Letters to the Editor 10-15-2002
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Women's Treaty - Hunger Relief - Taxes - Home Language - Sugar-Free Products - Family History - Censorship - Bank Policy - Bush Courage - Driver's Training Woes - Meaning Of Church
Women's Treaty
Editor, Times-Union:For the past 22 years, the United Nation's Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women treaty has languished on the sidelines of the Senate, never making it to the floor for a vote. During that time, 170 other countries have ratified CEDAW and have made important strides in ensuring human rights for women. The United States is now the only industrialized democracy that does not participate in the CEDAW treaty. Among the small handful of other countries that haven't ratified the treaty are Afghanistan, Iran and Sudan.
Because of CEDAW, women around the world have a powerful basis for fighting against the effects of discrimination, such as poverty, lack of legal status, lack of property rights and violence and sexual violence against women. Yet without U.S. ratification, some governments feel free to ignore CEDAW's mandate. What's more, without participation in CEDAW, the U.S. compromises its credibility as a world leader for human rights.
Through the Taliban's treatment of women in Afghanistan, the world has seen the horror and violence that results when discrimination against women is allowed to run rampant. Both President and Laura Bush have pledged their commitment to the women of Afghanistan. Our nation's participation in CEDAW is critical to ensuring that Afghanistan builds a civil society that includes equal rights for women.
This past July, senators on the Foreign Relations Committee passed CEDAW. We're now waiting for the full Senate to vote for CEDAW's passage by a two-thirds majority. Time is running out! Our senators must vote before this legislative session ends!
I encourage everyone to visit www.StopFamilyViolence.org to send a free, prewritten message urging our senators to ratify CEDAW without delay. It's time for the U.S. to assume a leadership role in ensuring the rights and dignity of women in Afghanistan and around the world.
Sean Ambrose
Warsaw
via e-mail
Hunger Relief
Editor, Times-Union:David McCleary, of Kosciusko County, is coordinator for the Society of St. Andre Hunger Relief for the northern half of Indiana. He belongs to Pleasant Grove United MEthodist Church, and covers the same territory for the North Indiana Conference of his denomination.
At a recent Warsaw District Men's meeting in Plymouth he told how volunteers are active, as in ancient Bible times, following harvesters of the various crops, to glean the leftovers for the poor/hungry. HE told how many thousands of pounds of potatoes have been gleaned - many tons! - and hauled to various relief agencies for distribution in Warsaw and other centers in northern Indiana.
I guess the shocking part of his concise message was how many millions of people in America still suffer form hunger and lack of adequate nutrition, many of them right here at home in what most of us think of as "the land of plenty." David pointed out that thousands of the hungry include many children who underachieve in school simply because of insufficient food. Lack of proper nourishment translates later into adults with many health problems, adding to the financial strain on our health care system.
As you can guess, to the volunteer "gleaners" timing is essential, and they must work "fast and furious" when they work. They sacrificially work (mostly on Saturdays) lest the food - popcorn and potatoes - rot in the fields.
When you see David, or one of the other special volunteer "gleaners," why not say "thank you"? It might help make their day.
P.S. The phrase, "Haves and Have-nots" reminds me of a Scripture verse, too: "He who has the Son has life; He who does not have the Son of God does not have life." (I John 5:12)
J. Robert Boggs
Warsaw
Taxes
Editor, Times-Union:I never like what I hear,
That taxes are going up again this year.
I don't know where it all went;
I'm quite sure it was all spent.
We don't need the biggest and the best;
We can be modest like all the rest.
If it's not yours you can spend it fast,
Don't even care how long it will last.
If we watch who we vote for,
We might keep from getting poor.
A two-party system is more competitive;
We get a chance to be more selective.
Oh, well!
Dick Kehoe
Warsaw
Home Language
Editor, Times-Union:I am a very concerned citizen. I do not understand what is our "home" language? This country was made by people from other nations. That is what has made us so great, but now we seem to be catering to only one nationality and that is the Mexican people. Why? My great-grandparents came from Ireland and had to learn English. Other people came from other nations, but had to learn English ... so why am I paying my hard-earned dollars so the Mexican people can understand what is going on in their day to day life. Why are their "Spanish" signs and the schools pay for interpreters? No one did that for the people who came from Africa, Russia, Germany ... etc. So why just for the Mexican/Spanish people? Please find me an answer. I know I am not the only one confused by this. Also, don't take this as if I am being racist because I am not. I just don't believe in special treatment for anyone. Everyone should be treated equal and I don't believe our nation should change just for one nationality.
