing malfunctions and one of our loved ones, acquaintances, friends, community members were to be killed, the people of this town and every name on that petition would be responsible. They should also be accountable to the family of the victim. If this sounds harsh, I don't apologize. We have all pulled together as a community and united thru the September 11th event. Let's not divide over an issue as trivial as banning something that could save just one life.
Jeff Moore
Syracuse
via e-mail
Day In Infamy
Editor, Times-Union:
As a high school senior in Warsaw I have been greatly affected by the recent atrocities that have forever changed the eastern coast as well as the rest of the face of this great nation. I, much like my parents and grandparents during Kennedy's assassination, will have the time, place, and what I was doing at the time that the first of these catastrophic events occurred, forever burned into my memory. For as was Dec. 7, 1941, so too will Sept. 17, 2001, be "a day that will live in infamy.
Many younger people such as myself have, as a result of the current standard of living in this country, lost touch with the possibility of something of this nature happening upon what we perceive to be the unmarred and pristine shores of our United States. However, the events of the last week have shown us that not only is this type of thing possible, but also a very real threat.
We can only hope and pray that those whose lives were lost will never be forgotten and that through theirs' and their families' losses the rest of us may learn a lesson and do anything and everything in our power to ensure that this kind of thing does not go unseen or unresolved.
Through the loss of the lives of these people, the rest of our great nation as well as the remainder of the world may find common ground upon which to stand. The only hope that we have of making it through this tragic time is the idea that out of even so horrific a tragedy we can find a silver lining, and perhaps take a real step toward a goal that has existed since the beginning of civilization, world peace.
In times like this, even the most diverse groups of people can agree upon many things. Groups of Jewish, Christian, Muslim, black, white, Hispanic and an infinite number of other races, beliefs and ethnicities, gather for prayer and join hands to mourn the loss of so many innocent victims. It is simply awe inspiring that out of such a devastating and heart-wrenching event, humanity can find the first reason in the history of the world to speak with one voice. And perhaps if we are able to continue speaking with that one voice then it will ring out that no matter what, humanity will endure, life will go on and when the hopes and dreams that we hold dearest in our hearts are threatened, TRUE human nature will reveal itself, and like the great phoenix rising from its ashes it will shine through even the darkest of nights and spread its light across the world.
Brian Stambaugh II
Warsaw
via e-mail
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- Football's OK - Seconds Of Infamy - Back To Normal - Claypool Fest Thanks - Terror Attack - Reeves Rubbish - Sad And Emotional - Syracuse Train Whistles
Football's OK
Editor, Times-Union:Sept. 14 was a national day of prayer and remembrance, not a day of mourning. For that reason among many others I applauded the decision on the part of the Warsaw and Northridge schools to play their football game as scheduled. Canceling or postponing the game would have sent the wrong message to the teams and to the communities. If we had canceled the game, it would have implied that the terrorists had won and that they could control us and our society. If we had postponed the game until Saturday, the message would have been much the same, a meaningless concession to the uncivilized acts of madmen.
The fans in attendance at Northridge and the players showed their respect for those who lost their lives in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon through an appropriate moment of silence prior to the national anthem and the game. The fans held lighted candles. I'm absolutely certain that there were hundreds of silent prayers offered for the souls of the dead and for the comfort of the living. The Warsaw team had affixed the Stars and Stripes to their helmets as a symbol both of their patriotism and their resolve.
These flags will stay on their helmets for the rest of the season and will serve as a continuing reminder to these men of the events of Sept. 11. All of this made the game special, unique, one that I'm sure will never be forgotten by the fans and players alike.
Some of those who died on Sept. 11 did so in a way that exemplified some of the core values of our society. I'm thinking now of New York's firemen and police. To me the sacrifice of their lives stood for honor, duty and courage. What better way to celebrate the lives of these heroes than to let our own young men demonstrate their own commitment to these values in the game we call football?
These games are not played for the adults. These games are for the young men who have committed themselves to their coaches and each other to be the best that they can be. We may enjoy them, but they are really for the young men out on the field.
My final point, these young men will only be here once. Their time on the Warsaw and Northridge football teams will be over all too soon. In the near future some of these men may be called on to represent the United States in a battle against the terrorists responsible for Sept. 11. Let's let them enjoy their youth while they can. The realities of the world will come soon enough.
As I said above, I applaud the decision of the Warsaw and Northridge schools.
