Letters to the Editor 10-30-2000
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Lies And Denials - Band Booster - Silver Lake School - Likes Goodnight - Doesn't Like Buyer - Think Before You Vote - New Direction - Bush And Education
Lies And Denials
Editor, Times-Union:A couple disturbing articles caught my eye last week.
1. "Chinese RU-486 maker cited." A probe by federal regulators found a history of impure and mislabeled drugs by Shanghai Hua Lian Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. The FDA knew this but still approved their making the abortion pill RU-486. This Chinese company does NOT meet FDA standards, yet Vice President Gore supports distribution of the drug! The FDA denies all. Now why doesn't this surprise me?
2. "Senators probe Gore's Russian arms deal." It seems Gore promised the USA would not interfere with Moscow's conventional arms sales on the condition the sales would end by the end of 1999, ignoring a 1992 law banning arms sales to countries the USA views as exporters of terrorism. The Clinton-Gore administration is refusing to cooperate with the Senate investigation, refusing requests for related documents and Al Gore denies everything! No meetings, no agreement, no nothing. AGAIN!
After reading these articles, this "Fable of the Snake" by Iron Eyes Cody came to mind.
Many years ago, Indian youths would go away in solitude to prepare for manhood. One such youth hiked into a beautiful valley, green with trees, bright with flowers. There he fasted. But on the third day, as he looked up at the surrounding mountains, he noticed one tall, rugged peak capped with dazzling snow. "I will test myself against that mountain," he thought. He put on his buffalo hide shirt, threw his blanket over his shoulders and set off to climb the peak.
When he reached the top, he stood on the rim of the world. He could see forever and his heart swelled with pride. Then he heard a rustle at his feet and looking down he saw a snake. Before he could move, the snake spoke. "I am about to die," said the snake. 'It is too cold for me up here and I am freezing. There is no food and I am starving. Put me under your shirt and take me down to the valley."
"No," said the youth. "I am forewarned. I know your kind. You are a rattlesnake. If I pick you up, you will bite and your bite will kill me." "Not so," said the snake. "I will treat you differently. If you do this for me, you will be special. I will not harm you." The youth resisted a while, but this was a very persuasive snake with beautiful markings. At last the youth tucked it under his shirt and carried it down the valley. There he laid it gently on the grass, when suddenly the snake coiled, rattled and leapt, biting him on the leg. "But you promised," cried the youth. "You knew what I was when you picked me up," said the snake as it slithered away.
These last eight years have been lies and denials, so for those undecided voters, remember the words of the snake. "You knew what I was when you picked me up."
Wanda Brown
Warsaw
Band Booster
Editor, Times-Union:On behalf of the WCHS Band Boosters, I would like to take this time to thank the dedicated staff in the band program for all of their hard work during the 2000 marching season. Also, a big thank you to the parents for assisting with pit crew, serving as chaperones, helping to feed the kids all season long, working fund-raisers and to all of the uniform moms. In addition, thanks to the trucking companies who volunteered their services to transport our equipment throughout the marching season. Last, but certainly not least, thank you to the band members for an outstanding season. It was certainly a pleasure to be a part of the Tiger Pride Marching Band!
Barb Lindquist
President, WCHS Band Boosters
Silver Lake School
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing this letter to voice my concern and rally support against a recent proposal made by Warsaw Community School Corporation. As a viable option to reducing ADM (average daily membership) cost per student incurred by the corporation, the closing of our local elementary school in Silver Lake is being discussed.
I feel our children are at serious risk of losing the benefits our small school has offered for many years. Students and faculty alike are rewarded daily by the sense of pride in a job well done. No one falls through the cracks or is lost in the numbers in a school our size.
Not only has a quality education been afforded our children in this building, but it has also been a valued focal point in our community.
As a rational adult, I realize that "dollars and cents" play an important role in the decisions we all make. Hopefully, through the combined efforts of insightful elected officials, hard-working taxpayers, dedicated teachers and supportive parents, our kids will not be affected by a business-like decision made to cut costs without exploring all means available.
