Letters to the Editor 11-06-2000
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Good Job, Tigers - Rights Of Children - AIDS Class
Good Job, Tigers
Editor, Times-Union:Thanks to the Tigers.
Well, there's no doubt that the loss of a game with the potential magnitude of the Tigers vs. Penn is difficult to accept. All of us - parents, fans and especially players - will look back to the game for years to come with thoughts of what might have been. Most of all, those seniors on the team who gave so much.
But, it would be wrong to stop there - to remember this season only by the loss at Penn. It would be wrong for Tiger fans not to appreciate all that this football team accomplished. This team deserves a huge ovation for a GREAT SEASON! We all shuddered when Homestead marched onto Fisher Field with their huge quarterback and then we were practically dumbfounded and exultant as the Tigers shocked him and his team back to reality in a thrilling game. We cheered as the Tigers clawed out a hard-fought victory over the revenge-minded Goshen Redskins. And what a game at Northwood! "The corner had been turned." The Tigers were for real; our long-time nemesis was humbled and the future bright and exciting. The Tigers' second consecutive conference championship and first outright title in a long time!
Yes, these Tigers achieved a lot, a giant step forward. What's more, a vision of a future with hope and promise. This year's Tigers lifted our program to firm rooting at the championship level, with the right to be recognized and respected around the state and to be mentioned among the best.
What a year! I can't tell you players how many times I heard people say "We certainly got our money's worth tonight." Thank you, Tigers, for a great season - for your work at practice, for your sacrifices for the team, for your fighting spirit. You guys "played like champions." Thank you too, coaches and helpers, for your time, your effort, your investment in our young men. The 2000 Tigers will be remembered for a great season.
John Erickson
Warsaw
Rights Of Children
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in response to Deb Pennington's letter published Sept. 18. I sincerely commend any person who is willing to step forward and defend the rights of a child they don't even know. This willingness displays not only a kind heart and conscience, but also courage. Enough courage to look a child in the eye and let them know they are not alone. And courage enough to look the perpetrator in the eye and say "No More."
So many times we choose to turn away and ignore what is happening around us because we find it disgusting or embarrassing. If we, as adults, see it this way, how must an innocent child see it?
Having been a Court Appointed Special Advocate for two years, I am constantly learning more about the workings of our judicial system. Laws and guidelines are confusing and constantly changing. When dealing with our judicial system, most adults become frustrated and confused. Is it surprising that children don't understand how this system works either?
Children don't understand what a "continuance" or "plea bargain" is. Unfortunately, many children understand the humiliation of having vulgar words yelled in their face, the terror of knowing they are about to be hit and the powerless feeling of having an adult touch them in a "bad way." What a shame, that an innocent child understands and often accepts this behavior as being normal. What a shame that this society spends countless dollars to protect the rights of a perpetrator over the victim. What a shame, when members of this society turn their heads and look the other way allowing this behavior to continue.
We have many fine programs such as DARE, "Just Say No To Drugs" and "Bad Touch, Good Touch," to name a few, but how many of us are really willing to get involved personally? Nothing makes more impact in the life of a child than interaction with adults in a positive manner.
I agree with Ms. Pennington that we, as adults, must do our part to protect all children. Whether we are confronting the perpetrator in an attempt to stop the abuse, reporting any suspicion of abuse or neglect to the proper authorities or, like myself, becoming the voice of the child in court. We must challenge ourselves and the judges who make the final decision to listen to these children and to act on their behalf. Give these children a chance for a normal and happy life. Chances are this was not the perpetrator's first offense of abuse or molestation. It was just their first time of being caught.
These children are our future. Help to give back their dignity and self-worth. Get involved.
Henrietta Bumgardner
CASA of Kosciusko County
Warsaw
AIDS Class
Editor, Times-Union:How many parents went Monday night to see the presentation our fifth-graders will be seeing on AIDS, HIV and the facts of life? I am concerned that the children are learning exactly what sexual activity means so the school corporation can explain HIV virus and AIDS. Of course, big words like abstinence and immune system are used to discourage the behavior they explain.
My question is why fifth grade instead of the seventh grade? Are fifth-graders responsible enough with this information to not teach it to the younger kids or discuss their new-found information? How will schools keep the children from discussing this on the playground and on the buses when younger children are present?
Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles write your child's principal and let them know how you feel. Please let the schools know you are out there!