Monte Moore
Warsaw
via e-mail
Seconds Of Infamy
Editor, Times-Union:I am addressing this to all American people. What is the matter with you people? Definitely not all Americans, but enough who must really crave 15 seconds of infamy that allows them to make the headlines.
I was in Kokomo, Ind., for the 19th Annual Vietnam Veteran's Reunion when the terrorists struck our nation in NYC and Washington, D.C. My heart immediately went out to the victims and their families while a rage built deep inside that such a thing could happen. While that rage burns brightly, another has started to build, this second one making me ashamed that I share this great country with such people.
Gas station operators and/or owners who raised their prices with no reason other than greed; people reverting to near animal state in the gas lines that formed, no courtesy, no manners; grocery stores that raised the prices of milk, water and other important items, again only for profit. For every story of heroism, I hear or read of three of despicable behavior.
Americans harassing, shooting, beating INNOCENT people of a religion that differs from ours; starting phone scams trying to solicit money, not for a just cause, but to line their own pockets; and the latest, the airlines and their insurance companies bracing for what?... A massive onslaught of lawsuits in the names of those unfortunate victims that were on board the planes the terrorists used to destroy buildings and lives.
What is next? Sue the people who built the twin towers because they could not stand up to the impact of the attack against them?
I find it hard to deal with the thought of so many people who see the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, as nothing more than to make money.
All I can say to these people who I view as no better than the terrorists who attacked our great nation, sleep well tonight, but wonder if it will be your last, as I feel that just as the United States will extract justice from the terrorists, complete and without mercy, may the good Lord do the same to you when you stand before him in that final day of judgment.
A PROUD AMERICAN whose heart aches for those who lost their lives and the families who lost loved ones ...
David Bouse (U.S. Army, retired)
South Whitley
via e-mail
Back To Normal
Editor, Times-Union:I am an African American female living here in Warsaw. I read the article in the Sept. 12 issue of the Times-Union, "A Con Job is Behind Reparations for Slavery," by Charley Reese, which you chose to print. The article was about black demagogues wanting money from white people for slavery. Is this really the time we need to be talking about this?
STOP! Cut your TV on and pay attention to what is going on. What do you see? What do you hear? Is it a cry from blacks for money for slavery? Or is it a cry for help to uncover our dead and figure out what went wrong, because something obviously did. Your article should have been about how four of our biggest planes were taken so easily and used against us, and how they let one get so close to the Pentagon. We have been attacked and by whom only God knows right now. Not just whites or just blacks, but all AMERICANS. I think that if you look at your TV screen or read the newspaper, you will see the people standing together, side-by-side, helping in any way they can. You won't see us standing there holding a can or cup for money for white people to repay us for the injustices of slavery. You will see arms stretched out for comfort, blood being given to help save the lives of the sick, injured and dying people. Thank God that the whole country doesn't think like you and Mr. Reese. I was wondering how long it would take everybody to get back to normal around here.
Theresa Clark
Warsaw
Claypool Fest Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:Claypool Festival says thanks to the many people that supported the festival in numerous ways:
¥ The organizations that served food and organized the parade.
¥ The merchants and residents of Main Street for their inconvenience.
¥ Area merchants that donated prizes for the car show.
¥ Car show, tractor pull and parade participants.
Plans are under way for Aug. 16 and 17, 2002.
Ginger Dwyer, Paula Gall, Shelly Thomas, Donna Morris
Committee Members
Terror Attack
Editor, Times-Union:We are all saddened and angered by the recent terrorist attacks against the United States. Never before has such a violent and extensive act been committed against us, within our borders. So many people have died and the lives of so many will never again be the same.
We look to our leaders to identify and take action against those responsible so that a tragedy such as this can never happen again. As individuals, we feel that we must do something to respond to this. So many Americans have already given donations of money, time and blood. They are willing do whatever is necessary to support the fight against terrorism.
Please remember, however, that the despicable acts of a few should not be used as an excuse to commit acts of hatred and violence against certain groups of people who live in the United States simply because they are perceived to be of a similar ethnic background or religion as those who may be responsible for these acts.
It is most likely that your readers or their ancestors came to the United States as immigrants. The United States has been made strong and is looked up to because we have historically opened up our borders to those who wish to make better lives for themselves by coming here. Millions of people who live in the United States now are of diverse ethnic backgrounds and religions. They have contributed to their communities and to their country - the United States.
