Letters to the Editor 11-27-2001
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Budget Woes - Parents Say Thanks - Thieves Strike SAC - Moment Of Silence - Taxpayers Beware - Freedom Of Religion - Milford Says Thanks - Cemetery Needs Care - Tombstone Law
Budget Woes
Editor, Times-Union:Like many of you, I spent last Thursday night (Nov. 15) watching the governor's address to the citizens of Indiana on the current fiscal status of the state.
Later, I received a copy of the governor's speech. Once again, the governor and his administration are using scare tactics to convince the people of Indiana that their government needs more tax money, or else "we'll have to cut virtually every service the state offers."
As the governor said in his own words, "If your legislators fail to act, I will have no choice but to make painful cuts in spending for public schools and universities, public safety and health care." Is the governor of Indiana actually threatening Hoosiers to back his plan or suffer consequences? The governor has overstated the problem! There is enough money for the governor to manage the budget through this biennium without cutting education and health care.
Tax increases are not the answer. Don't let the administration fool you into thinking their plans to increase taxes do not overlap and they are separate matters. A tax increase is a tax increase! So far Gov. O'Bannon and Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan want to raise the sales tax by 20 percent, while in addition increasing the state income tax as much as 29 percent. Also, he wants to increase taxes on cigarettes and gambling boats. Yet, even with all these tax hikes, property taxes still may increase by almost 13 percent. Where will the pursuit of the almighty dollar take the governor next?
Our state won't have a billion dollar debt because we haven't taxed enough; we'll have a billion dollar debt because we spend too much. It's time for the government to live within the state's means and stop the mismanagement and waste that have gone unchecked in his administration.
Now the state wants more money to fund its spending addiction. Yet it seems that the governor himself realizes the advantages of tax reductions when discussing the tax cuts paid for by the surplus.
"The (previous) tax cuts helped Hoosier families. They helped your children and your grandchildren. They helped you," O'Bannon said in his Thursday speech. Does the governor then not realize that raising taxes on Hoosier families will have the opposite effect? When mom and dad give more of their paychecks to the government, they have less for their family. When grandma and grandpa buy a gallon of milk, they won't have as much money to pay other bills. In tough economic times like these, every cent matters. We cannot fund mismanaged government on the backs of Indiana citizens. Hoosier families are making tough choices and it is only fair the state do that as well.
I do agree with the governor in one respect: It is important to let your legislators know how you feel about these proposed tax increases. Feel free to call my Senate office at 800-382-9467. We will forward your call to the governor so you can tell him what you think.
The time has come to take a stand against bigger government. Make sure Gov. O'Bannon and Lt. Gov. Kernan know that Hoosiers want to stop feeding the green monster called government and start spending their hard-earned dollars on themselves and their families.
State Sen. Kent Adams
District 9
Warsaw
Parents Say Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who came to the aid of our children, Robby & Melissa Kissling, in the aftermath of the tornado that struck their home on the evening of Wednesday the 24th of October.
We're especially grateful to their neighbor, Dan, who, thinking Melissa may have been in the house, forced his way in through a buckled garage door to check on her safety. We're also grateful for the people who were there immediately afterward and helped move furniture and belongings to the safety of the first floor and basement. We don't know who you are, but your efforts are all the more appreciated as you had no way of knowing how structurally sound the home was or if what roof remained would not give way.
With the help of their insurance company we were able to line up contractors and movers to help with the cleanup, and by the end of the day on Thursday, a temporary roof was installed to prevent further damage to the interior of the home. By the end of that same day a relocation company had moved much of Robby and Melissa's furniture into storage.
Through the efforts of a local realtor rental housing was quickly located. A local dry cleaner took an untold number of garbage bags filled with clothing, linens, bedding etc., all of which were either wet from the rain or covered with attic insulation.
A big thank-you also to friends and neighbors who helped board broken windows, brought food, flashlights, generators or opened their own homes to Robby & Melissa as a place to get out of the wind and cold.
Time will pass, their home will be rebuilt and their lives will go on, but we will always remember the efforts of those who came to their aid in their time of need.
John & Alison Kissling
Indianapolis, Ind.
Allen & Peggy Schieber
Logansport, Ind.
via e-mail
Thieves Strike SAC
Editor, Times-Union:The Kosciusko Community Senior Activity Center has been robbed. Yes, thieves struck the SAC and got away with a new 35-inch television, Zenith stereo system and a VCR on Nov. 13. Our seniors who visit the SAC were truly devastated. Many of our seniors enjoyed coming to the SAC to watch movies and share in conversation while watching the news. This is one way our seniors get together to enjoy the company of others. Now, we have people sitting in our living room area only to stare at a blank wall. We need the help of our community. We are a nonprofit organization and need your help to defray the cost of replacing these items. Please call the SAC at 268-2132 to see how you can help.
