Letters to the Editor 11-14-2000
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Elect Or Pray - School, Not Jail - Citizens Academy - Cheers To School Bands - Dog Struck By Car - Revote Necessary - Pee Wee Football - Blessing In Disguise - Student ID Tags
Elect Or Pray
Editor, Times-Union:November 7, 2000: Election Day or National Day of Prayer? Which day was it? As it was actually both of these, which was the more important? I voted in the morning, but it wasn't until watching the election returns after the polls had closed that I wondered if I had yet prayed for God's guidance in the whole election. Have we all forgotten the sovereignty of God to rule the nations? And His sovereignty in choosing our leaders? Do you suppose the lesson in all this confusion is humility? Scripture says, "Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission and the existing authorities have been put there by God." (Romans 13:1) Proverbs 16:33 says, "Men cast lots to learn God's will, but God himself determines the answer." Is God calling us to pray for this election and the outcome? What if one candidate wins the electoral votes needed, but the other wins the popular vote? Is this how God votes and shows His sovereignty? 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." As citizens we need to expect a fair and just presidential election. As people of faith, we need to pray for God's guidance, grace, wisdom and help resolving this election and bringing healing to our nation.
Is one Day of Prayer on Nov. 7th enough? Is God using this election to remind us that He is sovereign? To remind us to pray? Is it working? Have you prayed yet for the election results, trusting these to God? May God bless us as we humble ourselves, pray and trust His sovereignty over our nation and the outcome of this election.
Russell Reahard
North Manchester
School, Not Jail
Editor, Times-Union:I Think that I write this letter from all of the students at WCHS. OK, so a man walks into the school with something that could hurt students, what are our ID tags going to do? After all, the only thing that school cares about is its sports and their players. Not that there is anything wrong with kids in sports. I have a lot of friend in sports. But like I said, what is a tacky, pain in the butt, picture- bearing ID tag going to do? I think I speak for ALL WCHS students. And we don't want to wear them. I want all of the people to know about this. Next you know we will need to scan in and out of the building. After all they only care about sports and not what they are there for. I mean, come on. We go to school not a jail!
Class of 2004
Keith Kreicker
Winona Lake
via e-mail
Citizens Academy
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to express my thanks to Officer Greg Oberlin and all the other officers/volunteers for the last nine weeks of the Warsaw Police Departments Citizens Academy. The Citizens Academy is a way for civilians to get involved with the Police Department and break down some of the barriers that exist. We have been given an insight over these nine weeks into some of what the officers in our department are faced with every time they put on their uniform, badge and gun. Some of the subject matter was very sensitive, but was handled with professionalism and also humor where appropriate. Police officers are not trained public speakers, but to hear these guys you would not know it at all. The thing that I realized very early on is how much these guys enjoy what they do and how seriously they care about the community in which we live. All too often we see letters about bad experiences with the Police department, I know that these happen but for every bad experience there must be at least one good one and it would be nice to see people writing about these for a change. I would highly recommend to anyone who cares about our community to sign up for next year's academy, you will experience surprise, amazement, saddness and laughter but most of all a greater respect for our Police Department.
Christine Cracknell
Claypool
via e-mail
Cheers To School Bands
Editor, Times-Union:Cheers to the Lakeview and Edgewood bands and choirs - what a great tribute on Tuesday night to our veterans!
The people of Warsaw should be very proud of their young folks and also thankful for such caring educators.
Irene King
Warsaw
Dog Struck By Car
Editor, Times-Union:On Saturday, in the early morning hours, our dog (my other child) was struck by a vehicle and killed. As most people are aware, the posted speed limit on 225S is 35 mph. However, many people feel that it is necessary to drive much faster than the posted speed. The person(s) who felt it necessary that morning to drive that fast, killed our 100-pound pet and friend. They had absolutely no regard to stop and apologize or had very little regard to stop and think about what it is putting my 10-year-old daughter and family through.
We know we were in the wrong by not having her on her leash and, believe me, we will never forget the terrible mistake that we made. I also want to thank two very kind people who did stop and offer their assistance. Their kindness will never be forgotten. We apologize for not getting their names and again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And to the person(s) in a big hurry, her name was TESS!