I urge all who have any interest in education, community affairs and school tax investments (this should cover everyone) to attend the upcoming Warsaw Community School Board meeting scheduled to be held on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. Let's take a close look at the process and find out how the decisions are made that affect so many.
Cindy Jones
Silver Lake
Likes Goodnight
Editor, Times-Union:As I talk with my friends as Election Day approaches, I am often reminded how cynical people have come to feel about government and politics. All too many people see elected officials as totally corrupt or as interested only in promoting their own political careers. Often, we feel that politicians are simply out of touch with average Americans. This shouldn't surprise us, because most of our representatives in Congress come from high-status occupations. Many of them quickly learn to work the system, to play the same power games that they criticized in their first campaigns. Eventually, they make fewer visits back home, become less interested in returning phone calls, and begin spending their time trying to make names for themselves in Washington, D.C.
Fortunately, in this year's election, we have an opportunity to make a change for the better. Greg Goodnight, unlike most members of Congress, actually knows what it's like to work for a living in a factory. He knows first-hand the struggles that middle class people in Indiana face in raising children, caring for their families and paying the bills for food, fuel and medicine. Once he's elected to Congress, Greg Goodnight will be totally committed to staying in touch with all of us here in the Fifth District. I believe that he'll be the sort of representative who'll return to the district often, who'll answer our mail and our calls, who'll never be afraid to exchange ideas with a constituent or debate an opponent. Greg Goodnight will be the kind of representative who will make us proud - just the kind we deserve.
Leonard Williams
North Manchester
via e-mail
Doesn't Like Buyer
Editor, Times-Union:I see in your Oct. 21 issue that seven representatives to Congress are keeping their commitment to leave Congress after three terms. Fifth district Rep. Steve Buyer is not among them.
Buyer first went to Congress on a "Throw-the-bums-out" theme - meaning, of course, his predecessor - one of the most able, accessible, hardworking, citizen representatives the 5th District has had.
Term limits was a big Buyer theme in '92: if elected, he would only stay in for three terms. Buyer's deep conviction that "career politicians" (read: my opponent, the incumbent) were bad for us, lasted about as long as it took to get to Washington (and we've hardly heard from him since).
Now after four terms, Rep Buyer has denied making his three-term promise. But alas, a lot of us heard it from his lips, and a lot more read it in the news, so denying it, or denying the denial, got messy, and the matter was dropped.
Until last week when he told the press he thinks six terms - 12 years - is about right. Gracious! Does he thinks only friendly Republicans have the elephant memory? Isn't truth-telling and keeping) one of Basic Values that Buyer and his fellow House Managers carried the (rather bloody) hatchet for? If we have a truly able, honest and in-touch representative, 12 years is too short. Otherwise, 11-1/2 years is too long.
We should help Rep. Buyer keep his promise, and vote for Greg Goodnight.
Paula Adams
North Manchester
via e-mail
P.S. Buyer also pledged to support campaign finance reform but votes against it.
Think Before You Vote
Editor, Times-Union:"Since a child at my mother's knee, I have believed in honor, ethics and right living for its own reward."
- President Harry S.Truman
Isn't it a shame that Vice President Al Gore has not accepted this belief? If he could always tell the truth, his statements on issues of vital importance to all citizens would have greater believability.
Can we trust this person to do the best job for our nation? Will our government and world leaders have faith in his word?
Exercise your right to vote ... think before you vote.
John Paul
Huntington
via e-mail
New Direction
Editor, Times-Union:Finally with the election coming up we can do some long overdue house cleaning from the filth and possibly treasonous scandals in the White House. We can say no more to the Clinton/Gore years, and set this country back on the track to being proud to be an American again. Does it make you feel good to know that the president of the United States was getting oral sex while on the phone ordering our young men in the military off to the Balkans? Do you think his mind was on the job as commander-in-chief seriously considering some of those young men may die?
Mr. Gore wants us to think he has distanced himself from the very man he stood behind and crowed was the best president in the history of the United States. From his iced tea/bathroom defense to the allegations of illegal fund-raising to the "No controlling legal authority" defense for the monks in the Buddhist Temple, there's no way you can possibly believe this man is credible to tell the truth on anything.
