Letters to the Editor 09-29-1999
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Hurricane Aftermath - Parental Non-Involvement - Drunks - Wisdom Of Ages
Hurricane Aftermath
Editor, Times-Union:I wanted to share with the newspaper and folks in Warsaw the observations of Jennifer (Woodward) Gullette, former Warsaw resident and former Queen of the Lakes and Kosciusko Fair Queen, who now lives in Raleigh, N.C., and works for the North Carolina Insurance Commissioner's Office.
Her e-mail, written Sept. 23, is as follows:
"Appreciate your concern. It is truly a disaster down here and it's not going to be over anytime soon.
"As of today, 42 lives have been lost due to the hurricane, however, once we are able to get into these flooded homes we are anticipating that we'll find many more bodies. For instance, on Monday, search and rescue crews were patrolling the waters when they heard knocking coming from a house. They tore a hole in the roof and found 11 people stuck in the attic of the home. We've also found mobile homes with footprints on the ceiling where folks tried to get out, but didn't; yet we still haven't found the person who was trapped.
"10,000 people are still in shelters (total of 50,000 sought shelter following storm); 30,000 homes have been affected by flooding and more than half of these homes are believed to have not carried flood insurance (however, I'll venture a guess that it will be more like 75 percent of homes are without flood insurance); more than 1,000 roads were closed because of flooding (they just opened some of the interstates today, including I-40); one million chickens and turkeys are dead and floating in the waters, as well as more than 500,000 pigs (not to mention wildlife such as possums, raccoons, deer, etc).
"We're also having a horrible time with snakes. Some people are able to get in their homes, but are being evacuated again because of the large number of snakes.
"Now we're working with our engineering folks in organizing inspectors to go down into the impacted areas to inspect all building structures. Unfortunately, due to the massive flooding many of these homes will be condemned or will need extensive re-wiring. So if a person can get into their home, they will have no power until it is safe to do so. Obviously, this is not welcome news for these folks who have been stuck in shelters. We're also working with FEMA to get manufactured homes set-up (another industry that we regulate). We are anticipating 400-1,000 manufactured homes to be built. To date, 500 travel trailers have been sent for temporary housing.
"Due to the fact that many folks do not have flood insurance, the only protection they will receive is through FEMA. Understand FEMA may be giving out as high as $13,600 (which isn't that much when you've lost everything), and folks will be able to go through the SBA for loans.
"It's a very dire situation down here. Keep in mind that the area that these flood waters cover in North Carolina is twice the size as the state of Vermont!
"It's a health hazard as the waters are contaminated with dead carcasses, fuel, raw sewage, etc., (not to mention the floating caskets). Also, the people in the impacted areas are in a state of shock, and we anticipate a lot of mental health problems down the road. Already we are seeing looting, fights breaking out in shelters, and folks with guns and bats going after trucks carrying food and water, and other supplies. As someone stated it's almost like Stephen King's 'The Stand.'
"The area that has been affected is a fairly poor part of the state, and includes a lot of agriculture. Surely, many family farms will go under after this disaster. These folks have no money, and will be totally relying on the government and charity ... and who knows how far that can go.
"North Carolina will definitely be impacted by this disaster for not only months but years to come. It will be a long process in overcoming this one. Jennifer"
Submitted by Bruce Woodward
via e-mail
Parental Non-Involvement
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to give a special Thank You to Mrs. JoElla Smyth and staff at (Whitko Middle School) for the best run school around. It must be the best school because we had a parent, student and school staff organization meeting 9/22/99 and no parents came to complain, give suggestions or have any concerns about what goes on at the school. Or could it be that this new organization is so new people did not read it in the WMS newsletter that went out. We are so new we don't have a name yet.
I as a parent was there and want to thank all the other 488 students and parents for not coming because I had so much fun getting to know some of the school staff better. As I get to know more and more of the school staff I really feel comfortable going into the school with new ideas and concerns as a parent. When I go in there it is with a new attitude now because I have gotten to know these people and they are no different than me. I feel sorry for all you parents out there that do not take the time to come to these meetings. Oh! You say you're tired or don't have time, I don't know one person who has an extra hour in the evening and is not tired after working all day. We always seem to find time for what we want. I'm glad my kids are worth that hour.
I am afraid something really bad has to happen in the school for parents to come and be heard. If bad is going to happen at our school maybe as a working group we might be able to stop it before it does. You can come and give good suggestions for our school as well as the bad or just come listen. If you want someone else to make the decisions on what goes on in your school than don't come to these meetings, but than don't complain when you don't like something. Here is your chance to make a difference.