Pattie Marlow
Syracuse
via e-mail
Sugar-Free Products
Editor, Times-Union:To grocery stores, restaurants, craft vendors regarding sugar-free products for diabetics:
Unfortunately, I have been diabetic for a number of years. Before I became diabetic, like many folks, I enjoyed pastries, ice cream and candy. These items are missing from most of these vendors, and while we may not need these extra calories - I think I speak for most diabetics - we have a sweet tooth like other people.
There are Estee products and cake mixes by Sweet and Low on the grocery shelf - but a good piece of pie or a good chocolate bar would really be great.
Come on, vendors - give us a sweet treat.
Rosemary O'Malley
Warsaw
Family History
Editor, Times-Union:Sept. 26, 2001 - Washington
By unanimous consent, the Senate today approved legislation introduced by Sen. Orrin G. Hatch to designate October as "Family History Month." "Millions of Americans are researching the history of their families," said the Utah Republican. "Experts say that in the United States, genealogy is now the second most popular hobby next to gardening. It is believed that more than 80 million Americans are currently actively searching for more information about their ancestors.
"It is only natural that we want to find out more about our ancestors," Hatch continued. "What better way to bring families closer together than by discovering more about the story of their own family? Like it or not, who we are today is, in large part, a product of our ancestors."
Hatch's bill (SR 160), which was co-sponsored by Robert Bennett (R-Utah), commemorates October as Family History Month.
"With the advent of the Internet, there has been an explosion of interest in family history," Hatch continued. Last month alone, more than 14 million Americans used the Internet to research their family history. Genealogy Internet sites are some of the most popular sites on the World Wide Web. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has family history information on nearly 500 million individuals on its family history Web site.
SR 160 had 84 co-sponsors and was approved by unanimous consent.
"Researching ancestry is a very important component of identity. It can lead to long-sought-after family reunions or allow for life-saving medical treatments that only genetic links will allow," Hatch said. "For all of these reasons, I encourage people across the nation to find out more about whee they came from."
To find out more about genealogy, contact the Kosciusko County Historical Society, Genealogy Section, at 269-1078. Better yet, visit their research library at the Old Jail Museum. Hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sally M. Nichols
Warsaw
Censorship
Editor, Times-Union:Let it be known that censorship is alive and well in Warsaw, Indiana. Theater has long been a venue for views to be shared and not-so-popular ideas expressed, but the WCHS theater department is being denied this right. One-acts are a time for as many students as possible to try as many aspects of theater as possible. This year, I chose to direct a show with a friend. Part of directing includes selecting a show, and we decided on "Two Small Fries to Go" in the early part of September. Then on Friday we were informed that a parent had e-mailed the school, denouncing our show as "vulgar and offensive" and that a large portion of it, including one entire character, would be cut.
Call me crazy, but I was under the impression that the Constitution guaranteed the right of every American to speak freely. Is censoring my play not censoring my right to speak? When I talked to a teacher about what we could do, she told me, "I know, freedom of expression, but that just doesn't apply when people are offended and embarrassed." Isn't that when it most applies? If no one is offended, no explicit freedom of expression is needed, for no one will fight what is being said. Yet when someone is offended, it is tempting to want to silence the offensive voice. It is at these moments that freedom of expression must be protected at all costs. The French philosopher Voltaire once said, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." He understood, as we should, that freedom of speech extends to all circumstances.
The United States government also holds this view. The First Amendment to the Constitution states, "Congress shall pass no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble. ..." The United States judicial system has ruled in accordance with this throughout history. The American Nazi Party was granted permission to parade through Skokie, Ill., an area heavily populated with Holocaust survivors. In R.A.V. v. St. Paul, the Supreme Court ruled that St. Paul's anti-hate speech laws were unconstitutional. Freedom of expression is freedom of expression, and it must be protected at all costs. Freedoms are broken down baby steps at a time, and censoring a high school play may be the first step towards the end of freedom of speech.
