Letters to the Editor 12-11-2000
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Animals - Manchester Gym - Teens Charged - Worn Out Claptrap - Election
Animals
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to respond to a letter written by Eileen Moore last week that had some incorrect facts that need to be rectified. Information contained in the letter needs to be corrected so that the general population does not infer a wrong idea about some pets. I too have been raised around animals all of my life, I have made it my life's work to be a part of the agriculture industry and learn as much as I can to give information to others. From these studies and experiences, I have come to realize that domesticated animals are still animals. Dogs originate from coyotes and wolves. Unless the dogs have been developed for use of herding or protecting (most are not) they will possibly attack other animals. Even those dogs that are well fed and cared for will get into the spirit of the chase for the fun of it. You can verify this with most farmers who have lost sheep, small pigs, calves or even small ponies to dog attacks. In most cases these are stray dogs or coydogs, but not always. I have known several farmers that have had to shoot neighbors' dogs and I have even had to put down my own dog, which I cared for deeply, but once they get a taste for the blood can never be trusted again. These dogs do it for the thrill. They seldom eat their victim, they just kill one after another.
Cats are a little different, they do hunt just like the article says, but to say they never eat the results is misleading. Cats have this need to show their master the kill. Many times they will bring the kill to the porch or other common place and leave it for the owner to find. If left alone they will many times go back and eat the prey at a later time, other times they just leave it for you. Cats are one of the major contributors to the decline of song birds in the U.S., both stray and pets.
I understand the strong feelings some have about hunting deer. They seem so peaceful and graceful as they bound over the field, but they too need to feed on something. Deer cause millions of dollars in damage every year. We have removed all the natural predators from the state of Indiana. The only predator left is man.
I would suggest a few simple solutions to most of the problems that the article brings up.
1. If you do not plan to breed your dog or cats for selling purposes, have them spayed or neutered.
2. If you own a cat or dog and you decide you do not want it anymore, give it to someone that does or take it to the shelter.
3. Keep animals contained when you're not at home. I know that you want to let them roam, but you do not know where they are or what might happen to them.
4. If you hit an animal, try to find out who the owner is and let them know. It may not be your fault but is the courteous and polite thing to do. You can at least say that you made the effort.
Remember that pet owners have a responsibility to their pets and others. If all of us would try on the shoes of others and walk a mile or two in them, you may just change your attitude a little.
David Addison
Columbia City
via e-mail
Editor's Note: This letter was edited to conform more closely to the 500-word limit stated in our Letters Policy.
Manchester Gym
Editor, Times-Union:I guess that title will have to do. I do not really know who will receive this letter. I guess the problem is more of who will receive it in time. I should perhaps begin with the dilemma and then let the recipients (once again, I am not sure of who they will be) decide on the best course of action, because I am out of answers.
My name is Janet Wasson and I am currently a sophomore at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind. It is a little known Brethren school, but it has a large history with a well-known figure. In what is now referred to by the students and faculty as the "Old Auditorium" or the "Old Gym," Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his last speech at any educational institution of higher learning. We've all heard the stories and though we may not speak of it often, it is always there in the backs of our minds: on our way to Monday morning Convocation; when we check out books in the Funderburg Library; when we check out people of the opposite sex on the mall. I love Manchester College and am very glad I chose to attend this school. I was aware of its size before I registered. This is actually one of the reasons I chose it. I also connected with the pride the people of Manchester College have for this institution. I wanted something I could be proud of.
Unfortunately, I have begun to lose faith in not only the institution of Manchester College, but some of the people here as well. Let me explain. The "Old Auditorium" has been run down for some time and was finally condemned in 1998, I believe. This decline in its state has been occurring for some time now, although I was not a student here at the time. First of all, I feel that Manchester College should have noticed its decline a while ago and done something to fix it up. When I say this, I include myself, because I was a student here last year.
I personally did not know of these definite plans of demolition until approximately a week ago when the students all received an e-mail notice of the water being turned off. A letter dated Dec. 1 from our president stating the above information was sent to the student body by means of campus mail that was received on Dec. 5 in the evening.