It is despicable to me - a U.S.-born citizen with ancestors from Europe - that the United States has witnessed violence committed by Americans against others because of their ethnicity or religion. Reports continue to come in of fights, shootings and arsons committed against those of Middle-Eastern descent. This must stop immediately.
Please do not let the evil acts of an isolated group of terrorists push your readers to commit equally despicable acts of hatred and violence against their innocent neighbors. Your readers should open their arms and hearts to say a kind word to their neighbors of different ethnic backgrounds or religions next time they see them. They should intervene when they see others engaging in this type of hateful activity.
We can all get through this together so long as we do not let what has happened drive us to act against our neighbors within our communities.
William J. Elicson
Milpitas, Calif.
via e-mail
Reeves Rubbish
Editor, Times-Union:In the Monday, Sept. 17, 2001, edition of the Times-Union newspaper, on the Opinion page, was an editorial by Richard Reeves titled "No More Excuses, We Want Bush." In my opinion, the article was pure rubbish and not worth printing in your fine newspaper.
Mr. Reeves stated he saw "hundreds" of flags go up, but none were at half-staff. Nearly all of the flags that were appearing were flags that were stuck in the rubble, pasted on windows and carried by mourners, they have no half-staff on them. He should have come to Grace Village, our flag was at half-staff for the entire one week mourning period. He also said "the old men" on the benches were saying "enlist--enlist," we have 20 or 25 WWII and Korean vets here at Grace Village and I did not hear one say "enlist."
Mr. Reeves also wrote "Louisiana? What's he doing hiding out in Louisiana?" and "Who the h____ is Karen Hughes?" If he did not know the answers to these questions, he is stupid. If he knew the answers to these questions, he was rude and disrespectful to high officials of government.
Some others, including the ABC News network, wondered why Mr. Bush did not immediately return to Washington or go to New York Tuesday. That decision is not his to make. In an emergency the Secret Service and the FBI are in charge of the president's safety. Being aboard Air Force One is probably the safest place the president can be. And I doubt that he ever landed in Louisiana, I'm certain that the Secret Service did not announce his true location at any time.
I lived and worked in Miami County all my life and that's the home of Grissom Air Force Base. Several years ago, during the cold war and the time when the threat of nuclear missile attacks was discussed, there was an "Air Force One" plane based at Grissom Air Force Base. We were told that there were three "Air Force One" planes, identical in every way, parked around the country. That in an emergency all three planes would fly to Washington, the president would get on one, other officials would board the other two planes and all would fly to secret locations. The communications on board each plane was equal to the communications in the White House. This is as it should be, the job of the Secret Service and the FBI is not to protect Mr. Bush, or Mr. Clinton, or Mr. Carter or Mr. Ronald Reagan, but to ensure the safety of the president.
I served 18 months in Europe during WWII, from the Battle of the Bulge to the meeting with the Russians at Torgau. We had Gen. Patton, Gen. Omar Bradley, Gen. Mark Clark and Gen. Eisenhower, but we never saw President Franklin D. Roosevelt or Harry Truman. The president's place is not on the front lines, that's what captains, colonels and generals are for, plus a lot of privates, corporals and sergeants.
No, Mr. Reeves, President Bush should not have returned to Washington, D.C., on "the first day" as you say. I stand with the 88 percent of the American people who think President Bush is handling this "very serious crisis" in the most correct way. Your editorial can only appeal to the 12 percent or less of the people who think like you. How long can you continue to be an editorial writer with only 12 percent support?
And to the Warsaw Times-Union, let's have no more of Richard Reeves!
Harold L. Smith
Winona Lake
Sad And Emotional
Editor, Times-Union:It has been a sad and very emotional week for the American people. Being retired I was able to watch TV all day on the attack of our nation. I don't think I've ever shed so many tears. I never thought I'd ever see this in my lifetime.
My husband and I went to the fish fry last Friday evening at the Moose Lodge. They had a very large crowd. I sat there and looked around. I wondered if any of these people were thinking about what happened to our nation on Tuesday. My thoughts were soon answered. Before the meal was served, the people stood for a silent prayer. After the meal they had karaoke. Some young girls sang "God Bless America." A lady then had the people stand and she sang "God Bless the USA." I looked around and people were holding hands and singing. It was very emotional and I'm sure the people had tears in their eyes. The American people are tough and fighters. We will come together and get through this emotional time.
God Bless America.