Kristin Wilson
Winona Lake
via e-mail
Bank Policy
Editor, Times-Union:I just recently held a garage sale and accepted a few checks from some people that banked locally. After a few days past I was able to make it to the bank the checks were drawn on. The teller then asked if I had an account there and after I told her NO and that I thought I could cash the checks they were drawn on, she then told me that there would be a $5 charge and I could go down to another branch to get fingerprinted and show I.D. along with paying my $5. She also assured me after checking the accounts that there was enough money in each account available. I then asked for a customer service number. After talking with a service representative she assured me that was their policy. I then told her that I would never accept another check from that bank again nor would I hold an account there. I now know why this bank can advertise FREE CHECKING. I just find it hard to understand why myself and their customer has to be penalized because the bank wants to make a quick buck.
Deborah Shelton
Warsaw
via e-mail
Bush Courage
Editor, Times-Union:President Bush should be applauded for taking a courageous stand against Saddam Hussein's outlaw regime and its reckless pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. As the president noted in his recent address to the nation, the riskiest option for dealing with Iraq is to do nothing. Inaction would only give Saddam Hussein time to complete his malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons and would embolden tyrants and terrorists everywhere. I don't want my children and grandchildren to have to worry about Sept. 11th or worse ever happening in their lifetime. I want these people stopped now. If you are breathing today you should be scared for your future.
Acting now to disarm Saddam Hussein, using military force if necessary, is the only way we will keep America safe from weapons of mass destruction that fall into the hands of freedom's enemies. President Bush is right - our nation cannot let world events be dictated by brutal and lawless dictators.
Pattie Marlow
Syracuse
via e-mail
Driver's Training Woes
Editor, Times-Union:Does the general public really know what has happened? I am away from home for two months this summer and come back to learn that the 21-year existence of the Warsaw Co-op Driver's Training program has been jeopardized by the Superintendent and Warsaw Community School Board.
First, the board immediately took away $50,000 in funding which is part of their written memorandum of understanding. They say it is because of budget cuts, but now may spend $46 million on the high school. Does the board really know how difficult it is to find $50,000 in funding in such short notice?
Second, the board has given notice to relocate the entire driver's training office from the high school to Lakeview Middle School, which may cause working parents difficulty in getting their teenagers to a different school to attend driver's training.
Finally, the board took away the driver's training car license plates by the end of the year, which in essence will totally shut down the entire program. (I hear now that Dr. McGuire has extended the car plates just through the year 2003.)
Perhaps a better decision would have been to gradually phase out the partnership funding and car plates so that Director Terry Frank could have time to seek other alternatives.
I just don't get it! The driver's training program has been providing its own liability insurance and using the school plates for the past 21 years. So what is the problem all of a sudden! I know the board members are elected or appointed to make decisions in the best interest of students and taxpayers, but I feel that this is such an important issue, and affects so many people, it should go to the public and let them decide whether the partnership between Warsaw Driving Co-op and the Warsaw Community Schools should continue or not.
It took 21 years to build up one of the top quality driver's training programs in the state of Indiana. We have students coming from other high schools and communities because of the quality of this program.
The real issue comes down to life and death in regards to our students and community. I believe in this program and truly believe it does save lives. I also believe that parents, grandparents and the general public would not want this program to close down on Dec. 31.
In summary, I would like to ask the board to review their decision on all points concerning the Driver's Education Co-op partnership, bring the information to the public and let the public decide whether to continue the partnership. We all know how dangerous driving is on our highways. This program is one of the best investments our school board can make with our tax monies, to help keep our young people and families safer on our roadways.
Joe T. Shepherd
Driver's Training Instructor
Meaning Of Church
Editor, Times-Union:What is the meaning of the word "church"?
Having had two years of Greek, I looked up the word in the Greek language, since the courts in our land state the separation of church and state.
The Greek meaning of the word church simply means an assembly, as a regularly summoned political body.
Assembly, gathering, meeting, congregation. It is a gathering of people, whatever that gathering is; it is not necessarily a religious gathering. It could be a gathering of people to any organization.
It would be interesting if where the president gives his next speech to the nation in the capital and all of Congress and the Supreme Court justices gather together, that the Speaker of the House would say, "Mr. President, the church is now present."
How do you divide people who are American citizens, who vote, who can go into politics and hold office in our government? Are atheists the only ones who can vote and hold office in our government?
Therefore when the court, whatever court it is, wants to make a statement about the separation of church and state, this is wrong; it must be religion and state.
This word "church" was the Greek language long before Jesus and the writing of the New Testament.