Jim and Roberta Long and family
Winona Lake
Revote Necessary
Editor, Times-Union:As an American voter who respects our democratic system, I feel that George W. Bush is morally bound to call for a revote in the places in Florida where confusing ballots made voting difficult. Any person who would lead America as president and says "I trust the people" should be happy to allow concerned citizens to vote their minds. Someone who says he wants to "restore honor and dignity to the White House" should not allow himself to come to power in such a questionable and possibly illegitimate way.
Al Gore won the popular vote; George Bush should acknowledge that every step should be taken to ensure the true will of the American people is heard. We have to look at why we vote in the first place - to express our desire for how the country should be governed. If thousands of people say they were not able to accurately express themselves, it should be our moral obligation to make sure this is corrected.
Jeffrey Garrett
North Manchester
via e-mail
Pee Wee Football
Kosciusko County Pee-Wee FootballEditor, Times-Union:
To the Pee-Wee Football Chargers:
I am writing this letter to congratulate the Chargers on an outstanding season. To Coach Linky and his assistants, thank you for your time and energy. We, as parents and friends of your players, could not be happier with your effort.
We know that there was a lot of talk by other coaches and parents of other teams about the Chargers "stacking" their team and also of playing too "rough." We, as Charger parents, feel that these are ridiculous accusations. The reasons that the Chargers played so well was the dedication of the coaches and the dedication of the players. The team started the season with 16 players (ages 8 and 9) and ended the season with 16 players. We also had 16 kids show up for virtually every practice.
These are a few reasons that the Chargers year was so successful.
As parents and friends of the Chargers, we are proud of Coach Linky and his assistants and would be thrilled if they were to coach our children in the future.
Chargers 18 Rams 0
Chargers 20 Packers 6
Chargers 13 Colts 0
Chargers 12 Bears 0
Chargers 25 Dolphins 6
Chargers 13 Ravens 0
Chargers 14 Cardinals 6
Congratulations Chargers!
Amy Feldman and Charger parents
Warsaw
via e-mail
Blessing In Disguise
Editor, Times-Union:Thank God we don't have an elected president yet, that will save the taxpayers over $200,000 plus travel expenses every year, it's just too bad the House and Senate didn't happen the same way. WOW! What a savings. George W. Bush is already counting his votes before they hatch, he is already making plans to move into the White House. Same-o-same-o, Al Gore is protesting the vote count. This thing could go on for a long time yet. Remind anybody of our great government system, like the great Clinton years. Yeah, right! Have a nice day.
Michael L. Stevens
Pierceton
via e-mail
Student ID Tags
Editor, Times-Union:Recently, Warsaw Community High School decided to make the students wear photo ID tags around their necks, as an incentive for safety. In the past, students have had to carry their ID cards on them at all times, but that did not mean they had to show off their horrible school picture at the same time. And do the ID lanyards really improve school safety? All of the students at Warsaw High School feel very safe, from the security cameras, to the locked doors, to Officer Morales who patrols the building throughout the school day. So why was all of that money spent on this? It seems that the school system wants to help reduce the odds of a stranger coming into the school and causing major problems. But if you think about it, all of the recent school shootings have been committed by students attending the school. So what good would visible ID tags be used for? Second of all, why such high standards for wearing them? If you are caught without your ID lanyard, you will be sent straight to the Administrator's Office and be charged with a Friday school (four hours after school on Friday). What if you forget it? Should you get a Friday school for that? I mean, everyone makes mistakes every once and a while.
I can sure tell you that I don't want to sport my picture and what grade I'm in 24-7. Does that sound like fun to you? There are other things that our school should be more concered about besides whether or not all students are wearing their lanyards. I'm not saying our safety isn't important; but what I am saying is that I don't think these ID lanyards will have any effect on our current safety, besides a whole high school of complaining students. I can almost promise you that there's no student in our high school who is excited about wearing it, or who will feel a lot safer when wearing it. No matter how good your picture is they are still an annoyance. We need to use the money to find more reasonable means of safety, or to build a new auditorium (something we don't have). I, along with all of the students at WCHS, really hope they get rid of the lanyards, and we hope the school will realize this.