Ann M. Harman
Warsaw
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- Good Job, Tigers - Rights Of Children - AIDS Class
Good Job, Tigers
Editor, Times-Union:Thanks to the Tigers.
Well, there's no doubt that the loss of a game with the potential magnitude of the Tigers vs. Penn is difficult to accept. All of us - parents, fans and especially players - will look back to the game for years to come with thoughts of what might have been. Most of all, those seniors on the team who gave so much.
But, it would be wrong to stop there - to remember this season only by the loss at Penn. It would be wrong for Tiger fans not to appreciate all that this football team accomplished. This team deserves a huge ovation for a GREAT SEASON! We all shuddered when Homestead marched onto Fisher Field with their huge quarterback and then we were practically dumbfounded and exultant as the Tigers shocked him and his team back to reality in a thrilling game. We cheered as the Tigers clawed out a hard-fought victory over the revenge-minded Goshen Redskins. And what a game at Northwood! "The corner had been turned." The Tigers were for real; our long-time nemesis was humbled and the future bright and exciting. The Tigers' second consecutive conference championship and first outright title in a long time!
Yes, these Tigers achieved a lot, a giant step forward. What's more, a vision of a future with hope and promise. This year's Tigers lifted our program to firm rooting at the championship level, with the right to be recognized and respected around the state and to be mentioned among the best.
What a year! I can't tell you players how many times I heard people say "We certainly got our money's worth tonight." Thank you, Tigers, for a great season - for your work at practice, for your sacrifices for the team, for your fighting spirit. You guys "played like champions." Thank you too, coaches and helpers, for your time, your effort, your investment in our young men. The 2000 Tigers will be remembered for a great season.
John Erickson
Warsaw
Rights Of Children
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in response to Deb Pennington's letter published Sept. 18. I sincerely commend any person who is willing to step forward and defend the rights of a child they don't even know. This willingness displays not only a kind heart and conscience, but also courage. Enough courage to look a child in the eye and let them know they are not alone. And courage enough to look the perpetrator in the eye and say "No More."
So many times we choose to turn away and ignore what is happening around us because we find it disgusting or embarrassing. If we, as adults, see it this way, how must an innocent child see it?
Having been a Court Appointed Special Advocate for two years, I am constantly learning more about the workings of our judicial system. Laws and guidelines are confusing and constantly changing. When dealing with our judicial system, most adults become frustrated and confused. Is it surprising that children don't understand how this system works either?
Children don't understand what a "continuance" or "plea bargain" is. Unfortunately, many children understand the humiliation of having vulgar words yelled in their face, the terror of knowing they are about to be hit and the powerless feeling of having an adult touch them in a "bad way." What a shame, that an innocent child understands and often accepts this behavior as being normal. What a shame that this society spends countless dollars to protect the rights of a perpetrator over the victim. What a shame, when members of this society turn their heads and look the other way allowing this behavior to continue.
We have many fine programs such as DARE, "Just Say No To Drugs" and "Bad Touch, Good Touch," to name a few, but how many of us are really willing to get involved personally? Nothing makes more impact in the life of a child than interaction with adults in a positive manner.
I agree with Ms. Pennington that we, as adults, must do our part to protect all children. Whether we are confronting the perpetrator in an attempt to stop the abuse, reporting any suspicion of abuse or neglect to the proper authorities or, like myself, becoming the voice of the child in court. We must challenge ourselves and the judges who make the final decision to listen to these children and to act on their behalf. Give these children a chance for a normal and happy life. Chances are this was not the perpetrator's first offense of abuse or molestation. It was just their first time of being caught.
These children are our future. Help to give back their dignity and self-worth. Get involved.
Henrietta Bumgardner
CASA of Kosciusko County
Warsaw
AIDS Class
Editor, Times-Union:How many parents went Monday night to see the presentation our fifth-graders will be seeing on AIDS, HIV and the facts of life? I am concerned that the children are learning exactly what sexual activity means so the school corporation can explain HIV virus and AIDS. Of course, big words like abstinence and immune system are used to discourage the behavior they explain.
My question is why fifth grade instead of the seventh grade? Are fifth-graders responsible enough with this information to not teach it to the younger kids or discuss their new-found information? How will schools keep the children from discussing this on the playground and on the buses when younger children are present?
Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles write your child's principal and let them know how you feel. Please let the schools know you are out there!
Ann M. Harman
Warsaw
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