Joyce A. Phaneuf
North Webster
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- Women's Treaty - Hunger Relief - Taxes - Home Language - Sugar-Free Products - Family History - Censorship - Bank Policy - Bush Courage - Driver's Training Woes - Meaning Of Church
Women's Treaty
Editor, Times-Union:For the past 22 years, the United Nation's Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women treaty has languished on the sidelines of the Senate, never making it to the floor for a vote. During that time, 170 other countries have ratified CEDAW and have made important strides in ensuring human rights for women. The United States is now the only industrialized democracy that does not participate in the CEDAW treaty. Among the small handful of other countries that haven't ratified the treaty are Afghanistan, Iran and Sudan.
Because of CEDAW, women around the world have a powerful basis for fighting against the effects of discrimination, such as poverty, lack of legal status, lack of property rights and violence and sexual violence against women. Yet without U.S. ratification, some governments feel free to ignore CEDAW's mandate. What's more, without participation in CEDAW, the U.S. compromises its credibility as a world leader for human rights.
Through the Taliban's treatment of women in Afghanistan, the world has seen the horror and violence that results when discrimination against women is allowed to run rampant. Both President and Laura Bush have pledged their commitment to the women of Afghanistan. Our nation's participation in CEDAW is critical to ensuring that Afghanistan builds a civil society that includes equal rights for women.
This past July, senators on the Foreign Relations Committee passed CEDAW. We're now waiting for the full Senate to vote for CEDAW's passage by a two-thirds majority. Time is running out! Our senators must vote before this legislative session ends!
I encourage everyone to visit www.StopFamilyViolence.org to send a free, prewritten message urging our senators to ratify CEDAW without delay. It's time for the U.S. to assume a leadership role in ensuring the rights and dignity of women in Afghanistan and around the world.
Sean Ambrose
Warsaw
via e-mail
Hunger Relief
Editor, Times-Union:David McCleary, of Kosciusko County, is coordinator for the Society of St. Andre Hunger Relief for the northern half of Indiana. He belongs to Pleasant Grove United MEthodist Church, and covers the same territory for the North Indiana Conference of his denomination.
At a recent Warsaw District Men's meeting in Plymouth he told how volunteers are active, as in ancient Bible times, following harvesters of the various crops, to glean the leftovers for the poor/hungry. HE told how many thousands of pounds of potatoes have been gleaned - many tons! - and hauled to various relief agencies for distribution in Warsaw and other centers in northern Indiana.
I guess the shocking part of his concise message was how many millions of people in America still suffer form hunger and lack of adequate nutrition, many of them right here at home in what most of us think of as "the land of plenty." David pointed out that thousands of the hungry include many children who underachieve in school simply because of insufficient food. Lack of proper nourishment translates later into adults with many health problems, adding to the financial strain on our health care system.
As you can guess, to the volunteer "gleaners" timing is essential, and they must work "fast and furious" when they work. They sacrificially work (mostly on Saturdays) lest the food - popcorn and potatoes - rot in the fields.
When you see David, or one of the other special volunteer "gleaners," why not say "thank you"? It might help make their day.
P.S. The phrase, "Haves and Have-nots" reminds me of a Scripture verse, too: "He who has the Son has life; He who does not have the Son of God does not have life." (I John 5:12)
J. Robert Boggs
Warsaw
Taxes
Editor, Times-Union:I never like what I hear,
That taxes are going up again this year.
I don't know where it all went;
I'm quite sure it was all spent.
We don't need the biggest and the best;
We can be modest like all the rest.
If it's not yours you can spend it fast,
Don't even care how long it will last.
If we watch who we vote for,
We might keep from getting poor.
A two-party system is more competitive;
We get a chance to be more selective.
Oh, well!
Dick Kehoe
Warsaw
Home Language
Editor, Times-Union:I am a very concerned citizen. I do not understand what is our "home" language? This country was made by people from other nations. That is what has made us so great, but now we seem to be catering to only one nationality and that is the Mexican people. Why? My great-grandparents came from Ireland and had to learn English. Other people came from other nations, but had to learn English ... so why am I paying my hard-earned dollars so the Mexican people can understand what is going on in their day to day life. Why are their "Spanish" signs and the schools pay for interpreters? No one did that for the people who came from Africa, Russia, Germany ... etc. So why just for the Mexican/Spanish people? Please find me an answer. I know I am not the only one confused by this. Also, don't take this as if I am being racist because I am not. I just don't believe in special treatment for anyone. Everyone should be treated equal and I don't believe our nation should change just for one nationality.
