Letters to the Editor 10-04-2002
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Giving Peace A Chance - Jail TVs - Abortion Ad - No Volunteers Here - Misguided Outrage - Good Job - Showing Kindness - Facts Can't Hurt
Giving Peace A Chance
Editor, Times-Union:"Give peace a chance." - John Lennon. Now what? Peace had a chance.
The leader of Iraq does not understand what peace is. Peace is not lack of war, but is freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. It's a state of tranquility or quiet as, A) freedom from civil disturbance, or B) a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom. Iraq represents none of these.
Historically, we have taken measures as a nation to protect these conditions of peace for ourselves and our friends. At times we have acted before the disorder or oppression could reach our shores. The current situation with Iraq is not different in principle from many other military conflicts; get them before they get us. With the Soviets we were able to outspend them on defense. The reason this option won't work in Iraq is because economic sanctions have been in place for a decade but the leadership doesn't have the same sense to throw in the towel for the benefit of its own people. A different approach must be taken.
Diplomatic solutions suggested by Germany, China, Egypt, France and Russia seem disingenuous to me given the extensive financial commitments to Baghdad from all parties. The German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce encourages German-owned companies in Egypt to increase their exports to Iraq. A Chinese company has completed a major power station near Kirkuk, AP reported on Nov. 2. The 222-megawatt, gas-powered station is the first such facility built in Iraq since the Gulf War. The firm which built it, the Chinese National Machinery and Equipment Import and Export Co., is also taking part in the Baghdad International Trade Fair. Egypt, the fourth largest exporter to Iraq after France, Russia and China, is expected to have exports of $1 billion annually. Russia may earn another $40 billion in addition to $4.4 billion that it earned in Iraq since 1996 in business contracts.
The French, on June 1, 2001, submitted an alternative draft for sanctions which would widen the proposed reforms to permit civilian investments in Iraq by foreign companies, including into the Iraqi oil industry and production capabilities. These countries have a vested interest in keeping the current regime in power. Whereas the lowly U.S. must have some dark, ulterior motive? If we get oil from Iraq we will acquire it legally and at market price from a legitimate Iraqi government whose goal is peace and prosperity for its people and ours.
Once the "Butcher of Baghdad" is gone, we will only be reminded of him while watching a documentary on The Learning Channel as is true for Slobodan Milosevic. No one will miss him and only Christ can change him.
Patrick Brown
Warsaw
via e-mail
Jail TVs
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in regards to the article (Sept. 24) concerning the county jail televisions, "Censorship or Total Elimination."
My opinions and comments are directed toward Mr. Joel Wilson. The article states that Mr. Wilson was a "concerned resident." Mr. Wilson, if you were that concerned about your community, then I would think that you would direct your concern toward the "true issues" concerning repeat offenders. These being jobs and education (the lack of).
You told the commissioners that you were a father of seven and a businessman. How many ex-offenders have you hired in your business?
You also stated that inmates and children have the same mentality level. I am curious how you found the time to raise seven children, run a business and get a degree in psychology?
You also brought forth a petition signed by inmates concerning certain immoral shows that they didn't want to watch for "they are trying to clean up their act." I guarantee that no one will hold down these inmates and force them to watch MTV.
Another guarantee that I will make is, if the sheriff thought that taking away the jail TVs would create healthier families and help form a healthier community, then the televisions would have been gone long ago.
The next time you approach the commissioners, maybe you should have proven facts and statistics and not opinions.
Mr. Wilson, your intentions are good, I'm sure. Though focusing on substance abuse, educational and employment skills and/or anger management training will go a lot farther in processing a better community (in regards to repeat offenses) than will pulling out all the jail TVs. And as far as where I got my facts and statistics. I don't need 'em, I live it.