I know that it is cheaper to tear down the building than remodel it. I know that if it were to be remodeled, the only part of it that may be able to be saved is the outer shell of it. I feel that the history it symbolizes is far more valuable than any plaque that can be put in its place. My proposal is for a museum to be made out of the shell or exterior of the building. If we were able to raise enough money for this renovation to occur, I think it should be made into a museum in the name of Dr. King or just something simple like the Manchester Museum. Anything would be fine, as long as the history and meaning are kept alive. I know it would require a vast effort including time and money, but anything is possible.
I guess this letter is a plea to anyone out there who wants to see history stay alive. I know it sounds corny, but that is my wish for this holiday season.
Thank you so much for your time.
Janet Wasson
Manchester College
via e-mail
Editor's Note: This letter was edited to conform more closely to the 500-word limit stated in our Letters Policy.
Teens Charged
Editor, Times-Union:The article titled "Teens Charged" in Monday's paper was reported incorrectly. I talked with the principal who filed charges earlier that day. There were no vulgar gestures made, no one was asked to leave. At least to my son, there were no previous warnings given. The police officer was misunderstood, not ignored, and then proceeded to curse at the boys. From what the principal told me, the vulgar gestures were from a previous incident.
My son was brought up to obey the law and not be disrespectful; this article implied these teens are rebellious lawbreakers. This was reported in poor taste on the front page and, when I asked why, I was told by the paper they can print what they want. So my only recourse is to write a letter to the editor.
I am sorry this incident happened at all and my son is taking responsibility for his actions.
Debbie Helmuth
Warsaw
Editor's Note: The information contained in the article the letter writer refers to was taken from a Warsaw Police Department report.
Worn Out Claptrap
Editor, Times-Union:After reading News Views in Saturday's paper, which sounds more like worn out Republican claptrap, I concluded you must be suffering from mental constipation. You seem to delight in hammering Democrats in general and Bill Clinton in particular. Do you recall the Republican Contract with America four years ago? The Republicans pledged to reform corporate welfare, set term limits and campaign finance reform. Republicans failed miserably to keep their pledge and are, after all, the majority party in Congress. In addition, it was a Republican president, Reagan, who gave us the Iran Contra Affair and another Republican president, Nixon, who resigned under impeachment.
Like most people, you think big government is evil. It is not a question of quantity, but rather an issue of quality. We no longer have a democratic government. What we do have is a totally corrupt government. By way of passing, I'm neither a Republican nor a Democrat, but support Ralph Nader. It's time to return government to the people rather than government of, by and for corporate America. If you feel the need to pontificate in the future, find a ladder and climb down from your ivory tower to spend some time in the real world. It would also be advisable to put on your thinking cap and review your history.
R. W. Hunter
Warsaw
Editor's Note: The Republican Congress passed 7 of 10 items in the Contract With America. Is there such a thing as worn out Green Party clap trap?
Election
Editor, Times-Union:Two schools of thought seem to dominate our presidential election and the aftermath thereof. One school says that it is over, Gore should concede and Bush be inaugurated. The other school says that while it might favor Gore, the important principal is to take time to ensure that a fair election was held. Newscasters and self-appointed political experts make faces and wring their hands over what is without doubt an unusual election. There may indeed be a constitutional crisis grow out of this and I SAY AMEN. Who the heck are we to think a single constitution written over 200 years ago with so few amendments would guide us forever? We only call them a crisis because we are a crisis junkie society - we LOVE crises! What these situations are in reality are opportunities to evaluate constitutional law in light of present conditions and circumstances. Without such situations we would have had no amendments - no Bill of Rights, no abolition of slavery, no vote for women or blacks, continued legal segregation of schools and public accommodations, etc. What are people so afraid of? That it took THIS ELECTION to realize that our electoral system is out of date, inconsistent, inequitable and antiquated? If so, I say AMEN! With the exception of the foolish, right-wing madness that gave us Prohibition (and forever established organized crime in our country), we have rarely made mistakes when evaluating constitutional issues. Let's put aside the bad drama and act like a super power - a nation capable of harmoniously evaluating a situation that may indeed necessitate changes to our Constitution.