Pattie Marlow
Syracuse
via e-mail
Sugar-Free Products
Editor, Times-Union:To grocery stores, restaurants, craft vendors regarding sugar-free products for diabetics:
Unfortunately, I have been diabetic for a number of years. Before I became diabetic, like many folks, I enjoyed pastries, ice cream and candy. These items are missing from most of these vendors, and while we may not need these extra calories - I think I speak for most diabetics - we have a sweet tooth like other people.
There are Estee products and cake mixes by Sweet and Low on the grocery shelf - but a good piece of pie or a good chocolate bar would really be great.
Come on, vendors - give us a sweet treat.
Rosemary O'Malley
Warsaw
Family History
Editor, Times-Union:Sept. 26, 2001 - Washington
By unanimous consent, the Senate today approved legislation introduced by Sen. Orrin G. Hatch to designate October as "Family History Month." "Millions of Americans are researching the history of their families," said the Utah Republican. "Experts say that in the United States, genealogy is now the second most popular hobby next to gardening. It is believed that more than 80 million Americans are currently actively searching for more information about their ancestors.
"It is only natural that we want to find out more about our ancestors," Hatch continued. "What better way to bring families closer together than by discovering more about the story of their own family? Like it or not, who we are today is, in large part, a product of our ancestors."
Hatch's bill (SR 160), which was co-sponsored by Robert Bennett (R-Utah), commemorates October as Family History Month.
"With the advent of the Internet, there has been an explosion of interest in family history," Hatch continued. Last month alone, more than 14 million Americans used the Internet to research their family history. Genealogy Internet sites are some of the most popular sites on the World Wide Web. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has family history information on nearly 500 million individuals on its family history Web site.
SR 160 had 84 co-sponsors and was approved by unanimous consent.
"Researching ancestry is a very important component of identity. It can lead to long-sought-after family reunions or allow for life-saving medical treatments that only genetic links will allow," Hatch said. "For all of these reasons, I encourage people across the nation to find out more about whee they came from."
To find out more about genealogy, contact the Kosciusko County Historical Society, Genealogy Section, at 269-1078. Better yet, visit their research library at the Old Jail Museum. Hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sally M. Nichols
Warsaw
Censorship
Editor, Times-Union:Let it be known that censorship is alive and well in Warsaw, Indiana. Theater has long been a venue for views to be shared and not-so-popular ideas expressed, but the WCHS theater department is being denied this right. One-acts are a time for as many students as possible to try as many aspects of theater as possible. This year, I chose to direct a show with a friend. Part of directing includes selecting a show, and we decided on "Two Small Fries to Go" in the early part of September. Then on Friday we were informed that a parent had e-mailed the school, denouncing our show as "vulgar and offensive" and that a large portion of it, including one entire character, would be cut.
Call me crazy, but I was under the impression that the Constitution guaranteed the right of every American to speak freely. Is censoring my play not censoring my right to speak? When I talked to a teacher about what we could do, she told me, "I know, freedom of expression, but that just doesn't apply when people are offended and embarrassed." Isn't that when it most applies? If no one is offended, no explicit freedom of expression is needed, for no one will fight what is being said. Yet when someone is offended, it is tempting to want to silence the offensive voice. It is at these moments that freedom of expression must be protected at all costs. The French philosopher Voltaire once said, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." He understood, as we should, that freedom of speech extends to all circumstances.
The United States government also holds this view. The First Amendment to the Constitution states, "Congress shall pass no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble. ..." The United States judicial system has ruled in accordance with this throughout history. The American Nazi Party was granted permission to parade through Skokie, Ill., an area heavily populated with Holocaust survivors. In R.A.V. v. St. Paul, the Supreme Court ruled that St. Paul's anti-hate speech laws were unconstitutional. Freedom of expression is freedom of expression, and it must be protected at all costs. Freedoms are broken down baby steps at a time, and censoring a high school play may be the first step towards the end of freedom of speech.