Staci Wright
Warsaw
via e-mail
[[In-content Ad]]
- Elect Or Pray - School, Not Jail - Citizens Academy - Cheers To School Bands - Dog Struck By Car - Revote Necessary - Pee Wee Football - Blessing In Disguise - Student ID Tags
Elect Or Pray
Editor, Times-Union:November 7, 2000: Election Day or National Day of Prayer? Which day was it? As it was actually both of these, which was the more important? I voted in the morning, but it wasn't until watching the election returns after the polls had closed that I wondered if I had yet prayed for God's guidance in the whole election. Have we all forgotten the sovereignty of God to rule the nations? And His sovereignty in choosing our leaders? Do you suppose the lesson in all this confusion is humility? Scripture says, "Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission and the existing authorities have been put there by God." (Romans 13:1) Proverbs 16:33 says, "Men cast lots to learn God's will, but God himself determines the answer." Is God calling us to pray for this election and the outcome? What if one candidate wins the electoral votes needed, but the other wins the popular vote? Is this how God votes and shows His sovereignty? 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." As citizens we need to expect a fair and just presidential election. As people of faith, we need to pray for God's guidance, grace, wisdom and help resolving this election and bringing healing to our nation.
Is one Day of Prayer on Nov. 7th enough? Is God using this election to remind us that He is sovereign? To remind us to pray? Is it working? Have you prayed yet for the election results, trusting these to God? May God bless us as we humble ourselves, pray and trust His sovereignty over our nation and the outcome of this election.
Russell Reahard
North Manchester
School, Not Jail
Editor, Times-Union:I Think that I write this letter from all of the students at WCHS. OK, so a man walks into the school with something that could hurt students, what are our ID tags going to do? After all, the only thing that school cares about is its sports and their players. Not that there is anything wrong with kids in sports. I have a lot of friend in sports. But like I said, what is a tacky, pain in the butt, picture- bearing ID tag going to do? I think I speak for ALL WCHS students. And we don't want to wear them. I want all of the people to know about this. Next you know we will need to scan in and out of the building. After all they only care about sports and not what they are there for. I mean, come on. We go to school not a jail!
Class of 2004
Keith Kreicker
Winona Lake
via e-mail
Citizens Academy
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to express my thanks to Officer Greg Oberlin and all the other officers/volunteers for the last nine weeks of the Warsaw Police Departments Citizens Academy. The Citizens Academy is a way for civilians to get involved with the Police Department and break down some of the barriers that exist. We have been given an insight over these nine weeks into some of what the officers in our department are faced with every time they put on their uniform, badge and gun. Some of the subject matter was very sensitive, but was handled with professionalism and also humor where appropriate. Police officers are not trained public speakers, but to hear these guys you would not know it at all. The thing that I realized very early on is how much these guys enjoy what they do and how seriously they care about the community in which we live. All too often we see letters about bad experiences with the Police department, I know that these happen but for every bad experience there must be at least one good one and it would be nice to see people writing about these for a change. I would highly recommend to anyone who cares about our community to sign up for next year's academy, you will experience surprise, amazement, saddness and laughter but most of all a greater respect for our Police Department.
Christine Cracknell
Claypool
via e-mail
Cheers To School Bands
Editor, Times-Union:Cheers to the Lakeview and Edgewood bands and choirs - what a great tribute on Tuesday night to our veterans!
The people of Warsaw should be very proud of their young folks and also thankful for such caring educators.
Irene King
Warsaw
Dog Struck By Car
Editor, Times-Union:On Saturday, in the early morning hours, our dog (my other child) was struck by a vehicle and killed. As most people are aware, the posted speed limit on 225S is 35 mph. However, many people feel that it is necessary to drive much faster than the posted speed. The person(s) who felt it necessary that morning to drive that fast, killed our 100-pound pet and friend. They had absolutely no regard to stop and apologize or had very little regard to stop and think about what it is putting my 10-year-old daughter and family through.
We know we were in the wrong by not having her on her leash and, believe me, we will never forget the terrible mistake that we made. I also want to thank two very kind people who did stop and offer their assistance. Their kindness will never be forgotten. We apologize for not getting their names and again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And to the person(s) in a big hurry, her name was TESS!