April Baxter
SAC Director
Moment Of Silence
Editor, Times-Union:With reference to the article regarding of the county commissioners suggesting that schools pledge allegiance to the flag each day and have a moment of silence each day, I was shocked at their response. No wonder patriotism is not taught in our schools. I hope that they don't turn around "God Bless America" to "America Bless God." It might cause them to run and hide. Shame on the superintendents, cheers to the county commissioners.
Dale Tucker
Warsaw
Taxpayers Beware
Editor, Times-Union:Is it right for the taxpayers of Warsaw and other communities to keep paying taxes to the government to warehouse rehabilitated/reformed prisoners? I think not! People were sent to prison for punishment, not to be continually punished after rehabilitation has been achieved.
This is very costly to taxpayers and not to mention the status of one's mind after being reformed. I speak out of ignorance for other prisoners, but not for myself. It costs umpteen dollars a day, not to mention months and years, to keep a prisoner in prison after he is rehabilitated.
For me, it costs more than an average prisoner due to the fact that I have to be supplied with a walker, wheelchair and medication, so this adds to the health care costs as well. Is this money being used wisely?
The next 22 months of my incarceration, think about where your money is going.
Are your tax dollars being used wisely by the courts and the Department of Corrections?
Charles F. Robinson I, Warsaw
Westville Correctional Facility
Freedom Of Religion
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is meant to encourage the debate about religious freedom among the general public.
Freedom of religion is the right of each person to peacefully practice a particular religion or no religion at all, shall not be infringed upon by any part or whole of any government, whether at the local, state, national or international levels.
General infringement includes the following: extermination, massacres, capital punishment, torture, being sent to a re-education (brainwashing) camp or mental institution, manual labor, imprisonment, deportation, monetary fines, asset forfeiture, segregation, publicly apologizing for religious views and increased taxes as punishment.
Specific infringement includes the following: compulsory church attendance/non-attendance, taxpayer supported churches, destruction of religious symbols, relics and institutions, editing of religious texts, removal of religious symbols, relics, texts from your person or property, having to obtain a permit to preach or forced religious conversion.
Freedom of religion applies to all persons, whether Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, pagan, atheist, etc., and no member of these groups should suffer any type of punishment of the general or specific infringement lists because of their religious viewpoint.
Alex Houze
U.S. citizen
Leesburg
!eend
Triton Players Say Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:
The Triton Jr.-Sr. High School Players would like to extend a special thank-you to local sponsors who assisted in the production of "Charley's Aunt."
We appreciate the various businesses, organizations and individuals for donating the use of various pieces of furniture, for allowing the players to use costumes and various props, for supplying food and for donating their time and props to the cast; the parents and families of the cast and crew; the Triton Jr.-Sr. High School custodial staff; and the area newspapers.
Without the help of the many supporters of the arts, "Charley's Aunt" would not have been possible. Thank you all!
Triton Jr.-Sr. High School Players
Bourbon
via e-mail
Milford Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The Milford Area Development committee wishes to thank the people who responded to their recent letter soliciting funds for the Milford Community Building.
Because of escalating utilities and maintenance costs along with dwindling rentals, contributions are always appreciated and used with care. They may be mailed to P.O. Box 46, Milford, IN 46542, or given to any of the committee members.
The Milford Community Building is a convenient and pleasant place with ample parking for business meetings, family gatherings and private parties. Call Angie Hostetler at 658-9219 for reservations.
Berniece H. Dwyer
Milford
Cemetery Needs Care
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to know who is responsible for the caretaking of the North Webster Cementery.
The last few times I have been there, it needed mowed, but this time, on Nov. 21, it was a total disgrace. There is 4 to 6 inches of leaves on top of unmowed grass, with tree branches and twigs all over the place. I had to use my feet and hands to clean in front of the tombstones to be able to put on new decorations.
I would like the responsible person to send the answer to this paper for all to see, because I don't think there is an excuse good enough to show this kind of disrespect to us who have family, friends, etc., buried there.
Sandra F. Hill
Warsaw
Tombstone Law
Editor, Times-Union:It was my misfortune to find out that it is against federal law to have both a tombstone and a government plaque on the same gravesite. My husband, Francis V. McGuire, was in both WWII and the Korean War and was very much a patriotic citizen. He had mentioned that he was entitled to have one of those beautiful plaques. They are expensive, but I would be willing to buy it. He is laid to rest in the Warsaw Oakwood Cemetery. They told me they changed the law in 1999. It is a real shame as I feel anyone who fought for his country deserves to have one.