Kristin Wilson
Winona Lake
via e-mail
Bank Policy
Editor, Times-Union:I just recently held a garage sale and accepted a few checks from some people that banked locally. After a few days past I was able to make it to the bank the checks were drawn on. The teller then asked if I had an account there and after I told her NO and that I thought I could cash the checks they were drawn on, she then told me that there would be a $5 charge and I could go down to another branch to get fingerprinted and show I.D. along with paying my $5. She also assured me after checking the accounts that there was enough money in each account available. I then asked for a customer service number. After talking with a service representative she assured me that was their policy. I then told her that I would never accept another check from that bank again nor would I hold an account there. I now know why this bank can advertise FREE CHECKING. I just find it hard to understand why myself and their customer has to be penalized because the bank wants to make a quick buck.
Deborah Shelton
Warsaw
via e-mail
Bush Courage
Editor, Times-Union:President Bush should be applauded for taking a courageous stand against Saddam Hussein's outlaw regime and its reckless pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. As the president noted in his recent address to the nation, the riskiest option for dealing with Iraq is to do nothing. Inaction would only give Saddam Hussein time to complete his malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons and would embolden tyrants and terrorists everywhere. I don't want my children and grandchildren to have to worry about Sept. 11th or worse ever happening in their lifetime. I want these people stopped now. If you are breathing today you should be scared for your future.
Acting now to disarm Saddam Hussein, using military force if necessary, is the only way we will keep America safe from weapons of mass destruction that fall into the hands of freedom's enemies. President Bush is right - our nation cannot let world events be dictated by brutal and lawless dictators.
Pattie Marlow
Syracuse
via e-mail
Driver's Training Woes
Editor, Times-Union:Does the general public really know what has happened? I am away from home for two months this summer and come back to learn that the 21-year existence of the Warsaw Co-op Driver's Training program has been jeopardized by the Superintendent and Warsaw Community School Board.
First, the board immediately took away $50,000 in funding which is part of their written memorandum of understanding. They say it is because of budget cuts, but now may spend $46 million on the high school. Does the board really know how difficult it is to find $50,000 in funding in such short notice?
Second, the board has given notice to relocate the entire driver's training office from the high school to Lakeview Middle School, which may cause working parents difficulty in getting their teenagers to a different school to attend driver's training.
Finally, the board took away the driver's training car license plates by the end of the year, which in essence will totally shut down the entire program. (I hear now that Dr. McGuire has extended the car plates just through the year 2003.)
Perhaps a better decision would have been to gradually phase out the partnership funding and car plates so that Director Terry Frank could have time to seek other alternatives.
I just don't get it! The driver's training program has been providing its own liability insurance and using the school plates for the past 21 years. So what is the problem all of a sudden! I know the board members are elected or appointed to make decisions in the best interest of students and taxpayers, but I feel that this is such an important issue, and affects so many people, it should go to the public and let them decide whether the partnership between Warsaw Driving Co-op and the Warsaw Community Schools should continue or not.
It took 21 years to build up one of the top quality driver's training programs in the state of Indiana. We have students coming from other high schools and communities because of the quality of this program.
The real issue comes down to life and death in regards to our students and community. I believe in this program and truly believe it does save lives. I also believe that parents, grandparents and the general public would not want this program to close down on Dec. 31.
In summary, I would like to ask the board to review their decision on all points concerning the Driver's Education Co-op partnership, bring the information to the public and let the public decide whether to continue the partnership. We all know how dangerous driving is on our highways. This program is one of the best investments our school board can make with our tax monies, to help keep our young people and families safer on our roadways.
Joe T. Shepherd
Driver's Training Instructor
Meaning Of Church
Editor, Times-Union:What is the meaning of the word "church"?
Having had two years of Greek, I looked up the word in the Greek language, since the courts in our land state the separation of church and state.
The Greek meaning of the word church simply means an assembly, as a regularly summoned political body.
Assembly, gathering, meeting, congregation. It is a gathering of people, whatever that gathering is; it is not necessarily a religious gathering. It could be a gathering of people to any organization.
It would be interesting if where the president gives his next speech to the nation in the capital and all of Congress and the Supreme Court justices gather together, that the Speaker of the House would say, "Mr. President, the church is now present."
How do you divide people who are American citizens, who vote, who can go into politics and hold office in our government? Are atheists the only ones who can vote and hold office in our government?
Therefore when the court, whatever court it is, wants to make a statement about the separation of church and state, this is wrong; it must be religion and state.
This word "church" was the Greek language long before Jesus and the writing of the New Testament.
Joyce A. Phaneuf
North Webster
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