If things are so good in the country right now then how can there be all of these problems that Mr. Gore is bringing up as campaign issues? If all we needed to do to fix education is spend a little money and hire a few teachers, than why haven't they introduced any bills to Congress to fix it in the last eight years?
All the Democrats can do is make personal attacks on G.W. Bush saying he is an idiot and how could we feel comfortable with putting a man like that is the White House. We are sick and tired of hearing other people give their opinions on what "the American people" think about not wanting a tax cut. We don't know about you but we want our money back! The government didn't make a profit to get all of this surplus, they charged us too much money!
George W. Bush is the best choice for president and he has the best qualified team to deal with the messes of the Clinton/Gore era. He wants to give us back some of our money by not having to pay as much in the future. We are on the verge of an oil crises worse than the one of the late '70s and no one is more qualified than Bush and Cheney to handle what we are going to have to do. The military and the nation need a real leader and George W. Bush is that man. Make sure you and everyone you know gets out to vote this Nov. 7. May God bless America.
Rob and Nancy Fatchett
Warsaw
via e-mail
Bush And Education
Editor, Times-Union:After reading the many letters to the editor and seeing the different political stands I now find that it is time to voice my opinion on this presidential race. I lived 25 years of my life in Indiana and moved to Texas for a teaching job. Having taught five years in Texas I know first-hand what George W. can do for education. His expectations for the students and teachers were high. His mandatory testing proved to produce an outstanding education system. Teachers were held accountable to raise the educational hurdle. Teachers raised it and the students not only cleared it, they exceeded the limits. Students of today are facing a fast-paced world that requires them to be academically prepared. As an educator and mother, I want all children of today to be ready for tomorrow. I believe wholeheartedly that George W. will help us to raise the hurdles in America's educational system. I cannot sit back and listen to people question George W.'s stand on education. He has proven to be the man that he says he is and I can attest to that.
Kristina Long
Syracuse
via e-mail
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- Lies And Denials - Band Booster - Silver Lake School - Likes Goodnight - Doesn't Like Buyer - Think Before You Vote - New Direction - Bush And Education
Lies And Denials
Editor, Times-Union:A couple disturbing articles caught my eye last week.
1. "Chinese RU-486 maker cited." A probe by federal regulators found a history of impure and mislabeled drugs by Shanghai Hua Lian Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. The FDA knew this but still approved their making the abortion pill RU-486. This Chinese company does NOT meet FDA standards, yet Vice President Gore supports distribution of the drug! The FDA denies all. Now why doesn't this surprise me?
2. "Senators probe Gore's Russian arms deal." It seems Gore promised the USA would not interfere with Moscow's conventional arms sales on the condition the sales would end by the end of 1999, ignoring a 1992 law banning arms sales to countries the USA views as exporters of terrorism. The Clinton-Gore administration is refusing to cooperate with the Senate investigation, refusing requests for related documents and Al Gore denies everything! No meetings, no agreement, no nothing. AGAIN!
After reading these articles, this "Fable of the Snake" by Iron Eyes Cody came to mind.
Many years ago, Indian youths would go away in solitude to prepare for manhood. One such youth hiked into a beautiful valley, green with trees, bright with flowers. There he fasted. But on the third day, as he looked up at the surrounding mountains, he noticed one tall, rugged peak capped with dazzling snow. "I will test myself against that mountain," he thought. He put on his buffalo hide shirt, threw his blanket over his shoulders and set off to climb the peak.
When he reached the top, he stood on the rim of the world. He could see forever and his heart swelled with pride. Then he heard a rustle at his feet and looking down he saw a snake. Before he could move, the snake spoke. "I am about to die," said the snake. 'It is too cold for me up here and I am freezing. There is no food and I am starving. Put me under your shirt and take me down to the valley."