Norma McGuire
Warsaw
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- Budget Woes - Parents Say Thanks - Thieves Strike SAC - Moment Of Silence - Taxpayers Beware - Freedom Of Religion - Milford Says Thanks - Cemetery Needs Care - Tombstone Law
Budget Woes
Editor, Times-Union:Like many of you, I spent last Thursday night (Nov. 15) watching the governor's address to the citizens of Indiana on the current fiscal status of the state.
Later, I received a copy of the governor's speech. Once again, the governor and his administration are using scare tactics to convince the people of Indiana that their government needs more tax money, or else "we'll have to cut virtually every service the state offers."
As the governor said in his own words, "If your legislators fail to act, I will have no choice but to make painful cuts in spending for public schools and universities, public safety and health care." Is the governor of Indiana actually threatening Hoosiers to back his plan or suffer consequences? The governor has overstated the problem! There is enough money for the governor to manage the budget through this biennium without cutting education and health care.
Tax increases are not the answer. Don't let the administration fool you into thinking their plans to increase taxes do not overlap and they are separate matters. A tax increase is a tax increase! So far Gov. O'Bannon and Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan want to raise the sales tax by 20 percent, while in addition increasing the state income tax as much as 29 percent. Also, he wants to increase taxes on cigarettes and gambling boats. Yet, even with all these tax hikes, property taxes still may increase by almost 13 percent. Where will the pursuit of the almighty dollar take the governor next?
Our state won't have a billion dollar debt because we haven't taxed enough; we'll have a billion dollar debt because we spend too much. It's time for the government to live within the state's means and stop the mismanagement and waste that have gone unchecked in his administration.
Now the state wants more money to fund its spending addiction. Yet it seems that the governor himself realizes the advantages of tax reductions when discussing the tax cuts paid for by the surplus.
"The (previous) tax cuts helped Hoosier families. They helped your children and your grandchildren. They helped you," O'Bannon said in his Thursday speech. Does the governor then not realize that raising taxes on Hoosier families will have the opposite effect? When mom and dad give more of their paychecks to the government, they have less for their family. When grandma and grandpa buy a gallon of milk, they won't have as much money to pay other bills. In tough economic times like these, every cent matters. We cannot fund mismanaged government on the backs of Indiana citizens. Hoosier families are making tough choices and it is only fair the state do that as well.
I do agree with the governor in one respect: It is important to let your legislators know how you feel about these proposed tax increases. Feel free to call my Senate office at 800-382-9467. We will forward your call to the governor so you can tell him what you think.
The time has come to take a stand against bigger government. Make sure Gov. O'Bannon and Lt. Gov. Kernan know that Hoosiers want to stop feeding the green monster called government and start spending their hard-earned dollars on themselves and their families.
State Sen. Kent Adams
District 9
Warsaw
Parents Say Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who came to the aid of our children, Robby & Melissa Kissling, in the aftermath of the tornado that struck their home on the evening of Wednesday the 24th of October.
We're especially grateful to their neighbor, Dan, who, thinking Melissa may have been in the house, forced his way in through a buckled garage door to check on her safety. We're also grateful for the people who were there immediately afterward and helped move furniture and belongings to the safety of the first floor and basement. We don't know who you are, but your efforts are all the more appreciated as you had no way of knowing how structurally sound the home was or if what roof remained would not give way.
With the help of their insurance company we were able to line up contractors and movers to help with the cleanup, and by the end of the day on Thursday, a temporary roof was installed to prevent further damage to the interior of the home. By the end of that same day a relocation company had moved much of Robby and Melissa's furniture into storage.
Through the efforts of a local realtor rental housing was quickly located. A local dry cleaner took an untold number of garbage bags filled with clothing, linens, bedding etc., all of which were either wet from the rain or covered with attic insulation.
A big thank-you also to friends and neighbors who helped board broken windows, brought food, flashlights, generators or opened their own homes to Robby & Melissa as a place to get out of the wind and cold.
Time will pass, their home will be rebuilt and their lives will go on, but we will always remember the efforts of those who came to their aid in their time of need.
John & Alison Kissling
Indianapolis, Ind.
Allen & Peggy Schieber
Logansport, Ind.
via e-mail
Thieves Strike SAC
Editor, Times-Union:The Kosciusko Community Senior Activity Center has been robbed. Yes, thieves struck the SAC and got away with a new 35-inch television, Zenith stereo system and a VCR on Nov. 13. Our seniors who visit the SAC were truly devastated. Many of our seniors enjoyed coming to the SAC to watch movies and share in conversation while watching the news. This is one way our seniors get together to enjoy the company of others. Now, we have people sitting in our living room area only to stare at a blank wall. We need the help of our community. We are a nonprofit organization and need your help to defray the cost of replacing these items. Please call the SAC at 268-2132 to see how you can help.