Mitchel P. Hall
Noble County Jail
Abortion Ad
Editor, Times-Union:I have to agree with the letter a few days ago about the abortion ad on the local radio station. It is awful just like those awful signs they hold up in front of the Planned Parenthood. One thing I have to tell those people trying to "do good" by using the scare method to try and prevent an abortion and they don't work. I volunteered at a Birthright center in Gillette, Wyo., and we did not use those scare methods and guess what? Most of the girls chose life because we showed them love and kindness. We showed them encouragement, self worth and that someone truly cared. Is that not what God has intended us to do? To help care for one another and love one another? Someone who has made that choice will someday have to answer to God but just remember, he will forgive. This is a war, a war that needs to be fought with love, not one that has to be fought with hate. I have two young children and one on the way and I don't want them to be exposed to those signs or to the ad on the radio, but what choice do I have. All I can say is that one group's money might be better spent reaching out to someone to help give them the choice of life rather than trying to bully them into doing what you want them to do. It is their choice and I myself do not believe in abortion. But love kindness and understanding is the best way to help these people.
Tammi Flaugh
Warsaw
via e-mail
No Volunteers Here
Editor, Times-Union:We are two 17-year-old high school students who are members of Kosciusko County Youth Leadership Academy. One of our projects is to volunteer 10 hours of our time helping the community. We are both planning to pursue careers in the medical field after high school, so volunteering at Kosciusko Community Hospital seemed like an ideal opportunity. After arriving at the hospital, we were informed that teen volunteers are no longer accepted. We were shocked by this news, and found it to be absurd and discriminating. One would assume volunteers are high in demand. Who would think that two responsible teenagers would be turned down, when all they were asking for was an opportunity to help their community?
Krysta Kindig and Ashley Lindenmier
Warsaw
Misguided Outrage
Editor, Times-Union:I was surprised by the letter concerning the anti-abortion ad. It was published on the 20th of September. A lady said that she was outraged and made sick to her stomach. Her complaint was not that abortions like this exist in our country, but that her children may hear this ad. She declares it in poor taste, not the abortion but the decision to air this ad. If these ads describing abortion are so awful, where is the outrage over abortion? We have become a hard-hearted people. It would appear the answer to our problems would be to kill the messenger. On the other hand, if we would work and end this evil in our country, there would be no need for these ads.
John Burtoft
Warsaw
via e-mail
Good Job
Editor, Times-Union:This past summer I have noticed our county and state highway crews working in numerous areas of the county. I just wanted to compliment our crews for doing such a great job. Nice roads are one of the things I take for granted and I certainly appreciate the job these people do. When the rest of us were sitting in our air conditioned cars and offices, these crews were out there working in the blistering heat. Men and women of the state and county highway, gives yourselves a pat on the back for a job well done. We do appreciate you!
Crista Barker
Etna Green
Showing Kindness
Editor, Times-Union:High praise to the state trooper who nailed the driver who turned left on a red light and nearly got hit by the driver who had the straight-of-way at the intersection of Detroit and Center streets.
On a recent trip to Charlotte, N.C., and at a busy intersection in that city, my attorney brother-in-law explained that the city at key intersections had installed surveillance cameras, which recorded the driver and the license plate of the offending vehicle. The culprit was sent a ticket and if it was not paid, his auto license would not be renewed. Admittedly, there are a few circumstances where one has no choice but to turn on red, i.e., a tall vehicle obscures the signal and when one is in the middle of the intersection to make a left turn and the light is yellow but the cars making a right turn will not allow one to turn left and by then the light has turned red. No choice. But it is my observation that by far most of the illegal turns are blatant disregard of the rules of the road - and the drivers are not teeny-boppers either. They appear to be well into adulthood.
I was told that the "take" from the ticketing is split between the city of Charlotte and the camera company. Seems like a win-win situation, saving life and limb, which could be yours.
Tam Vogel
Winona Lake
via e-mail
Facts Can't Hurt
Editor, Times-Union:After reading the "letters of disgust" abvout the radio advertising on abortion procedure, I had to write and express my opinion. To the ladies who wrote of their disgust, your children cannot be hurt by knowing the true facts of abortion procedure any moreso than they would be hurt by seeing a science film in school or on the Discovery Channel about any other surgeries of the body. Actually, it may be quite helpful to them in the future. Especially to their unborn children who would benefit greatly. What does it matter that a Christian organization paid for the advertising? As for your children's innocence, be sure that you as parents prepare them both morally and ethically for life.