Shirley Newman
Warsaw
Syracuse Train Whistles
Editor, Times-Union:I retired last year from the CSX Railroad after 30 years of service.Ê I worked as a conductor out of Garrett, Ind., traveling thru Syracuse many times a week. For the last year I have listened to the Whistle Ban Campaign and it's been very disturbing to say the least. Yes, the whistles are loud but that seems to be what it takes to get the attention of some people.
My first question is what seems to me to be the most obvious: "What sound did you think a train made as it passed through? Was that at all considered when you purchased your existing property or building materials for your new home?"
Those whistles save lives every day; fortunately, I have witnessed it for myself, I have also witnessed the other not so fortunate side of the coin. Unless you have traveled in an engine you have no idea what the operators of that locomotive endure on a daily basis.Ê Today's road travelers are not the same as even 10 years past. We have made cars soundproof, stereos louder, cell phones for everyone and not to mention the daily schedule of events that are spinning in our minds. Sometimes you need that audible device to wake you up.
Yes, you can improve gates and crossings BUT they are still a mechanical device which means at some point they WILL malfunction. Do you know when the engineer on that train is aware of the crossing gates malfunctioning? Usually it's when a vehicle pops up on the tracks and freezes when they see the train coming. That whistle is the only device the engineer has of avoiding that accident.
Now let's discuss liability, accountability and responsibility. Let's start with liability. Are the people that signed the petition aware of what will happen to their tax dollars when the town of Syracuse gets the whistle ban in place? It is my understanding that the town assumes all liabilities for their crossings (if I am wrong please forgive me). What do you think the insurance would skyrocket to and who would pick up the bill? When an accident occurs the town would now be liable for that bill also. The railroad always gets sued for millions, even though it's usually the fault of the person who chose to cross in front of the train, the railroad picks up the bill.Ê Now if the town is considering the least costly option, as quoted in last week's article, that tells me two things. Safety isn't No. 1 and one accident would seriously hurt our town financially.
With all of the recent sorrow our nation has endured, all of the lives so unfairly taken, how would banning the train whistles (which I know saves lives) be much different? If a crossing malfunctions and one of our loved ones, acquaintances, friends, community members were to be killed, the people of this town and every name on that petition would be responsible. They should also be accountable to the family of the victim. If this sounds harsh, I don't apologize. We have all pulled together as a community and united thru the September 11th event. Let's not divide over an issue as trivial as banning something that could save just one life.
Jeff Moore
Syracuse
via e-mail
Day In Infamy
Editor, Times-Union:
As a high school senior in Warsaw I have been greatly affected by the recent atrocities that have forever changed the eastern coast as well as the rest of the face of this great nation. I, much like my parents and grandparents during Kennedy's assassination, will have the time, place, and what I was doing at the time that the first of these catastrophic events occurred, forever burned into my memory. For as was Dec. 7, 1941, so too will Sept. 17, 2001, be "a day that will live in infamy.
Many younger people such as myself have, as a result of the current standard of living in this country, lost touch with the possibility of something of this nature happening upon what we perceive to be the unmarred and pristine shores of our United States. However, the events of the last week have shown us that not only is this type of thing possible, but also a very real threat.
We can only hope and pray that those whose lives were lost will never be forgotten and that through theirs' and their families' losses the rest of us may learn a lesson and do anything and everything in our power to ensure that this kind of thing does not go unseen or unresolved.
Through the loss of the lives of these people, the rest of our great nation as well as the remainder of the world may find common ground upon which to stand. The only hope that we have of making it through this tragic time is the idea that out of even so horrific a tragedy we can find a silver lining, and perhaps take a real step toward a goal that has existed since the beginning of civilization, world peace.
In times like this, even the most diverse groups of people can agree upon many things. Groups of Jewish, Christian, Muslim, black, white, Hispanic and an infinite number of other races, beliefs and ethnicities, gather for prayer and join hands to mourn the loss of so many innocent victims. It is simply awe inspiring that out of such a devastating and heart-wrenching event, humanity can find the first reason in the history of the world to speak with one voice. And perhaps if we are able to continue speaking with that one voice then it will ring out that no matter what, humanity will endure, life will go on and when the hopes and dreams that we hold dearest in our hearts are threatened, TRUE human nature will reveal itself, and like the great phoenix rising from its ashes it will shine through even the darkest of nights and spread its light across the world.
Brian Stambaugh II
Warsaw
via e-mail
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