Letters to the Editor 12-09-1997
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Racism - Winona Alcohol - Alcohol Sales - Father's Rights - Shoe Box Thanks - Lake City Wings Thanks
Racism
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in response to Richard Burkett's letter regarding Mrs. Roberts and her alleged comments that have caused so much controversy. I must say that initially I agreed with what Mr. Burkett was saying. That is, that what has happened to Mrs. Roberts seems to have been too harsh, although I'm not sure we know the whole story. However, that is where my agreement with Mr. Burkett ends.
First of all, his idea that just because some people prefer nice clothes and cars over a home, and that this would certainly include black people, and therefore that the comment by Mrs. Roberts is truthful, completely misses what is wrong in this situation. The problem with this kind of comment being made, especially in a teaching role in an elementary class, is that it did single out one group of people, black people. Normally we, as adults, could make the inference that Mr. Burkett has. We could conclude that she must have meant black people AS WELL AS everyone else (although that isn't always the case), but third-grade students cannot be expected to. They heard what they heard and could understandably and mistakenly conclude that only black people feel this way.
In addition, Mr. Burkett's idea that society has done black people a favor by making it difficult for them to either afford or feel comfortable living in a middle or upper class neighborhood is ridiculous. If the majority of people in this country had felt that way 150 years ago, white people would still own slaves. It would save black people the responsibility of having to own anything, of having to go to school, of having to choose a career, of having to earn a living, or of ever having to make any kind of complicated or risky decision on their own. What a relief that would be to them, right, Mr. Burkett?
Mrs. Roberts may have received too harsh a treatment for her alleged comments, but I believe that thinking like Mr. Burkett's makes it so important for us to be careful in how we express fact compared to opinion, especially in what we say to our children.
Lisa Rector
Warsaw
Winona Alcohol
Editor, Times-Union:All these letters about alcohol being sold in Winona Lake have really been quite amusing. I personally don't know how much alcohol sales will affect people in this community. I do know that alcohol abuse ruins lives. I am writing this letter in response to a recent letter to the editor titled "Billy Sunday." The letter quoted Billy Sunday as calling drinkers "dirty, low-down, whiskey-soaked, beer guzzling, bull necked, foul-mouthed, hypocrites." I really don't know who Billy Sunday was except that he was a preacher. (Neither does anyone else I talk to, for that matter.) If these words came out of Mr. Sunday's mouth, then I put very little stock in what he had to say about drinking.
The Bible is very clear on how God feels about the drunkard. However, nowhere in the Bible does Jesus go around calling people names like these. To the best of my knowledge the only people he calls hypocrites are the ones going around putting everybody else down.
As followers of Christ we need to follow God's work, not man's opinion. We are to love our neighbors, not insult them because of their shortcomings. I just hope that we are all spending as much time in prayer as we spend writing these goofy letters. As far as alcohol sales are concerned, God's will be done. I doubt that we will all become low-down sluggards if alcohol sales are allowed in Winona Lake. Personally I am more concerned with the unneeded detour around Chestnut Street. When will it all end?!
Tim Ellis
Winona Lake
Alcohol Sales
Editor, Times-Union:The two recent letters written to the editor regarding the decision to have or not to have beer, wine and alcohol in the anticipated renewal of the Winona Lake Hotel seem to feel the majority desire such spirits to be part of the new facility. I would agree, they are probably right considering where that opinion comes from - their friends who indulge and believe in such refreshments. On the contrary, my friends and supporters are of the opposite opinion because they have a knowledge and belief in the sad consequences from such imbibing, so I represent a majority, but called by some a minority, but maybe not as vocal.
I agree that 1997 has liberalism and freedom to do those things previously considered to be not desirable. But that progress or change does not make it better.
This argument seems to me to be a put-down on Christmas rather than what is good for the community. Rev. Bauer, as a man of God, has just as much right to express his beliefs as Anthony and Jessica.
These changes are all "little foxes" which slip under the fence and grow into monsters. I feel the investors and money brokers and ABC will get their way unless the "minority" opposition also makes their desires known.
Just because Stonehenge broke the ice does not make the conference hotel and restaurant obligated to follow suit.
Consider the sad and complete about-face of beautiful Disney World. What was once a family entertainment exclusively has become a secret underworld of devious participation of evil actions. But the money keeps rolling in, so why change it? I dread to think of its demise many years hence. The statistics on the sad results of intoxication are recorded in our papers daily. How many lives are lost because an innocent traveler was killed by a drunk driver? How many homes are destroyed because of a drunken and abusive husband. All alcoholics started with just a social drink. As far as designating a driver - any drunk thinks he can drive.
Does it not make any differences that Grace College is a part of Winona?
A few years ago a supper club and bar was opened in a small town north of Warsaw. Gradually it evolved into a "Pent House" attraction with exotic female and male dancers. Various disturbances occur in the neighborhood frequently.
One writer cited the availability of alcohol in town from liquor stores, grocery stores, bars and restaurants. So they will not be deprived of their access to these mind-boggling drinks.