Jim and Roberta Long and family
Winona Lake
Revote Necessary
Editor, Times-Union:As an American voter who respects our democratic system, I feel that George W. Bush is morally bound to call for a revote in the places in Florida where confusing ballots made voting difficult. Any person who would lead America as president and says "I trust the people" should be happy to allow concerned citizens to vote their minds. Someone who says he wants to "restore honor and dignity to the White House" should not allow himself to come to power in such a questionable and possibly illegitimate way.
Al Gore won the popular vote; George Bush should acknowledge that every step should be taken to ensure the true will of the American people is heard. We have to look at why we vote in the first place - to express our desire for how the country should be governed. If thousands of people say they were not able to accurately express themselves, it should be our moral obligation to make sure this is corrected.
Jeffrey Garrett
North Manchester
via e-mail
Pee Wee Football
Kosciusko County Pee-Wee FootballEditor, Times-Union:
To the Pee-Wee Football Chargers:
I am writing this letter to congratulate the Chargers on an outstanding season. To Coach Linky and his assistants, thank you for your time and energy. We, as parents and friends of your players, could not be happier with your effort.
We know that there was a lot of talk by other coaches and parents of other teams about the Chargers "stacking" their team and also of playing too "rough." We, as Charger parents, feel that these are ridiculous accusations. The reasons that the Chargers played so well was the dedication of the coaches and the dedication of the players. The team started the season with 16 players (ages 8 and 9) and ended the season with 16 players. We also had 16 kids show up for virtually every practice.
These are a few reasons that the Chargers year was so successful.
As parents and friends of the Chargers, we are proud of Coach Linky and his assistants and would be thrilled if they were to coach our children in the future.
Chargers 18 Rams 0
Chargers 20 Packers 6
Chargers 13 Colts 0
Chargers 12 Bears 0
Chargers 25 Dolphins 6
Chargers 13 Ravens 0
Chargers 14 Cardinals 6
Congratulations Chargers!
Amy Feldman and Charger parents
Warsaw
via e-mail
Blessing In Disguise
Editor, Times-Union:Thank God we don't have an elected president yet, that will save the taxpayers over $200,000 plus travel expenses every year, it's just too bad the House and Senate didn't happen the same way. WOW! What a savings. George W. Bush is already counting his votes before they hatch, he is already making plans to move into the White House. Same-o-same-o, Al Gore is protesting the vote count. This thing could go on for a long time yet. Remind anybody of our great government system, like the great Clinton years. Yeah, right! Have a nice day.
Michael L. Stevens
Pierceton
via e-mail
Student ID Tags
Editor, Times-Union:Recently, Warsaw Community High School decided to make the students wear photo ID tags around their necks, as an incentive for safety. In the past, students have had to carry their ID cards on them at all times, but that did not mean they had to show off their horrible school picture at the same time. And do the ID lanyards really improve school safety? All of the students at Warsaw High School feel very safe, from the security cameras, to the locked doors, to Officer Morales who patrols the building throughout the school day. So why was all of that money spent on this? It seems that the school system wants to help reduce the odds of a stranger coming into the school and causing major problems. But if you think about it, all of the recent school shootings have been committed by students attending the school. So what good would visible ID tags be used for? Second of all, why such high standards for wearing them? If you are caught without your ID lanyard, you will be sent straight to the Administrator's Office and be charged with a Friday school (four hours after school on Friday). What if you forget it? Should you get a Friday school for that? I mean, everyone makes mistakes every once and a while.
I can sure tell you that I don't want to sport my picture and what grade I'm in 24-7. Does that sound like fun to you? There are other things that our school should be more concered about besides whether or not all students are wearing their lanyards. I'm not saying our safety isn't important; but what I am saying is that I don't think these ID lanyards will have any effect on our current safety, besides a whole high school of complaining students. I can almost promise you that there's no student in our high school who is excited about wearing it, or who will feel a lot safer when wearing it. No matter how good your picture is they are still an annoyance. We need to use the money to find more reasonable means of safety, or to build a new auditorium (something we don't have). I, along with all of the students at WCHS, really hope they get rid of the lanyards, and we hope the school will realize this.
Staci Wright
Warsaw
via e-mail
[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092