April Baxter
SAC Director
Moment Of Silence
Editor, Times-Union:With reference to the article regarding of the county commissioners suggesting that schools pledge allegiance to the flag each day and have a moment of silence each day, I was shocked at their response. No wonder patriotism is not taught in our schools. I hope that they don't turn around "God Bless America" to "America Bless God." It might cause them to run and hide. Shame on the superintendents, cheers to the county commissioners.
Dale Tucker
Warsaw
Taxpayers Beware
Editor, Times-Union:Is it right for the taxpayers of Warsaw and other communities to keep paying taxes to the government to warehouse rehabilitated/reformed prisoners? I think not! People were sent to prison for punishment, not to be continually punished after rehabilitation has been achieved.
This is very costly to taxpayers and not to mention the status of one's mind after being reformed. I speak out of ignorance for other prisoners, but not for myself. It costs umpteen dollars a day, not to mention months and years, to keep a prisoner in prison after he is rehabilitated.
For me, it costs more than an average prisoner due to the fact that I have to be supplied with a walker, wheelchair and medication, so this adds to the health care costs as well. Is this money being used wisely?
The next 22 months of my incarceration, think about where your money is going.
Are your tax dollars being used wisely by the courts and the Department of Corrections?
Charles F. Robinson I, Warsaw
Westville Correctional Facility
Freedom Of Religion
Editor, Times-Union:This letter is meant to encourage the debate about religious freedom among the general public.
Freedom of religion is the right of each person to peacefully practice a particular religion or no religion at all, shall not be infringed upon by any part or whole of any government, whether at the local, state, national or international levels.
General infringement includes the following: extermination, massacres, capital punishment, torture, being sent to a re-education (brainwashing) camp or mental institution, manual labor, imprisonment, deportation, monetary fines, asset forfeiture, segregation, publicly apologizing for religious views and increased taxes as punishment.
Specific infringement includes the following: compulsory church attendance/non-attendance, taxpayer supported churches, destruction of religious symbols, relics and institutions, editing of religious texts, removal of religious symbols, relics, texts from your person or property, having to obtain a permit to preach or forced religious conversion.
Freedom of religion applies to all persons, whether Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, pagan, atheist, etc., and no member of these groups should suffer any type of punishment of the general or specific infringement lists because of their religious viewpoint.
Alex Houze
U.S. citizen
Leesburg
!eend
Triton Players Say Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:
The Triton Jr.-Sr. High School Players would like to extend a special thank-you to local sponsors who assisted in the production of "Charley's Aunt."
We appreciate the various businesses, organizations and individuals for donating the use of various pieces of furniture, for allowing the players to use costumes and various props, for supplying food and for donating their time and props to the cast; the parents and families of the cast and crew; the Triton Jr.-Sr. High School custodial staff; and the area newspapers.
Without the help of the many supporters of the arts, "Charley's Aunt" would not have been possible. Thank you all!
Triton Jr.-Sr. High School Players
Bourbon
via e-mail
Milford Says Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The Milford Area Development committee wishes to thank the people who responded to their recent letter soliciting funds for the Milford Community Building.
Because of escalating utilities and maintenance costs along with dwindling rentals, contributions are always appreciated and used with care. They may be mailed to P.O. Box 46, Milford, IN 46542, or given to any of the committee members.
The Milford Community Building is a convenient and pleasant place with ample parking for business meetings, family gatherings and private parties. Call Angie Hostetler at 658-9219 for reservations.
Berniece H. Dwyer
Milford
Cemetery Needs Care
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to know who is responsible for the caretaking of the North Webster Cementery.
The last few times I have been there, it needed mowed, but this time, on Nov. 21, it was a total disgrace. There is 4 to 6 inches of leaves on top of unmowed grass, with tree branches and twigs all over the place. I had to use my feet and hands to clean in front of the tombstones to be able to put on new decorations.
I would like the responsible person to send the answer to this paper for all to see, because I don't think there is an excuse good enough to show this kind of disrespect to us who have family, friends, etc., buried there.
Sandra F. Hill
Warsaw
Tombstone Law
Editor, Times-Union:It was my misfortune to find out that it is against federal law to have both a tombstone and a government plaque on the same gravesite. My husband, Francis V. McGuire, was in both WWII and the Korean War and was very much a patriotic citizen. He had mentioned that he was entitled to have one of those beautiful plaques. They are expensive, but I would be willing to buy it. He is laid to rest in the Warsaw Oakwood Cemetery. They told me they changed the law in 1999. It is a real shame as I feel anyone who fought for his country deserves to have one.
Norma McGuire
Warsaw
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