Marianne E. Watson
North Webster
Father's Rights
Editor, Times-Union:I wanted to say "Bravo" to Tony Burchette for expressing his feelings on father's rights in Dec. 3 Times-Union. My heart ached for him as I read his letter. I raised my son alone because his father just didn't feel that way about his little boy, and it broke my heart to know what he was missing out on as he grew up without his father in his life. Thank God for my father and my two brothers for filling that big void in his life.
I think what touched me most was when Tony wrote that he would like to have 50 percent of his little girl's heart, her love and respect. I really thought about how lucky that little girl is to have him as her daddy.
Being a mother, I just can't imagine how it would be to not have your child around daily and how long the days would seem between times, but I know I have a brother that goes through it every other weekend and he and his 9-year-old son never leave each other without hugging and crying the whole afternoon before it's "go home time." I know how hard that is on both of them to have to leave one another.
So Tony, I do believe that we ladies may take some things for granted, the new tooth, the new word and many other memorable moments that happen day to day in our children's lives. I'm a grandma now of a very special little 3-year-old girl and I cherish all our memorable moments together, because I know from being a mother just how much of the little things I'm missing from her not being with me day to day. And I'm so appreciative that my son loves his little girl like I so wanted his father to love him. He's cherishing all their special moments together and he lets her know that she is Daddy's little girl every day. I thank God for fathers like you and my son and realize just how lucky those little kids are. Just keep being in their lives every little bit that you possibly can, because all those little special moments together are what keeps you going through life.
Sally Goon
Leesburg
Shoe Box Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:We would like to extend our greatest appreciation to all of those who donated items to help us with our carnival and the Romania Shoe Box Ministry. We were able to purchase many shoes along with other items. These items along with your donated items helped us send many great gifts in the guestimated amount of $9,000. Thank you again for your support.
An extra thanks goes out to Karen Stewart and Royal Home Care. May God bless each of you for your generosity.
Kandi Yates
and the Young Teen Class of
Trinity Faith Tabernacle
Lake City Wings Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The Lake City Wings, Chapter "F," wants to thank everyone who donated toys and/or money to the 1997 toy drive held at Kmart recently. Four Kosciusko County organizations were recipients of the toys. Many children will have a much better Christmas because of the generosity of the people of Kosciusko County.
The Lake City Wings members deserve a big pat on the back for time and commitment to a project that not only makes Christmas a happy time for many children, but draws communities together toward a common goal.
Georgia Tenney
Lake City Wings
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- Racism - Winona Alcohol - Alcohol Sales - Father's Rights - Shoe Box Thanks - Lake City Wings Thanks
Racism
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in response to Richard Burkett's letter regarding Mrs. Roberts and her alleged comments that have caused so much controversy. I must say that initially I agreed with what Mr. Burkett was saying. That is, that what has happened to Mrs. Roberts seems to have been too harsh, although I'm not sure we know the whole story. However, that is where my agreement with Mr. Burkett ends.
First of all, his idea that just because some people prefer nice clothes and cars over a home, and that this would certainly include black people, and therefore that the comment by Mrs. Roberts is truthful, completely misses what is wrong in this situation. The problem with this kind of comment being made, especially in a teaching role in an elementary class, is that it did single out one group of people, black people. Normally we, as adults, could make the inference that Mr. Burkett has. We could conclude that she must have meant black people AS WELL AS everyone else (although that isn't always the case), but third-grade students cannot be expected to. They heard what they heard and could understandably and mistakenly conclude that only black people feel this way.
In addition, Mr. Burkett's idea that society has done black people a favor by making it difficult for them to either afford or feel comfortable living in a middle or upper class neighborhood is ridiculous. If the majority of people in this country had felt that way 150 years ago, white people would still own slaves. It would save black people the responsibility of having to own anything, of having to go to school, of having to choose a career, of having to earn a living, or of ever having to make any kind of complicated or risky decision on their own. What a relief that would be to them, right, Mr. Burkett?
Mrs. Roberts may have received too harsh a treatment for her alleged comments, but I believe that thinking like Mr. Burkett's makes it so important for us to be careful in how we express fact compared to opinion, especially in what we say to our children.
Lisa Rector
Warsaw
Winona Alcohol
Editor, Times-Union:All these letters about alcohol being sold in Winona Lake have really been quite amusing. I personally don't know how much alcohol sales will affect people in this community. I do know that alcohol abuse ruins lives. I am writing this letter in response to a recent letter to the editor titled "Billy Sunday." The letter quoted Billy Sunday as calling drinkers "dirty, low-down, whiskey-soaked, beer guzzling, bull necked, foul-mouthed, hypocrites." I really don't know who Billy Sunday was except that he was a preacher. (Neither does anyone else I talk to, for that matter.) If these words came out of Mr. Sunday's mouth, then I put very little stock in what he had to say about drinking.
The Bible is very clear on how God feels about the drunkard. However, nowhere in the Bible does Jesus go around calling people names like these. To the best of my knowledge the only people he calls hypocrites are the ones going around putting everybody else down.