Future meetings for this new organization will be held every other month from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Come hear what is going on in your school. The next meeting is November 17 at the WMS. My big question will be: Will my kids be wearing standard uniforms to school? And, What ever happened to the drug testing issue? Watch the monthly WMS newsletter for information.
I would like to send a special Thank You to Beth Metzger and all the other officers on PTA for giving it their all to try to make the PTA work. You gave people the chance to come be a part of the school in a special way and they did not take advantage of it. The programs that PTA funded and the time all the active members put into these programs has made our school a better place.
Cathy Juricak, via e-mail
Drunks
Editor, Times-Union:"Drunk Driving, A License To Kill" (Reader's Digest, September, 1999, page 55). You alcoholics should read this story, and also pay a visit to our local cemetery.
Both stories about two young people in love and were both killed by drivers, the same time. Why am I so much against you "drunks"? Here is my own personal "history."
While living on Winter Street in Fort Wayne, my own dad would cash his weekly paycheck at our local neighborhood saloon. It was just across our alley on Creighton Street. The bartender was German-born. Anyway, every Friday, my dad would come home "drunk." Seagram 7 and beer were his drinks. By the way, Seagram 7 is not a "Coke." It is pure whiskey. Yes, 50 Fridays a year my dad got drunk, and walked home. He too could have been licensed to kill, but it - the bar - was within walking distance.
On top of all of these drunken stupors, if Dad did not like what Mom had on the table for our own supper, he would grab the tablecloth and yank our supper to the floor - dishes, cups, glasses - whatever. If we wanted supper, we took it off of the floor. We did not eat that meal.
If a university would grant me a master's degree on the subjects of drunks and driving, I could fully qualify.
Albert G. Smith, Warsaw
Wisdom Of Ages
Editor, Times-Union:Having not seen the letter from Matthew Trier that prompted two "Letters to the Editor" in Sept. 22nd paper, I do not know the context in which the letters were written. However, I believe the letters by Mr. Flores and Mr. Hoskins call for some response.
I wonder if these apparently well-educated gentlemen ever look around and within themselves wondering why there is so much evidence of purpose in our natural environment. For instance, I observe that every living species both vegetable and animal expresses a powerful built-in urge to reproduce its kind. There is purpose being fulfilled. Evidence of purpose being fulfilled presupposes a purposer behind the purpose. I see evidence of a Cosmic Purposer, whatever one may call that Purposer. I too have a bit of a problem with the word "god," for to me it smacks of an idol before which a human bows in worship. I prefer to think of the Eternal Purposer in personal terms... one with whom I can have a personal relationship. Jesus of Nazareth, whom we Christians believe was the Eternal Purposer's clearest self-expression, used the term "Father - Abba" which implies a very meaningful personal relationship. He asked His disciples, "When you pray, say 'Our Father...'" (Matthew 6:9).
In Jesus Christ, we have a dependable expression of a cosmic-grounded morality preserved in the "Ten Commandments" and in "The Sermon on the Mount." In Jesus Christ, we have the human expression of the character and nature of the Spirit that fills this physical universe, but is other than the physical universe, going to the human and divine utmost to redeem us humans who have missed our way by ourselves and therefore are facing the prospect of ending up on the rubbish heap of the universe. But look at the multitude of transformed lives committed to God revealed in Jesus of Nazareth. In spite of their many imperfections, these followers of a so-called "obsolete book" and "illusions of theism" have been the "light of the world" and the "salt of the earth," a very enlightening and preserving influence in this world.
The letter writers in their attempt to belittle the value of the Bible would do well to remember that many Bible stories are teaching stories, some of which have been handed down from generation to generation around Hebrew shepherd campfires long before they were written in the Bible. If one feels that a story understood as history is an insult to his or her intelligence, then why not look upon the "offending" story as a teaching medium. After all, the Divinely-inspired Word will be found more in the message of the story than in determining whether or not the story is history.
I wonder if these letter writers bow before any authority outside themselves. Their letters remind me of the last verse of the Bible book of Judges...
"In those days there was no king in Israel; every many did what was right in his own eyes." - Judges 21:25
This seems to be the philosophy being rapidly accepted by so many in our 21st Century culture.
I am saddened by the knowledge that there are those who would tear down the wisdom of the ages that has benefited the human race for centuries and leave us with nothing but our inadequate little selves to wade through the deep and dangerous waters of this earthly existence.