Barbara Knotts
North Webster
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- Giving Peace A Chance - Jail TVs - Abortion Ad - No Volunteers Here - Misguided Outrage - Good Job - Showing Kindness - Facts Can't Hurt
Giving Peace A Chance
Editor, Times-Union:"Give peace a chance." - John Lennon. Now what? Peace had a chance.
The leader of Iraq does not understand what peace is. Peace is not lack of war, but is freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. It's a state of tranquility or quiet as, A) freedom from civil disturbance, or B) a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom. Iraq represents none of these.
Historically, we have taken measures as a nation to protect these conditions of peace for ourselves and our friends. At times we have acted before the disorder or oppression could reach our shores. The current situation with Iraq is not different in principle from many other military conflicts; get them before they get us. With the Soviets we were able to outspend them on defense. The reason this option won't work in Iraq is because economic sanctions have been in place for a decade but the leadership doesn't have the same sense to throw in the towel for the benefit of its own people. A different approach must be taken.
Diplomatic solutions suggested by Germany, China, Egypt, France and Russia seem disingenuous to me given the extensive financial commitments to Baghdad from all parties. The German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce encourages German-owned companies in Egypt to increase their exports to Iraq. A Chinese company has completed a major power station near Kirkuk, AP reported on Nov. 2. The 222-megawatt, gas-powered station is the first such facility built in Iraq since the Gulf War. The firm which built it, the Chinese National Machinery and Equipment Import and Export Co., is also taking part in the Baghdad International Trade Fair. Egypt, the fourth largest exporter to Iraq after France, Russia and China, is expected to have exports of $1 billion annually. Russia may earn another $40 billion in addition to $4.4 billion that it earned in Iraq since 1996 in business contracts.
The French, on June 1, 2001, submitted an alternative draft for sanctions which would widen the proposed reforms to permit civilian investments in Iraq by foreign companies, including into the Iraqi oil industry and production capabilities. These countries have a vested interest in keeping the current regime in power. Whereas the lowly U.S. must have some dark, ulterior motive? If we get oil from Iraq we will acquire it legally and at market price from a legitimate Iraqi government whose goal is peace and prosperity for its people and ours.
Once the "Butcher of Baghdad" is gone, we will only be reminded of him while watching a documentary on The Learning Channel as is true for Slobodan Milosevic. No one will miss him and only Christ can change him.
Patrick Brown
Warsaw
via e-mail
Jail TVs
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in regards to the article (Sept. 24) concerning the county jail televisions, "Censorship or Total Elimination."
My opinions and comments are directed toward Mr. Joel Wilson. The article states that Mr. Wilson was a "concerned resident." Mr. Wilson, if you were that concerned about your community, then I would think that you would direct your concern toward the "true issues" concerning repeat offenders. These being jobs and education (the lack of).
You told the commissioners that you were a father of seven and a businessman. How many ex-offenders have you hired in your business?
You also stated that inmates and children have the same mentality level. I am curious how you found the time to raise seven children, run a business and get a degree in psychology?
You also brought forth a petition signed by inmates concerning certain immoral shows that they didn't want to watch for "they are trying to clean up their act." I guarantee that no one will hold down these inmates and force them to watch MTV.
Another guarantee that I will make is, if the sheriff thought that taking away the jail TVs would create healthier families and help form a healthier community, then the televisions would have been gone long ago.
The next time you approach the commissioners, maybe you should have proven facts and statistics and not opinions.
Mr. Wilson, your intentions are good, I'm sure. Though focusing on substance abuse, educational and employment skills and/or anger management training will go a lot farther in processing a better community (in regards to repeat offenses) than will pulling out all the jail TVs. And as far as where I got my facts and statistics. I don't need 'em, I live it.