As followers of Christ we need to follow God's work, not man's opinion. We are to love our neighbors, not insult them because of their shortcomings. I just hope that we are all spending as much time in prayer as we spend writing these goofy letters. As far as alcohol sales are concerned, God's will be done. I doubt that we will all become low-down sluggards if alcohol sales are allowed in Winona Lake. Personally I am more concerned with the unneeded detour around Chestnut Street. When will it all end?!
Tim Ellis
Winona Lake
Alcohol Sales
Editor, Times-Union:The two recent letters written to the editor regarding the decision to have or not to have beer, wine and alcohol in the anticipated renewal of the Winona Lake Hotel seem to feel the majority desire such spirits to be part of the new facility. I would agree, they are probably right considering where that opinion comes from - their friends who indulge and believe in such refreshments. On the contrary, my friends and supporters are of the opposite opinion because they have a knowledge and belief in the sad consequences from such imbibing, so I represent a majority, but called by some a minority, but maybe not as vocal.
I agree that 1997 has liberalism and freedom to do those things previously considered to be not desirable. But that progress or change does not make it better.
This argument seems to me to be a put-down on Christmas rather than what is good for the community. Rev. Bauer, as a man of God, has just as much right to express his beliefs as Anthony and Jessica.
These changes are all "little foxes" which slip under the fence and grow into monsters. I feel the investors and money brokers and ABC will get their way unless the "minority" opposition also makes their desires known.
Just because Stonehenge broke the ice does not make the conference hotel and restaurant obligated to follow suit.
Consider the sad and complete about-face of beautiful Disney World. What was once a family entertainment exclusively has become a secret underworld of devious participation of evil actions. But the money keeps rolling in, so why change it? I dread to think of its demise many years hence. The statistics on the sad results of intoxication are recorded in our papers daily. How many lives are lost because an innocent traveler was killed by a drunk driver? How many homes are destroyed because of a drunken and abusive husband. All alcoholics started with just a social drink. As far as designating a driver - any drunk thinks he can drive.
Does it not make any differences that Grace College is a part of Winona?
A few years ago a supper club and bar was opened in a small town north of Warsaw. Gradually it evolved into a "Pent House" attraction with exotic female and male dancers. Various disturbances occur in the neighborhood frequently.
One writer cited the availability of alcohol in town from liquor stores, grocery stores, bars and restaurants. So they will not be deprived of their access to these mind-boggling drinks.
Marianne E. Watson
North Webster
Father's Rights
Editor, Times-Union:I wanted to say "Bravo" to Tony Burchette for expressing his feelings on father's rights in Dec. 3 Times-Union. My heart ached for him as I read his letter. I raised my son alone because his father just didn't feel that way about his little boy, and it broke my heart to know what he was missing out on as he grew up without his father in his life. Thank God for my father and my two brothers for filling that big void in his life.
I think what touched me most was when Tony wrote that he would like to have 50 percent of his little girl's heart, her love and respect. I really thought about how lucky that little girl is to have him as her daddy.
Being a mother, I just can't imagine how it would be to not have your child around daily and how long the days would seem between times, but I know I have a brother that goes through it every other weekend and he and his 9-year-old son never leave each other without hugging and crying the whole afternoon before it's "go home time." I know how hard that is on both of them to have to leave one another.
So Tony, I do believe that we ladies may take some things for granted, the new tooth, the new word and many other memorable moments that happen day to day in our children's lives. I'm a grandma now of a very special little 3-year-old girl and I cherish all our memorable moments together, because I know from being a mother just how much of the little things I'm missing from her not being with me day to day. And I'm so appreciative that my son loves his little girl like I so wanted his father to love him. He's cherishing all their special moments together and he lets her know that she is Daddy's little girl every day. I thank God for fathers like you and my son and realize just how lucky those little kids are. Just keep being in their lives every little bit that you possibly can, because all those little special moments together are what keeps you going through life.
Sally Goon
Leesburg
Shoe Box Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:We would like to extend our greatest appreciation to all of those who donated items to help us with our carnival and the Romania Shoe Box Ministry. We were able to purchase many shoes along with other items. These items along with your donated items helped us send many great gifts in the guestimated amount of $9,000. Thank you again for your support.
An extra thanks goes out to Karen Stewart and Royal Home Care. May God bless each of you for your generosity.
Kandi Yates
and the Young Teen Class of
Trinity Faith Tabernacle
Lake City Wings Thanks
Editor, Times-Union:The Lake City Wings, Chapter "F," wants to thank everyone who donated toys and/or money to the 1997 toy drive held at Kmart recently. Four Kosciusko County organizations were recipients of the toys. Many children will have a much better Christmas because of the generosity of the people of Kosciusko County.
The Lake City Wings members deserve a big pat on the back for time and commitment to a project that not only makes Christmas a happy time for many children, but draws communities together toward a common goal.
Georgia Tenney
Lake City Wings
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