"No," said the youth. "I am forewarned. I know your kind. You are a rattlesnake. If I pick you up, you will bite and your bite will kill me." "Not so," said the snake. "I will treat you differently. If you do this for me, you will be special. I will not harm you." The youth resisted a while, but this was a very persuasive snake with beautiful markings. At last the youth tucked it under his shirt and carried it down the valley. There he laid it gently on the grass, when suddenly the snake coiled, rattled and leapt, biting him on the leg. "But you promised," cried the youth. "You knew what I was when you picked me up," said the snake as it slithered away.
These last eight years have been lies and denials, so for those undecided voters, remember the words of the snake. "You knew what I was when you picked me up."
Wanda Brown
Warsaw
Band Booster
Editor, Times-Union:On behalf of the WCHS Band Boosters, I would like to take this time to thank the dedicated staff in the band program for all of their hard work during the 2000 marching season. Also, a big thank you to the parents for assisting with pit crew, serving as chaperones, helping to feed the kids all season long, working fund-raisers and to all of the uniform moms. In addition, thanks to the trucking companies who volunteered their services to transport our equipment throughout the marching season. Last, but certainly not least, thank you to the band members for an outstanding season. It was certainly a pleasure to be a part of the Tiger Pride Marching Band!
Barb Lindquist
President, WCHS Band Boosters
Silver Lake School
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing this letter to voice my concern and rally support against a recent proposal made by Warsaw Community School Corporation. As a viable option to reducing ADM (average daily membership) cost per student incurred by the corporation, the closing of our local elementary school in Silver Lake is being discussed.
I feel our children are at serious risk of losing the benefits our small school has offered for many years. Students and faculty alike are rewarded daily by the sense of pride in a job well done. No one falls through the cracks or is lost in the numbers in a school our size.
Not only has a quality education been afforded our children in this building, but it has also been a valued focal point in our community.
As a rational adult, I realize that "dollars and cents" play an important role in the decisions we all make. Hopefully, through the combined efforts of insightful elected officials, hard-working taxpayers, dedicated teachers and supportive parents, our kids will not be affected by a business-like decision made to cut costs without exploring all means available.
I urge all who have any interest in education, community affairs and school tax investments (this should cover everyone) to attend the upcoming Warsaw Community School Board meeting scheduled to be held on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. Let's take a close look at the process and find out how the decisions are made that affect so many.
Cindy Jones
Silver Lake
Likes Goodnight
Editor, Times-Union:As I talk with my friends as Election Day approaches, I am often reminded how cynical people have come to feel about government and politics. All too many people see elected officials as totally corrupt or as interested only in promoting their own political careers. Often, we feel that politicians are simply out of touch with average Americans. This shouldn't surprise us, because most of our representatives in Congress come from high-status occupations. Many of them quickly learn to work the system, to play the same power games that they criticized in their first campaigns. Eventually, they make fewer visits back home, become less interested in returning phone calls, and begin spending their time trying to make names for themselves in Washington, D.C.
Fortunately, in this year's election, we have an opportunity to make a change for the better. Greg Goodnight, unlike most members of Congress, actually knows what it's like to work for a living in a factory. He knows first-hand the struggles that middle class people in Indiana face in raising children, caring for their families and paying the bills for food, fuel and medicine. Once he's elected to Congress, Greg Goodnight will be totally committed to staying in touch with all of us here in the Fifth District. I believe that he'll be the sort of representative who'll return to the district often, who'll answer our mail and our calls, who'll never be afraid to exchange ideas with a constituent or debate an opponent. Greg Goodnight will be the kind of representative who will make us proud - just the kind we deserve.
Leonard Williams
North Manchester
via e-mail
Doesn't Like Buyer
Editor, Times-Union:I see in your Oct. 21 issue that seven representatives to Congress are keeping their commitment to leave Congress after three terms. Fifth district Rep. Steve Buyer is not among them.
Buyer first went to Congress on a "Throw-the-bums-out" theme - meaning, of course, his predecessor - one of the most able, accessible, hardworking, citizen representatives the 5th District has had.
Term limits was a big Buyer theme in '92: if elected, he would only stay in for three terms. Buyer's deep conviction that "career politicians" (read: my opponent, the incumbent) were bad for us, lasted about as long as it took to get to Washington (and we've hardly heard from him since).