Rev. Robert E. Seitz, retired, Winona Lake
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- Hurricane Aftermath - Parental Non-Involvement - Drunks - Wisdom Of Ages
Hurricane Aftermath
Editor, Times-Union:I wanted to share with the newspaper and folks in Warsaw the observations of Jennifer (Woodward) Gullette, former Warsaw resident and former Queen of the Lakes and Kosciusko Fair Queen, who now lives in Raleigh, N.C., and works for the North Carolina Insurance Commissioner's Office.
Her e-mail, written Sept. 23, is as follows:
"Appreciate your concern. It is truly a disaster down here and it's not going to be over anytime soon.
"As of today, 42 lives have been lost due to the hurricane, however, once we are able to get into these flooded homes we are anticipating that we'll find many more bodies. For instance, on Monday, search and rescue crews were patrolling the waters when they heard knocking coming from a house. They tore a hole in the roof and found 11 people stuck in the attic of the home. We've also found mobile homes with footprints on the ceiling where folks tried to get out, but didn't; yet we still haven't found the person who was trapped.
"10,000 people are still in shelters (total of 50,000 sought shelter following storm); 30,000 homes have been affected by flooding and more than half of these homes are believed to have not carried flood insurance (however, I'll venture a guess that it will be more like 75 percent of homes are without flood insurance); more than 1,000 roads were closed because of flooding (they just opened some of the interstates today, including I-40); one million chickens and turkeys are dead and floating in the waters, as well as more than 500,000 pigs (not to mention wildlife such as possums, raccoons, deer, etc).
"We're also having a horrible time with snakes. Some people are able to get in their homes, but are being evacuated again because of the large number of snakes.
"Now we're working with our engineering folks in organizing inspectors to go down into the impacted areas to inspect all building structures. Unfortunately, due to the massive flooding many of these homes will be condemned or will need extensive re-wiring. So if a person can get into their home, they will have no power until it is safe to do so. Obviously, this is not welcome news for these folks who have been stuck in shelters. We're also working with FEMA to get manufactured homes set-up (another industry that we regulate). We are anticipating 400-1,000 manufactured homes to be built. To date, 500 travel trailers have been sent for temporary housing.
"Due to the fact that many folks do not have flood insurance, the only protection they will receive is through FEMA. Understand FEMA may be giving out as high as $13,600 (which isn't that much when you've lost everything), and folks will be able to go through the SBA for loans.
"It's a very dire situation down here. Keep in mind that the area that these flood waters cover in North Carolina is twice the size as the state of Vermont!
"It's a health hazard as the waters are contaminated with dead carcasses, fuel, raw sewage, etc., (not to mention the floating caskets). Also, the people in the impacted areas are in a state of shock, and we anticipate a lot of mental health problems down the road. Already we are seeing looting, fights breaking out in shelters, and folks with guns and bats going after trucks carrying food and water, and other supplies. As someone stated it's almost like Stephen King's 'The Stand.'
"The area that has been affected is a fairly poor part of the state, and includes a lot of agriculture. Surely, many family farms will go under after this disaster. These folks have no money, and will be totally relying on the government and charity ... and who knows how far that can go.
"North Carolina will definitely be impacted by this disaster for not only months but years to come. It will be a long process in overcoming this one. Jennifer"
Submitted by Bruce Woodward
via e-mail
Parental Non-Involvement
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to give a special Thank You to Mrs. JoElla Smyth and staff at (Whitko Middle School) for the best run school around. It must be the best school because we had a parent, student and school staff organization meeting 9/22/99 and no parents came to complain, give suggestions or have any concerns about what goes on at the school. Or could it be that this new organization is so new people did not read it in the WMS newsletter that went out. We are so new we don't have a name yet.
I as a parent was there and want to thank all the other 488 students and parents for not coming because I had so much fun getting to know some of the school staff better. As I get to know more and more of the school staff I really feel comfortable going into the school with new ideas and concerns as a parent. When I go in there it is with a new attitude now because I have gotten to know these people and they are no different than me. I feel sorry for all you parents out there that do not take the time to come to these meetings. Oh! You say you're tired or don't have time, I don't know one person who has an extra hour in the evening and is not tired after working all day. We always seem to find time for what we want. I'm glad my kids are worth that hour.
I am afraid something really bad has to happen in the school for parents to come and be heard. If bad is going to happen at our school maybe as a working group we might be able to stop it before it does. You can come and give good suggestions for our school as well as the bad or just come listen. If you want someone else to make the decisions on what goes on in your school than don't come to these meetings, but than don't complain when you don't like something. Here is your chance to make a difference.