Mitchel P. Hall
Noble County Jail
Abortion Ad
Editor, Times-Union:I have to agree with the letter a few days ago about the abortion ad on the local radio station. It is awful just like those awful signs they hold up in front of the Planned Parenthood. One thing I have to tell those people trying to "do good" by using the scare method to try and prevent an abortion and they don't work. I volunteered at a Birthright center in Gillette, Wyo., and we did not use those scare methods and guess what? Most of the girls chose life because we showed them love and kindness. We showed them encouragement, self worth and that someone truly cared. Is that not what God has intended us to do? To help care for one another and love one another? Someone who has made that choice will someday have to answer to God but just remember, he will forgive. This is a war, a war that needs to be fought with love, not one that has to be fought with hate. I have two young children and one on the way and I don't want them to be exposed to those signs or to the ad on the radio, but what choice do I have. All I can say is that one group's money might be better spent reaching out to someone to help give them the choice of life rather than trying to bully them into doing what you want them to do. It is their choice and I myself do not believe in abortion. But love kindness and understanding is the best way to help these people.
Tammi Flaugh
Warsaw
via e-mail
No Volunteers Here
Editor, Times-Union:We are two 17-year-old high school students who are members of Kosciusko County Youth Leadership Academy. One of our projects is to volunteer 10 hours of our time helping the community. We are both planning to pursue careers in the medical field after high school, so volunteering at Kosciusko Community Hospital seemed like an ideal opportunity. After arriving at the hospital, we were informed that teen volunteers are no longer accepted. We were shocked by this news, and found it to be absurd and discriminating. One would assume volunteers are high in demand. Who would think that two responsible teenagers would be turned down, when all they were asking for was an opportunity to help their community?
Krysta Kindig and Ashley Lindenmier
Warsaw
Misguided Outrage
Editor, Times-Union:I was surprised by the letter concerning the anti-abortion ad. It was published on the 20th of September. A lady said that she was outraged and made sick to her stomach. Her complaint was not that abortions like this exist in our country, but that her children may hear this ad. She declares it in poor taste, not the abortion but the decision to air this ad. If these ads describing abortion are so awful, where is the outrage over abortion? We have become a hard-hearted people. It would appear the answer to our problems would be to kill the messenger. On the other hand, if we would work and end this evil in our country, there would be no need for these ads.
John Burtoft
Warsaw
via e-mail
Good Job
Editor, Times-Union:This past summer I have noticed our county and state highway crews working in numerous areas of the county. I just wanted to compliment our crews for doing such a great job. Nice roads are one of the things I take for granted and I certainly appreciate the job these people do. When the rest of us were sitting in our air conditioned cars and offices, these crews were out there working in the blistering heat. Men and women of the state and county highway, gives yourselves a pat on the back for a job well done. We do appreciate you!
Crista Barker
Etna Green
Showing Kindness
Editor, Times-Union:High praise to the state trooper who nailed the driver who turned left on a red light and nearly got hit by the driver who had the straight-of-way at the intersection of Detroit and Center streets.
On a recent trip to Charlotte, N.C., and at a busy intersection in that city, my attorney brother-in-law explained that the city at key intersections had installed surveillance cameras, which recorded the driver and the license plate of the offending vehicle. The culprit was sent a ticket and if it was not paid, his auto license would not be renewed. Admittedly, there are a few circumstances where one has no choice but to turn on red, i.e., a tall vehicle obscures the signal and when one is in the middle of the intersection to make a left turn and the light is yellow but the cars making a right turn will not allow one to turn left and by then the light has turned red. No choice. But it is my observation that by far most of the illegal turns are blatant disregard of the rules of the road - and the drivers are not teeny-boppers either. They appear to be well into adulthood.
I was told that the "take" from the ticketing is split between the city of Charlotte and the camera company. Seems like a win-win situation, saving life and limb, which could be yours.
Tam Vogel
Winona Lake
via e-mail
Facts Can't Hurt
Editor, Times-Union:After reading the "letters of disgust" abvout the radio advertising on abortion procedure, I had to write and express my opinion. To the ladies who wrote of their disgust, your children cannot be hurt by knowing the true facts of abortion procedure any moreso than they would be hurt by seeing a science film in school or on the Discovery Channel about any other surgeries of the body. Actually, it may be quite helpful to them in the future. Especially to their unborn children who would benefit greatly. What does it matter that a Christian organization paid for the advertising? As for your children's innocence, be sure that you as parents prepare them both morally and ethically for life.
Barbara Knotts
North Webster
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