Now after four terms, Rep Buyer has denied making his three-term promise. But alas, a lot of us heard it from his lips, and a lot more read it in the news, so denying it, or denying the denial, got messy, and the matter was dropped.
Until last week when he told the press he thinks six terms - 12 years - is about right. Gracious! Does he thinks only friendly Republicans have the elephant memory? Isn't truth-telling and keeping) one of Basic Values that Buyer and his fellow House Managers carried the (rather bloody) hatchet for? If we have a truly able, honest and in-touch representative, 12 years is too short. Otherwise, 11-1/2 years is too long.
We should help Rep. Buyer keep his promise, and vote for Greg Goodnight.
Paula Adams
North Manchester
via e-mail
P.S. Buyer also pledged to support campaign finance reform but votes against it.
Think Before You Vote
Editor, Times-Union:"Since a child at my mother's knee, I have believed in honor, ethics and right living for its own reward."
- President Harry S.Truman
Isn't it a shame that Vice President Al Gore has not accepted this belief? If he could always tell the truth, his statements on issues of vital importance to all citizens would have greater believability.
Can we trust this person to do the best job for our nation? Will our government and world leaders have faith in his word?
Exercise your right to vote ... think before you vote.
John Paul
Huntington
via e-mail
New Direction
Editor, Times-Union:Finally with the election coming up we can do some long overdue house cleaning from the filth and possibly treasonous scandals in the White House. We can say no more to the Clinton/Gore years, and set this country back on the track to being proud to be an American again. Does it make you feel good to know that the president of the United States was getting oral sex while on the phone ordering our young men in the military off to the Balkans? Do you think his mind was on the job as commander-in-chief seriously considering some of those young men may die?
Mr. Gore wants us to think he has distanced himself from the very man he stood behind and crowed was the best president in the history of the United States. From his iced tea/bathroom defense to the allegations of illegal fund-raising to the "No controlling legal authority" defense for the monks in the Buddhist Temple, there's no way you can possibly believe this man is credible to tell the truth on anything.
If things are so good in the country right now then how can there be all of these problems that Mr. Gore is bringing up as campaign issues? If all we needed to do to fix education is spend a little money and hire a few teachers, than why haven't they introduced any bills to Congress to fix it in the last eight years?
All the Democrats can do is make personal attacks on G.W. Bush saying he is an idiot and how could we feel comfortable with putting a man like that is the White House. We are sick and tired of hearing other people give their opinions on what "the American people" think about not wanting a tax cut. We don't know about you but we want our money back! The government didn't make a profit to get all of this surplus, they charged us too much money!
George W. Bush is the best choice for president and he has the best qualified team to deal with the messes of the Clinton/Gore era. He wants to give us back some of our money by not having to pay as much in the future. We are on the verge of an oil crises worse than the one of the late '70s and no one is more qualified than Bush and Cheney to handle what we are going to have to do. The military and the nation need a real leader and George W. Bush is that man. Make sure you and everyone you know gets out to vote this Nov. 7. May God bless America.
Rob and Nancy Fatchett
Warsaw
via e-mail
Bush And Education
Editor, Times-Union:After reading the many letters to the editor and seeing the different political stands I now find that it is time to voice my opinion on this presidential race. I lived 25 years of my life in Indiana and moved to Texas for a teaching job. Having taught five years in Texas I know first-hand what George W. can do for education. His expectations for the students and teachers were high. His mandatory testing proved to produce an outstanding education system. Teachers were held accountable to raise the educational hurdle. Teachers raised it and the students not only cleared it, they exceeded the limits. Students of today are facing a fast-paced world that requires them to be academically prepared. As an educator and mother, I want all children of today to be ready for tomorrow. I believe wholeheartedly that George W. will help us to raise the hurdles in America's educational system. I cannot sit back and listen to people question George W.'s stand on education. He has proven to be the man that he says he is and I can attest to that.
Kristina Long
Syracuse
via e-mail
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