Future meetings for this new organization will be held every other month from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Come hear what is going on in your school. The next meeting is November 17 at the WMS. My big question will be: Will my kids be wearing standard uniforms to school? And, What ever happened to the drug testing issue? Watch the monthly WMS newsletter for information.
I would like to send a special Thank You to Beth Metzger and all the other officers on PTA for giving it their all to try to make the PTA work. You gave people the chance to come be a part of the school in a special way and they did not take advantage of it. The programs that PTA funded and the time all the active members put into these programs has made our school a better place.
Cathy Juricak, via e-mail
Drunks
Editor, Times-Union:"Drunk Driving, A License To Kill" (Reader's Digest, September, 1999, page 55). You alcoholics should read this story, and also pay a visit to our local cemetery.
Both stories about two young people in love and were both killed by drivers, the same time. Why am I so much against you "drunks"? Here is my own personal "history."
While living on Winter Street in Fort Wayne, my own dad would cash his weekly paycheck at our local neighborhood saloon. It was just across our alley on Creighton Street. The bartender was German-born. Anyway, every Friday, my dad would come home "drunk." Seagram 7 and beer were his drinks. By the way, Seagram 7 is not a "Coke." It is pure whiskey. Yes, 50 Fridays a year my dad got drunk, and walked home. He too could have been licensed to kill, but it - the bar - was within walking distance.
On top of all of these drunken stupors, if Dad did not like what Mom had on the table for our own supper, he would grab the tablecloth and yank our supper to the floor - dishes, cups, glasses - whatever. If we wanted supper, we took it off of the floor. We did not eat that meal.
If a university would grant me a master's degree on the subjects of drunks and driving, I could fully qualify.
Albert G. Smith, Warsaw
Wisdom Of Ages
Editor, Times-Union:Having not seen the letter from Matthew Trier that prompted two "Letters to the Editor" in Sept. 22nd paper, I do not know the context in which the letters were written. However, I believe the letters by Mr. Flores and Mr. Hoskins call for some response.
I wonder if these apparently well-educated gentlemen ever look around and within themselves wondering why there is so much evidence of purpose in our natural environment. For instance, I observe that every living species both vegetable and animal expresses a powerful built-in urge to reproduce its kind. There is purpose being fulfilled. Evidence of purpose being fulfilled presupposes a purposer behind the purpose. I see evidence of a Cosmic Purposer, whatever one may call that Purposer. I too have a bit of a problem with the word "god," for to me it smacks of an idol before which a human bows in worship. I prefer to think of the Eternal Purposer in personal terms... one with whom I can have a personal relationship. Jesus of Nazareth, whom we Christians believe was the Eternal Purposer's clearest self-expression, used the term "Father - Abba" which implies a very meaningful personal relationship. He asked His disciples, "When you pray, say 'Our Father...'" (Matthew 6:9).
In Jesus Christ, we have a dependable expression of a cosmic-grounded morality preserved in the "Ten Commandments" and in "The Sermon on the Mount." In Jesus Christ, we have the human expression of the character and nature of the Spirit that fills this physical universe, but is other than the physical universe, going to the human and divine utmost to redeem us humans who have missed our way by ourselves and therefore are facing the prospect of ending up on the rubbish heap of the universe. But look at the multitude of transformed lives committed to God revealed in Jesus of Nazareth. In spite of their many imperfections, these followers of a so-called "obsolete book" and "illusions of theism" have been the "light of the world" and the "salt of the earth," a very enlightening and preserving influence in this world.
The letter writers in their attempt to belittle the value of the Bible would do well to remember that many Bible stories are teaching stories, some of which have been handed down from generation to generation around Hebrew shepherd campfires long before they were written in the Bible. If one feels that a story understood as history is an insult to his or her intelligence, then why not look upon the "offending" story as a teaching medium. After all, the Divinely-inspired Word will be found more in the message of the story than in determining whether or not the story is history.
I wonder if these letter writers bow before any authority outside themselves. Their letters remind me of the last verse of the Bible book of Judges...
"In those days there was no king in Israel; every many did what was right in his own eyes." - Judges 21:25
This seems to be the philosophy being rapidly accepted by so many in our 21st Century culture.
I am saddened by the knowledge that there are those who would tear down the wisdom of the ages that has benefited the human race for centuries and leave us with nothing but our inadequate little selves to wade through the deep and dangerous waters of this earthly existence.
Rev. Robert E. Seitz, retired, Winona Lake
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