Jeffrey Garrett
North Manchester
via e-mail
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- Animals - Manchester Gym - Teens Charged - Worn Out Claptrap - Election
Animals
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to respond to a letter written by Eileen Moore last week that had some incorrect facts that need to be rectified. Information contained in the letter needs to be corrected so that the general population does not infer a wrong idea about some pets. I too have been raised around animals all of my life, I have made it my life's work to be a part of the agriculture industry and learn as much as I can to give information to others. From these studies and experiences, I have come to realize that domesticated animals are still animals. Dogs originate from coyotes and wolves. Unless the dogs have been developed for use of herding or protecting (most are not) they will possibly attack other animals. Even those dogs that are well fed and cared for will get into the spirit of the chase for the fun of it. You can verify this with most farmers who have lost sheep, small pigs, calves or even small ponies to dog attacks. In most cases these are stray dogs or coydogs, but not always. I have known several farmers that have had to shoot neighbors' dogs and I have even had to put down my own dog, which I cared for deeply, but once they get a taste for the blood can never be trusted again. These dogs do it for the thrill. They seldom eat their victim, they just kill one after another.
Cats are a little different, they do hunt just like the article says, but to say they never eat the results is misleading. Cats have this need to show their master the kill. Many times they will bring the kill to the porch or other common place and leave it for the owner to find. If left alone they will many times go back and eat the prey at a later time, other times they just leave it for you. Cats are one of the major contributors to the decline of song birds in the U.S., both stray and pets.
I understand the strong feelings some have about hunting deer. They seem so peaceful and graceful as they bound over the field, but they too need to feed on something. Deer cause millions of dollars in damage every year. We have removed all the natural predators from the state of Indiana. The only predator left is man.
I would suggest a few simple solutions to most of the problems that the article brings up.
1. If you do not plan to breed your dog or cats for selling purposes, have them spayed or neutered.
2. If you own a cat or dog and you decide you do not want it anymore, give it to someone that does or take it to the shelter.
3. Keep animals contained when you're not at home. I know that you want to let them roam, but you do not know where they are or what might happen to them.
4. If you hit an animal, try to find out who the owner is and let them know. It may not be your fault but is the courteous and polite thing to do. You can at least say that you made the effort.
Remember that pet owners have a responsibility to their pets and others. If all of us would try on the shoes of others and walk a mile or two in them, you may just change your attitude a little.
David Addison
Columbia City
via e-mail
Editor's Note: This letter was edited to conform more closely to the 500-word limit stated in our Letters Policy.
Manchester Gym
Editor, Times-Union:I guess that title will have to do. I do not really know who will receive this letter. I guess the problem is more of who will receive it in time. I should perhaps begin with the dilemma and then let the recipients (once again, I am not sure of who they will be) decide on the best course of action, because I am out of answers.
My name is Janet Wasson and I am currently a sophomore at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind. It is a little known Brethren school, but it has a large history with a well-known figure. In what is now referred to by the students and faculty as the "Old Auditorium" or the "Old Gym," Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his last speech at any educational institution of higher learning. We've all heard the stories and though we may not speak of it often, it is always there in the backs of our minds: on our way to Monday morning Convocation; when we check out books in the Funderburg Library; when we check out people of the opposite sex on the mall. I love Manchester College and am very glad I chose to attend this school. I was aware of its size before I registered. This is actually one of the reasons I chose it. I also connected with the pride the people of Manchester College have for this institution. I wanted something I could be proud of.
Unfortunately, I have begun to lose faith in not only the institution of Manchester College, but some of the people here as well. Let me explain. The "Old Auditorium" has been run down for some time and was finally condemned in 1998, I believe. This decline in its state has been occurring for some time now, although I was not a student here at the time. First of all, I feel that Manchester College should have noticed its decline a while ago and done something to fix it up. When I say this, I include myself, because I was a student here last year.
I personally did not know of these definite plans of demolition until approximately a week ago when the students all received an e-mail notice of the water being turned off. A letter dated Dec. 1 from our president stating the above information was sent to the student body by means of campus mail that was received on Dec. 5 in the evening.
I know that it is cheaper to tear down the building than remodel it. I know that if it were to be remodeled, the only part of it that may be able to be saved is the outer shell of it. I feel that the history it symbolizes is far more valuable than any plaque that can be put in its place. My proposal is for a museum to be made out of the shell or exterior of the building. If we were able to raise enough money for this renovation to occur, I think it should be made into a museum in the name of Dr. King or just something simple like the Manchester Museum. Anything would be fine, as long as the history and meaning are kept alive. I know it would require a vast effort including time and money, but anything is possible.
I guess this letter is a plea to anyone out there who wants to see history stay alive. I know it sounds corny, but that is my wish for this holiday season.
Thank you so much for your time.
Janet Wasson
Manchester College
via e-mail
Editor's Note: This letter was edited to conform more closely to the 500-word limit stated in our Letters Policy.
Teens Charged
Editor, Times-Union:The article titled "Teens Charged" in Monday's paper was reported incorrectly. I talked with the principal who filed charges earlier that day. There were no vulgar gestures made, no one was asked to leave. At least to my son, there were no previous warnings given. The police officer was misunderstood, not ignored, and then proceeded to curse at the boys. From what the principal told me, the vulgar gestures were from a previous incident.
My son was brought up to obey the law and not be disrespectful; this article implied these teens are rebellious lawbreakers. This was reported in poor taste on the front page and, when I asked why, I was told by the paper they can print what they want. So my only recourse is to write a letter to the editor.
I am sorry this incident happened at all and my son is taking responsibility for his actions.
Debbie Helmuth
Warsaw
Editor's Note: The information contained in the article the letter writer refers to was taken from a Warsaw Police Department report.
Worn Out Claptrap
Editor, Times-Union:After reading News Views in Saturday's paper, which sounds more like worn out Republican claptrap, I concluded you must be suffering from mental constipation. You seem to delight in hammering Democrats in general and Bill Clinton in particular. Do you recall the Republican Contract with America four years ago? The Republicans pledged to reform corporate welfare, set term limits and campaign finance reform. Republicans failed miserably to keep their pledge and are, after all, the majority party in Congress. In addition, it was a Republican president, Reagan, who gave us the Iran Contra Affair and another Republican president, Nixon, who resigned under impeachment.
Like most people, you think big government is evil. It is not a question of quantity, but rather an issue of quality. We no longer have a democratic government. What we do have is a totally corrupt government. By way of passing, I'm neither a Republican nor a Democrat, but support Ralph Nader. It's time to return government to the people rather than government of, by and for corporate America. If you feel the need to pontificate in the future, find a ladder and climb down from your ivory tower to spend some time in the real world. It would also be advisable to put on your thinking cap and review your history.
R. W. Hunter
Warsaw
Editor's Note: The Republican Congress passed 7 of 10 items in the Contract With America. Is there such a thing as worn out Green Party clap trap?
Election
Editor, Times-Union:Two schools of thought seem to dominate our presidential election and the aftermath thereof. One school says that it is over, Gore should concede and Bush be inaugurated. The other school says that while it might favor Gore, the important principal is to take time to ensure that a fair election was held. Newscasters and self-appointed political experts make faces and wring their hands over what is without doubt an unusual election. There may indeed be a constitutional crisis grow out of this and I SAY AMEN. Who the heck are we to think a single constitution written over 200 years ago with so few amendments would guide us forever? We only call them a crisis because we are a crisis junkie society - we LOVE crises! What these situations are in reality are opportunities to evaluate constitutional law in light of present conditions and circumstances. Without such situations we would have had no amendments - no Bill of Rights, no abolition of slavery, no vote for women or blacks, continued legal segregation of schools and public accommodations, etc. What are people so afraid of? That it took THIS ELECTION to realize that our electoral system is out of date, inconsistent, inequitable and antiquated? If so, I say AMEN! With the exception of the foolish, right-wing madness that gave us Prohibition (and forever established organized crime in our country), we have rarely made mistakes when evaluating constitutional issues. Let's put aside the bad drama and act like a super power - a nation capable of harmoniously evaluating a situation that may indeed necessitate changes to our Constitution.
Jeffrey Garrett
North Manchester
via e-mail
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